Daily editionWednesday, April 1st, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.
Community
Taylor Schreiner, a senior at Discovery Canyon High School, was named Military Child of the Year for the Space Force by Operation Homefront on Tuesday, Mar. 31.
Mountain Metro Bus Route 3 (running from downtown to Memorial Park via Old Colorado City) became fare free on Mar. 29.
11 NewsRead more
A new thrift store had its ribbon cutting on Tuesday on Austin Bluffs Parkway near Barnes Road, and all proceeds will help local families by supporting a food warehouse.
Items average $4.50 — the store asks for donations of men's clothing and sizes 7 to 18 for older children.
KOAA News5Read more
The historic Acacia Park bandshell is getting major upgrades—including new permanent restrooms—not in the original plan after talks revealed extra needs.
Organizers have raised nearly $400k and plan to start work in October while a summer concert series previews future updates.
KOAA News5Read more
Business
Monument-based Lolley’s Ice Cream is expanding to downtown Colorado Springs at 216 N. Tejon St., moving into a 1,750 sqft space that retains original features while planning both indoor + covered seating.
Owners Shelley and Dustin Sapp plan a soft opening later this month and a grand opening in May.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
Springs Ensemble Theatre presents *Frozen* from April 2 through April 19 at 2409 W. Colorado Ave. in Old Colorado City.
The play follows a mother over 20 years after her daughter vanishes, challenging viewers to consider if forgiveness can arise after an unthinkable loss.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The Board Game Convention is set for April 10-12 at Manitou Springs City Hall (606 Manitou Ave.) to offer over 1,500 board games for families, friends, and enthusiasts to test their skills while enjoying hours of gameplay.
Ticket details are available online.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Four local Army combat veterans have bought and are remodeling a historic church (built 1904) on Colorado Springs’ west side into HavenStone Schools, a new child care center for 120 children.
The project is set to open in August to help meet the local shortage of quality child care.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
Northbound I-25 in Colorado Springs will see lane reductions from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday for a $62 million project adding lanes, and a closure from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday will replace the Garden of the Gods bridge deck + lanes reopen at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
City officials warn that wildfire risks are rising after a dry, unusually warm winter and urge residents to prepare by signing up for emergency alerts and updating evacuation plans; the Ready+ Set+ Go campaign builds on past lessons to strengthen community response in Colorado Springs.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Fort Carson soldiers on Tuesday and said the coming days will be decisive in the war if Iran does not reach a deal (the troops urged faster support during his recent visit to the Middle East).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Utilities may move the $650 million Horizon Power Plant from its campus near the airport after a federal panel found its thermal plumes pose a high risk for aircraft + the Airport Advisory Commission will meet on April 9 while a report is due on April 24, and alternative sites near Fountain are under review to keep Peak Innovation Park powered.
Pikes Peak BulletinRead more
Colorado Springs Utilities is joining the 17-state Southwest Power Pool today to share wind and solar energy and keep costs low, said General Manager Alex Baird (the utility aims for reliable power and predictable bills).
KOAA News5Read more
Lifestyle
Voters selected hidden gem eateries for Best of the Springs 2025—Black Forest Bistro on Shoup Road, Sandy’s Restaurant on Space Village Ave and The Public House at the Alexander on N. Nevada Ave. The weekly feature also recommends trying Monse’s Pupuseria in Old Colorado City for Salvadoran comfort food.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Air Force introduced its new men’s basketball coach Joe Crispin to about 200 supporters on Tuesday (at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs).
He promised to lead the team with a fast-paced style aimed at turning challenges into wins and building a culture for NCAA Tournament success.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
After two losses from late defensive lapses, coach Alan McCann said the Switchbacks are returning to basic tactics.
The team will host Spokane Velocity FC in the Open Cup (6 p.m.) today and face Lexington SC Saturday in a USL Championship match.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Unplugged at the Lodge
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy acoustic performances from local musicians every Thursday evening.
LIVE at the Lodge - Kelly and Katie
Friday, April 3rd, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a free concert by the fireplace while sipping on locally crafted drinks.
LIVE at the Lodge - Craig Walter
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening by the fireplace with live music and craft beverages.
Blues Review
Sunday, April 5th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover — Experience an exciting evening with live blues bands on the BIG stage.
Big Band Jazz & Dance Night
Monday, April 6th, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover — Experience an unforgettable big band jazz show with dance lessons during intermission.
Black Rose Acoustic Society Fundraiser: Bleating Heart Night
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy live acoustic music while supporting a local nonprofit at a cozy brewery event.
Colorado College Music at Midday
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 · 12:15-1:15 p.m. — Sperry S. And Ella Graber Packard Hall of Music and Art — Free entry — Experience the diverse musical talents of Colorado College students showcasing vocal and instrumental works.
Mom's Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of hilarious storytelling about motherhood, marriage, and the joys of life with special comedic guests.
2026 Brew Fest
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Peterson SFB Hub Community Center — $25 per person — Enjoy craft brews and live music while sampling local flavors.
Dreamboat Annie Presents: Journey to the Heart of Zeppelin
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost info not provided — Experience a night of rock classics as Dreamboat Annie pays tribute to Journey, Heart, and Led Zeppelin.