Good morning, Colorado Springs.

PikeRide is expanding its nonprofit e-bike service in southeast Colorado Springs by adding 100 e-bikes, two adaptive e-trikes and four e-cargo bikes to help more residents access jobs, essential services and community spaces.

Local Food & Drink awards have recognized Colorado Springs restaurants with Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors.

Winners include BJ’s Velvet Freez, Bella’s Bagels, and other eateries in categories like bakery, bar, and coffee shop, giving food lovers a guide to the best in town.

Josh & John’s Ice Cream opened its new drive-thru kiosk today at 870 Garden of the Gods Road near Voodoo Brewing Co. and it will offer locally made flavors daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Por Favor Tacos & Tragos is expanding in Colorado Springs with a new location at 13395 Voyager Parkway that offers authentic Mexican flavors like savory birria and generous tacos (reflecting its high demand since its 2024 debut) for local diners.

Local Arts & Entertainment awards have named winners across acting, art classes, galleries, and music.

Winners include Adon Muse and Alexia Warrum; prizes were handed out at various local venues.

Banning Lewis Academy and Banning Lewis Ranch Academy will shift to local control after ending their deal with Accel Schools, whose WARN letter indicates staff employment will end on June 30 + the schools said classes and programs will continue as usual.

A Senate bill passed Monday may extend the Ray Nixon Power Plant’s coal use to Dec.

31, 2032, allowing Colorado Springs Utilities extra time beyond the planned 2029 shutdown if it cannot meet 2030 emissions goals (annual plan updates are required) before the session ends May 13.

Emergency managers in the Pikes Peak region updated wildfire response plans using new AI technology to simulate evacuations based on lessons from recent disasters.

The plan (presented Tuesday to county commissioners) features checklists and temporary refuge strategies for wind-driven fires in built areas.

American Red Cross and CDOT have shared safety tips for a heavy spring storm bringing snowfall to southern Colorado later this week.

The advice (such as careful travel, cautious shoveling, and safe home heating) urges residents to prepare their vehicles and homes for challenging weather.

Memorial Central ER staff say HBO Max’s drama The Pitt captures the busy pace and emotional toll of emergency care (highlighting teamwork and rapid patient turnover) even though some dramatized details differ from daily practice.

Local pub The Brit (645 S.

Sierra Madre St) introduced The Bite Club promotion where Chef Phil prepares a different three-course meal each Wednesday for $25 per person, with reservations required and two hours of free parking for guests.

Cheyenne Mountain girls’ tennis beat Air Academy on Monday to advance to next week’s state championship round at Denver Tennis Park - they will face Kent Denver in a rematch of the 2025 final.

Inclement weather moved Tuesday’s match indoors.

Unplugged at the Lodge

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy local musicians playing acoustic originals and covers every Thursday night.

Retiree Lunch at IBEW 113

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — IBEW Local 113 — Free to attend — Enjoy a delightful lunch with apprentices and fellow retirees as IBEW Local 113 caters the meal.

Archaeological Stewardship in the Pikes Peak Region

2-3 p.m. — Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum — $5 suggested donation — Explore archaeological stewardship efforts and discoveries in the Pikes Peak region with local experts.

$4 House Wine | Hydrangea Hearts For Mom

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $39-$52 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine and painting your own masterpiece for Mother's Day.

Be^U's Legacy Chapter Network Meeting

9:30-11:30 a.m. — The Best Coffee & Lounge — Free entry — Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs to reflect and set goals for the month.

Flight in the Vale: Painting Experience

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $39-$55 per person — Unleash your creativity in a fun and relaxed painting class guided by a local artist.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy craft beer with weekly prizes at trivia night.

Algorhythm Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Black Sheep — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic sounds of Algorhythm, blending reggae, rock, and electronic influences.

LIVE at the Lodge - Lee & Estares Blues

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a free public concert with Colorado-crafted drinks in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. New Mexico United

7-10 p.m. — Weidner Field — Price includes estimated fees — Catch the excitement as the Switchbacks face off against United in a thrilling match.