Daily editionSaturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
Community
Flanagan Park in central Colorado Springs is set to get improvements funded by a $750,000 federal community development grant.
The park will see a new playground, ADA-accessible walking path with lighting and benches, and a resurfaced basketball court, with work beginning later this summer.
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Business
U.S. ski visits fell by 9 million this season, yet Visit Colorado Springs noted stronger December traffic at local attractions and a 6.37% rise in lodging and car rental tax collections; local ski retailers saw lower sales because of lighter snow + online competition.
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Education
Jackie Lujan was named Small Business Person of the Year after she built Lighthouse Early Care and Education Center into a trusted local hub & now supports over 250 families while planning to open another location by 2028.
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Academy District 20 announced plans to build a new public school on the Air Force Academy using a $42.7 million federal grant; the building will replace Douglass Valley Elementary and serve pre-K through 8th grade, with construction starting soon and an expected opening in January 2028.
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Government
Hancock Expressway at South Academy Boulevard closes this weekend for waterline work; the closure starts Friday at 7 p.m. and ends Monday at noon while drivers use Astrozon Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive.
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Larry Peterson, a decorated Vietnam gunship veteran (over 1,100 volunteer hours in 2025), was named the El Paso County Veteran of the Year at the Military Affairs Council Armed Forces luncheon in Colorado Springs.
His leadership and service were recognized by the county Division of Veterans Services.
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Crews in Colorado Springs will close several lanes and shoulders on a one-mile segment of I-25 between mile markers 141 and 142 for concrete panel repairs starting Monday through Thursday and again May 17-21.
The overnight work — scheduled from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. — is expected to cause minimal delays.
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Real Estate
Landowners near the Elbert-El Paso County line claim Xcel Energy pressured them into signing easements for its nearly $2 billion Power Pathway project (reportedly lowering offers by threatening eminent domain), leaving residents with reduced property value and increased fire risk from nearby power lines and renewable developments.
KOAA News5Read more
Sports
The Avalanche plan to take a commanding lead as they seek an early goal (Game 3) against the Wild at Grand Casino Arena.
They aim to boost Brock Nelson's scoring, limit Wild forward Matt Boldy, and adapt to possible changes in Minnesota's goaltender lineup.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
On Friday, Tyreek Magee scored a stoppage-time goal to tie the Switchbacks 2-2 with Orange County SC at Weidner Field during its Galactic Night event — coach Alan McCann said the team must improve its defense ahead of hosting New Mexico United next weekend.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Doherty High School swimmer Cayson Kastl, who lives with cystic fibrosis, was named Swimmer of the Year and qualified for state relay events.
He will compete in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays this weekend as he carries his hard-earned honors forward.
KOAA News5Read more
The No. 1-seeded Kadets (15-1) won 16-4 against Middle Park in a 4A boys’ lacrosse game Friday at home and will face Cheyenne Mountain in Tuesday’s quarterfinals.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Summer Music Series: All that Chicken
Sunday, May 10th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music and craft beer in a perfect Colorado summer evening atmosphere.
Bike the Garden
Monday, May 11th, 2026 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Pedal into the sunset on a casual bike ride through stunning landscapes with drink specials afterward.
Flight in the Vale: Painting Experience
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 · 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
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Challenge friends at trivia night while enjoying local brews and tasty pizza.
Silver Key Senior Summit
Thursday, May 14th, 2026 · 8 AM - 2 PM — Great Wolf Lodge — Free entry — Explore valuable resources and services for older adults and their families in the community.
Senior Summit: Expo of Elder Services
Friday, May 15th, 2026 · 8 AM - 2 PM — Great Wolf Lodge — Free entry — Explore valuable resources and services dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and their families.
Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald Live!
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission and VIP options available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the renowned comedian and veterinarian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald.
Olive Vox and Raue Concert
Sunday, May 17th, 2026 · 10 AM – 10 PM — The Black Sheep — Tickets starting at $24.21 — Catch Olive Vox and Raue live for an electrifying music experience.
Sweet T's Rude Blues Jam
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 @ Union Station — Free entry — Dive into a lively evening of blues music and community vibes.
Black Stone Cherry Live Concert
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Sunshine Studios Live — All tickets valid — Experience a high-energy rock night with Black Stone Cherry, Deathride, and Before Vegas.