Daily editionThursday, June 25th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of June.
Community
The winner of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway will be revealed on 11 News tonight at 4 p.m. along with prizes including a $10,000 gift card and shopping spree, with further details at 5:30 p.m. at 9775 Feathergrass Drive (home valued at about $625,000).
11 NewsRead more
Culture
The Colorado College Summer Music Festival wraps up its 42nd season this week in Colorado Springs with a student quartet presenting a final showcase after weeks of intensive rehearsals and mentorship (their program features works by Prokofiev and Brahms).
11 NewsRead more
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrating its 100th anniversary by offering family-friendly activities such as bear demos, gorilla shows, and hippo talks.
The zoo expands its giraffe exhibit by 25% this summer and visitors can enjoy a chairlift ride + panoramic views of the area.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
On July 4, visitors can watch the sunrise from America’s Mountain as Pikes Peak Highway opens early at 4:15 a.m. for drivers and the cog railway departs at 4:30 a.m. for a rare high-altitude viewing (tickets start at $28) with sunset viewings later the same day.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Former Academy District 20 superintendent Tom Gregory will lead The Colorado Springs School starting July 1.
He was chosen after a national search to bring 30 years of experience and focus on experiential learning to a private school (enrolling about 300 students).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Environment
Colorado Springs is advancing a federally authorized feasibility study for the COS Creek Plan, which aims to restore 12 miles of Monument and Fountain Creeks for flood control, recreation and growth — public input is invited through an online open house and a meeting at the Police Department on July 15.
Colorado Public RadioRead more
Government
Colorado Springs Utilities held its annual event Wednesday — detailing planned grid upgrades and a possible nuclear power future to address rising energy demand as CEO Travas Deal explained new substations and incentive programs to reduce peak loads.
KOAA News5Read more
Colorado has asked a federal appeals court to review the EPA's rejection of its haze plan that aimed to retire the Nixon coal plant by 2029 - the state argues that the retirement date was set by the utility and that the agency overstepped its authority; a response is expected in August.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
El Paso County DPW will begin road projects next week (July 6).
Projects include pedestrian crossing upgrades on Jersey Lane at Bickley St, lane reductions on North Gate Blvd, crossing replacement at Cree Dr and Seneca Rd, and 3-week closures on Industry Rd and Loy Creek Rd with detours.
El Paso CountyRead more
Sports
Local pros Brock and JoJo Domann returned to coach at the 21st annual Pine Creek Pro Football Camp held Monday through Wednesday at John Venezia Park, inspiring around 200 youth athletes with the skills that launched their own careers.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The Nuggets selected St. John's forward Bryce Hopkins with the 49th pick in the NBA Draft today.
The skilled forward, a 2X All Big East performer who averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 boards last season, is expected to add energy despite past injuries.
11 NewsRead more
Colorado native Wyndham Clark won his second U.S. Open title on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills as he shot a 73 final round, making key plays on the 10th and 16th holes to battle wind + fescue and an opposing crowd.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Rockies management is preparing for the MLB draft on July 11 in Philadelphia to add Colorado talent and boost the team’s pitching.
The organization aims to reverse recent struggles by targeting top prospects from the Southeastern Conference (including catcher Ryder Helfrick).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Books & Brews at Goat Patch Brewing
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 2-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 OFF pints — Browse curated books and enjoy a unique listening experience with audiobooks.
Pikes Punks Comedy Show: Billy Anderson
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — In-person event — Get ready to laugh your head off at the premiere Colorado Springs comedy show featuring the hilarious Billy Anderson.
Pasta Making Cooking Class with Chef Juwanza
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — uva wine bar — All ingredients included — Elevate your cooking skills with a fun hands-on pasta-making experience.
Randy Stephens & the Groovemakers Live Performance
Monday, June 29th, 2026 · 6:00-9:30 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover at the door — Experience an energetic mix of blues, funk, and rock from the award-winning Groovemakers.
Bleating Heart Nights at Goat Patch Brewing Company
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer for a good cause benefiting local non-profits.
Poolside Pals Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite!
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 12:00-1:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $29 per person — Enjoy a fun art class suitable for ages 5 and up where families can create colorful memories together.
Jazz Thursdays: Henrique De Almeida Jazz Trio
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience free live jazz in the downtown hotel lobby featuring drummer Henrique De Almeida.
Live Music: School of Rock Performance
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music from School of Rock students at a local brewery this summer.
Star Spangled Symphony & Grand Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Ford Amphitheater — Free entry — Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a spectacular symphonic performance and dazzling fireworks.
LIVE at the Lodge - 4 Peace Man & Good Grub Food Truck
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a free public concert on the Party Patio with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere.