Good morning, Colorado Springs.

After six months of voting, Colorado 150 named John Denver as the state’s top cultural pathmaker.

His music and environmental work continue to inspire local pride and show how the state’s spirit lives on.

The Common Sense Institute analysis shows enterprise fee revenue increased by $2.4 billion from fiscal 2024 to 2025—now accounting for 77% of state spending—with future fee measures set to raise billions for state enterprises such as energy, healthcare, and decarbonization, adding to cost-of-living pressures.

National data shows grocery prices are set to rise 2.7% this year as major retailers roll back select prices (the USDA noted persistent post-pandemic inflation), and Colorado Springs shoppers may soon notice similar trends in local stores.

Local gardening experts advise protecting plants from hail by building frames that hold hail cloth (found at garden centers) or repositioning pots during forecast storms.

They say minor damage can be managed with careful pruning and watering to help plants recover.

Public Works explained its Pothole Watch program fixed over 16,400 potholes during a five‐week surge this spring and urged residents to report issues via the GoCOS app (or by calling 719‑385‑ROAD) to keep streets safe.

DEA data shows nearly 3.2 million fentanyl pills and 92.5 kg of powder were seized regionally, with Colorado accounting for most, and a November ballot initiative could make any amount of fentanyl a felony by eliminating previous weight thresholds.

Colorado's Department of Agriculture said produce grown in the state is not linked to the national cyclospora outbreak and urged growers and processors to continue operations.

Fewer than 200 cases have been reported locally compared to about 11,500 nationwide, so consumers can confidently purchase local fruits and vegetables.

Pikes Peak Housing Network reports a rising need for affordable rental housing as the apartment vacancy rate in Colorado Springs fell from 8.23% at the end of 2025 to 6.57% by mid-2026 and one-bedroom rents increased to about $1,440; city leaders now must weigh new development against neighborhood concerns.

Switchbacks secured a 2-1 win over Charleston Battery on Saturday at Weidner Field when Jonas Fjeldberg scored a late header from a cross by Steven Echevarria during stoppage time.

The result, their fourth consecutive win, sets them up for upcoming road games.

Hunter Swanson shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club and now chases the Colorado Open title.

He will tee off today at 9:09 a.m. on No. 1 with fellow players while local mentor Davis Bryant watched his progress.

Colorado Springs Grizzlies Rugby club held the annual Ethan Cup at John Venezia Park Saturday to honor Ethan Ciccolini, who died four years ago, with a superhero-themed touch rugby tournament that raised funds for Children's Hospital Colorado — his father said 12 teams united local families with expansion plans.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 per class for locals, free for overnight guests — Enjoy a fun, water-resistant dance party that's easy on the joints.

Tuesday Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy great beer while competing for fun prizes.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge at a fun trivia night with beer and prizes.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30–6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly trail cycling ride followed by a refreshing beer with the community.

Rocky Mountain Sunset Painting Event

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping on drinks and painting your own masterpiece.

Comedy Night with Vicki Barbolak

7-8:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — See ticket information for pricing — Enjoy laughs with Trailer Nasty comedian Vicki Barbolak from America's Got Talent.

Makers Market at Red Leg Brewing

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore local artistry, baked goods, and farm fresh produce at this vibrant market.

Toddler Time

10-11 a.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Play, laugh, and connect with new friends during a fun-filled play date for toddlers.

The Ex-Faces Reunion Concert

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Sunshine Studios Live — All Ages — Experience the nostalgic reunion of Ex-members from Mushroomhead playing classic hits and rare tracks.

STEM Quest

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Peterson Library — Free entry — Engage in hands-on STEM activities with family-friendly experiments and challenges.