Daily editionFriday, August 14th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of August.
Community
Last June, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reported the second annual Guns & Hoses City Slickers Rodeo raised over $40,000 for local nonprofits supporting first responders, military members, and Pikes Peak initiatives — about 3,000 people attended and nearly $78,000 in revenue and donations will be split among three groups.
11 NewsRead more
A community events calendar lists gatherings from Aug. 19-25, featuring music tributes at Phil Long Music Hall, art hops downtown, a grand opening at Little Blue Barn, and a health expo at Great Wolf Lodge; residents should review details online to plan attendance.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Business
Thursday, Aug. 13, the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber honored female business leaders at its 32nd annual Accolades Awards luncheon.
Ashlee Kennedy, owner of Hillside Gardens, was named Business Leader of the Year (other honors were given to nonprofit, minority-owned, emerging, and veteran enterprises).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
Colorado Springs hosts diverse weekend shows.
Enjoy Greg Warren’s comedy Sunday at Loonees Comedy Corner at 1305 N. Academy, Brad Sativa’s act Friday and Saturday, a free ballet preview Saturday at Sallie Bush Community Center, and Millibo Art Theatre’s Circus of the Night on Friday and Saturday.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Local venues feature live music this weekend.
FACE VOCAL BAND will perform Friday at 7 p.m. at Stargazers Theatre, while Dueling Pianos entertains at Phil Long Music Hall. Free shows by Uncle Tio at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort & Goodbye June at The Black Sheep complete the lineup.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
BrewCHA Tea Lounge — Colorado Springs’ first specialty matcha bar — opened at the COATI food hall and offers specialty matcha drinks and monthly classes by match educator Dai Wong.
Owner Fatima Concepcion uses her tea expertise to craft a calm ritual that invites customers to slow down and enjoy each sip.
SpringsRead more
Sgt. Pepper's Tea Party will happen (1-4:30 p.m.) on Aug. 23 at Smokebrush Farm at the Rockledge House in Manitou Springs.
Guest chef Darren Footé will serve a 1960s-inspired menu while live Beatles favorites from Grapefruit Moon play and guests wear groovy costumes.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow—set for Sept. 19-20 just outside Colorado Springs Airport—features the F-35A and F/A-18 Demonstration Teams, historic warbirds, and interactive exhibits for families.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. with flight performances starting at 11 a.m.
SpringsRead more
Environment
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recorded 6,129 bear sightings and conflicts from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13—nearly double last year's count—as drought, wildfires, and low snowpack push bears to seek food near homes; a new law now warns against feeding them to reduce risks.
11 NewsRead more
Government
Colorado Springs Airport is equipping 63 vehicles with new transponder technology to improve runway and taxiway safety (supported by a $200,000 FAA grant) following a May 13 announcement.
The system aims to close visibility gaps and reduce runway incursions to protect passengers and staff.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
City Council approved $458,000 to boost security along South Nevada to counter business concerns about theft and panhandling.
Business owners hope the new measures will enhance safety over the next three to six months.
11 NewsRead more
Sports
Matt Long, a junior slot receiver at Air Force, said his dream school fits his strengths after excelling as a high school receiver, track sprinter, and outstanding student, and he now competes for a starting role as the team merges slot receivers and tailbacks (showing increased lineup flexibility).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Air Force named Joe Johnston as its new head wrestling coach Thursday after Sam Barber retired in July.
Johnston (an eight-year team veteran) has helped produce national qualifiers and said he will guide cadets to excel in the Pac-12 and national competitions.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more