Daily editionThursday, August 20th, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.
Culture
The Creative Market and Holistic Expo will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Event Center - 3960 Palmer Park Blvd, bringing together over 100 holistic practitioners and artisans for workshops and readings.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Thirty-one nonprofit arts organizations in Pikes Peak received nearly $120,000 last year from the Bee Vradenburg Foundation (which also arranged almost $800,000 in extra funding) to support local arts programs.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
A new website redesign helps visitors plan trips on Pikes Peak by listing scenic overlooks, trails and the 14,115-ft summit along the highway.
The site offers clear information on road status + stops, making scheduling your visit easier.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
Pablo Francisco brings his celebrity impressions to Loonees Comedy Corner this weekend at 1305 N. Academy Blvd — performing with Paul Cardozo at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; tickets cost $27.22 to $38.11.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Economy
In July, Colorado Springs Utilities collected $31.9 million from residential electric bills and $15.9 million from water due to high temperatures and the new Energy Wise rates that raise peak-hour costs, while city officials expect October power bills to drop despite low customer satisfaction at the Utilities Board meeting.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Supporters gathered Tuesday to celebrate a $250,000 donation from Wings Credit Union Foundation following a Jan. 1 merger that will help build an 8,500 sqft early child care center for 60 children at Bradley Ridge.
The center will open next spring for working families in southeast Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
TESSA and CSPD are hosting a conversation today to teach parents and children ways to stay safe online in Colorado Springs.
The event will offer practical tips and advice for managing digital risks.
11 NewsRead more
State assessments released Wednesday show that math scores improved while reading and writing remained flat; Cheyenne Mountain District 12 (a local top performer) reported gains amid mixed results in Colorado Springs, and officials stressed more support is needed to help students meet grade expectations.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Environment
A 300-pound black bear died after becoming trapped in an unlocked car in central Colorado Springs, wildlife officials said.
They urge residents to lock vehicles, secure windows and remove food & trash to reduce bear encounters during drought conditions.
KOAA News5Read more
Bear Creek Nature Center will host a bear-thday party on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 245 Bear Creek Road to celebrate 50 years with living history hikes, insect sweeps, and a debut of its new exhibit-Life in the Shadows.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
Janna Tidwell began as the new parks director this summer and has already toured local sites—from Fountain’s wetlands to Palmer Lake’s hills—to guide projects like the Paint Mines master plan and Ute Pass Regional Trail; she plans to improve communication with residents.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Health
Registration opens for the Therapeutic Recreation Program fall season for individuals with disabilities, offering varied arts, sports and leisure activities from September through December – with a performance on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Hillside Community Center.
Early registration is advised due to limited capacity.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
Sports
After a challenging freshman season that led him to start five of the final six games, Air Force defensive back Alex Perez is set to resume his role as a sophomore with improved game insight.
The academy standout balanced demanding classes with football (boosting his team’s defense) at Falcon Stadium.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more