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GOP candidates try to blame state Dems for affordability crisis

Five weeks before ballots go to Colorado voters, the political blame game is taking a turn.

Election

Five weeks before ballots go out to Colorado voters, the political blame game is taking a turn.The intrigue: For Democrats, President Trump is the source of nearly all economic problems.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's next act is looking up

In September, the zoo will debut its $40 million giraffe center — its biggest new attraction in years.

News

Dave Ruhl is taking over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cheyenne Mountain Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/orphaned-grizzly-bear-cubs-new-home-cheyenne-mountain-zoo" data-vars-content-id="71e70f80-be89-49b5-922b-e3fade21aea9" data-vars-headline="Cheyenne Mountain Zoo&#x27;s next act is looking up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/orphaned-grizzly-bear-cubs-new-home-cheyenne-mountain-zoo" target="_self">Cheyenne Mountain Zoo</a> just as the 100-year-old institution prepares to unveil a sky-high vision for its future.Why it matters: The leadership change comes before the zoo&#x27;s September centennial and the debut of a $40 million giraffe center — its biggest new attraction in years.

Colorado Springs sees record hot and dry summer

It was also one of the driest Augusts on record.

Colorado Springs just sweated through its fourth-hottest August on record, with an average temperature of 73.8° — 3.7° above normal, the National Weather Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/pub/climate2026AugustReviewSeptemberPreview" data-vars-content-id="641d3b6f-4a83-4b55-bad1-7855bd179568" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs sees record hot and dry summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/pub/climate2026AugustReviewSeptemberPreview" target="_blank">reports</a>.<ul><li>It was also one of the driest Augusts on record, with just 1.09 inches of rain — 1.87 inches below normal.</li></ul>

Labor Day events feature hot air ballons

This Labor Day weekend in the Springs is full of music, art and hot air balloons. And much of it is free.

Things to Do

This Labor Day weekend in the Springs is full of music, art and hot air balloons. Even better? Much of it is free.

Colorado Springs puts guardrails on new data centers

Data centers will need to pay the full cost of their electrical infrastructure, invest in water conservation and mitigate noise.

Data centers looking to build in Colorado Springs will have to pay their own infrastructure costs, conserve water and mitigate noise under new citywide standards, the mayor says.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="guardrails" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/news/colorado-springs-community-first-data-center-standards" data-vars-content-id="334109db-11c0-44df-b5d6-bf83eaa818a6" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs puts guardrails on new data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/news/colorado-springs-community-first-data-center-standards" target="_blank">guardrails</a>, issued Friday, raise the bar for data centers seeking city approval and arrive as officials consider the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial Project Taurus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/04/09/data-center-opposition-colorado-springs" data-vars-content-id="334109db-11c0-44df-b5d6-bf83eaa818a6" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs puts guardrails on new data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/04/09/data-center-opposition-colorado-springs" target="_self">controversial Project Taurus</a>.

Colorado ski giant shifts to premium experience

New bougie perks — from rentals to dining — aim to make ski trips smoother.

After a disappointing 2025-26 ski season <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dented visits and sales" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/15/vail-resorts-pass-sales-2/" data-vars-content-id="6d774b2e-f420-48b9-ab7a-3c122abf376c" data-vars-headline="Colorado ski giant shifts to premium experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/15/vail-resorts-pass-sales-2/" target="_blank">dented visits and sales</a>, Vail Resorts is betting better service will bring back visitors.Driving the news: The Broomfield-based company says its next chapter won&#x27;t come from buying more resorts or selling more season passes.

Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash

The governor defends data centers, saying frustration about what the rise of AI means is "what's giving people pause."

Only a small fraction of data center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opponents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/17/ai-backlash-polling-sentiment" data-vars-content-id="39a8ae53-2a81-49d7-99d3-622fdbbf10af" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/17/ai-backlash-polling-sentiment" target="_self">opponents</a> actually live near one, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national survey finds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milltownpartners.com/insights/behind-the-backlash" data-vars-content-id="39a8ae53-2a81-49d7-99d3-622fdbbf10af" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milltownpartners.com/insights/behind-the-backlash" target="_blank">new national survey finds</a>, but that isn&#x27;t quieting the uproar in Colorado.Why it matters: Data centers have become a stand-in for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader anger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/ai-data-center-backlash-poll" data-vars-content-id="39a8ae53-2a81-49d7-99d3-622fdbbf10af" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/ai-data-center-backlash-poll" target="_self">broader anger</a> and fear surrounding an AI-driven future, one of the few tangible manifestations.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Colorado Springs

From pubs to breweries, here's where fans can catch every match.

For Colorado Springs soccer fans, the road to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="02ebb3f0-ca2c-434c-b68c-aec525524ea9" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> won&#x27;t start at kickoff — first you&#x27;ve got to decide where to watch.State of play: Local bars, pubs and breweries are gearing up for packed watch parties, early-morning kickoffs and plenty of celebrations.

Homegrown eateries expand across Colorado Springs

Homegrown favorites are adding new neighborhood spots.

Business

Colorado Springs&#x27; Lebowski&#x27;s Taproom is about to debut its second location, part of a broader wave of locally owned eateries expanding across the city.Why it matters: The expansion of homegrown restaurants gives Springs diners more local flavor in a city long dominated by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chain restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/schlosser-fast.html?gclid=deleted/" data-vars-content-id="5985c7cd-1134-41d5-9922-9b50afc39f88" data-vars-headline="Homegrown eateries expand across Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/schlosser-fast.html?gclid=deleted/" target="_blank">chain restaurants</a>.

Colorado Springs to take a Swig

Swig's soda-and-cream drinks are headed to El Paso County.

Swig, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a drive-through &quot;dirty soda&quot; chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" data-vars-content-id="22f63a48-48e7-4b88-a6af-6005e66e6cd1" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs to take a Swig" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" target="_self">a drive-through &quot;dirty soda&quot; chain</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to expand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/swig-announces-10-unit-deal-in-colorado-springs" data-vars-content-id="22f63a48-48e7-4b88-a6af-6005e66e6cd1" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs to take a Swig" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/swig-announces-10-unit-deal-in-colorado-springs" target="_blank">plans to expand</a> to the Colorado Springs area, with the first location expected to open by year&#x27;s end, and a total of 10 planned for El Paso County.For the uninitiated: This is soda mixed with cream, syrups and other flavorings.

Scoop: Colorado craft beer defies national downturn

Production and economic impact from Colorado brewers rose last year as the national industry slumped.

Colorado&#x27;s craft brewers posted production and economic gains last year, outperforming a broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="industry slump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" data-vars-content-id="43765d6f-28e3-4861-9e9a-eecd0c2ca0d7" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Colorado craft beer defies national downturn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/14/craft-beer-production-breweries-2025" target="_self">industry slump</a>, as revealed by new data from the Brewers Association shared early with Axios.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s craft beer industry may be finding firmer footing after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years of nationwide decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="43765d6f-28e3-4861-9e9a-eecd0c2ca0d7" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Colorado craft beer defies national downturn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">years of nationwide decline</a>.

Air Force Academy's new visitor center soon to arrive

The academy's new visitor center marks the end of a major economic push.

The U.S. Air Force Academy&#x27;s new Hosmer Visitor Center off of North Gate Boulevard will open on May 16, marking the final piece of Colorado Springs&#x27; decade-long City for Champions push.Why it matters: The center is designed as a front door to the academy and the city, closing out a state-backed economic development bet meant to boost tourism and economic growth.

Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs

Global space leaders gather as aerospace faces uncertainty and rapid change.

Aerospace

The 41st annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs is pulling in two dozen global space agencies, hundreds of aerospace companies and leaders from NASA, the U.S. Space Force and the Air Force.Why it matters: The future of U.S. aerospace is uncertain — as NASA celebrates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="a20e71a9-4f41-4b1f-91ef-348fb5afc200" data-vars-headline="Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">Artemis II</a> amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/08/nasa-budget-cuts-congress-trump-huntsville" data-vars-content-id="a20e71a9-4f41-4b1f-91ef-348fb5afc200" data-vars-headline="Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/08/nasa-budget-cuts-congress-trump-huntsville" target="_self">cuts</a>, private companies are pushing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ambitious" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/02/04/axiom-space-station-future" data-vars-content-id="a20e71a9-4f41-4b1f-91ef-348fb5afc200" data-vars-headline="Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/02/04/axiom-space-station-future" target="_self">ambitious</a> plans, talk of weapons in space is growing, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Space Command" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/03/27/spacecom-headquarters-huntsville-redstone-arsenal-construction" data-vars-content-id="a20e71a9-4f41-4b1f-91ef-348fb5afc200" data-vars-headline="Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/03/27/spacecom-headquarters-huntsville-redstone-arsenal-construction" target="_self">Space Command</a> is exiting the Springs.

Revolt over data center points to rising resistance in Colorado Springs

Hundreds voice concerns over noise, water use and trust at a packed meeting.

Public opposition to a proposed data center along Garden of the Gods Road overflowed a community meeting Tuesday night, forcing plans for a larger follow-up.Why it matters: The backlash shows <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-data center sentiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" data-vars-content-id="0b8375da-fd93-47ab-afeb-71f8ea859778" data-vars-headline="Revolt over data center points to rising resistance in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/data-centers-midterms-state-bans-bills-ai" target="_self">anti-data center sentiment</a> is spreading to Colorado Springs.

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Colorado set to collect $615M from Meta settlement

Hipcamp names Colorado's best campsites

Colorado communities split on data center boom

Colorado Springs puts guardrails on new data centers

Colorado has a new No. 1 hospital after 14 years