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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.

Bella's Bagels brings "Schmear of the year" nod back to the Springs

Bella's "Mom-Made" New Jersey-style bagels are no stranger to the awards game.

Food and Drink

Colorado Springs&#x27; own Bella&#x27;s Bagels took home &quot;Schmear of the year&quot; at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 BagelFest West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bagelfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="c8535c14-0d07-4272-9ca8-f1a8e82a2a53" data-vars-headline="Bella&#x27;s Bagels brings &quot;Schmear of the year&quot; nod back to the Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bagelfest.com/" target="_blank">2026 BagelFest West</a> in Los Angeles this week for its Pueblo green chile cream cheese.Why it matters: The win puts a local favorite on a national stage — and highlights Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing food cred beyond Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/18/restaurant-michelin-colorado-springs-restaurants-recognition" data-vars-content-id="c8535c14-0d07-4272-9ca8-f1a8e82a2a53" data-vars-headline="Bella&#x27;s Bagels brings &quot;Schmear of the year&quot; nod back to the Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/18/restaurant-michelin-colorado-springs-restaurants-recognition" target="_self">growing food cred beyond Denver</a>.

Colorado Springs struggles to fill civic boards

Seats remain open on key boards even as protests and petitions draw large crowds.

Politics

Colorado Springs has at least 12 vacancies across city boards and commissions, even as civic engagement has surged elsewhere.Why it matters: While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thousands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox21news.com/news/thousands-attend-third-no-kings-rally-in-colorado-springs/" data-vars-content-id="1c021a18-5b0a-446c-984f-ae889e0297ef" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs struggles to fill civic boards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox21news.com/news/thousands-attend-third-no-kings-rally-in-colorado-springs/" target="_blank">thousands</a> of protesters lined Nevada Avenue on March 28 for a No Kings demonstration, and more than 1,700 people recently signed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recall petition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/12/tom-bailey-resignation-city-council-development" data-vars-content-id="1c021a18-5b0a-446c-984f-ae889e0297ef" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs struggles to fill civic boards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/12/tom-bailey-resignation-city-council-development" target="_self">recall petition</a> for District 2 Councilmember Tom Bailey, that energy isn&#x27;t translating to the places where residents can directly shape city decisions.

Revolt over data center points to rising resistance in Colorado Springs

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

Business

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.

Colorado Springs council appoints Ken Casey to District 2 seat

The appointment comes just weeks after voters recalled former District 2 Councilmember Tom Bailey.

Ken Casey will represent one of Colorado Springs&#x27; fastest-growing districts after a split City Council vote Monday.Why it matters: The appointment comes just weeks after voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recalled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/12/tom-bailey-resignation-city-council-development" data-vars-content-id="b1351785-5a26-4caa-9514-871ff8a724ba" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs council appoints Ken Casey to District 2 seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/03/12/tom-bailey-resignation-city-council-development" target="_self">recalled</a> former District 2 Councilmember Tom Bailey, in part signaling broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.koaa.com/news/politics/signatures-gathered-pine-creek-homeowners-hand-councilman-tom-baileys-recall-effort-over-to-city-clerk" data-vars-content-id="b1351785-5a26-4caa-9514-871ff8a724ba" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs council appoints Ken Casey to District 2 seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.koaa.com/news/politics/signatures-gathered-pine-creek-homeowners-hand-councilman-tom-baileys-recall-effort-over-to-city-clerk" target="_blank">frustration</a> over growth and development in the city.

Court overturns Stauch murder conviction

Court overturns Letecia Stauch's conviction in 11-year-old's death.

News

A Colorado appeals court on Thursday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overturned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.koaa.com/news/local-news/colorado-woman-convicted-of-killing-her-stepson-granted-a-retrial-over-juror-issue" data-vars-content-id="88f4c4bc-4e6f-40c7-8c40-a81478ac77fb" data-vars-headline="Court overturns Stauch murder conviction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.koaa.com/news/local-news/colorado-woman-convicted-of-killing-her-stepson-granted-a-retrial-over-juror-issue" target="_blank">overturned</a> Letecia Stauch&#x27;s 2023 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murder conviction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sjFN6ZO7ZE" data-vars-content-id="88f4c4bc-4e6f-40c7-8c40-a81478ac77fb" data-vars-headline="Court overturns Stauch murder conviction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sjFN6ZO7ZE" target="_blank">murder conviction</a> in the death of her stepson, Gannon Stauch.Why it matters: The 2020 disappearance and death of 11-year-old Gannon Stauch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shocked the Colorado Springs community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kktv.com/2023/11/06/mural-gannon-stauch-unveiled-downtown-colorado-springs/" data-vars-content-id="88f4c4bc-4e6f-40c7-8c40-a81478ac77fb" data-vars-headline="Court overturns Stauch murder conviction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kktv.com/2023/11/06/mural-gannon-stauch-unveiled-downtown-colorado-springs/" target="_blank">shocked the Colorado Springs community</a> and drew national attention.

El Paso County growth slows as migration drops

International migration to the U.S. fell 55% from 2024 to 2025.

El Paso County added residents between 2024 and 2025, but growth slowed as international migration fell sharply nationwide.Why it matters: New U.S. Census data shows <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tighter immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ebc8b304-6bd9-4a75-a67e-e6a94dc21bd2" data-vars-headline="El Paso County growth slows as migration drops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">tighter immigration enforcement</a> is helping reshape population trends — including in fast-growing areas like Colorado Springs.

SAVE Act impact measured for El Paso County

Here's how the SAVE Act could affect you in El Paso County

More than 5 million voting-age Americans would have to drive an estimated hour or more to present their citizenship documents to register to vote under the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/save-act-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="6db6f3d4-585b-4d3d-93a8-9f018b0443af" data-vars-headline="SAVE Act impact measured for El Paso County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/save-act-what-to-know" target="_self">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>.Why it matters: President Trump is pushing the SAVE Act as necessary to secure future elections, but critics say it could complicate voting for millions of eligible American citizens.

Eighth Street bridge nears reopening but new closures loom

Here's the timeline for construction in the area.

Transit

The Eighth Street bridge construction south of Cimarron Street is nearly finished after months of lane closures and traffic backups.Why it matters: Each day, the city says, about 30,000 vehicles use the corridor, which connects several west side neighborhoods to I-25 and downtown.

Polis promotes early literacy in Colorado Springs

Colorado expands free book access as leaders push early literacy gains statewide.

Education

Gov. Jared Polis marked a milestone Thursday in Colorado Springs: the delivery of 3 million free books to Colorado children, as the state ramps up early childhood investment aimed at boosting literacy.Why it matters: Colorado has rapidly expanded early education access, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="universal pre-K" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/25/colorado-universal-preschool-debut-classroom" data-vars-content-id="88d12b8d-0c9e-40e0-b3ea-9c8f51c143ea" data-vars-headline="Polis promotes early literacy 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/denver/2023/08/25/colorado-universal-preschool-debut-classroom" target="_self">universal pre-K</a> and free book programs — but reading outcomes still lag statewide.

Officials: Vehicle malfunction likely sparked 24 Fire near Highway 115

Officials say a vehicle malfunction likely sparked the 24 Fire near Highway 115.

A vehicle malfunction on March 18 along Highway 115 likely sparked the 7,385-acre 24 Fire south of Colorado Springs, officials said Tuesday at a community town hall.Why it matters: Though crews are working toward reopening the highway, the fire has forced its closure between Colorado Springs and Cañon City for roughly a week, filling the air with smoke and threatening homes near Penrose.

News 🗞

Colorado Springs struggles to fill civic boards

Bella's Bagels brings "Schmear of the year" nod back to the Springs

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Lantern parade, rugby and more this weekend in the Springs

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