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CU Buffs football kicks off in the Springs

Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs will practice at Fountain-Fort Carson High School.

Sports

The University of Colorado football team will start its training camp in Colorado Springs on Aug. 2.State of play: Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs will practice at Fountain-Fort Carson High School for the first week of camp and return to Boulder on Aug. 8.<ul><li>The team will stay at the UCCS campus.</li></ul>

Colorado Springs gas prices top $4 again

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Colorado Springs is $4.07 on Friday.

News

Gas prices are rising in Colorado Springs and throughout the rest of the state.Why it matters: Household budgets are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squeezed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/16/colorado-affordability-crisis-poll-health-foundation" data-vars-content-id="4ea5d8e6-1d38-4557-8a64-fa6813b2a559" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs gas prices top $4 again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/16/colorado-affordability-crisis-poll-health-foundation" target="_self">squeezed</a> as is. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="As the Iran war escalates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/trump-iran-bridges-power-plants-hormuz" data-vars-content-id="4ea5d8e6-1d38-4557-8a64-fa6813b2a559" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs gas prices top $4 again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/trump-iran-bridges-power-plants-hormuz" target="_self">As the Iran war escalates</a> again, pain at the pump is hitting locally and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/gas-4-dollars-per-gallon-iran-war" data-vars-content-id="4ea5d8e6-1d38-4557-8a64-fa6813b2a559" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs gas prices top $4 again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/gas-4-dollars-per-gallon-iran-war" target="_self">nationwide</a>.

What to do this weekend in Colorado Springs

For this sunny but hot weekend, there's plenty to do in the Springs, from live music to a walking history tour.

Things to Do

For this sunny but hot weekend, there&#x27;s plenty to do in the Springs, from live music to a walking history tour.🤠 Red Leg Brewing is hosting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Country Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://redlegbrewing.com/event/country-fest/" data-vars-content-id="47ae8b95-d9e4-4a4c-8c72-91ffe06df709" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://redlegbrewing.com/event/country-fest/" target="_blank">Country Fest</a> on Saturday. The live music starts at 11am and runs through 8pm with four bands. Free.

Inside Armillary Brewing, Colorado Springs' newest brewery

Jeff Lockhart's vision was crystal clear when he inevitably opened his own place.

Food and Drink

With roughly 30 years of brewing experience, Jeff Lockhart&#x27;s vision was crystal clear when he inevitably opened his own place.The vibe: He preferred a neighborhood, one that caters to locals and regulars, and he wanted to make straightforward beer.

Colorado Springs' elections discriminate, groups say

The case is about how far the state can go in regulating local election timing for constitutionally protected home-rule cities.

Election

Even before this year&#x27;s midterm election is over, Colorado voting rights groups are targeting Colorado Springs&#x27; 2027 municipal election.Why it matters: The Springs faces the first legal test of Colorado&#x27;s new Voting Rights Act, with advocates alleging the city&#x27;s odd-year April elections disproportionately suppress Black and Hispanic voter turnout.<ul><li>The lawsuit could force the city to move its municipal elections to November — and set a precedent for how Colorado&#x27;s 2025 voting rights law is used against local election systems.</li></ul>Driving the news: A coalition of voting rights groups, led by Common Cause Colorado and the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region, recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commoncause.org/colorado/press/voting-rights-groups-sue-colorado-springs-over-covra-violation/" data-vars-content-id="85cfb774-b4f4-439a-a8fd-963840537795" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs&#x27; elections discriminate, groups say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commoncause.org/colorado/press/voting-rights-groups-sue-colorado-springs-over-covra-violation/" target="_blank">sued the city</a> over the timing of its elections, alleging it violates election practices that create a &quot;material disparity&quot; in voter participation among protected classes.By the numbers: The plaintiffs cite data from the city&#x27;s last six local elections, from 2017 through 2025, showing average turnout at:<ul><li>18.1% of Black registered voters</li><li>17.8% of Hispanic registered voters</li><li>34% of white registered voters</li></ul>Zoom in: The lawsuit says the racial gap shrinks in November even-year elections. In those elections, the voting rights organizations say average turnout was:<ul><li>61.2% among Black registered voters</li><li>63.6% among Hispanic registered voters</li><li>79.1% among white registered voters</li></ul>The suit argues that moving city elections to November would reduce the disparity and create a more representative electorate because off-cycle elections are easier to miss, less visible and less connected to voting habits built around the November elections.The other side: Springs officials say the lawsuit attacks the city&#x27;s home-rule authority and ignores the benefits of keeping municipal races separate from national politics.<ul><li>Mayor Yemi Mobolade said the current system helps local issues stand on their own instead of being drowned out by presidential, congressional and statewide races.</li><li>Wayne Williams, Mobolade&#x27;s chief of staff and a former Colorado secretary of state, argued that lower turnout may be tied to the nonpartisan nature of municipal elections, where voters cannot rely on party labels.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I find it extremely troubling when people claim that the very election system that elected Colorado Springs&#x27; first Black mayor is somehow inherently exclusionary,&quot; Mobolade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/26/colorado-springs-voting-rights-groups-suing-city/" data-vars-content-id="85cfb774-b4f4-439a-a8fd-963840537795" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs&#x27; elections discriminate, groups say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/26/colorado-springs-voting-rights-groups-suing-city/" target="_blank">told</a> KRCC.Between the lines: This isn&#x27;t the first legal fight about Colorado Springs&#x27; election calendar.<ul><li>The League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and Citizens Project lost a case in court because it lacked standing to challenge the timing of the city&#x27;s election under the federal Voting Rights Act.</li></ul>The bottom line: The case isn&#x27;t just about Colorado Springs. It&#x27;s about how far the state can go in regulating local elections for constitutionally protected home-rule cities.

Colorado Springs election results: November races set in key districts

Here's a look at the results from local races, based on preliminary vote counts.

El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cruised to victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/michael-allen-wins-colorado-gop-attorney-general-race" data-vars-content-id="a5e5e8f5-1edf-40c6-9252-26e130a1f8ad" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs election results: November races set in key districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/michael-allen-wins-colorado-gop-attorney-general-race" target="_self">cruised to victory</a> in the Republican primary for attorney general, but two Colorado Springs candidates for governor appeared to falter.State of play: Here&#x27;s a look at local results based on preliminary vote counts.

Jessica Killin wins 5th Congressional District race

Her victory sets up a November fight in one of Colorado's reddest congressional districts.

Jessica Killin won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5th Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/23/colorado-5th-congressional-district-democratic-primary-killin-reagan" data-vars-content-id="d0db64a4-bf96-49c7-a1db-df1b1f9aa289" data-vars-headline="Jessica Killin wins 5th Congressional District race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/23/colorado-5th-congressional-district-democratic-primary-killin-reagan" target="_self">5th Congressional District</a> race, defeating Joe Reagan and giving Democrats their preferred challenger against Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank in November.Why it matters: Killin&#x27;s victory sets up a general election fight in one of Colorado&#x27;s reddest congressional districts — one Democrats see as newly competitive.

1-minute voter guide: Democratic race for 5th Congressional District

Democrats Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan share U.S. Army backgrounds and a desire to flip the 5th Congressional District,

Democrats Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan share U.S. Army backgrounds and a desire to flip the 5th Congressional District, but they&#x27;re offering primary voters different visions for the future.Why it matters: Even though the district is seen as strong Republican territory, Democrats believe they have an opportunity to defeat incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank in November as growth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifts the electorate" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/10/5th-congressional-district-national-democrats-focus/" data-vars-content-id="e619c397-2c39-4e29-bdbd-a5b85a3cf262" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democratic race for 5th Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/10/5th-congressional-district-national-democrats-focus/" target="_blank">shifts the electorate</a> in their direction.

Mortuary reform aims to stop abuse

Colorado's new oversight system is uncovering problems inside funeral homes.

Politics

Colorado&#x27;s new mortuary inspection system is tightening oversight of the funeral industry after years of misconduct.Why it matters: Early inspections are already exposing problems — like 24 bodies hidden in a Pueblo mortuary for more than a decade whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identities are still being confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox21news.com/news/crime/18-bodies-from-davis-mortuary-positively-identified-cbi/" data-vars-content-id="a249bd46-0c38-4fba-94af-93e7b1f67a6b" data-vars-headline="Mortuary reform aims to stop abuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox21news.com/news/crime/18-bodies-from-davis-mortuary-positively-identified-cbi/" target="_blank">identities are still being confirmed</a> — underscoring both the value of the new system and the need for continued vigilance.

Pikes Peak region saw state's biggest uptick in homelessness

New statewide data shows homelessness rose locally while Colorado improved overall.

Homelessness in El Paso and Teller counties rose in 2025, even as statewide numbers declined slightly, according to a statewide report released Monday.Why it matters: The increase is adding strain to local shelters and housing programs even as much of Colorado saw modest improvement.

Rally supports family of man convicted in Boulder firebombing

Supporters called for due process for the family facing deportation.

A group of Jewish residents in Colorado Springs rallied Tuesday in support of Hayman El Gamal and her five children, relatives of the man <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convicted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/05/07/boulder-attack-suspect-pleads-guilty-murder-charges" data-vars-content-id="e7f96406-8963-4c5d-b136-c593a744b21e" data-vars-headline="Rally supports family of man convicted in Boulder firebombing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/05/07/boulder-attack-suspect-pleads-guilty-murder-charges" target="_self">convicted</a> in last year&#x27;s Boulder firebombing attack.Why it matters: The rally highlights a tense question in the aftermath of the attack: whether relatives who deny involvement should face deportation before their asylum claims are heard.

Colorado Springs City Hall's work-life strain on display

Council pay and mayor scrutiny highlight challenges of serving while managing family life.

A Colorado Springs council appointment and a mayoral audit are underscoring a persistent reality of local government: Public office often demands long hours for relatively low pay — a tradeoff that can sideline working parents and younger candidates.Why it matters: Low pay and long hours can limit who runs for office at any level.

Colorado Springs board vacancies top a dozen

The openings span multiple committees across the city.

Editor&#x27;s note: The headline and story have been corrected to reflect that the city says it has a large number of vacancies but is not struggling to fill them. It has also been updated to add a comment from the city&#x27;s communications representative.Colorado Springs says it has a dozen vacancies across city boards and commissions and nearly 60 applicants in total waiting to fill them.Why it matters: The Springs has<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 24 community boards" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/boards" data-vars-content-id="1c021a18-5b0a-446c-984f-ae889e0297ef" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs board vacancies top a dozen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/boards" target="_blank"> 24 community boards</a>, with even more regional and county opportunities.

Axios Denver

Colorado's wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers' concerns

Denver

Weiser taps Lesley Dahlkemper for lieutenant governor

Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds

A bar chart that shows which problems Colorado adults call most serious in a March 14-April 9, 2026, survey of 2,240 people. Rising cost of living and housing cost tie for highest at 85%, followed by healthcare cost at 82%. Drug overdoses rank lowest at 54%.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado Springs gas prices top $4 again

Colorado's wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers' concerns

Weiser taps Lesley Dahlkemper for lieutenant governor

Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds

Colorado school turns to drones for active-shooter defense