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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.

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.

El Paso County growth slows as migration drops

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

News

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.

Primary races take shape in El Paso County

Local primaries could decide key races before November in Republican-leaning El Paso County.

Both major political parties are in the throes of primary season, choosing which candidates to put on June&#x27;s primary ballot, and setting the stage for the November general election.Why it matters: In predominantly Republican El Paso County, many races are effectively decided in the primary, making June one of the year&#x27;s most consequential votes.

What Bailey's resignation means for Colorado Springs

Council must appoint a District 2 replacement as development battles reshape local politics.

Colorado Springs Councilmember Tom Bailey resigned Tuesday, rather than face a recall election.Why it matters: The ouster signals a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing backlash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.integritymatterscos.org/tom-bailey-recall" data-vars-content-id="a5cbb45b-adf8-4385-b0c3-31f0f36f211d" data-vars-headline="What Bailey&#x27;s resignation means for Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.integritymatterscos.org/tom-bailey-recall" target="_blank">growing backlash</a> among some city voters against major development projects — and the elected officials who back them.

Police watchdog seeks reset in Colorado Springs

The city's police advisory group says it lacks authority and wants to start over.

Colorado Springs may soon be without a police watchdog now that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city committee" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/letac" data-vars-content-id="5ff2eb76-7674-4577-a39f-80b4f8f33107" data-vars-headline="Police watchdog seeks reset in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/letac" target="_blank">city committee</a> tracking law enforcement accountability has asked the city council to disband.Why it matters: The move comes as the fourth anniversary of the police <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="department&#x27;s use-of-force study" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/document/cspduseofforcefinaltransparencymattersreportapril2022.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5ff2eb76-7674-4577-a39f-80b4f8f33107" data-vars-headline="Police watchdog seeks reset in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/document/cspduseofforcefinaltransparencymattersreportapril2022.pdf" target="_blank">department&#x27;s use-of-force study</a> approaches. And it raises questions about who — if anyone — will be left to hold the department accountable and strengthen the Springs&#x27; trust in its police.

What to know about the 2026 caucuses in Colorado Springs

It's the start of the process for statewide and local candidates to get on the June primary ballot.

Election

Colorado&#x27;s 2026 election season begins Tuesday with El Paso County political party caucuses.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the start of the process for statewide and local candidates to get their names on the June primary ballot.

Colorado Springs cuts back on park restrooms

The city estimates it will save $100,000.

The city of Colorado Springs plans to keep 10 neighborhood park restrooms closed this summer as part of broader budget reductions for 2026, The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado Springs Gazette reports" data-vars-click-url="https://gazette.com/2026/02/20/colorado-springs-to-close-10-park-bathrooms-due-to-budget-cuts/" data-vars-content-id="74ec3ea7-dfa7-4977-b64c-45372a6e99b2" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs cuts back on park restrooms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gazette.com/2026/02/20/colorado-springs-to-close-10-park-bathrooms-due-to-budget-cuts/" target="_blank">Colorado Springs Gazette reports</a>. Why it matters: The closures are among the most visible signs yet of how city budget cuts are affecting everyday services, and could leave parkgoers scrambling when nature calls.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado Springs struggles to fill civic boards

Global space leaders gather in Colorado Springs

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