Axios Colorado Springs

September 15, 2026
It's Tuesday, and I'm back in the saddle. Let's giddy up and get 'er done! đź¤
- Today's weather: Sunny with a high near 78 — the coolest day of the week.
đź“° Hometown news deserves strong reporting. Help power ours by becoming a member today.
🗳️ Situational awareness: The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's order restricting mail-in voting yesterday — a method used by the vast majority of Colorado voters.
Today's newsletter is 768 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: 🍽️ Michelin shines on 2 local spots
Colorado Springs landed on Michelin's map yesterday but didn't earn a coveted star.
Why it matters: A Michelin nod is impressive, but a starred restaurant elevates a city's dining scene and drives foodie tourism.
Driving the news: Four by Brother Luck and the Penrose Room joined a list of 11 new Michelin-recommended restaurants, and both earned special recognition.
- Kyle McNerney at Four by Brother Luck received an award for exceptional cocktail service.
- Joseph Freyre at the Penrose Room earned accolades for outstanding service.
The big picture: The 2026 Michelin list is the first to span the entire state, but no restaurants received new stars outside the guide's previous geographic footprint.
- The expanded guide now includes operations in the Springs, Aurora and Telluride, with 63 restaurants spanning 22 cuisines, per Michelin.
- Colorado economic development officials paid Michelin $100,000 a year for three years to grow the guide's presence, officials told Axios.
By the numbers: Colorado now boasts 10 Michelin-starred restaurants after chef Johnny Curiel's Milpero in Denver landed the latest star.
- Nine restaurants kept one star, while The Wolf's Tailor in Denver remains the state's only two-star spot.
2. 🤖 No more data centers, poll says


Colorado voters overwhelmingly oppose building data centers — even when they're nowhere near their own backyards, a new poll finds.
Why it matters: The results come as communities grapple with the AI-driven data center boom, and arrive just days before Colorado Springs officials decide whether to permit the controversial Project Taurus.
By the numbers: 75% of registered voters oppose building data centers in Colorado, Magellan Strategies found in its poll released yesterday.
- Bring one closer to home and opposition climbs to 82%, with 77% "strongly" opposed.
- Republicans are more open to them than other groups, but 66% still oppose data centers in their communities.
- Hardly anyone is on the fence: 3% or fewer voters are undecided.
The intrigue: 55% would go further and ban new data centers in their communities — including in the 5th Congressional District encompassing the Springs.
- Another 26% want new land-use rules, like those proposed by Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
The big picture: A dim view of AI is driving the results.
- 66% view it unfavorably, including 41% who view it "very unfavorable."
- Even among people who've used an AI tool, like ChatGPT, 57% view the technology unfavorably.
- And younger voters are especially skeptical.
Zoom in: Jobs are a key factor. 77% expect AI to eliminate jobs and 88% worry about future generations.
- Other major objections include using too much water and driving up utility rates.
3. The Peak: New eco devo leader
🏢 Mayor Mobolade named Shawna Lippert the city's next economic development officer yesterday. She previously served as the agency's interim leader and replaces Jessie Kimber.
⚖️ Christian Medical and Dental Associations and Button Family Practice of Cañon City have filed a lawsuit challenging a state law requiring them to provide gender‑transition services even if it conflicts with their personal beliefs. (Gazette)
đźš© Democrat Jessica Killin's TV ads targeting Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank include a misleading claim about a gift waiver he requested. (Colorado Sun)
đź§Ą The forthcoming L.L. Bean in the Springs we told you a couple weeks back about is hiring about 40 full-time and part-timers. (News5)
🍕🍺 Denver's Homegrown Tap & Dough is opening this fall in eastern Colorado Springs at 5710 S. Carefree Circle, with a design that includes a military tribute.
4. Broncos bummer
Well, that sucked.
State of play: The Broncos flopped under the Arrowhead Stadium lights, losing 31–10 to the rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
Between the lines: Quarterback Bo Nix struggled in his return from injury — committing two costly turnovers as Denver's offense failed to find a rhythm.
- Nix did connect with Evan Engram in the first quarter for Denver's only touchdown.
- The offense all but disappeared in the second half, mustering a single field goal.
What's next: The Broncos (0–1) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (1–0) next Sunday.
🤕 John is recovering from minor injuries from a rollover crash after swerving to avoid a huge cow on the road outside Almont. And he's sad about his totaled 4Runner.
Thanks to my editor, Gigi Sukin.
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