El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs learned Friday that President Biden approved its joint disaster declaration following severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred from June 8-23, 2023. The declaration includes public assistance for emergency work and the repair and/or replacement of public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and other public facilities. Additionally, the grant supports actions to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. 

The I-25 northbound off-ramp and the I-25 southbound on-ramp at the Fontanero Street interchange reopened on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) reported elevated traffic numbers for the month of July, making this the second consecutive month for increased traffic. In June and July, COS welcomed new carriers and routes for travelers. The new nonstop service includes Atlanta (ATL) (Delta), Los Angeles/Hollywood-Burbank (BUR) (Avelo), Minneapolis-St.Paul (MSP) (Delta and Sun Country), with new service to Long Beach (LGB) (Southwest) having launched in July. Later this year, Southwest Airlines will begin seasonal service to Houston (HOU), San Antonio (SAT), and San Diego (SAN) for select November, December, and January dates. Service to Houston (HOU) will continue with weekend service effective January.

The Colorado Springs Police Department’s (CSPD) announced the selection of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) of Washington, D.C., to conduct an independent audit of use of force, de-escalation, procedural justice, and crisis response training to ensure its content, quality, and duration meets industry best practices.

The location of the District 2 Listening Session, part of the 2023 Listening Tour with Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Colorado Springs City Council, has moved to Liberty High School on Friday, Aug. 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. with Council President Randy Helms (District 2). Residents can still attend the five remaining stops on the 2023 Listening Tour.

The Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETAC) invites the public to attend a Town Hall to discuss the Colorado Springs Police Department. The Town Hall will be on Wednesday, August 30 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Pikes Peak Library District - Penrose Library.

The City Council of Colorado Springs is seeking volunteers to serve on the Audit Committee and the Independent Ethics Commission. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 1.

The need for a new Colorado Springs Police Department training academy is the main topic of this episode. The Chief provides background on the current academy and how it could improve. The Mayor shares his plans to do just that! He also talks about what he’s hearing from residents, the progress on the goals he set for his first 100 days, and the fact that his youngest son wants to be a dinosaur when he grows up.