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Recreational marijuana sales are now official in Colorado Springs

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Recreational marijuana sales are now official in Colorado Springs


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Today marks a new chapter for Colorado Springs as the city officially begins recreational marijuana sales, following voter approval of the initiative last November.

Upon last checking Tuesday at 5 p.m., 32 licensed dispensaries were set to serve 21+ adult consumers. The city is optimistic that the move will generate up to $2 million in new sales tax revenue during its first year, thanks to a 5% tax on retail sales.

State data shows that since 2014, recreational cannabis sales across Colorado have generated more than $2.9 billion in tax revenue, funding a wide range of public services. The state data also shows that since 2014, Colorado has made more than $16.9 billion in marijuana sales.

City officials say the infusion of new revenue will help support local programs such as public safety, homeless outreach, and mental health treatment for veterans.

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Local industry leaders have also expressed optimism about the launch. Troy Vanorden, the Owner of Elevations dispensary, explained his excitement for this new market. In his words, “Ever since Covid, we had a little Covid boom [of customers] there for a while, and ever since then we just been dropping off steady for the last couple of years. So, it’s exciting to be able to service the whole market down here in Colorado Springs.”

Another local voice of enthusiasm comes from Tim Reeve, the Associate Director of Sales Operation at Native Roots. He says, “I mean, we think it’s great. It’s gonna help the city, the tax money. We already do things that way as a company. We’re very involved in our communities and outreach and whatnot. So the more money that can go to help the citizens of Colorado Springs the better.”

The economic benefits extend beyond Colorado Springs. In nearby communities such as Manitou Springs and Palmer Lake, retail cannabis has already made a noticeable impact on local budgets. While Manitou Springs is legally prevented from disclosing exact sales tax figures due to state law, officials note that marijuana tax revenue, reported in a general “other” category, has contributed to municipal services.

Palmer Lake, a smaller town, has also reaped considerable benefits. 11 News reached out to Palmer Lake city officials, however, we haven’t heard back from them yet. However, recent reports indicate significant revenue increases that have helped fund local public safety and community events.

As recreational sales kick off today, dispensaries throughout the city are busy stocking shelves, training staff, and preparing to welcome customers. The new market is expected to ramp up gradually, with early sales data being closely watched by local officials and business owners alike.

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For ongoing updates on sales figures and the economic impact of Colorado’s evolving cannabis market, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Sales Reports and Marijuana Tax Reports.



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Colorado summer travel ideas, from glamping and hot air balloons to swimming and fishing

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Colorado summer travel ideas, from glamping and hot air balloons to swimming and fishing


Denver Post writers have explored Colorado’s many corners and offer ways to find fun, relaxation or something new for summer. Take a look at how you can expand your possibilities this season if you’re keeping travel close to home this year.

In the mountains

Colorado’s 10 most popular hikes, according to AllTrails

Colorado waterfall hike: Copeland Falls best this time of year in early morning

 

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This hiking trail near Red Rocks will help you get in shape for 14er season

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

 

An Estes Park getaway can be about more than just the outdoors

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Camping

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

Forest service now charging $20 for dispersed camping in Homestake Valley

Within driving distance

These adult summer retreats can help Coloradans escape burnout

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Looking for beach vibes? Here’s where to find them in landlocked Colorado

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Movie-theater hotel adds vintage Airstreams, Quonset huts in San Luis Valley

Sleep in a treehouse, hike with llamas, stargaze and more summer whimsy

Pick your own flowers at these farms and garden centers in Colorado

Is city fishing safe? Yes, experts say, but there are updated guidelines to follow.

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

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Here’s where to fish with kids near Denver

 

Summer fun

Biodegradable pickleballs, size-inclusive skorts made in Colorado and other sports gear we love

More women are playing padel than ever — and for good reason

Meet the Boulder dogs cast in this summer’s Colorado Shakespeare Festival

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Gravel biking events are a hot commodity in Colorado this summer

Want to get off your phone? Learn blacksmithing or floral design at these Colorado classes and makerspaces.

Beyond Colorado

10 tree-house hotels in the U.S. for you to commune with nature in comfort

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Colorado’s Deion Sanders With Controversial Big 12 Coach Ranking

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Colorado’s Deion Sanders With Controversial Big 12 Coach Ranking


Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders has an overall record of 16-21 since taking over in Boulder prior to the 2023 season. 

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Where does Coach Prime rank among Big 12 coaches entering the 2026 college football season?

Deion Sanders No.15 in Big 12 Coach Rankings

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Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches the run of play during the 3rd quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images | Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

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On3 ranked all 16 Big 12 head football coaches heading into 2026. Deion Sanders is ranked No.15, only ahead of Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein. This will be Klein’s first year as Wildcats head coach. He is a former Kansas State quarterback was most recently the offensive coordinator for the Texas A&M Aggies. 

A top this ranking at No. 1 is BYU Cougars coach Kalani Sitake. Sitake has been at the helm for the Cougars since 2016. He has accumulated an overall record of 84-45. In four of Sitake’s 10 seasons with BYU, he has led them to double digit wins. 

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Dec 27, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake works out prior to the game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Here is the entire ranking:

1. Kalani Sitake, BYU Cougars
2. Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State Wildcats
3. Joey McGuire, Texas Tech Red Raiders
4. Sonny Dykes, TCU Horned Frogs
5. Willie Fritz, Houston Cougars
6. Lance Leipold, Kansas Jayhawks
7. Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia Mountaineers
8. Eric Morris, Oklahoma State Cowboys
9. Brent Brennan, Arizona Wildcats
10. Dave Aranda, Baylor Bears
11. Scott Satterfield, Cincinatti Bearcats
12. Morgan Scalley, Utah Utes
13. Scott Frost, UCF Knights
14. Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State Cyclones
15. Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes
16. Collin Klein, Kansas State Wildcats

Is 15th a fair ranking for Coach Prime?

What stands out right away from this is a first time collegiate head coach is ahead of Sanders, Morgan Scalley. While Sanders’ team struggled in 2025, it would be hard to rank him behind Scalley.

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CU football head coach Deion Sanders, or Coach Prime, watches his team warm up before the game against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. | Cris Tiller/For the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When Sanders was hired, the Buffaloes were coming off a one-win 2022 season. It was a controversial hire, as Sanders’ collegiate coaching experience came at the FCS level with Jackson State. The Coach Prime era in Boulder got off to a great start. 

In 2023, Colorado began the season 3-0. It got going with a stunning season opening upset on the road against the defending national runner-up TCU Horned Frogs. The Buffs won their next two games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Colorado State Rams to get to 3-0. 

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They hosted ESPN’s College GameDay for their in-state rivalry game against Colorado State. The country had their eyes on what Sanders had cooking. This undefeated came to a screeching halt with a road loss to Oregon. Colorado ended up losing eight of their final nine games to end with a record of 4-8. While the end was dissapoitning, it was still three more wins than the previous season.

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2024 a major turnaround. The Buffs went 9-3 and made the Alamo Bowl. Buffs’ wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy and quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

2025 was more of what 2023 was. The Buffs went 3-9, missing a bowl game for the second time in three seasons. Will they get back to a bowl in 2026?

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Jewish student strangled, assaulted at Colorado school, ADL alleges | The Jerusalem Post

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Jewish student strangled, assaulted at Colorado school, ADL alleges | The Jerusalem Post


An 8th-grade Colorado Jewish student was called a ‘stupid k***’ while being strangled by a laptop charging cord, in one of many antisemitic assaults by other students described in a Title VI complaint to Boulder Valley Public School District.

The ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) has filed a federal civil rights complaint with the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, alleging that Jewish Student A was subjected to repeated antisemitic bullying, slurs, and physical assault by multiple fellow students at Southern Hills Middle School (SHMS) throughout 7th and 8th grade. 

In one incident, students in Student A’s PE class attempted to play a game called “Jew touch tag” and said Jews were “dirty” and “contaminated.”

In another, in December 2025, a classmate reportedly fashioned a Chromebook charging cord into a lasso, threw it around the student’s neck and dragged him backward from a chair while calling him a “stupid k***.” This was deemed severe enough that the Boulder Police Department was called in to investigate.

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Following this particular incident, the Boulder Police Department opened a Juvenile Court Referral for third-degree assault.

A detailed view of a Colorado state flag prior to the game between the Colorado Rapids and the San Diego FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on April 12, 2025 in Commerce City, Colorado. (credit: Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

ADL says no meaningful action taken by school district over assault

As a result of these incidents, Student A no longer wears a Star of David necklace and does not share his religious identity with anyone.

ADL and the family allege that the school took no meaningful action despite being informed of the situation on multiple occasions. For example, the complaint says the school failed to enforce the no-contact order between Student A and the classmate involved in the Chromebook assault.

The complaint also says that the burden was consistently placed on the victim, such as reassigning his study hall class rather than restricting the aggressor, forcing him to miss a school trip, and asking him to leave class early to avoid crowded hallways.

“The record here is overwhelming: written pleas from the student’s parents, formal school reports, and a police investigation all point to the conclusion that antisemitic harassment at Southern Hills Middle School was pervasive, escalating, and severe,” said James Pasch, ADL Vice President of Litigation.

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“Despite the family’s pleas for help to stop the harassment, the school district failed to effectively address it, a clear violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. No family should have to fight this hard to ensure a Jewish child’s safety at school, and certainly no Jewish student should face the threat of assault or harassment because of their Jewish identity.”

Susan Rona, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, noted that 167 antisemitic incidents were recorded in Colorado in 2025, a “stark reminder that antisemitism is not something abstract – it is showing up in our communities, in our neighborhoods and even in our schools.”

ADL is requesting that the US Department of Education require the district to take steps to comply with Title VI and ensure that this student and all Jewish students feel safe and protected.

Boulder Valley School District said that while it does not comment on ongoing legal matters, “we take all allegations of discrimination and harassment seriously.”

“We continue to focus on improvements to our policies, reporting systems, practices, and education efforts – all with the goal of ensuring every BVSD student feels safe, welcomed, and a strong sense of belonging.”

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