Colorado Springs Daily Brief: Downtown death investigation, red flag fire danger, rail pitch, and early March events

Top story: Death investigation downtown

Colorado Springs police are investigating after officers found a man dead in an alley near the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, near Vermijo Avenue and Tejon Street. Officials have not released an identity, or the cause and manner of death, and said the coroner’s office will share more information later.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CSPD at 719-444-7000.

Weather & safety: Red flag conditions linger

A red flag warning was issued for much of the Pikes Peak region as warm, very dry air and gusty winds elevated the risk of fast-moving grass and brush fires. Forecasters cited wind gusts around 35 mph and humidity as low as 9%, with temperatures staying above normal into the weekend.

If you’re outdoors, avoid anything that can spark, and keep an eye out for smoke, especially in open spaces and along roadways.

Transportation: Passenger rail leaders make their pitch

Regional rail planners held a Colorado Springs forum to walk residents through a proposal that could put a funding measure on Front Range ballots in 2026. Under current planning, a downtown station is most likely near America the Beautiful Park and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, with early work potentially starting before 2031 if voters approve the plan.

The concept starts with three daily round trips on existing freight tracks, then expands service if agreements and funding line up. Planners also discussed ‘local return’ dollars for station-area upgrades, with Colorado Springs estimates around $80 million.

Environment: Spring Creek restoration draft open for comment

The city posted a new notice about a draft feasibility report and environmental assessment for restoring the Spring Creek corridor. The preferred option includes bank stabilization, in-stream structures, and new vegetation, with a tentative construction window running from 2027 to 2030. Public comments are being accepted through March 26, 2026.

On the calendar

• Train Expo Colorado continues Sunday at the Norris Penrose Event Center, with model train layouts and vendors.
• Colorado Springs Plunge & 5K returns Saturday morning at Rock Ledge Ranch to benefit Special Olympics Colorado.
• The Colorado Springs Wine Festival runs Wednesday through Saturday at locations around town.
• Friends of PPLD’s Big Spring Book Sale is set for mid-March at East Library.

Sources

• https://gazette.com/2026/02/26/body-found-near-das-office-in-downtown-colorado-springs/
• https://gazette.com/2026/02/27/elevated-fire-danger-returns-to-pikes-peak-region-for-fourth-consecutive-day/
• https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/02/28/front-range-passenger-rail-pitches-to-colorado-springs-ahead-of-possible-ballot-measure/
• https://coloradosprings.gov/news/spring-creek-aquatic-ecosystem-restoration-integrated-feasibility-report-environment
• https://gazette.com/2026/03/01/colorado-springs-area-nonprofit-community-fundraising-events-starting-march-1/
• https://www.koaa.com/around-town/fun-filled-events-across-colorado-this-weekend-february-27-march-1-2026