Good morning, Colorado Springs.

James Hughes and his wife lost hot water after their heater failed, and community helper Courtney Carter arranged emergency funds from Silver Key Senior Services to replace the unit ($1,600-$2,000) by 8:00 a.m. today.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region reported on Monday that more than 13,000 pets were adopted in 2025 and thousands were reclaimed, fostered, or medically rehabilitated — a sign of strong local support for animal care.

The Gresham family farm east of Colorado Springs earned Centennial Farm status from History Colorado after 100 years of blizzards, drought and change.

The family has maintained the land (using creative solutions to tough winters) and hopes to keep it in the family while facing rising costs.

Colorado photographers captured striking images of the first Wolf Moon of 2026 last night, and the shots are live on the Discover Colorado | Through Your Photos Facebook page.

Nonprofit Westside CARES launches an exhibit called 'NEIGHBORS: A New Understanding – Stories of Dignity and Grace' at Auric Gallery in downtown Colorado Springs; the display runs January 2–15 and features portraits and poems honoring local community members in need.

AAA reported on Monday that while national gas prices averaged $2.81, local stations in Colorado Springs charged as low as $2.19 a gallon — an expert said that as demand rebounds, prices will likely rise toward spring.

The District 49 school board got a new member today when Holly Withers won by 17 votes and became vice president (she will focus meetings on key issues) as former president Lori Thompson was re-elected by 60 votes; the board will tackle policy differences at its Jan.

8 meeting.

Councilmember Nancy Henjum will hold the first district town hall-adjacent community meeting on Thursday night (5:30-7 p.m.) at Edison Elementary School cafeteria to address questions about neighborhood parks in Cragmor and Papeton with input from the Fire Department’s Homeless Outreach Program and Friends of the Park program.

The story retraces the legacy of the late Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Colorado lawmaker who championed Native American rights and water projects like Lake Nighthorse.

He served in the state legislature and Senate near Ignacio and pushed for improved water access for the Southern Ute Tribe.

Retired Air Force Col. Michelle Ruehl is leading a funding drive to save StableStrides—an equine therapy center in Colorado Springs—facing closure without critical donations.

New programs for foster teens and mental health services will begin in a few weeks while furloughs and rising costs challenge the nonprofit.

After holiday gatherings, flu hospitalizations in Colorado reached nearly 2,500 since October with 791 cases during Christmas week—a record since tracking began in 2004 (CDPHE).

Health experts said the flu shot, though about 40% effective, remains key to helping reduce severe symptoms.

Colorado will keep following AAP child vaccine recommendations despite federal changes made Monday that now suggest fewer vaccines for healthy children.

Health officials say insurance coverage remains unchanged & parents should consult pediatricians with any questions.

Commercial construction dominated 2025 with nearly 400 new permits issued by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, marking a 31% increase over 2024 (the highest total since 2022).

Projects like hotels and retail began in December while permits for single-family homes slightly declined to 2,811.

Girls swimmers & divers in the Pikes Peak region return to the pool this week after holiday break.

Cheyenne Mountain faces Discovery Canyon on Wednesday in a champion vs champion contest as top-ranked teams aim to make a strong splash this season.

Newcomer Orientation

5:15-6 p.m. — Listening Heart Medicines, LLC David W. Armstrong — Free entry — Discover the RMI introduction and meditation protocol in a friendly, in-person setting.

Jazz Thursday with Susan Rissman

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience the smooth sounds of the Susan Rissman Trio performing jazz standards and contemporary covers.

Cybersecurity First Friday

4-6 p.m. — University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Free entry — Connect with the Colorado Springs cybersecurity community for socializing and networking.

Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite Squishy Friend

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Pricing varies — Get ready to paint, sip, and unleash your creativity regardless of experience level.

Stranger Things Trivia and Blind Bag Prizes

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Test your knowledge on Stranger Things and win fun blind bag prizes.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Special deals on wings — Score big with game day deals at D&B including 10 wings for $10.

Twisted Tuesday Art Class

$4 Drinks — 6:30-8:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — $35 — Enjoy a fun painting session with guided instruction and $4 drinks!

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge and win prizes at this lively trivia event.

Fun Evening at Poor Richard's

6-8 p.m. — Poor Richard's Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy good food, drinks, and the Wheel O' Crazy game with fellow locals.

Fix & Feast: In The Weeds

5:30 – 8:30 PM — The French Kitchen — $129.00 — Experience an evening of cooking decadent courses paired with refreshing mocktails.