Good morning, Colorado Springs.

A planned neighborhood project called Southeast Strong will be reviewed by city council in February to address missing stores, health gaps, vacancies and retail shortages in an underserved area, supporting new housing, businesses and cultural centers for 70,000 residents — local leaders see it as a blueprint for city improvement.

Manitou Springs will host the 31st annual Great Fruitcake Toss Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave.) where families will toss fruitcake, sample treats from Collin Street Bakery, and compete for prizes with extra tickets available for multiple tosses.

Homeward Pikes Peak and partner agencies held the fourth annual Stand Up for Our Community resource fair on Monday, Jan.

26 at the Meanwhile Block in downtown. Over 30 organizations offered free haircuts, STI testing, meals, winter essentials — and other services to help unhoused residents this winter.

Colorado Springs hosts stage shows this weekend and later, including Kevin Casey White's comedy at Loonees Comedy Corner on Friday and Saturday, Sal Vulcano's performance at Pikes Peak Center on Jan.

31, a family musical at Millibo Art Theatre, and Theatreworks' play at Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theatre (tickets vary).

Tuesday night, Falcon School District 49's Board of Education reversed a policy from 6 months ago that limited restroom and shower access to a student's biological sex with a 3-2 vote — the move could risk federal funding for the district.

State inspectors approved Pike View Quarry’s environmental reclamation after years of stabilization that included placing millions of yards of fill dirt and planting 30,000 tree seedlings.

City staff will now review documents before city council and mayor decision over the next six months.

Colorado wildlife officers rescued bighorn sheep stuck in a frozen river yesterday and worked quickly to free the animals (Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports).

A new guide lists the best cheap eats in town.

It highlights local spots like 503W (which offers Asian-inspired dishes) and Shuga’s (renowned for affordable Cuban and shrimp treats) with prices from $7.50 to $35 for date nights, family meals, and happy hour deals.

Colorado Springs voters picked Skirted Heifer as the top burger spot in a weekly Best of the Springs feature; gold went to Skirted Heifer at 204 N.

Tejon St., silver to Bad Daddy's Burger Bar at 1765 Briargate Parkway + bronze to In-N-Out Burger, with local picks for downtown eats.

Pine Creek’s Braylon Desquitado earned The Gazette Preps Peak Performer of the Year for boys tennis after a season marked by a 15-4 record, winning regionals and advancing to state quarterfinals.

He will continue training while balancing academics and hopes to stay connected with his team (he practices twice daily).

Fix & Feast: Italian GlAmore

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $129.00 — Discover how to present Italian favorites with a touch of French culinary flair.

Pikes Punks Comedy Show Featuring Steve Gillespie

8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — Early Bird tickets available — Enjoy top-notch comedians in an intimate venue with award-winning drinks.

Bright Sunset Date Night

5-7 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — No refunds; all sales final — Enjoy a creative evening as you paint while watching the sunset.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Relax and unleash your creativity with a chill coloring night at the brewery.

Bleating Heart Night: Big Table

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 per pint donation — Enjoy great beer while supporting a local non-profit organization.

Sangha Night: Meditation, Dharma, and Community

6-7 p.m. — Rocky Mountain Insight — Donation-based — Engage in meditation and insightful Dharma talks in a supportive community atmosphere.

Pasta Making with Chef Juwanza

5-7 p.m. — Axe and the Oak Whiskey House — Price TBA — Get hands-on and learn to craft your own pasta while enjoying a fun atmosphere.

Colorado Springs Home & Garden Show

12-6 p.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Free parking — Explore innovative home designs and expert landscaping at this comprehensive home show.

Saturday Morning Yoga with Vanessa

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Bring your own mat — Relax and unwind by the fireplace during this community yoga session.

Galentine's pARTy with Chocolates and BOGO Wines

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$49 per person — Celebrate friendship with a painting session, free chocolates, and BOGO wines.