Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Lary Walker held a hygiene drive in Central Springs that attracted volunteers and provided hundreds of kits for those in need, including supplies for Pay It Fur-Ward that serves unhoused people and pets.

Walker will partner with five other organizations to expand support + meet additional local needs.

USA Today recently ranked four scenic train rides in Colorado on its top ten list.

The list features the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad offering unique journeys through Colorado's rugged landscapes.

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum partnered with VisitCOS to launch a digital Culture Passport that honors Colorado 150 and America 250.

The passport features 40 sites (including Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Bear Creek Nature Center, and America’s Mountain on Pikes Peak) where visitors can learn local history and complete quizzes.

In Manitou Springs, the Story Booth at The Loft became a community storytelling hub on Thursday, Apr.

9, where visitors dialed numbers to hear tales of local legends and traditions.

Faculty members at UCCS cast a vote of no confidence in their executive leaders (221 of 525 ballots in favor) amid concerns over budget shortfalls, stagnant salaries, and a safe learning environment; university officials said they planned additional talks for more transparency.

Colorado author Katie Vieira debuted her new children's book 'Into the Field: Tennessee Summer' that encourages kids to get off screens and explore outdoors and will host a book signing, story time and scavenger hunt (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) June 13 at Barnes Noble, 3173 Cinema Point.

Afifa Zeeshan (a student at Discovery Canyon Campus) overcame shyness with help from the speech and debate club and is set to study political science at UCSD to work on legal reform for underserved communities.

Fitzgerald, formerly fire chief in Leawood, Kan (with over 30 years of experience), has been named fire chief of the Monument Fire District and will take over on Aug.

1; the board selected him unanimously on May 29, and his predecessor will retire at year-end.

Colorado activated Phase 2 of its drought response plan in March amid record low snowpack, and a task force will meet Monday to decide if an emergency declaration plus stricter restrictions are needed.

Meanwhile, Utah declared a state emergency as its water supply drops drastically.

At Falcon Stadium during Air Force’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, a new signage gift reading 'Warfighters, Leaders, Critical Thinkers' was unveiled without involving the athletic department, which now questions a possible breach of preservation rules — officials plan to review the agreement.

CDPHE issued an air quality advisory for El Paso, Teller, Pueblo and eastern Fremont counties Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. after ozone intrusion raised moderate pollution levels (warning active children and people with asthma to limit outdoor exertion).

Colorado Springs gardeners face a busy June as Colorado Master Gardener Kerry Peetz advises mulching, weeding, and transplanting when nighttime temps reach at least 60 degrees.

Water Wise Rules (active until Oct. 15) guide watering and maintenance for thriving outdoor spaces.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks secured their first road win with a 1 to 0 shutout over Oakland Roots after Khori Bennett’s deflected shot gave the only goal five minutes in, and the team outshot the opposition 13 to 5 while keeping a clean sheet.

Falcon High School lost 9-4 to Pueblo County at Erdle Field on Saturday, May 30, in the 4A state baseball championship game.

Coach Brandon Stegman praised his players for reaching the title game and said they would build on three consecutive 20-win seasons.

Arts Education Symposium: United by Creativity

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Penrose House Conference Center — Registration required — Engage in a day of inspiration and collaboration for arts educators in the Pikes Peak region.

D2 Summer Food Service Program

— Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free meal program — Aimed at enhancing food accessibility during the summer months for children and families.

Collective Groove Concert

7-10 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices not listed — Experience high-energy grooves and vibrant horns from Collective Groove and The Martini Shot.

Hot Boots Band at Bloom's Mill Hill Saloon

7:45-11:45 p.m. — Bloom’s Mill Hill Saloon — Free admission — Enjoy a night of country music and dancing at your favorite Honky Tonk.

Next Stop Comedy!

8-10 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Tickets available — Experience a hilarious night of stand-up comedy featuring a fresh line-up of talented comedians.

Sunday Market in Acacia Park

9 AM – 2 PM — Acacia Park — Free entry — Explore fresh food and local goods while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere every Sunday.

Be^U's Legacy Chapter Network Meeting

9:30-11:30 a.m. — The Best Coffee & Lounge — Refreshments available — Connect with women entrepreneurs to share successes and set goals for the upcoming month.

Bleating Heart Nights at Goat Patch Brewing Company

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy craft beer while supporting The Mayfly Project with every drink you purchase.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your trivia skills with friends while enjoying craft beer and winning prizes.

Summer Nights in Old Colorado City

4-9 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Vendor fees apply — Enjoy live music, local vendors, and great food in a vibrant community atmosphere.