Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Food banks in Colorado Springs are facing longer lines and empty shelves as federal cuts to TEFAP reduce bulk food purchases—volunteers at Sunnyside Market and others report that fewer meals are available to serve neighbors.

Care and Share Food Bank lost about four million meals’ worth of food and $1.35 million in its purchasing budget, and it must now stretch resources to meet rising demand.

A three car crash on U.S. 24 east of Colorado Springs on Tuesday morning led to a homicide investigation when police discovered a passenger shot dead—the driver fled the scene and another person suffered minor injuries, prompting officials to close the road from Woodmen to Judge Orr Roads for the foreseeable future.

In Security Widefield, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is looking for 13-year-old Elena, who went missing on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. near Main Street and U.S. 85/87 and is 5-foot-2 with dark brown hair in a buzz cut, so anyone with information should call (719-390-5555).

Lyda Hill built the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center outside the park—helping to create a foundation that has given millions in grants for improvements such as upgraded restrooms and waterline projects—and the center now welcomes about 1.5 million visitors a year as part of its 30-year history.

Local and state officials celebrated the finalization of the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative Vision Plan in Colorado Springs—marking a milestone after three years of meetings—with outdoor leaders and agencies like Colorado Parks and Wildlife set to manage the new 60-mile loop around the mountain. The plan lists 30 projects and seeks an initial $2.5 million grant to study conservation needs and address gaps in the trail corridor.

A study from CSU showed that wildfires in Colorado have grown larger and more frequent over the past 30 years, with the top 1% of fires burning half the land.

The Derby Fire north of Dotsero is still burning more than 5,000 acres today—648 workers are trying to contain it.

Troy Bradley, chief pilot for Rainbow Ryders and holder of over 60 world records, will offer hot air balloon rides at Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off this summer and plans to test a record flight lasting 60—72 hours if cold Montana weather holds.

John Bell and his wife also offer rides in a red—heart-shaped balloon for couples celebrating engagements, weddings, or anniversaries.

Open Mic Night

7:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Free admission with two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of laughter as local comics take the stage at the best open mic in town.

2000's Nostalgia Party

9 PM — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away to the biggest hits of the 2000s while embracing the era's iconic fashion and culture.

Little Big Town Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Ford Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the award-winning harmonies of Little Big Town live in concert.

Fusion Night

8 p.m. – Midnight — 1106 N Circle Dr, Colorado Springs, CO — Free entry — Experience an electrifying fusion of music and entertainment every Saturday night.

2025 Recover OUTloud Music Festival

12-8 p.m. — 4615 Northpark Dr, Colorado Springs, CO — Tickets on sale — Celebrate National Recovery Month with headliners and local food trucks at this vibrant music festival.

Summer Concert Series

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy free live music from the Peak Big Band in the heart of Old Colorado City.

Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series

5-8:30 p.m. — Hillside Gardens & Event Center — $18 per ticket — Enjoy an evening of local talent in a stunning garden setting with food and drinks.

Jazz Thursdays with Wayne Wilkinson

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy smooth live jazz featuring the Wayne Wilkinson Trio and soulful renditions of classics.

Americana Fridays: CountyWyde

4-7 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy lively Americana music with a bluegrass twist and community spirit.

Downtown Walking Tour: Historic Architecture & Murals

10:00-11:30 a.m. — BLK MGK Coffee — $15 — Explore the artistry and history of Colorado Springs' urban landscape with expert guides.