Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Several 9/11 memorial events are planned Friday and Saturday to honor victims and first responders.

The events include a firefighter climb at the Manitou Incline at 6:30 a.m. and various ceremonies and volunteer activities at local sites (including Monument Fire Station 1 and a Pikes Peak National Cemetery beautification event).

At Colorado Springs Christian Church Thursday night, parents, law enforcement, and community leaders met to discuss youth safety and share personal loss stories linked to fentanyl, suicide, and harmful social media content.

The town hall aimed to help families address online risks and guide conversations at home.

Local card shop The Deck Depot is addressing a rise in Pokémon scalping which has led to aggressive encounters and product shortages.

Owner David Kile enforces a limit of one item per person during popular drops — ensuring the game stays safe and fun for all.

This week, Colorado Springs offers three music events: Parish House Baroque performs chamber music at First Lutheran Church Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., Boots on the Mesa features country tunes at Gold Hill Mesa Saturday noon-6:30, + The Stars Tour presents Christian music Tuesday at Pikes Peak Center.

A beloved downtown Western music institution is set for a rebirth as Suzanne Dillon and Dean Mann, who bought the historic building at 433 E.

Cucharras St. in December, work with city officials to ensure code compliance; no reopening date has been provided.

Fiestas Patrias returns this weekend with a celebration of Hispanic culture, featuring live music, dancing horses, piñatas, and masked wrestling at Colorado Springs Flea Market on Saturday, Sept.

12 and continuing Sunday at the Mile High Flea Market in Henderson.

Regional fall festivals and Halloween events run Sept.

11-Nov. 14, offering haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and more for seasonal fun. Attendees can check details for varied admission prices and family-friendly activities at venues in Denver, Littleton (and surrounding areas).

Gas prices remain high in Colorado Springs after Labor Day, with AAA reporting an average of $4.32 per gallon plus diesel reaching a record $5.72.

Relief may arrive as seasonal price drops are expected in the coming months.

Ronnie Broyles secured an exception to the new 56-hour Medicaid caregiving cap and now pushes lawmakers to hold provider agencies accountable so other families can keep needed support - his approval lasts until Nov.

30.

Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs will expand its facilities after receiving a $40 million donation from the Golisano Children’s Alliance.

The expansion will add inpatient beds, more surgeries, and an enlarged emergency department in the Briargate neighborhood.

The Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs is highlighting veteran mental health support during Suicide Awareness Month.

The center explains that signs like isolation and depression may indicate a need for help and urges community members to stay connected with veterans.

Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria on Prominent Point offers a wide range of Mexican dishes including its signature burrito and enchiladas de espinaca in a rustic hacienda space.

The restaurant operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday & Saturday.

Tuesday night, Liberty volleyball beat Doherty in a comeback 3 to 2 win at the Spartans' gymnasium (sophomore Kaitlyn Conway scored the decisive match point) as the team rallied after a tough third set by Doherty’s Brenna Moerman.