Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Mitchell High School was evacuated after a cell phone malfunction caused a lithium battery to explode—firefighters responded and assessed 24 students for toxin exposure, and none required further treatment.

Climb Credit Union opened its new Colorado Springs branch at 3582 Blue Horizon View, Suite 100 in August—after closing its old branch in Old Colorado City—and held a ribbon-cutting on Sept 23.

The facility features member-focused service areas and modern banking technology and plans to add interactive teller machines soon.

Señor Manuel Mexican Cuisine — a 55-year restaurant in Colorado Springs — closed permanently after a July 2024 fire caused by an electrical malfunction.

The restaurant announced its closure on social media Tuesday and said rebuilding complications halted plans to reopen.

A new guide details Halloween events in Colorado Springs for October including haunted houses, film festivals, ghost tours, bar crawls and family fun.

The guide lists dates and locations like Hellscream Haunted House — helping residents plan a spooky season that suits every taste.

Six of seven D-11 board candidates met Tuesday night at Tesla Professional Development Center to share plans for boosting student achievement, increasing transparency, and supporting teachers.

They discussed school safety, handling the district budget and ways to change policies ahead of the election on Nov. 4 with ballots mailed on Oct. 10 — key details for local voters.

Students planning to attend college in fall 2026 can now submit their FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study, and financial aid officials warn that early, error-free submissions help secure tuition and book support—mistakes like unsent electronic signatures may delay funding. Financial aid directors stress that submitting the form correctly and checking school emails for updates will keep students on track.

Government funding ran out Tuesday, forcing a shutdown that is affecting about 750,000 federal workers in southern Colorado and raising concerns among military families over missed paychecks and food insecurity—local groups are ready to offer help.

El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking community volunteers for the Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees, with applications due by October 24 at 12:00 p.m. MST.

Selected members will begin serving on January 1 to set policies and review the library's budget + guide strategic planning.

The Department of State rejected the nomination paperwork for Colorado House District 14—because the vacancy committee held its meeting less than 10 days after Representative Rose Pugliese resigned on September 15, and the notice was mailed late.

The paperwork was submitted on September 24 and the committee can refile if it follows the law.

Former Meadows Park Community Center director Brian Kates pitched a plan to keep the center open by proposing a 20% funding cut across all centers—an approach estimated to save about $1.05 million while he raised $70,000 in private funds to operate with minimal staff until year's end. City officials plan to close the center to save $775,000, and Kates hopes Mayor Mobolade will consider his proposal this week.

Aly Bukoski is a mom with epilepsy who got a vagus nerve stimulator implant to cut down her seizures—she calls it a game-changer after many hard years.

She now teaches her toddler to use a magnet on a special tattoo in emergencies—helping her manage the condition and enjoy a fuller life.

El Paso County’s coroner said a person who died in August in Colorado Springs was the first case in the county involving carfentanil without fentanyl—a strong opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl that may test negative on fentanyl strips and require a higher dose of Narcan to reverse an overdose. The county health department now offers free Narcan kits at three locations during business days.

Music Bingo Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free to play — Enjoy a lively night of Music Bingo with family and furry friends at this popular local pub.

$4 Happy Hour Drinks and Art at Painting with a Twist

$4 Happy Hour Drinks — 5-7 PM — Painting with a Twist — $4 wine and beer — Unleash your inner artist with a guided painting session.

Donuts Baking Class: The Sweet Science

4:00-5:30 p.m. — 1753 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO — Kids Event Ticket — A hands-on culinary adventure where kids learn the science of making delicious donuts from scratch.

Anna Ash Live at Lulu's Downtown

7-11 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Tickets available now — Enjoy an enchanting evening with Anna Ash and special guest Malena Cadiz in Colorado Springs.

2fer-1 Tuesday BOGO Seats | Date Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$45 per person — Enjoy a fun, relaxing evening painting step-by-step with friends while sipping your favorite drink.

Colorado Springs Monthly Evening Networking Mingle

5-7 p.m. — ViewHouse — Free for entrepreneurs — Casual networking for business owners in a welcoming atmosphere.

Colorado Springs Veterans Job Fair

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Broadmoor World Arena — Free entry — Discover entrepreneurship and business ownership opportunities tailored for veterans and military personnel.

Springs Comedy Festival

9:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Ticket price includes fees — Enjoy laughs from 25 top comics competing for a comedy special!

Live Music with Sofakillers

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Catch Colorado Springs' favorite local band for an energetic farewell to the outdoor music season.

Crushed Glass & Resin Art Workshop

2-4:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 per person — Create a stunning faux stained glass piece using vibrant crushed glass and resin in this hands-on art workshop.