Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade programs helped Mytikas Manufacturing refurbish a factory in Florence to produce luxury park model homes that will add up to 200 high-paying jobs—boosting local economic growth, while a grant helped furniture maker Fomcore expand in Pueblo to create 10 jobs and Trinidad’s Creative District reduced vacancies to support the arts.

Pikes Peak State College announced Tuesday a plan to support military students who may be affected by the ongoing government shutdown—officials said the college will provide guidance and resources as needed.

High school seniors and returning college students in Colorado Springs can now submit their FAFSA for fall 2026—a required step to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

The form opened on Sept. 25 and will be available until June 30, so students should check carefully that all information is complete.

Colorado Springs Police Department will receive two mobile Speed Safety Camera systems using new AVIS technology this October—these systems will help protect vulnerable roadway users in school zones during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup.

The cameras will also patrol roads near municipal parks, neighborhoods, and construction zones as part of the department's ongoing traffic safety strategy.

Colorado Springs may see short-term economic harm as many federal workers and active duty military face delayed pay during a government shutdown—up to one in eight paychecks may be delayed, leading to less spending locally.

Bill Craighead of the local Economic Forum said workers will eventually receive back pay while essential services continue operating.

The Colorado General Assembly approved $7.5M in extra funds and a bill—if a shutdown happens—to support the WIC program for women and children, with the governor pledging that the money will only be used if federal funds are not available.

Legislators also set up plans for new rules in 2026 to handle such requests in the future.

Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment announced support for federal workers who may be furloughed in a possible government shutdown, saying many of the 54,300 can claim unemployment benefits by filing online and using their call center (303-318-9000).

On Wednesday, the Air Force Academy announced that several public functions had been closed due to the government shutdown, with the planetarium canceling shows and the visitor center left unstaffed.

Civilian faculty were furloughed while uniformed staff continued teaching classes—intramural sports and cadet laundry services were also suspended, though dining and child care operations remained open.

Colorado has had one of the worst rates of mental illness in the nation—ranking 50th for both overall conditions and substance abuse—based on data from 2022 and 2023; over one in four residents face mental health challenges.

Youth mental health shows some improvement with fewer teen suicides and more adolescents flourishing.

Bill Schmidt stepped down as Rockies general manager, so the club is now seeking an outside leader to bring fresh ideas to the team—candidates include Thad Levine, red-hot Mariners mainstay Andy McKay, and Dayton Moore.

$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.

Game Night at MoJoe's

6-8 p.m. — MoJoe's Cafe — Free coffee with own game — Connect with fellow board game enthusiasts over coffee and snacks while enjoying diverse games.