Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs installed temporary barriers and signs on Wednesday to block left turns at the North Union Boulevard—Garmish Road intersection after two fatal motorcycle crashes in August; the measures will remain in place for at least six months as officials assess a permanent solution.

Good Intentions, a locally owned perfume, candle and skincare brand, will open its brick-and-mortar storefront at 119 N.

Tejon St. in downtown Colorado Springs at 11 a.m. Saturday—its new space will provide a larger area for its expanding product line.

Many school teachers in District 11 walked out on strike Wednesday morning after district officials ended a long-standing contract with the union and replaced it with a handbook that offers fewer benefits — hundreds of teachers have picketed in front of several D-1 schools while officials said substitute teachers covered classes.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade — who said he is a product of public help and opportunity — shared his journey to the American Dream in an interview on Oct.

8, showing that the dream remains alive.

On October 8th, Mayor Yemi delivered his third State of the City address and provided a halftime report on the city's accomplishments and challenges.

Residents can listen to his full speech—available on the Behind of Springs podcast.

Xcel, Colorado’s biggest utilities provider, asked the state to overrule local permit denials for its $1.7 billion Colorado Power Pathway project after officials in El Paso and Elbert counties raised safety and land use concerns about the 550-mile powerline.

Xcel said the powerline will carry 5,500 megawatts of renewable energy from wind and solar sources and meets state rules, and a full review is expected to last up to 250 days+ while public hearings are planned.

The Manitou Springs City Council endorsed a ticket tax hike to raise the excise tax from 5% to 14% for six tourism-driven businesses to help offset a $4 million budget shortfall from declining marijuana sales tax revenue — Ballot issue 2A is being mailed to voters this week and could add about $2.5 million in revenue despite strong opposition from local business owners.

Local Colorado Springs coffee shops now serve fall seasonal drinks that provide balanced flavors compared to the overly sweet Pumpkin Spice Latte from the megachain+ offerings include Loyal Coffee’s Oatmeal Cookie and Cardamom Lattes, Building Three’s Sweet Potato Matcha and Ginger Spice Lattes, Dynamo Coffee Roasters’ Beetlejuice, Hold Fast Coffee Co.’s Pumpkin Pie Latte, and Story Coffee Company’s Warming Spices Latte. These drinks come in hot and iced versions and will remain on rotating menus into mid-December.

Colorado Springs now offers a new rooftop lounge at the Hilton Garden Inn with views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak and indoor/outdoor seating with warming firepits—while Round Table Pizza welcomed crowds on N.

Academy Blvd in early September, with Culver’s launching Curdtoberfest on Oct. 15 and the Margarita at Pine Creek planning a Wine Maker’s Dinner on Oct. 16.

Local high school teams in the Pikes Peak region are set for key contests this week, with undefeated football teams clashing as Sand Creek faces Cheyenne Mountain at 7 p.m. Friday.

A top volleyball game between Colorado Springs School and Pikes Peak Christian is on today at 6:30 p.m.—and additional soccer, tennis, and flag football events will follow through Saturday.

Kilian Jornet finished a record endurance challenge by running and riding 72 fourteeners in 31 days starting in Colorado and covering 3,198 miles along with 403,638 feet of elevation gain—his 'States of Elevation' feat spanned across Colorado and the lower 48 states.

His journey set a new mark in ultrarunning and cycling endurance.

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.

Bleating Heart Night: Happy Cats Haven

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy craft beer while supporting Happy Cats Haven with every purchase.

BOGO Wine Wednesday at Painting with a Twist

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — BOGO wines available — Enjoy a fun evening of painting guided by an artist while sipping wine.

Black Jacket Symphony

7:30-9 p.m. — Pikes Peak Center For The Performing Arts — Cost varies — Experience classic albums brought to life in a unique concert setting.

Easton Corbin Live in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience the neotraditional sounds of country music star Easton Corbin, known for his captivating baritone and hit singles.

Villain Arts Tattoo Arts Festival

11 AM – 11 PM — Colorado Springs Event Center — $25 Day / $50 3-Day Pass — Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of tattoo culture with live art and performances.

Me & My Boo Day Date at the Sunflower Field

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35-$39 per person — Unleash your inner artist in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying drinks and painting fun.