Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Springs Rescue Mission CEO Travis Williams sat on a downtown bench for 24 hours to spark conversation on homelessness—livestreaming his talks with city leaders and residents, including one who had been homeless.

He said sleeping outside was hard but it proved that change can start with honest dialogue.

Shaun Walls urged South Side residents to use their mail-in ballots and back local candidates to counter low voter turnout and failing schools—only about 3.5% of voters returned ballots in recent elections.

He stressed that true leadership begins with action and called on everyone to vote and support change in the community.

After financial struggles, the Pikes Peak Bulletin reinvented itself by moving to a mostly digital model and stopping its weekly print edition in July—new publisher Juaquin Mobley and a refreshed board have broadened its focus to cover more parts of Colorado Springs.

The paper now offers a quarterly print edition with magazine-style layouts and partners with local schools and organizations to bring local news to readers.

Planet Fitness in Monument at 16096 Jackson Creek Parkway opened today with a grand opening celebration starting at 10 a.m.—the gym was adapted from a former Staples and shares a wall with PetSmart while offering local snacks and giveaways to welcome the community.

CityVet expanded into Colorado Springs when it opened its clinic on Sept.

29 at 9235 N. Union Blvd., Suite 5170 in Briargate—its seventh clinic in the state led by Dr. Zuania Cordero. The new practice offers comprehensive pet care services including preventive care, urgent care, and surgeries for common and exotic pets.

Celtic Thunder will perform at Pikes Peak Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. — the intimate show will feature their greatest hits, interactive light effects, and special guest Emmet Cahill — with tickets priced from $45 to $75.

Colorado Springs musician Sean Schafer Hennessy composed a piece called 'Sketches of Courage' using his grandfather’s WWII sketches to honor his service as a forward observer — the 25-minute performance at Ent Center for the Arts featured Denver Brass with music, narration, and historical images.

Manitou Springs voters will soon see a ballot item on bond 4C to fix aging school buildings and update security systems, including secure entrances and cameras—aiming to reduce safety risks for children.

Parent Matt Cavanaugh urged a yes vote to help pay for needed repairs such as leaky roofs and outdated fire alarm panels.

Col. Adam Fisher said that few Colorado Springs reservists have applied for new part-time Space Force roles, with only 175 of 500 eligible airmen submitting applications.

He noted that the episodic design of these roles — which do not offer the steady predictability of the traditional reserve model — poses challenges for maintaining stable civilian careers as the unit winds down.

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.

Lena Rich Concert

7-11 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Entry cost not specified — Experience the earthy and ethereal sounds of Lena Rich inspired by folk traditions.

Thursday Lunch & Learn

12-1:30 p.m. — MacKenzie’s Chop House — All welcome — Network with inspiring individuals while enjoying a delicious meal and guest speakers.