Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region launches its Home for the Holidays drive this December to find new homes for shelter animals.

Status Symbol Auto Body donates $25 for each pet adoption or reunion, and the shelter will add an ornament for every rehomed animal.

Tuesday, Colorado Gives Day raised more than $50 million for nonprofits as Coloradans donated to support food banks and pantries.

CEO Kelly Dunkin noted that many organizations benefited from the statewide drive during this 24-hour event.

Grey Hawk Park is complete and a ribbon-cutting begins today at 1:30 p.m. near Voyager Parkway and North Gate Boulevard; the new 6,500 sqft site features walking loops, a playground, a multi-use field, a picnic pavilion, trees and a scenic overlook where local children test the equipment.

In 1871, early settlers in the Fountain Colony gathered for the first Christmas in what became Colorado Springs—marking the start of community traditions with humble celebrations and handmade decorations—despite harsh prairie conditions.

Queen Palmer organized the event, setting a precedent for local holiday spirit.

Colorado Springs area craft fairs run through Jan.

9 — featuring a free Holiday Market at Commonwheel Artists Co-op in Manitou Springs, operating 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas), an Annual Holiday Show and Sale at Auric Gallery, a Parks and Recreation Holiday Craft Fair Dec. 13 in Cripple Creek, and more.

The African American Youth Leadership Conference, which has helped local high school seniors access college funds for 33 years, plans to use donations from Colorado Gives Day to raise money for a permanent space and expand college-readiness workshops.

Local student Aadi founded TechPals with friends at a community library to teach seniors smartphone basics and digital safety.

The group has held over 150 workshops that now help more than 5,000 seniors stay connected (bridging the generation gap) in our community.

Pikes Peak Library District purchased a 1.9-acre lot on Pony Tracks Drive near Sand Creek High School for $936,000 and will inspect the land within 45 days to assess its suitability for a new library.

Board members said temporary installations—lockers or a modular building—may be added while fundraising continues.

Southbound Union Boulevard is closed between Montebello Drive and Academy Boulevard today for water main repairs — crews aim to complete repairs this evening and open lanes partially tomorrow if weather permits.

Drivers are advised to follow detours while nearby business access remains available.

Police warn Colorado Springs residents about Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid (100 times stronger than fentanyl) that can be fatal in just 0.2 milligrams and may not respond well to Narcan.

Over sixty overdose deaths were reported since early November.

A recent regional market assessment found Colorado Springs is short 27,000 homes.

Local experts say the shortage of affordable starter homes and market uncertainty may keep young buyers from owning homes, and meeting a need for 60,000 new homes by 2035 will require a faster pace of construction.

On Tuesday, the Rockies formalized their pitching staff by hiring Alon Leichman as pitching coach, Gabe Ribas as assistant pitching coach, Matt Buschmann as bullpen coach and Matt Daniels as director of pitching.

The staff, brought in from outside, will rebuild the pitching system through both major and minor league development.

Cheyenne Mountain’s boys basketball team won 53-45 against Pine Creek in its home opener Tuesday, improving to a 4-0 record and fueling hopes for a state championship run as junior Alex Treglia noted crucial adjustments after Pine Creek’s late rally.

OCC Christkindlmarket

12-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Experience an authentic German holiday market with handcrafted goods and cultural entertainment.

Happy Hour: Creative Painting and Candle Making

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $25-$37 — Unleash your creativity while sipping drinks and making your own masterpiece.

Christian Singles Winter Gathering

5-8 p.m. — Colorado Mountain Brewery — $20 for Non Hub Members — Celebrate the season with fellowship, food, and a visit to a festive Christkindlmarket.

Santa Paws Winter Market

4-7 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free entry — Festive market featuring local vendors and delightful treats for both pups and their humans.

Bleating Heart Night: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting a wonderful local charity focused on helping children in need.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

7-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — A platform for seasoned and new comedians to showcase their talent in a fun setting.

South Section Holiday Happy Hour

5:30-7 p.m. — COATI — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive happy hour in Colorado Springs.

A Ronins Test Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — The Black Sheep — Tickets available — Experience a top concert pick in Colorado Springs this December.

Kris Shaw Live Comedy Show

7 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission with a two-item minimum — Experience the unique storytelling and humor of Kris Shaw alongside special guests.

Game Days at D&B

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Game day deals available — Score big with $10 wings and enjoy a fun-filled gaming experience.