Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Local community members in Colorado Springs held Juneteenth celebrations that brought residents together with cultural events—organizers said the festivities honored local heritage and diversity.

The events welcomed everyone as part of a citywide effort to commemorate this historic holiday.

The El Paso County Fair announced the 2025 Fair Awards yesterday — naming Patty Woodard as the VIP Award winner, Felicia Publicker as the Volunteer Award winner for her over 250 service hours, and 16-year-old Moriah Hudson as the 4-H/FFA Award recipient.

The fair will run from July 12 to July 19 at the Fair and Events Center in Calhan — a venue that supports local agriculture and youth programs.

JINYA Ramen Bar opened this week in a downtown Colorado Springs space that formerly housed Steel Pan PnP and Iron Bird Brewing, serving authentic ramen made with slow-cooked broths that take up to two days to develop.

The chain, its 73rd outpost and fourth in Colorado, is partnering with Angels of America's Fallen (a nonprofit supporting children of fallen first responders) to donate 10% of its gyoza sales during the first month.

On Wednesday, Hayam El Gamal, wife of Mohamed Sabry Farag Soliman—accused of throwing Molotov cocktails during the June 1 Boulder attack—spoke out about her and her five children’s harsh conditions in a Texas detention center where a restraining order stops their deportation and she said they are treated like animals.

On Thursday, Colorado Springs police arrested Michael Showalter on 14 charges including fentanyl distribution after finding him slumped over a vehicle's steering wheel at 2:43 p.m. in the 3100 block of North Powers Boulevard—he fled when a deflation device was used on his tire and was later found with a loaded handgun, fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia.

Today, the inaugural Arts Uprise Festival in Colorado Springs opens at Millibo Arts Theatre and will run through Sunday—featuring plays by Colorado writers, spoken word from Ashley Cornelius, music by John Spengler, and art curated by Auric Gallery—while serving as a fundraiser for MAT.

Manitou Springs extended the emergency sewer line repair at the intersection of Manitou Avenue and Crystal Park Road through June 30 due to unforeseen complications with aging infrastructure.

Traffic crews manage vehicle flow — Crystal Park Road is closed from Poplar Place to Manitou Avenue while Manitou Avenue has shifting lane closures near the work zone.

Yoseph Williamson, a 14-year-old with NF1—a rare genetic disorder causing painful nerve tumors—found relief after his family moved to Colorado Springs last year to receive coordinated treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

His doctors work together to manage his condition and plan ongoing therapies to improve his quality of life.

Romain Dumas, a five-time winner, will race a newly modified electric Super Mustang Mach-E at Pikes Peak this Sunday after months of upgrades that lowered the car's weight and added an active DRS system for better speed on the 156-corner, 12.4-mile course.

Engineers began designing the vehicle in October and tested it in Europe before shipping it here for final tuning ahead of the race.

Colorado Springs Autism Walk and Resource Fair

10 AM – 1 PM — Memorial Park — Support local autism initiatives — Participate in a community-driven walk and resource fair to enhance awareness and support for autism.

Painting with a Purpose Fundraiser

3-5 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $38-$50 per person — Enjoy a creative afternoon supporting a local non-profit while painting your own masterpiece.

Self Defense Academy Youth Summer Camp

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs — Registration required — Engage in a week of outdoor fun and self-defense training designed for kids.

Steve Langemo Live at The Mining Exchange

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience a vibrant performance blending jazz, funk, and electronic music in a lively hotel lobby.

Hillside Summer Concert Series

6-8:30 p.m. — Hillside Gardens — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy live music from Grizzly Gopher, Roma Ransom, and John Wise & the Tribe in a beautiful garden setting.

Monthly Lunch Networking Mingle

12-2 p.m. — Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant — RSVP appreciated — Network with local business owners over delicious food in a relaxed setting.

Thomas Owen Band in the Courtyard

4-7 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy classic country infused with rock and roll in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Kid's Painting & Plushie Making Party

10 AM – 12 PM — Painting with a Twist — $35 per person — Kids create unique paintings and stuffed animals in a fun, hands-on pARTy!

Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon: The Brotherhood of Rock Tour

7-11 PM — Ford Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the iconic Kevin Cronin Band's thrilling performance in a summer music outing.

Oakland Ballers at Rocky Mountain Vibes

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM — Security Service Field — VIP packages available — Enjoy an extravagant game day experience with VIP access to food, drinks, and entertainment.