Good morning, Colorado Springs.

A local pet store manager thanked community members after police recovered Howard, a beloved tortoise stolen Wednesday from his store on North Academy Boulevard, returning him Thursday.

He said he is exploring safer options for the animal’s care — a sign of overwhelming community support.

Colorado Springs will host a free Juneteenth festival this weekend at Norris Penrose Event Center with over 60 vendors, kids activities, live music, and a fashion show.

A pre-event is set Friday at Concrete Coyote Park (4–8 p.m.).

Carboy Winery and Angelo’s Taverna plan to open a tasting room and restaurant this summer at the former Old Chicago on I-25 and Woodmen.

Construction continues — the building nears completion as an official opening date remains pending.

Level Up Arcade, a veteran-owned business, is set to open by the Fourth of July weekend in Fountain.

Owner Ivan Rodriguez plans to offer classic and modern games — including air hockey and skee ball — so families and service members can enjoy local entertainment.

Pizza Ranch, an Iowa-based chain, opened its buffet-style restaurant (with a FunZone Arcade) Monday at 3958 N.

Academy Blvd. near the intersection of Academy and Austin Bluffs Parkway. It offers a range of pizzas, chicken, and sides with discounts for seniors, military, and first responders.

Colorado Springs hosts two Fourth of July events on Saturday, July 4; the Colorado Springs Philharmonic will perform at Ford Amphitheater with fireworks at 9 p.m., and the Switchbacks match at Weidner Field will end with a fireworks display after the 7 p.m. game.

The Gibbs twins, dressed in red, white and blue, visited Cheyenne Mountain Zoo yesterday to honor America's 250th birthday and their military service.

Colorado Springs Airport received a final $7.5M federal grant for terminal upgrades & improvements.

The grant, part of a five-year program that has provided $27.5M in total, supports the Elevate COS project with new elevators and ticket counters planned to finish by summer 2027.

Friday, Jun. 19 saw the Gibbs Twins celebrate reaching 96 at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo by feeding a giraffe (a highlight of their day) as they joined family in donning red, white and blue to mark America's 250th birthday.

Racer Codie Vahsholtz from Woodland Park will compete in the 104th Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Sunday with his 2013 Ford custom fitted with a new twin-turbo engine.

He hopes the upgrade boosts his performance — setting a new chapter on America’s Mountain.

Colorado athletic leaders say new revenue sharing rules and donor funding are reshaping Olympic sports programs as CU and DU work to build on recent wins.

Air Force also remains steady in its commitment (despite funding challenges) to keep its strong sports traditions.

The Garbologists

4 p.m. — Ent Center for the Arts — Check for ticket pricing — A sharp and heartfelt comedy about finding connection in the mess of everyday life.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind and enjoy a creative evening with coloring pages and a pint at this relaxing new tradition.

OCC Summer Concert Series

6-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy electrifying blues and rock tunes by Hurricane Dave and the Stormchasers.

Banning Lewis Ranch Summer Concert Series Featuring The Burroughs

6 p.m. — Vista Park Pavilion — Free entry — Experience a lively night of 'sweaty soul music' under the stars with food trucks and community vibes.

Music in the Yard: The Fuzzheads

6-8 p.m. — Bristol Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy summer vibes with live music and local brews in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Books & Brews at Goat Patch Brewing

2-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 OFF pints — Browse curated books and enjoy a unique listening experience with audiobooks.

Pikes Punks Comedy Show: Billy Anderson

8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — In-person event — Get ready to laugh your head off at the premiere Colorado Springs comedy show featuring the hilarious Billy Anderson.

The Garbologists

4 PM — Ent Center for the Arts — Ticket pricing not specified — Discover the connection and comedy between two sanitation workers through trash talk and unexpected truths.

Summer Cosmic Adventures: Mission to Mars

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Space Foundation Headquarters and Discovery Center — $180 per camper — embark on a hands-on adventure to tackle engineering challenges and explore Mars.

Reel Fun Craft Night

4:30-6 p.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie while indulging in crafts and artistic fun for all ages.