Daily editionSunday, June 21st, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of June.
Community
The Gibbs twins, 96, celebrated their birthday at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Friday, June 19 with 24 family members and friends.
The zoo, marking its 100th birthday, welcomed the twins with a centennial coffee table book & a memorable day with giraffes and family moments.
11 NewsRead more
The 15th Colorado Springs Garden Tour returns June 27-28 at the Country Club and nearby neighborhoods plus it will feature seven gardens with live demos by Master Gardeners and Plein Air Garden Artist paintings while tickets cost $25 for adults.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs is part of a statewide trend as more foster children reunite with their families; 335 kids in El Paso County returned home last year compared to 288 in 2023 (child welfare experts credit increased funding and community support for the boost).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Lynn Bartels, known as Colorado’s most respected political journalist, died Thursday at 69 — she worked at the Rocky Mountain News, the Denver Post and the Secretary of State’s office.
A memorial service at the Denver Press Club will be announced soon.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
The free sixth annual Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival moved indoors to Norris Penrose Event Center, with a Saturday session at 8 a.m. and today’s session starting at 10 a.m. The event features live music, vendors and kids’ activities to celebrate freedom in a safer setting.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Today, a new six-week series begins that counts down 150 cultural figures who have shaped Colorado — including influential artists, writers and entertainers such as Blinky the Clown and Philip K. Dick — as the state nears its 150th birthday.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Mush Love, Tee has opened in Old Colorado City at 2627 W. Colorado Ave., offering mushroom-themed gifts, art, and wellness products from local vendors.
The store operates noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and hosts monthly events (including movie nights) to bring the community together.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Local historian Steve Plutt and the Ute Pass Historical Society share a story about the 1895 Victor train robbery (when Bob Taylor’s gang stopped Engine No. 6 at the Victor Depot and held passengers at gunpoint), marking a dramatic moment in the region’s mining history.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
Lynn Bartels, a respected political journalist, died Thursday at 69 after a storied career with the Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post, and Colorado Secretary of State’s office (she earned awards including a Pulitzer Prize); a memorial service will be announced at the Denver Press Club.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Three past kings of the mountain, including Faggioli, Shute and Dumas, will race in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb today.
The 12.42-mile course features 156 turns and a 4,725-foot climb with rookie Caruso and Woodland Park’s Vahscholtz also among the top qualifiers.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The PBR Space Cowboys presented by the U.S. Space Force held a bull riding event at Falcon Stadium on Saturday, June 20, where 28,000 fans watched riders compete and Tim McGraw performed.
Renovations to the stadium & community support set the stage for more big events.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Jaccob Slavin, who played his first game at Memorial Park’s Sertich Ice Center, credits his father’s supportive faith and weekly family dinners with inspiring his record-setting NHL career—marked by a Stanley Cup win and Olympic gold medal.
The Colorado native leads as a defenseman and finds strength in family values.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Accidents
Five people died on North Nevada Avenue over the past five years, and temporary speed feedback signs installed are only a start as local residents urge a lane reduction to improve safety — a change supported by multiple traffic studies.
KOAA News5Read more
Colorado Springs Events
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, June 22nd, 2026 · 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.
Tuesday Trivia Night
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Cerberus Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge for prizes while enjoying craft beers in a fun atmosphere.
Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge while enjoying a brew and competing for prizes.
Pasta Making Class with Chef Juwanza
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 · 5-7 p.m. — Axe and the Oak Whiskey House — Enjoy a hands-on cooking class and craft delicious pasta from scratch.
Books & Brews at Goat Patch Brewing
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 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
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 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.
Pasta Making Cooking Class with Chef Juwanza
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — uva wine bar — All ingredients included — Elevate your cooking skills with a fun hands-on pasta-making experience.
Randy Stephens & the Groovemakers Live Performance
Monday, June 29th, 2026 · 6:00-9:30 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — $10 cover at the door — Experience an energetic mix of blues, funk, and rock from the award-winning Groovemakers.
Bleating Heart Nights at Goat Patch Brewing Company
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer for a good cause benefiting local non-profits.
Poolside Pals Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite!
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 12:00-1:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $29 per person — Enjoy a fun art class suitable for ages 5 and up where families can create colorful memories together.