Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs dispensaries have reported a 450% increase in customer traffic since recreational marijuana sales began on April 15—managers have adjusted inventory and hired more staff to meet the new demand.

Recreational users now outnumber medical patients as local stores continue to adapt to changing business needs.

Early Monday morning, police responded to gunshots near an apartment complex on the 1400 block of Michelle Court when a man fired at officers — they returned fire and killed him, with no officers injured and the investigation continuing as residents are asked to avoid the area.

Gilbert Lopez Jr—53 from New Mexico—was found guilty by an El Paso County jury after a 12-day trial for killing his girlfriend near a Colorado Springs bus stop in June 2023 and received a life sentence along with extra time for burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Colorado Springs Police Department announced today a new online system that lets residents report non-emergency crimes such as identity theft, break-ins, and theft of vehicle parts — and it partners with 988 to connect those in mental health crises with licensed professionals.

Residents of Colorado Springs can share their ideas on the city's updated parks master plan by completing an online survey open through Aug.

3 and attending public meetings. The first meeting is today from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Briargate YMCA + a second in-person session will be held tomorrow from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Armed Services YMCA, with a virtual session scheduled for July 9 at 6 p.m. and community workshops planned for autumn.

City staff presented a resolution to lease the 102-year-old City Auditorium at 221 E Kiowa Street to AVA Presents, which will manage repairs and programming if the City Council approves the agreement on July 8—repair evaluations will begin soon and parts of the venue may open for shows by summer 2026.

Colorado Springs will host the 45th U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor Golf Club from June 26 to 29, with nearly 25,000 spectators expected daily.

Road closures began on June 23 and continue through Sunday — shuttles from off-site parking will help visitors reach the course.

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.

Post-Deployment Welcome Home

10-11 a.m. — Airman & Family Readiness Center — Free entry — Celebrate the return of our dedicated personnel in this community-oriented welcome home event.

Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series

6 PM – 12 AM — Hillside Gardens & Event Center — $18 — Enjoy local music, food, and drinks in a beautiful garden setting every Wednesday night.

John Wise and Tribe Live Performance

5-8 PM — Rico's Cafe & Wine Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a creative fusion of Blues from local favorites John Wise, Brad Eastin, and Bobby McGuffin.

Rockledge Ranch 4th of July Celebration

11 a.m. — Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site — $4-$8 — Celebrate Independence Day with food, games, live music, and a kids’ patriotic parade all day long.