Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The Aspen Acres Fire has burned nearly 99,000 acres and destroyed 338 homes near Colorado City.

Some evacuees are returning as new pre-evacuation orders go in effect while locals and volunteers continue to support recovery efforts.

Local first responders remember three firefighters who died battling the Knowles/Snyder fire along the Colorado-Utah border amid ongoing wildfire challenges on the West side and in Black Forest — crews continue protecting homes while honoring fallen heroes.

Chef James Africano is renovating a historic 139-year-old building at Cimarron and Sahwatch Streets into Urban Grocer — a grocery store opening Saturday, July 18.

He will offer specialty ingredients and prepared foods while creating about 40-50 local jobs for the community.

The Creel family announced plans to build a $50 million pecan processing plant at Peak Innovation Park; construction will start in August 2027 near the airport and the 70,000 sqft facility is set to open mid-2028, creating 50 jobs with salaries averaging $76,000 & boosting local growth.

Monarch Mountain filed a master development plan with the Forest Service that outlines upgrades such as new lifts, a detachable quad, and expanded parking to meet growing demand and explore summer attractions (subject to NEPA review).

The plan may include limited snowmaking only as a last resort.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo kicks off today, reviving a long-standing tradition in the Pikes Peak Region (local fans can enjoy rodeo competitions and festivities).

Tig Notaro will perform her Out of Nowhere Tour at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Pikes Peak Center + 190 S.

Cascade Ave. The acclaimed comedian and actor returns to Colorado, blending personal history with fresh humor after a landmark stand-up moment and an Academy Awards nomination as a producer.

Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, a 1995 graduate and former Commandant of Cadets, was nominated on May 6 to lead the U.S. Air Force Academy pending Senate confirmation — he will direct the 47-month officer program if confirmed.

Peak Vista Community Health Centers will host a free Breast Cancer Community Resources Fair Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 350 Lyckman Drive in Fountain to help connect women with screening resources and support for early detection.

Colorado Springs seniors facing high medical bills are urged to review bills carefully (watch for duplicate charges) and ask providers about financial assistance, interest-free payment plans, or Medicaid if income has dropped.

Local health advocates also offer free guidance on reducing costs.

Less Water, More Flavor: Garden Wine Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Hillside Gardens & Event Center — Ticketed event — Experience a unique wine dinner featuring dry farmed wines and drought-tolerant ingredients in a beautiful garden setting.

D2 Summer Food Service Program

All day — Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free meals available — A community initiative to provide nutritious food during the summer months.

LIVE at the Lodge - Tiny Pockets with Good Grub Food Truck

6-9 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Food truck and live music — Enjoy an evening of tunes from Tiny Pockets while savoring delicious bites from Good Grub.

Brushes & Brunch at Beans & Brews

1-3 p.m. — Beans & Brews Coffeehouse — $15 minimum food purchase required — Unleash your creativity with step-by-step painting instruction in a cozy café setting.

Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — El Pomar Youth Sports Park — Registration required — Develop soccer skills with expert coaching from Real Madrid methodologies.

Mash Mechanix Pickleball Club

5:30-6 p.m. — Mash Mechanix Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy friendly and competitive pickleball while sipping on discounted pints.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge while enjoying craft beer and prizes every Wednesday night.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30-6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly cycling adventure followed by community vibes and craft beer.

Food Distribution Event

10-11 a.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Open to all — Helping the community by providing food supplies for those in need.

Highland Happy Hour

6-10 p.m. — Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of drinks and camaraderie at a beloved local pub.