Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Pikes Peak United Way will host a block party on Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Family Success Center (1520 Verde Drive) to provide students with backpacks, haircuts, vaccines, food trucks and games.

Helicopter pilot Nicholas Dale died battling the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray on Monday, and friends & family held a procession along I-70 in Gunnison County to honor his service.

Chef James Africano opened Warehouse Urban Grocer downtown on July 18 to offer fresh produce, deli meats, and artisan cheeses for local residents—serving daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—while the market provides chef-prepared meals and regional products.

Crunch Fitness is relocating its north club from 5620 N.

Academy to a renovated 30,000 sqft facility at 5085 N. Academy with membership pre-sales underway; the upgraded club with expanded workout areas and specialty studios will open early 2027 while the current location remains in operation during the transition.

A Colorado company at Centennial Airport is converting military Black Hawk helicopters into Firehawks to battle wildfires and meet diverse firefighting needs.

The firm makes 10 to 12 custom units yearly and is expanding its work internationally, including projects for Colombia (an effort that boosts local aviation jobs).

Colorado Springs will celebrate Colorado Day on Saturday, Aug.

1 with activities at Pikes Peak (America's Mountain), the Pioneers Museum and Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The day features a Guinness World Records attempt at donut dunking, live music, food trucks and family activities to honor Colorado's 150th birthday.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrated baby gorilla Sully’s first birthday on Tuesday with interactive activities and a special guest (6-year-old Emilia Lopez) who fed the troop.

Sully, born to Goma and Asha, marked his milestone amid the zoo’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Colorado Springs officials plan to install eight new school zones at middle and high schools before summer ends to boost student safety and manage traffic in the area.

A crew member rescued Ash, a tiny fledgling owl weighing 1.6 ounces, from the Aspen Acres wildfire on July 12.

He is now at the Raptor Center in Pueblo and is expected to take his first flight soon, with a planned release on Aug. 24.

DPW began improvements on Defoe Ave at King Elementary on July 20, closing from Caballero Ave to Conquistador Ct (detour in effect), and will start a similar project on Grand Valley Dr near Sunrise on August 3 with a closure from Goldfield Dr to Woody Creek Dr for 3–4 weeks.

The Senate approved Maj.

Gen. Paul Moga's appointment as superintendent of the Air Force Academy last week, and he will replace Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, who retired early, joining the academy's new team of dean and commandant.

Hunter Swanson turned professional after graduation and will debut today at the Inspirato Colorado Open at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club for a $200,000 purse.

He was also named an assistant coach at the University of Colorado for the fall season.

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.

Sunday Market in Acacia Park

9 AM – 2 PM — Acacia Park — Free entry — Browse fresh food and local goods at this vibrant weekly community market.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 per class for locals, free for overnight guests — Enjoy a fun, water-resistant dance party that's easy on the joints.

Tuesday Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy great beer while competing for fun prizes.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge at a fun trivia night with beer and prizes.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30–6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly trail cycling ride followed by a refreshing beer with the community.

Rocky Mountain Sunset Painting Event

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping on drinks and painting your own masterpiece.

Comedy Night with Vicki Barbolak

7-8:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — See ticket information for pricing — Enjoy laughs with Trailer Nasty comedian Vicki Barbolak from America's Got Talent.

Makers Market at Red Leg Brewing

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore local artistry, baked goods, and farm fresh produce at this vibrant market.