Good morning, Colorado Springs.

A historical review shows Colorado Springs grew from Fountain Colony, founded by Gen. William Jackson Palmer in 1871.

Annexations and new subdivisions extended the city from the North End to what are now Peterson Field and other neighborhoods — stories that continue to shape the community.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff mourned the loss of Laikipia, a 19-year-old giraffe that passed Monday morning after a brief health decline.

The zoo will study her hoof anatomy + share her legacy when its new giraffe habitat opens in September.

A range of events is coming up in Colorado Springs from Sept.

3 to Oct. 18, including family festivals, food expos and outdoor shows at venues like Palmer Park and the Colorado Springs Event Center + organizers urge residents to check online for details and ticket info.

At Fairway Valley Apartments, tenants say the landlord is retaliating against union members by issuing eviction notices after residents, including Cisco Arellano’s family, joined a union to demand repairs for issues like broken windows and high fees (union organizers note similar actions affecting many residents).

Cotton Blossom Caramel in Black Forest offers local kids an entrepreneurial chance to run a cider (and lemonade) stand each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. through mid-October, giving families a hands-on opportunity to learn business while keeping the profits.

A busy lineup of comedy improv and theater events will run from Sept.

4 to Dec. at venues including Peak Improv Theater and Loonees Comedy Corner — many shows require tickets and offer unique live experiences. Check schedules online for details.

A new online list details free and affordable summer concerts in the Pikes Peak region — set to begin Sept.

3 at venues like Cerberus Brewing Co. and Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort while featuring acts across various local spots through December.

Bristol Brewing Co is hosting free outdoor movies on Saturday nights in September and October at Ivywild School's Bristol Schoolyard - 1604 S.

Cascade Ave. Films in September begin at 7:30 p.m. and in October at 6:30 p.m.

New frameworks for the 2025-26 school year show improvement in local schools as every Harrison District 2 school and every District 11 high school earns the highest rank, with the performance watch list dropping to 148; districts must send in more data by Oct.

15.

Cale Makar signed an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million — his record deal making him the NHL's highest-paid player — and he said the pressure motivates him to work harder with the Avalanche starting next season.