Good morning, Springfield.

Today, the Springfield Police Department introduced the Blue Envelope Program to help residents with disabilities during police stops and emergencies.

The program offers blue envelopes with essential documents and clear instructions to support better communication amid unexpected encounters.

Crystal Quade became the new executive director of the Downtown Springfield Association in February and is now leading a two-month strategic review to fix declining membership and financial issues.

The nonprofit downtown will share the review findings in June as it works to rebuild its clear identity in the community.

PaPPo's Pizzeria and Pub will open its first Christian County location at 701 N.

McCroskey St. in Nixa early May. Training is underway at its Battlefield Road site in Springfield after delays from plumbing issues and extensive renovations.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its Springfield temple on Saturday, June 6 at 2720 E.

Farm Road 188 near Mercy Orthopedic Hospital. Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante will preside, and Zoom access will be available for those not invited in person as more details follow.

The National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert will be held on April 30 at Great Southern Bank on the Missouri State University campus.

Actor John Goodman and Councilmember Callie Carroll will host the event with acts including Little Big Town and Chris Janson, and all tickets cost $66.

The University of Missouri School of Medicine will expand its Springfield campus into a full four-year medical school starting summer 2027 to train 32 new students per class and help address local doctor shortages (partnered with CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield Communities).

Springfield City Council approved a new redevelopment plan for the 3.5-mile Kearney Street Corridor, offering tax incentives and excluding businesses like vape shops and pawn shops, a change aimed at attracting family-friendly outlets and building on a 2018 effort to revitalize the north side.

In April, Mid-America Transplant & Valkyrie UAS Solutions began test flights of drones at Missouri S&T in Rolla to transport medical samples between Springfield and St. Louis, aiming to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

The drones carry up to 12 pounds and use renewable energy for cost savings.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will update its tattoo policies tomorrow, letting donors with tattoos from approved (state-regulated) facilities give blood immediately.

Donors who got tattoos in unregulated states will wait three months, covering 40 states like Missouri and Kansas.

Missouri State forward Michael Osei-Bonsu entered the NCAA transfer portal to pursue football, even though he never played the sport competitively.

The 6-foot-4, 289-pound standout — known for his strong athletic ability in basketball — plans to play defensive tackle or tight end and is represented by Exclusive Sports Group.

Meet the Morgan Horse

1-4 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — $5 carriage rides — Experience horse demos and fun family activities at this lively event.

Spring Dance Concert: Bloom Revue

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $30.50 — Enjoy a vibrant variety dance concert featuring local talent and choreography.

Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off Celebration

April 30th — Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque — Varied pricing — Celebrate a century of Route 66 with concerts, parades, and community events in Springfield.

Becky Robinson Live

8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy comedy from LA-based sensation Becky Robinson as she brings her unique characters to the stage.

Let's Drive Campaign

12-1 p.m. — The Library Center — Free entry — Attend a class to transform your business ideas into actionable plans with expert guidance.

Comedian Shelly Belly

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of relatable laughs with the renowned comedian Shelly Belly in an intimate setting.

Springfield Indian Artifact Show

May 8-9 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Entry fee may apply — Explore prehistoric artifacts and connect with local history enthusiasts.

William Montgomery Live Comedy Show

6:00 PM - 12:45 AM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian William Montgomery, known for his appearances on the hit podcast 'Kill Tony'.

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Springfield

7-10 a.m. — Truman Elementary School — Registration required — Run through Springfield in a fun-filled family event with races for all ages.