Good morning, Springfield.

Eleven new bricks were dedicated Thursday, April 23, at the Victims’ Memorial Garden (Phelps Grove Park) during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to honor victims and advocates.

The event featured a Presentation of Colors by Springfield law enforcement and a performance by the Ozarks Technical Community College Choir.

The new Route 66 Welcome Center opens Monday, April 27 in downtown Springfield at 318 Park Central East (adjacent to the Route 66 Birthplace Plaza and near the Gillioz Theatre) and will offer interactive maps, guides, and souvenirs for visitors ahead of the Centennial Kickoff celebration.

On Friday morning at University Plaza Hotel, Springfield hosted a naturalization ceremony recognizing 23 new citizens from 16 countries — they later registered to vote and received forms for U.S. passports and Social Security cards.

Silver Chance Film Festival is set for Sunday at Moxie Cinema — doors open at 5:30 p.m. for screenings starting at 6 p.m. Filmmaker Efim Okov of Missouri State organizes 19 indie and student films from around the world, with winners announced online.

The Ozark Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution held a ceremony Friday to unveil a new plaque honoring Greene County’s Revolutionary War patriots at the county courthouse rotunda.

The archives director read the names, adding them to the county record as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations.

KY3 reporters say that more Gen-Zers in Springfield are turning to cigarettes to cope with digital isolation, a trend that shows youth increasingly rely on tobacco amid feelings of loneliness.

A Zumper analysis from April 24 showed that apartment rents in Springfield dropped 3% from a median of $1,200 last March to $1,162 this March.

Local rental listings remain below state and national medians.

The Springfield Cardinals' ballpark will be renamed Route 66 Stadium next week, with Sunday marking its final game under the Hammons Field name.

General Manager Dan Reiter said the change ties into the centennial Route 66 celebration while preserving a plaque and mural honoring the original namesake.

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.

43rd Mid America Street Rod Nationals

May 22 - 24 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Varies by activity — Celebrate classic cars and street rod culture with a weekend full of fun for car enthusiasts and families alike.

Honor Flight 5K for Flights

8-11 a.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry starting at $25 — Participate to honor veterans and support their journey to memorials in Washington, D.C.