Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield’s largest food pantry serves over 100 families daily with demand 60% above 2023 levels after a 3% dip from last year — according to Crosslines Community Outreach, nearly 90,000 people use its network each month as rising costs strain household budgets.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is expanding local impact by partnering with private foundations, businesses and nonprofits to fund vital projects in Springfield and rural areas.

Its Impact Partnerships recently provided $100,000 to Harmony House and works with programs like Vital Farms to meet community needs.

Scoops of Faith, a sweets shop set to open around the first week of August in downtown Ozark (103 W.

Church St.), will serve trendy treats like ice cream, acai bowls, and dirty sodas managed by teens; owner Gerald Zamora plans a rentable kitchen in Nixa to supply baked goods.

At Springfield-Branson Airport, experts explain that airplanes are built to handle high temperatures, though warm, thin air may require longer runways (140 employees prioritize safety) as the airport stays open to keep flights on schedule.

The Ozark Empire Fair (3001 N.

Grant Ave.) will offer sensory-friendly hours on Monday, Aug. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. by reducing lights, noise, and crowds to help guests enjoy the fair calmly.

An Ozarks conservation group is teaching water quality lessons to students at Mill Creek as part of Project WET (a classroom program developed with the Missouri Department of Conservation) to show how everyday choices impact clean water.

Springfield City Council approved a $32 million bond on Monday to build Andy's Frozen Custard’s new headquarters at East Division and North Le Compte, replacing its Water Street office.

The project will retain 54 jobs and add 16 full-time positions, with repayment over 25 years.

Missouri residents can file for a gas tax rebate for increases that ended in July 2025 using receipts from July 2025 to June 2026 (rebates average $162.74) and must submit their applications online by Sept.

30. Senate Bill 262 established the program to help offset rising gas costs.

MoDOT’s climbing lane project on eastbound I-44 near Waynesville has cut lanes and caused delays for drivers, with some facing longer morning commutes.

The project is scheduled to finish by the year's end + the temporary one-lane phase will end in about two weeks.

A local veterinarian warns pet owners that pavement temperatures reaching 150° can burn paws and cause heat stroke; he advises using tepid water and shaded routes (and always having fresh water on hand) to protect pets during the summer heat.

Underoath Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Venue on Sunset — Tickets from $80 — Underoath delivers an unforgettable live music experience in Springfield.