Good morning, Springfield.

A new Upside Down Mercantile has opened in a larger space one door down from its old space on Commercial Street.

The store run by the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks now has room for more vendors and will add a coffee shop.

Jayne Young, an Allstate insurance agent, and her husband bought the vacant strip club north of Nixa on State Highway AA for $350,000, and they will invest over $1 million to remodel the 6000-square-foot property—once known as Illusions Gentlemen’s Club that closed in 2020—by early next year to expand their businesses.

Today in Springfield, educators, specialists, and advocates meet at Missouri State University for the 7th annual Richard L.

Simpson Conference on Autism—experts will share evidence-based strategies to support students and patients on the spectrum. The event follows a pre-conference workshop held on October 1 and features keynote speeches through Friday.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a free native plant workshop on Oct.

13 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lagom Salon, 1506 E. St. Louis St. in Springfield. Conservation educator Stacia Skinner will lead a session that includes a discussion, planning segment and hands-on work to help residents prepare their yards for spring plantings—attendees should dress for the weather and bring gloves, tools, water and snacks.

City Utilities is building three new natural gas turbines at McCartney Generating Station in northeast Springfield to add 150 megawatts of power for the community.

The turbines—designed to run on natural gas, fuel oil or hydrogen and start in about five minutes—are part of an expansion that includes 36 megawatts of battery storage funded by recent electric rate increases.

Mercy Hospital in Springfield broke its monthly record in September when 324 babies were born—up from 308—and started using nitrous oxide to help ease pain during labor.

Ozark High School senior Josey Roberts broke a state record Wednesday by scoring 62 at Horton Smith Golf Course — she beat the old mark by eight strokes.

The Tigers varsity squad now focuses on the postseason with a tournament today and district competition scheduled for next week.

Route 66 Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Meador Park — $320 per team — Compete in the innovative Minor League Pickleball format with teams of four in a fun and social event.

Iam Tongi Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sound and infectious smile of Iam Tongi in a vibrant live setting.

Night of Valor Gala

5:30 PM — Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center — Support veterans through a night of dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories with service dogs.

Mystery Masquerade Ball

7 PM – 12 AM — Chateau Charmant — VIP tickets available — Experience a night of mystery and elegance at this enchanting Halloween masquerade.

Speed Dating for Single Parents

2-5:30 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Limited seating — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fun speed dating rounds designed for single parents to connect.

Movie Matinee: To Catch A Thief

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $10 — Watch Cary Grant in the classic 1955 film about a retired cat burglar accused of a series of robberies.

Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — All About Dogs & Cats — $2 entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day with costume parades and activities for pets and families while supporting local charities.

Montycler Concert

9 PM – 1 AM — The Regency Live — Tickets from $49 — Experience an electrifying EDM night with Montycler's high-energy performance.

A Foreign Affair: From Istria to Italy

7:30-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $205 — Experience the flavors of the Adriatic paired with the passion of Italian song during an evening with tenor Michael Spyres.

Eric Johnson Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience guitar legend Eric Johnson live, blending rock, blues, and jazz in an intimate setting.