Daily brief (5/17): Top picks from the Springfield media

The streak of sunny days continues today, and the high is expected to hit 83. Tonight will remain clear, with the low dipping to 59.

The clear skies will stretch into the weekend, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. The first chance of precipitation is not expected until Saturday.

Today’s picks

• KY3: Study examines options for Republic 911 center. Greene County’s 911 advisory board is looking at a number of options with Republic’s 911 call center including closing the location or keeping it as a backup facility. (Other coverage: News-Leader)
• News-Leader: Authorities shift tactics in hunt for fugitive. Law-enforcement officials have spread over a 10-mile area looking for Matthew James Allen, 27, of Nixa, who fled from a Greene County sheriff’s deputy after a traffic stop. He had three outstanding warrants, including first-degree tampering with a vehicle. (Other coverage: OzarksFirst)
• OzarksFirst: State’s first Walmart Neighborhood Market opens in Springfield. Missouri’s first Walmart Neighborhood Market opened Wednesday at 3150 W. Republic Road. The store is smaller than a Walmart Supercenter but does offer a grocery store.
• KY3: Nixa, Ozark trying to navigate future. Nixa and Ozark have both grown to the point that their school districts must consider the possibility of a second high school.
• KSPR: Air quality alert for today. Springfield’s Department of Environmental Services has issued an air quality alert for today after high readings of ground-level ozone, and is urging people to carpool, ride a bike, or take other action to reduce driving.
• KSMU: Health department to recognize daycare facilities. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has given the “Child Safe Facility” designation to six daycare centers, which grades locations on several criteria including emergency preparedness, indoor and outdoor safety, and safe sleep practices.