Daily
Springfield
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Eight local moms took a stand at Battlefield Mall on Christmas Eve in a peaceful demonstration and were escorted off the private property by police after a brief visit with Santa. They said the event brought neighbors together to show their civic voice. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two Ozarks band directors, Michelle Carter and Tom Chetnick, will march in the Rose Parade today in Pasadena as part of Saluting America’s Band Directors, representing their schools and local communities. The parade airs live at 10 a.m. KY3
- ➤ Dallas Jones blends farming and music as he tends his 1,000-acre family farm near Springfield and plays several local gigs each week. He writes songs during tractor rides and now reaches out to venues to secure extra income + stays close to family. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ MSU archaeologists returned from a two-week Amazon expedition today and found evidence of a suspected lost settlement hidden under the jungle (their discovery supports years of research) with plans to rejoin the local village soon to help repair a broken bridge and well as they prepare to publish their findings. Springfield Daily Citizen
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Missouri's minimum wage rises to $15 per hour today, with tipped employees guaranteed at least $7.50 (plus tips) following a voter-approved measure that ends annual increases. The change took effect on Jan. 1. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Springfield Public Schools' Board of Education will have no election on April 7 because only incumbents Shurita Thomas-Tate and Judy Brunner filed to run. Their petitions will be reviewed in January (if approved) to confirm their re-election and save district costs. Springfield Daily Citizen
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield-Greene County Health Department reported that flu cases more than doubled last week to over 360, with children most affected. Officials urged residents to get vaccinated and wash their hands regularly — protection needed as flu season stretches into spring. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Walnut Grove Tigers beat Ash Grove 57-53 on Dec. 30 at Walnut Grove High School in the Holiday Tournament championship. Tournament MVP Sadie Loehr led the win as the crowd cheered every play. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Reviewing 2025's top Springfield sports stories, local teams and athletes achieved big wins and milestones including Missouri State's FBS bowl trip and the Cardinals' record season, as Fair Grove’s girls three-peat and standout college commitments also made news. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The 80th Greenwood Blue and Gold boys’ basketball tournament featured a new 35-second shot clock that spurred faster play. Nixa defeated Hartville 57-50 at Great Southern Bank Arena on Dec. 30, 2025, with coaches noting the clock helped manage game pace + improved end-of-game runs. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The Seymour boys’ basketball team is off to a hot start in the 2025-2026 season, having already won two tournament titles and preparing for conference play. Head coach Chris Hastings guides the Tigers + fans expect more wins in the near future. KY3
-
Steven Ho Live Stand-Up Comedy
6:30 PM – 10:15 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Reserved seating required — Join former ER Technician Steven Ho for a night of comedic chaos inspired by real-life healthcare stories.
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2000 Point Warhammer 40K Tournament
9 AM – 6 PM — Meta Games Unlimited Inc — $10 Entry — Engage in a competitive 2000 point Warhammer 40K battle using the latest Chapter approved rules.
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