Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At a Housing First Town Hall on Jan. 23 in downtown Springfield, community leaders and homeless service providers discussed how over $1 million in annual cuts to HUD’s permanent housing programs could strain local rental markets and increase visible street homelessness, affecting service access and public safety. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Springfield Fire Department released its annual community engagement report that highlights a crisis leadership summit with 65 groups in October, fire safety lessons for nearly 10,000 students during Fire Prevention Month, and monthly story times at the Discovery Center. KY3
- ➤ Dickerson Park Zoo shared a video today of three maned wolf pups—Cedar, Aspen, and Thistle—playing in their first snowfall while their parents watched. The zoo closed recently because of winter weather and may reopen soon. KY3
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ State leaders announced that Missouri traffic deaths dropped for the third year in a row, with 911 fatalities last year—a 5% decline from 2024 and a 14% decrease from 2023. Governor Mike Kehoe said more work remains as MoDOT launched the updated Show-Me Zero Plan to improve road safety. KY3
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pancheros Mexican Grill will open its first Springfield store on Feb. 3 at 2100 W. Republic Road, Suite 100, as franchisee Davis Fresh-Mex expands to six locations; a seventh store in Lebanon is planned. Grand opening week promotions for loyalty app users will feature a $1 burrito Feb. 5-10. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ American Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Springfield to Phoenix; direct flights will begin May 23 & run weekly until Aug. 1. Travelers can buy tickets on the airline’s website. Springfield News-Leader
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Totem Pole, a 90-year-old Route 66 landmark that served gas, postcards, souvenirs & offered cabins and the first laundromat in Phelps County, closed a little over a year ago near Rolla as Springfield nears Route 66's 100th anniversary. Its old billboard remains as a reminder of its legacy. KY3
- ➤ Springfield Little Theatre will open the musical 'Come From Away' at Landers’ Theatre on January 30. Directed by Rick Dines — the show highlights community compassion after 9/11 with a vibrant score and memorable storytelling. KY3
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, staff at Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield brought their gentoo penguins outdoors to play in the snow. The penguins frolicked in warm sunshine and offered a glimpse of an Antarctic-like scene that delighted local visitors. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Fire Department crews practiced ice rescue training Tuesday morning at Creekside at Elfindale in rare winter conditions. They used drones and thermal imaging to learn quick deployment techniques for future emergencies. KY3
- ➤ MoDOT crews improved Missouri roads after heavy weekend snow using 1,400 plows, 2,400 drivers, and 20,000 tons of salt. Officials said sunlight helped melt remaining patches today and urged drivers to travel safely on cleared routes. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Springfield’s Rescue One began offering affordable spay and neuter services for low-income cat and dog owners on Jan. 27. Families can contact Rescue One for eligibility details (as reported by KY3’s Leigh Moody). KY3
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Maplewood Villas II opened on Jan. 22 at 3905 W. Maple, offering 32 accessible two-bedroom units for seniors plus eight reserved for homeless veterans. The project provides shared green spaces and a community building with a computer lab and caseworker support. Springfield News-Leader
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bill Mueller returns Saturday for a First Pitch event at Hammons Field’s Bill Rowe Indoor Training Facility with photos, autographs & a live auction supporting the baseball program. He will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 1 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Springfield Daily Citizen
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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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Couple Shuffle - Springfield
9 AM – 12 PM — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Check website for entry fees — An annual running event featuring a 2-mile, 5k, and 10k race.
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Rend Collective Concert
7-10 p.m. — Evangel University — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Rend Collective, an eclectic group bringing spiritual depth through their music.
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That One Mailman Live with Sean Fogelson
6-8 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price applies — Enjoy hilarious stories and engaging performances from viral sensation Sean Fogelson.
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2025 USHA Collegiate Handball Nationals
Feb 18-22 — Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts — Visit for hotel links and more — Compete in the excitement of collegiate handball action!
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Kristin Key Live Performance
8:45 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with musical comedian Kristin Key, star of NBC's 'Bring the Funny'.
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Running From Yeti
7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry fee varies — Join a winter-themed race with fun and community spirit in Springfield, MO.
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Open Mic Night
7-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs with both seasoned and first-time comedians showcasing their talent.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
~ Eckhart Tolle
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