Daily
Springfield
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rachael Walsh is now the first executive director of Better Block SGF and began her role on March 9. She will lead community projects & build partnerships for neighborhood development in Springfield. Springfield News-Leader
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield hosts the annual SATO48 film challenge as local filmmakers have 48 hours to write+shoot+edit short films for a public showcase. Organizer Jeff Clinkenbeard invites teams to join and bring fresh creativity to the event. KY3
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in the Midwest rose to $3.39 per gallon on Monday, up from $3.28 last week, with analysts predicting a further 20 to 30 cent increase amid market volatility due to Middle East tensions and spring driving demand. Drivers in Springfield should plan accordingly & monitor local fuel pricing. Springfield News-Leader
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Drury University’s archives show that in 1875 its first graduating class of five women studied scientific courses in a small building near Stone Chapel (the first two enrollees were sisters Anna and Emma Grigg). KY3
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Spring started Thursday and experts at 417 Mowing advised homeowners to apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reached 55 degrees (focusing on areas with previous crabgrass activity like sidewalks and driveways) to curb new weed growth. KY3
- ➤ Janice Markley has begun cleaning up litter on State Highway ZZ (south of Wilson’s Creek) to protect local wildlife. She urges community volunteers to join her effort as the Missouri Department of Transportation manages state road cleanup. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks have agreed to swap a half-acre property at 425 E. Trafficway St. for an endowment — $510,000 will be contributed over five years — to fund downtown improvements as City Council approval is pending. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Springfield displayed renderings of a proposed Expo Center expansion that show new interior and exterior designs ahead of the April 7 vote on a lodging tax increase. The pre-design renderings capture community input aimed at creating front porch energy + a welcoming ambiance. Springfield News-Leader
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials warn that tick season will peak from April to July as ticks in local woodlands, tall grasses, weeds, and brushy areas may carry diseases like Lyme disease (and more). Residents spending time outdoors should take preventive measures. KY3
- ➤ Fight CRC is urging Springfield residents to get screened for colorectal cancer as cases rise among younger people + it will host an online event on March 25 to discuss screening options during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. KY3
- ➤ A new report shows that sports gambling addiction is rising among teens and young men in Springfield and across Missouri. Experts say the state has limited measures to protect online sports bettors. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Texas will open its women’s NCAA Tournament game today in Austin against Missouri State as coach Vic Schaefer says Justice Carlton must bring a scoring boost — with Missouri State’s Kaemyn Bekemeier leading the underdog charge. KY3
- ➤ The Missouri Tigers are facing the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA Tournament at 9:10 p.m. today in St. Louis—this opening round game marks their return to the competition. KY3
- ➤ The Missouri State Lady Bears will face a Texas team with former West Plains star Ashton Judd today at 3 p.m. in the Women’s NCAA Tournament — the Bears prepared Thursday, noting Judd’s family ties after her father played on the program’s 1999 Sweet 16 team. KY3
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Springfield Carnival of Ink 2026
12-8 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — $22.75-$66.00 — Explore the vibrant world of ink and art at this all-ages carnival.
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Zach Rushing: The Redneck Logic Tour
7 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of uncensored humor with comedian Zach Rushing as he shares his Southern tales.
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Josh Blue Stand-Up Show
7-10:15 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Minimum 2-item purchase required — Experience the comedic genius of Josh Blue, renowned for his improvisational skills and unique humor.
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Josh Blue Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience Josh Blue's unique humor and engaging performance that breaks down stereotypes.
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Todd Barry Live at Springfield Comedy Club
7-11 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of smart, unpretentious humor from the master of deadpan comedy.
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Sounds Pretty Good Combo
7-9 p.m. — The Stardust Ballroom — $12 per seat — Enjoy a delightful evening of music at this cocktail table seating event.
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Big Boogie & JaYy Wick Concert
7 PM — Springfield, MO — $50.00-$135.00 — Experience an electrifying night of music with top artists in a vibrant atmosphere.
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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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