Good morning, Springfield.

Firefly’s Summer Work program in Springfield will connect about 140 teenagers with disabilities to summer jobs from Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program joins other local business news as MSU’s efactory launches a virtual Early-Stage Business Boot Camp in early June, Press Room Equipment expands with a $6.5M facility creating 10 new jobs, and Herschend signs a deal to acquire over 20 entertainment venues from Palace Entertainment across 10 states.

Springfield police are asking for help to identify a man who robbed a Walgreens near Battlefield Road and Campbell Avenue on March 26—security footage shows he wore a mask, dark pants and a black hoodie with writing on it.

Springfield Police Department released new surveillance images of a masked suspect wanted for robbing the Walgreens at Battlefield and Campbell—he entered the store with a firearm, demanded cash, and fled on foot at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

A Greene County jury convicted Charles Nelson of second-degree murder for shooting Dominique Lucious at an apartment on North Main in Springfield in 2021—he will be sentenced in July.

Missouri State University leaders named Zora Mulligan as the new chancellor for MSU-West Plains.

She works as the executive vice president (a West Plains native) and will begin her role on July 1 (replacing Dr. Dennis Lancaster).

The nonpartisan Informed Voter Coalition interviewed the candidates running for Springfield Mayor to share their plans for the city.

The interviews let voters learn what each candidate may do if elected.

State Rep. Alex Riley and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce said small businesses are worried that a new minimum wage law—set to require earned paid sick time starting May 1—will hurt their operations.

Riley noted that the House passed a bill to remove the sick leave requirement and expected the Senate to consider it as the 2025 session continues.

City Utilities of Springfield said customers might pay less on their electric bills soon because a fuel adjustment will help offset a 4% base rate rise starting this April—money from the increases will cover system upkeep and improvements with the final rate change set for April 2026.

Sheriff Arnott’s Distinguished Posse moved into the second phase of building a new training center in Strafford.

The Greene County Commission approved the agreements on March 25 to unlock $2 million from the 2024 state budget—funds that will pay for a 4,300-square-foot training building and a two-story shoot house for law enforcement training.

On-Site Tour at The Waterford at Ironbridge

Experience a guided tour of The Waterford at Ironbridge, showcasing top-notch amenities and highly rated senior living services including exceptional meals and activities.

Movie Matinee: Moonstruck

2-4 p.m. | Gillioz Theatre | Combo ticket available | Enjoy the classic film Moonstruck featuring Cher and Nicolas Cage as love intertwines in an Italian-American family.

SEArenity Yoga

7:30-8:30 p.m. — Bass Pro Shops — $16 — Experience an hour of relaxation with restorative yoga amidst an open ocean exhibit.

Gillioz Jazz Festival

6-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience jazz imagery and live performances as part of the Gillioz April Artwalk.

Ozarks Beerfest

2-5 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — All proceeds benefit local charities — Experience the largest beer festival in the region with unlimited samples of over 150 craft brews and more.

The Wizard of Oz Screening

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience the timeless classic on the big screen with a heartwarming journey down the yellow brick road.

Chris Estrada Live

6:30-8 p.m. — Blue Room Comedy Club — Two-item minimum purchase — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian and writer Chris Estrada, star of Hulu's 'This Fool'.

Valparaiso Beacons vs Missouri State Bears Baseball Game

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Hammons Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup while supporting a good cause.

Soul Shine Mini-Retreat

Soul Shine Mini Retreat is a rejuvenating experience designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit through gentle movement, connection, and intentional self-care. This intimate gathering at Shine invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and radiant from within.

MSU Baseball vs Valparaiso

1-5 p.m. — Hammons Field — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Missouri State Bears as they take on Valparaiso University in an exciting baseball matchup.