Good morning, Springfield.

Bestselling author Kate Quinn will discuss her book The Briar Club at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Apr.

23 at the Library Center Hatch Auditorium; free tickets are available - pick up beginning Saturday, Apr. 4 and books will be offered for purchase and signing.

The Springfield metro surpassed 500,000 residents as of July 1, and officials said the milestone will boost investment and spark larger projects in the region, strengthening its role as a hub for health care + professional services.

Missouri education officials are testing a new system for student assessments (grades 3-8) that provides results in 24 to 48 hours instead of a long wait.

The pilot will expand next year before the test is used statewide in the 2028-29 school year.

Springfield Little Theatre is now accepting registration for its 2026 Summer Youth Programs today.

The programs offer camps, workshops and production roles for young performers (including sessions like 'Gonna Be Golden') and provide hands-on arts experiences for various skill levels.

Springfield City Utilities tells customers that electric bills will rise by about $14 per month starting April 1 — due to higher fuel costs from Winter Storm Fern and a 3.9% rate increase begun in 2023.

Additional hikes for 2027 and 2028 will fund needed infrastructure updates.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stone Cold and The Jackal Live Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of comedy and music with soap opera stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson.

Meet the Morgan Horse

1-4 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — $5 carriage rides — Experience horse demos and fun family activities at this lively event.

Spring Dance Concert: Bloom Revue

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $30.50 — Enjoy a vibrant variety dance concert featuring local talent and choreography.