Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bikers Against Child Abuse in Springfield work to help kids who have faced abuse by providing each child with a jacket, a road name, and 24/7 volunteer support. The group partners with local agencies & supports children during key court appearances. KY3
- ➤ Honor Flight of the Ozarks has scheduled an all-expense-paid trip for veterans on April 22 from Springfield-Branson National Airport to Washington, D.C., where eligible veterans from southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas will visit memorials honoring their service. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Opal Foods donated more than 280,000 eggs to Ozarks Food Harvest (its 18th annual Easter gift), which will help serve protein for nearly 140,000 meals to local families facing high grocery prices. KY3
- ➤ The Victim Center celebrated 50 years of service in Springfield on March 31, where former board member Ann Bagley and Mayor Pro Tem Heather Hardinger read a proclamation honoring its role in offering counseling, crisis response & advocacy. The nonprofit has helped victims for decades. KSMU
- ➤ The Springfield-Greene County Library District announced new leaders today. John Bledsoe, with (35 years) construction experience, will manage buildings and grounds while Jeannine Birkenfeld will lead outreach to boost community engagement at its 10 branches. Springfield News-Leader
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Art Museum and Guaranty Bank will present Pops in the Park, a free outdoor concert celebrating 1980s pop hits at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Phelps Grove Park; families may bring blankets + lawn chairs while free parking + shuttle services support the event. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The Springfield Sunrise Celebration Team is hosting the annual Easter Sunrise Celebration at Hammons Field on Sunday morning; gates open at 6 a.m. and the service begins at 6:30 a.m., with free parking and coffee and hot chocolate available as cold temperatures are expected. KY3
- ➤ Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit debuts April 30 at Gillioz Gallery in Springfield, featuring large panels, mini-documentaries and live expert talks—school groups can also join guided tours during the First Friday Art Walk before the exhibit travels on. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Springfield-shot film 'Dust to Malibu' will debut at Moxie Cinema on May 3 at the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration. The road-trip drama, featuring local talent (including native Shelly Gibson) and historic sites, will hold red-carpet events and Q&A sessions at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A local family is calling for improved safety measures at colleges after their son died while hiking in Slovenia last October as part of SLU’s study abroad program. The Kennedy family hopes his death will prompt universities to increase oversight and accountability for student safety abroad. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ NIH researchers built a digital model of eye cells that sense light to study age-related vision loss. The work may lead to new treatments that slow cell damage in patients with macular degeneration. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Willard High School baseball coach Scott McGee previewed his final season as the Tigers, who have won district championships every year since 2012, prepare for one last strong run — a testament to over a decade of success. KY3
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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.
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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.
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Meet the Morgan Horse
1-4 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — $5 carriage rides — Experience horse demos and fun family activities at this lively event.
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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.
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Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off Celebration
April 30th — Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque — Varied pricing — Celebrate a century of Route 66 with concerts, parades, and community events in Springfield.
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Becky Robinson Live
8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy comedy from LA-based sensation Becky Robinson as she brings her unique characters to the stage.
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Let's Drive Campaign
12-1 p.m. — The Library Center — Free entry — Attend a class to transform your business ideas into actionable plans with expert guidance.
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
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