Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield police reported that early Thursday morning two people were shot near Kearney and National—suspect Dakota Nation, 21, was arrested at his residence and booked into Greene County Jail on assault charges.

Drury University is hosting its annual Diversity and Reconciliation Undergraduate Conference today with national civility expert William T.

Lewis set to give the keynote at Stone Chapel at 11 a.m. and 26 student presentations scheduled in Olin Library to highlight campus diversity initiatives.

Despite the April rain, scientists reported that parts of the Midwest will face worsening drought conditions later this year—indicating a tougher dry season ahead.

Candidates for mayor and City Council met at MSU's Plaster Student Union on April 2 to talk about improving bus service & trash pickup ahead of the April 8 election.

They answered questions on adding more bus routes and creating a new trash consolidation plan to better serve Springfield.

The U.S. Postal Service cut costs by changing service standards that slowed some Missouri mail delivery while improving package service since April 1.

More adjustments will come on July 1—some rural areas may still see a one-day delay in outgoing mail.

Local groups will host a rally on April 5 at South Street Christian Church where a silent walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and a program starts at 11:30 a.m. at Park Central Square.

A separate Hands Off protest will take place on April 5 at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Primrose Street from noon to 4 p.m. to oppose federal job cuts and threats to social programs.

Today the Springfield Cardinals open their season at Hammons Field against the Wichita Wind Surge with gates opening at 5:35 p.m. and the first pitch at 6:35 p.m.—Cardinals prospect Tekoah Roby is the Opening Day starter.

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.

Movie Matinee: Thomas Crown Affair

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic heist film featuring Steve McQueen in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt

1-11 p.m. — Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center — Price per team — Embark on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt adventure through Springfield's attractions.

Springfield Cardinals vs Arkansas Travelers

6:35 PM – 10:59 PM — Hammons Field — Tickets Required — Catch an exciting baseball matchup between local favorites and rivals.

Local Authors Expo

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Nixa Community Branch Library — Free entry — Celebrate local stories with authors and discover your next favorite book.