Daily
Springfield
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ County leaders, the Greene County Prosecutor's Office & law enforcement held their annual memorial ceremony on Thursday at the Victims Memorial Garden in Phelps Grove Park, where at least 7 new engraved bricks were added to honor those taken too soon. KY3
- ➤ On Thursday night, breast cancer survivors modeled donated clothes at the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks fundraiser in Springfield — the event celebrated their strength and is on pace to break its fundraising record for local support. KY3
- ➤ Harmony House Executive Director Jared Alexander stepped down after four years, thanking him for strengthening internal systems + expanding legislative advocacy. The board will begin its search for a successor next month at the shelter on 3404 E Ridgeview St. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State University celebrated Fountain Day on Wednesday at noon when water was turned on at the John Q. Hammons Fountains; the event provided free T-shirts, food, music, games, and photo opportunities for students. Organized by the MSU Traditions Council (since 2016), the celebration continues a long-standing campus tradition. KY3
- ➤ At the SATO 48 film festival in Springfield, about 10% of filmmakers stepped down following new rules allowing AI use; the festival is set for this weekend with films scheduled at College Station and Moxie (early June screenings invite community voting). KY3
- ➤ Springfield hosts the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration April 30 to May 3, featuring a classic car parade on May 1 along St. Louis Street between Glenstone and Campbell Avenues, as Jackie and Ed Fogle drive their 1926 Hupmobile (their tribute to the historic road). Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will break ground on a new temple in Springfield on June 6 with Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante (United States Southeast Area Presidency) presiding over the ceremony; it will be Missouri’s third temple for the church. Springfield News-Leader
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ City leaders said over $30 million was invested over four years to transform Grant Avenue into a walkable link from downtown to Wonders of Wildlife, attracting nearly twice the public investment in private developments plus 66 properties changed hands and 22 permits issued. KY3
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ OACAC Head Start earned the state’s highest quality designation from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (recognized for high quality) and will expand programs for families across southwest Missouri. KY3
- ➤ Community leaders, scholars and advocates have gathered this week at Missouri State University for a poverty conference addressing food security, affordable housing, disability inclusion and health equity; organizers hope the event will spark new programs for local families. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Cardinals, O’Reilly Auto Parts & city officials, Missouri State and Mercy announced a multi-year renaming of Hammons Field to Route 66 Stadium, with marquee removal on Friday and the first game on May 5 set to usher in a new era of baseball & community pride. KY3
- ➤ Springfield's ballpark known as Hammons Field will be renamed Route 66 Stadium through a five-way partnership among the Cardinals, O'Reilly Auto Parts, the city, MSU, and Mercy; the marquee is removed today and the final game under old name is on April 26, with the new name debuting May 5. Springfield News-Leader
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Comedian Shelly Belly
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of relatable laughs with the renowned comedian Shelly Belly in an intimate setting.
-
Springfield Indian Artifact Show
May 8-9 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Entry fee may apply — Explore prehistoric artifacts and connect with local history enthusiasts.
-
William Montgomery Live Comedy Show
6:00 PM - 12:45 AM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian William Montgomery, known for his appearances on the hit podcast 'Kill Tony'.
-
Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Springfield
7-10 a.m. — Truman Elementary School — Registration required — Run through Springfield in a fun-filled family event with races for all ages.
-
43rd Mid America Street Rod Nationals
May 22 - 24 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Varies by activity — Celebrate classic cars and street rod culture with a weekend full of fun for car enthusiasts and families alike.
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
Vision without execution is hallucination.
~ Thomas Edison
About Daily Springfield
Welcome to the Daily Springfield, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Missouri community. If you like the Daily Springfield, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Missouri. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Springfield
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyspringfieldnews.com/sitemap