Daily
Springfield
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After Tuesday's hail storm, Springfield repair shops are overwhelmed with calls for windshield and roof repairs. Auto Glass Now and Hammer’s Autoworks saw record call volumes + technicians arrived from out of town, while rental car availability remains scarce. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two downtown landmarks – Shrine Mosque built in the 1920s with a 2,000-seat venue and Gillioz Theatre restored by locals and nearing its 100th anniversary – helped put Springfield on the Route 66 map and continue drawing visitors today. KY3
- ➤ Gigs in the Garden returns with free concerts at the Botanical Gardens on four Sundays in May starting with Bentenya on May 3 and featuring family activities with a Membership Celebration on May 17, all supporting local culture and the Sister Cities Association’s Traveling Musician Fund. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Actor John Goodman returned on Thursday, Apr. 30, to host the Route 66 Centennial Celebration Kickoff concert and will ride the MSU float in Friday night's parade. He recalled hitchhiking on Route 66 plus credited his MSU experience with sparking his acting career. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Springfield celebrated 100 years since a telegram named Route 66 as public art installations + a time capsule were showcased at the Birthplace Plaza dedication event downtown on Thursday, April 30. The centennial milestone highlighted the Mother Road’s historical importance with strong community engagement. Springfield News-Leader
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Timken plant, a major manufacturer and employer in Springfield, will close permanently in the second half of this year after selling its belts division to Gates (it laid off about 40% of its workforce last year, affecting roughly 100 people). KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Mike Kehoe visited Springfield on Thursday to highlight Route 66’s cultural impact—promoting its influence on music and local stories—and noted MoDOT’s work on I-44 improvements that include bridge replacement and pedestrian trail enhancements, to be finished in May 2027. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Several Mizzou football players were drafted in the NFL Draft, sparking pride among fans—while the baseball team celebrated its first SEC home win to boost team momentum. KY3
-
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.
-
Honor Flight 5K for Flights
8-11 a.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry starting at $25 — Participate to honor veterans and support their journey to memorials in Washington, D.C.
-
Ginger Billy Live Comedy Show
6 PM – 12 AM — Springfield, MO — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of Ginger Billy, a viral sensation from rural South Carolina.
-
Overnight Ghost Hunt at Pythian Castle
7 PM-3 AM — Pythian Castle — Entry fee applies — Explore the historic Pythian Castle through guided investigations and storytelling.
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
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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