Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lawrence County became the newest region to host a chapter of the local nonprofit Good Dads, which offers father-focused programming across towns (Aurora, Monett, Mount Vernon, Pierce City, Stotts City, and neighboring areas). Chapter leaders will soon launch breakfast programs and classes to help fathers become more involved. Springfield News-Leader
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Law enforcement seized 75 dogs (including 36 Great Dane puppies and one Doodle) from a Newton County breeder, and Daisy’s Dane Sanctuary is calling for volunteers and supplies to care for the rescued animals. KY3
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dickerson Park Zoo is featuring endangered animals in this month’s The Wild Side exhibit. The zoo invites visitors to learn about these species and their conservation efforts. KY3
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gardeners will attend the Master Gardener State Conference in Springfield from June 4-7 to learn about creating floating gardens and other sustainable techniques. The event at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center will offer tours, sessions, and networking with local experts. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Parents can boost teens' chances of landing summer jobs by discussing goals and resume benefits, says Dr. Jennifer Baker of Good Dads (a local agency). Research from Challenger Gray and Christmas predicts robust prospects, offering Springfield teens positive summer opportunities. KY3
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arborist Noel Boyer from All About Trees discussed Springfield's urban forest on the In Our Town podcast with host Tom Carlson today. He noted that local trees recovered from disasters like Dutch Elm disease and a 2007 ice storm and that trees in Southern Hills need extra care. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The Missouri Hydrology Information Center launched a real-time flooding map showing active flooding with Big Creek moderately flooded and northern St. Clair County at 79% risk of stream overflow in the next five days. Water rescues occurred Monday as water levels reached 25 ft, expected to hit 27 ft. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Utilities said nearly 600 customers have been without power since Tuesday morning in areas north of Battlefield to Brookline, and crews are working to pinpoint the cause. KY3
- ➤ City Utilities encourages residents to follow an even-odd watering schedule as summer nears, with even-numbered addresses watering Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—this plan is expected to save up to 5 million gallons of water daily, while summer water rates will begin with June bills. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health experts say Missourians are at low risk from hantavirus and Ebola amid rising summer travel, and advise residents—especially those near Kansas City—to follow simple health protocols like handwashing and checking their vaccination status. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Springfield native Larry Phillips was selected for the NASCAR Hall of Fame with Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton, and his induction ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2027 + Phillips is honored posthumously for a career that spanned many racing tracks. KY3
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Henry Cho Live
8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of clean comedy from acclaimed comedian Henry Cho.
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Ian Bagg Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience hilariously interactive comedy from a world-touring performer noted for his energetic style.
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Ian Bagg Live Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Tickets start at $133 — Experience an unforgettable evening of comedy with Ian Bagg in Springfield.
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The Mystery Hour – Mother Road Edition
8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience an Emmy Award-winning talk show featuring comedy, music, and unexpected interviews.
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Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience energetic comedy from a rising star and newest SNL cast member.
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Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings
8:45-10:00 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Limited Edition Tickets — Celebrate the 25th anniversary with enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings trilogy performed by a talented string quartet.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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