Good morning, Springfield.

Eighty-one veterans and 81 guardians will return Wednesday from Washington, D.C. by a chartered plane arriving around 7:30 p.m., while local officials plan a water cannon salute (the public is advised to be at the Springfield airport by 7 p.m.).

Photographer Steven Spencer lost 40 two-terabyte external hard drives—30 years of Springfield history—when his home was burglarized on July 5.

The theft also included a 1955 .38 snub nose revolver—evidence that police are still testing at the crime lab—in a case that remains under investigation.

Several Missouri schools will resume classes next week to begin the 2025–2026 school year—start dates run from August 18 for many districts to August 25 for some universities.

Greene County announced its ARPA report that showed the county was awarded $56,928,520 in funds and has spent over $40,000,000 on local projects.

The report detailed that local grants included 10 CIP projects with $22,800,015 + 49 nonprofit projects with $6,137,869, 29 county-wide projects with $10,390,647, and awards to 455 small businesses for $6,644,062.

At Monday night's City Council meeting, members unanimously voted to remove limits on downtown events serving alcohol and raised the allowed beer percentage from 5% to 8%.

The council also held a public hearing on using $30 million from the sales tax for a new convention center and updated the nuisance property code (now requiring owners to manage overgrowth, tents, and tarps).

City crews are starting the storm debris pickup today in Zone 1 as residents must place limbs and branches by the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled day; future pickups are set for Zone 3 on August 18-22, Zone 2 on August 25-29, and Zone 4 on September 1-5 — only natural vegetative debris will be collected.

Pitcher Brandt Thompson returns to Hammons Field today as the Springfield Cardinals’ starting pitcher against Wichita after last playing for Missouri State in May.

He has pitched at three different levels this season and is one of only five ex-Bears to join the team — a sign of his fast rise.

Wilco Live Concert

3:00-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with Wilco, the venerated pioneers of independent music.

Pet Therapy of the Ozarks

11 AM – 4 PM — Springfield Missouri Dog Training Club — Cost not specified — Explore the joys of canine companionship and training for happy, well-behaved dogs.

Movie Matinee: Red River Screening

2 PM — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo — Enjoy a classic 1948 film starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift on the big screen.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $49 to $217.06 — Experience a nostalgic blend of modern hits reimagined in classic styles by the talented Postmodern Jukebox collective.

Taste of the Ozarks 2025

6-9 p.m. — Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center — Ticket info available online — Enjoy a Luau-themed culinary experience with local eats and exciting auctions.

Pokey LaFarge Live Performance

8-10:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — All ages welcome — Experience Pokey LaFarge's unique blend of folk, country, and swing in an unforgettable evening.

Air Power History Tour in Springfield

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Premier Flight Center — $20 Adults, $10 Children (11-17), Free Under 10 — Experience the power of historic aircraft with the entire family on display and in flight.

Air Power History Tour - Springfield MO

9 AM - 5 PM — Premier Flight Center — $20 Adults, $10 Children (11-17), Free for Under 10 — Experience the B-29 Superfortress and other historic aircraft with educational opportunities and flights.

Movie Matinee: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession combo available — Enjoy a classic 1954 musical about love and family in the great outdoors.

2025 Japanese Fall Festival

5-10 p.m. — Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden — Free entry — Experience the art of traditional Japanese sword fighting mixed with contemporary performances by Samurai Sword Soul.