Good morning, Springfield.

Civics on the Square at the History Museum on the Square is holding a food drive to support Ozarks Food Harvest from Nov.

8 to Dec. 7—cub scouts will bring nonperishable items on Cub Scout Day and residents can drop off donations in the lobby during normal hours.

Food pantries and community meal programs in the Ozarks experienced surging demand Thursday night as families gathered at the Drew Foundation Community Hub for free meals, and the Salvation Army reported a 113% rise in visits.

Nonprofits spent $800,000 to keep shelves stocked and are urging donors to give cash (which enables bulk purchases) while locals volunteered in kitchens (demonstrating community support).

Springfield’s 200-year history shows its growth from a small hamlet to Missouri’s third largest city — marked by events like a 1836 red brick courthouse, military rule during the Civil War, and early mule-powered streetcars.

The timeline also details key local moments such as severe tornadoes, breakthroughs in healthcare, and the birth of local radio that shaped the community.

Battlefield Mall is adding new retailers expected to open later this year.

JD Sports—one of the new stores—will open near Old Navy, while Cinnabon will locate near the JCPenney entrance, Izmora will be next to Pepper Place, Joe’s Records will open in November near the Dining Pavilion, and Riddle’s Jewelry will open by American Eagle.

Springfield Public Schools reported improved state testing results for the 2024-2025 school year with higher subject scores, an 83% performance rating, and a record 99% graduation rate.

The district also saw rising attendance and sustained gains in English, math, science, and social studies—results of its focused educational strategies over three consecutive years.

Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2025 Annual Performance Report showing that over 91% of schools met or exceeded benchmarks for academic achievement, attendance and graduation rates in the 2024–25 year—Nixa Public Schools in southwest Missouri earned 96.7% of possible points, highlighting strong local progress.

Missouri public and charter schools improved attendance and reading scores in the state report that grades schools like students.

Education officials said that if the governor's work group finalizes a new performance funding formula by December 2026, school funding may change + more details are expected + and further updates will follow.

Officials are continuing cleanup efforts at the decommissioned Kerr-McGee railroad tie treatment facility on 2800 West High Street in north Springfield after residents raised concerns over toxic creosote; during a public meeting on Tuesday, experts explained that the fenced stormwater basin is contained + does not pose a direct risk. Officials said ongoing work costs about $1 million a year and more funds are needed to complete the cleanup.

Students spent their morning cleaning Fasnight Creek as part of a partnership between Wonders of Wildlife and Springfield Public Schools’ Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility — the effort is one of several statewide initiatives by the Missouri Stream Team to protect local waterways. The cleanup is part of a contest in which teams from local zoos and aquariums, including participants from St. Louis and Kansas City, will compete for bragging rights by November 9.

Today, Springfield-Branson National Airport experienced flight delays + cancellations as the FAA began cutting flights by 4% due to staffing challenges from the government shutdown, and officials advised travelers to update their contact details + arrive early for check-in.

Volunteers in Medicine Christian County opened a permanent clinic at 865 N.

Nicholas Road after a November 6 ribbon-cutting to offer free primary care to uninsured residents aged 18 to 64 below 200% of the federal poverty level — the new facility reduces setup time compared to the mobile clinic used since 2022.

Missouri State used its strong inside players to win 88-70 over Missouri Southern on Nov.

4. Bears forward Michael Osei-Bonsu scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds—while Keith Palek III added 21 points—to help the team overcome an early 10-point gap.

The Springfield Cardinals announced that the St. Louis Cardinals will play an exhibition game (Cards vs. Cards, presented by Mercy) on Monday, March 23 at 6:05 p.m. at Hammons Field.

This game will mark the fifth visit by St. Louis to Hammons Field (the longest hiatus since their first clash).

KDK Concert Series

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Riff — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy headlining bands Sound The Alarm & Outlaws Reloaded alongside local artists.

Speed Dating for Adults

2-5 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Entry fee optional — Meet new people and spark connections while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere on the patio.

Haley Mae Campbell Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Riff — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Nashville country artist Haley Mae Campbell on her 'Next Chapter' tour.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Stone Chapel — Tickets required — Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning candlelit setting.

The Band Feel

7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey with a band reviving the sounds and passion of the past.

Movie Matinee: Swingtime Screening

2-7 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic 1936 film featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in a delightful dance and romance tale.

BFF, Dates or Single Winter Splendor

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $44-$52 per person — Unleash your creativity and take home your own masterpiece in a fun, guided blacklight painting experience.

Cards at Cards Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hammons Field — Tickets available at event — Discover, trade, and enhance your collection at SWMO's ultimate sports cards and collectibles show.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Screening

8-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $75 VIP tickets available — Celebrate the holidays with a classic film and a fun costume contest.

Missouri State Bears vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

1-3 p.m. — Robert W. Plaster Stadium — Cost information not provided — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Bears and the Bulldogs.