Good morning, Springfield.

Families in Springfield have faced rising pet care costs, prompting the Southwest Missouri Humane Society to offer low-cost pet solutions.

KY3’s Leigh Moody reported that the initiative aims to ease the financial burden for local pet owners.

Grace Kitchen, a new Nigerian restaurant, will open Nov.

25 at 431 S. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Springfield—owner Patience 'Grace' Gigi said the renovated space in Wilhoit Plaza was leased for three years and will serve dishes like jollof rice with options for spice levels.

A new comedy club in Springfield will donate $25,000 in tickets to customers who lost money when the Blue Room Comedy Club canceled its shows.

Owner Adam Norwest of BARK Entertainment plans to open the club next month, hire full time and part time staff, and book comics including Chris Kattan for future shows—aiming to repair the local comedy scene.

A federal spending bill contains a provision that limits THC in hemp products to .4 mg per container— a rule that local hemp businesses say will cut revenue nearly in half and affect about 40,000 retailers statewide.

Hemp shop owners in Rosebud, including John and Kara Grady, warned that if the House approves the bill and the president signs it, many could be forced to close.

Upgrades to the Ozark High School auditorium sound and lighting were completed with surplus funds from a $19 million bond approved in 2022—these improvements are in place for the fall production of 'Tuck Everlasting,' which starts today at 7 p.m.

Ozarks Tech dedicated the new Paul Mueller Company Welding Lab this week at its Springfield campus to honor a major investment that will upgrade equipment and increase hands-on training for welding students — the lab strengthens local technical education and workforce development.

With construction nearly complete at The Library Center, the Springfield-Greene County Library District will introduce the 500-seat Hatch Auditorium with a weekend of events planned for Jan.

16–18. The project was partly funded by federal COVID recovery grants + a gift from the Hatch Foundation and will serve both public and private events as the board finalizes rental policies.

Wind speeds in the Ozarks reached 40 mph this year and caused large branches to fall, damaging vehicles and homes; insurance experts say owners should call their insurance companies first to file claims and check coverage if a neighbor's tree was involved+ they noted that evidence of negligence may allow recovery of deductibles.

Leaders from across the Ozarks met in Springfield on Monday at a nonprofit outlook to discuss how the government shutdown affected local nonprofits and to plan future steps—nearly 3,400 groups in the area employ over 36,000 people and generate more than $7 billion each year.

Flu season is underway in Springfield and physician assistant Cindy Griessel from Mercy said patients with mild symptoms should first call their primary care provider rather than go directly to the emergency room—she noted that virtual visits and phone advice are available to help prevent long wait times and reduce illness spread as holiday gatherings approach.

Carson Butler set a record in the 100-yard butterfly at Springfield’s Natatorium with a time of 50.58 seconds, tying the fastest mark in the pool’s history.

He is set to compete today at the Class 1 State Meet in St. Peters as the favorite to win the 100-yard butterfly and contend in the 200-yard individual medley.

Clever High School returned to varsity football in 2020 and now the Blue Jays will play for their first district title on Friday—marking five years of growth under head coach Mac Whitehead.

Missouri State (6-3, 4-1) hosts UTEP (2-7, 1-4) in a conference USA homecoming game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Plaster Stadium in Springfield.

Missouri State is favored by 4.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook — both teams share several common opponents this season.

Missouri State athletic director Patrick Ransdell said Monday that the 6-3 Bears, who reached six wins needed for bowl eligibility, are filing a waiver request with the NCAA to play in a bowl game despite their first-year FBS status.

The team—currently fourth in Conference USA and set to host UTEP on Saturday at Plaster Stadium—will continue to build on its season while addressing a rule many call outdated.

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.

The Arc of the Ozarks: Christmas Extravaganza

5:30-9:30 p.m. — White River Conference Center — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with a festive fundraising event for Children’s Autism Services.

Taj Farrant's Final Show of 2025

6-8:30 p.m. — The Riff — $5 cover for minors — Experience electrifying guitar work as Taj Farrant returns to his home stage for an unforgettable performance.

Toys for Tots 2025

2-5 p.m. — Corwin Ford of Springfield — Free entry — A community event supporting local children in need through toy donations.