Good morning, Springfield.

More than 11,000 children in Missouri and nearly 3,400 in Arkansas need foster families this holiday season - local groups like Springfield's Foster Adopt Connect urge potential caregivers to meet state guidelines and complete background checks for reunification care.

Springfield firefighters received early Christmas meals from Retro Metro (a local restaurant) as a thank-you for their hard work during the busy holiday season.

The restaurant delivered free meals to several fire departments to help them stay on duty amid increased fire risks.

On Christmas Eve, NORAD tracked Santa using radar and web-based calling (live translation in nearly 200 languages) to share his route as he delivered toys around the world.

The tradition began in 1955 at Peterson Air Force Base and involved about 1,000 volunteers.

Last-minute shoppers packed local stores on Christmas Eve, buying batteries, wrapping paper, and groceries amid unseasonably warm weather in Springfield.

Families were reminded to keep battery safety in mind when handling holiday gifts — a common concern during festive rushes.

The Thayer High School boys basketball team will compete in its fifth-straight Final Four contest later this week as coach Matt Pitts outlined key strategies & goals.

The game is set to boost local sports pride and continue the tradition of strong high school play.

OMRR's Run for the Ranch

9:15 a.m. — MSU Parking Lot #22 — Registration fees apply — Participate in a variety of races from a 5K to an endurance run on a scenic route.

Steven Ho Live Stand-Up Comedy

6:30 PM – 10:15 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Reserved seating required — Join former ER Technician Steven Ho for a night of comedic chaos inspired by real-life healthcare stories.