Good morning, Springfield! In today’s edition: A giant garage sale, new laws changing taxes and healthcare, Andy Gross: comedy and magic, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Treasure hunters take note: The Greater Springfield Garage Sale will take place January 24 and 25 at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, featuring antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and clothing. A $1-per-person coupon will be available to purchase — see when and where.

Policy shifts with wide reach: New laws took effect in Missouri and Arkansas on New Year’s Day, changing taxes, healthcare coverage, and school emergency training, including lower taxes on imported malt liquor and tax changes — get all the details.

Construction transforms regional travel: 2025 brought major Ozarks road progress, from widening I-44 in Springfield to new U.S. 65 lanes and reconstruction on U.S. 60, with Kansas Expressway interchange work set to begin soon — see what’s finished and next.

2026 HBA Home & Outdoor Living Show @ Ozark Empire Fairgrounds | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – Patio season is coming, so go window-shop big dreams at the HBA Home & Outdoor Living Show at Wilson Logistics Arena. More than 140 experts to grill about kitchens, roofs, and backyards, so you can stop pretending duct tape is a design style — see the event listing.

Sustainable post-holiday disposal options: The City of Springfield is offering seasonal recycling for string lights, power cords, and live Christmas trees at all three recycling centers. Live trees are accepted for free at the Yardwaste Recycling Center and turned into mulch. Nonworking lights should be recycled. Artificial trees and decor can often be donated. — see what’s accepted and where.

Upgrade burrito night: When the burrito mood hits, Tortilleria Perches wraps it in fresh, house-made tortillas with family-recipe flavors that hit the spot. Locally owned since 2005, it’s an easy way to bring real comfort to your week without overthinking dinner.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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✏ January Sketch on Rt 66 @ Hatch & Harvest Cafe | Monday (1/12) at 9:30 AM – Cold day agenda: grab a corner at the new Route 66 cafe at College and West Chestnut, sketchbook in tow, and let the street show entertain. Food’s legit, coffee’s warm, and those window seats are prime in WestWay next to O’Reilly’s.

🎺 The Music Man @ Juanita K. Hammons Hall | Tuesday (1/13) at 7:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to hum 76 Trombones without shame, this is it. The Music Man delivers Harold Hill’s slick talk, barbershop charm, and a librarian with standards, a six-time Tony winner that feels like small-town nostalgia done right.

🌿 Airplant Terrarium Class @ Springfield Botanical Gardens | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve murdered every fern or have a green thumb, come craft an air plant terrarium with sand, the low maintenance, winter pick me up you need. Registration required, $40 includes all materials, and spots are limited. Ages 10 and up, bring a helper.

🎩 Andy Gross: Comedy & Magic Show @ Springfield Comedy Club | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats a night where the comic roasts, the magician amazes, and the dummy steals the show. Andy Gross blends stand-up, magic, and ventriloquism with ad-libs that nod to Don Rickles and Robin Williams, plus voice-throwing you have to hear to believe. Trust me.

🚤 Springfield Mega Boat Show @ Ozark Empire Fairgrounds | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 AM – Take a break from winter chores and hit the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds for Springfield’s Mega Boat Show, your one-stop for boats, trailers, and fresh daydreams of Table Rock. From bass boats to center consoles, kick tires, swap stories, and grab tickets at the door.

🐾 Animal Encounter @ Jungle Gym Indoor Playground | Friday (1/16) at 10:15 AM – Third Fridays get a little wild at Jungle Gym, as Dickerson Park Zoo swings by for a bite-sized animal class that actually keeps kids and grandkids listening. Expect a couple critters, a fresh theme each month, and relief of it being included with admission.

⚾ St. Louis Cardinals Caravan @ Hammons Field: 955 East Trafficway, Springfield, MO, United States, Missouri 65802 | Friday (1/16) at 12:30 PM – Clear your Friday, January 16, the Cardinals Caravan is rolling into Springfield with players, alumni, and broadcasters in tow. It’s the one roadshow we actually look forward to, part stories, part autograph scramble, all Cards pride, with more details coming soon.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Springfield report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 47°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 3%

Mostly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 26. Northwest wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 24, with temperatures rising to around 26 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 18. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values as low as 16. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.

Most popular house this week

Professionally restored Dutch colonial on the quietest stretch of Phelps Grove at Roanoke and Delmar. Mature trees shade a fully fenced yard for outdoor living. Updates include a remodeled kitchen with butler’s pantry, refinished hardwoods, and newer roof, siding, and gutters. A concrete drive leads to a two car garage and covered patio. Three bedrooms and an updated bath sit upstairs, while the main level offers a living room with gas fireplace, a dining room, and a half bath.

The basement adds storage cabinets, game or hobby space, a workout area, full bath, and utility room. Included are the living room TV, office wardrobe, bathroom dresser, craft table, and pegboards.

Take a peek inside →