Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How expiring ACA credits could hit Springfield wallets in 2026
Also, don't miss Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA on the Springfield Patch calendar
Hi there, Springfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How expiring ACA credits could hit Springfield wallets in 2026
- Why is a St. Louis County case headed to trial in Springfield?
- Meet the new Troop D troopers with Springfield ties
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 52 and low of 36 degrees.
- Monday: Low clouds and breezy, temps: high: 58, low: 50.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 67 and low of 56 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Expiring ACA credits impacting premiums in the Ozarks (ozarksfirst.com) — Springfield residents relying on ACA marketplace plans face steep premium and deductible hikes as temporary federal tax credits expire and CoxHealth exits the exchange in Greene and Webster counties. One small business owner describes losing his CoxHealth plan after a heart attack and bracing for monthly costs to nearly triple, while a local insurance broker calls the Southwest Missouri market a “zoo.” 
2. Judge denies Sam Page's motion to dismiss case, setting up criminal trial for St. Louis County Executive (ky3.com) — A high-profile criminal case is unfolding in Springfield, where St. Louis County Executive Sam Page appeared in court and failed to get his indictment dismissed. A judge in Springfield allowed prosecutors to revise the indictment’s language, and a trial on allegations of misusing public funds is now scheduled to begin March 23.
3. Carthage High School graduate among new troopers in Highway Patrol Troop D (blogspot.com) — Two of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s newest Troop D troopers previously worked in Springfield, including roles with Gardaworld and Bass Pro Shops. The four recruits, serving counties around the metro area, finish academy training this month and report to their new zones in early January, potentially increasing law enforcement visibility on key routes used by Springfield drivers.
4. This Missouri-made sapphic dating show is bringing live blind dates to Springfield (ozarksfirst.com) — A queer-focused live dating show called “Closet Space” is launching its Midwest tour with a January 3, 2026 production at The Riff in Springfield. The event features live blind dates, a halftime musical performance, local queer vendors, and an afterparty at Classic Yard, all aimed at building in-person community for sapphic singles and LGBTQIA+ residents.
5. Crosslines distributes Christmas toys to families in need in Springfield (ky3.com) — Families in Springfield facing a tight holiday season are getting help from Crosslines Community Outreach, which is distributing Christmas toys to about 1,000 local families at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Along with gifts, parents can connect with case management, food, shelter, clothing and other support aimed at building a stronger safety net in times of crisis.
📸 Around Springfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
Stone Chapel, Drury University, 900 N Benton Ave, Springfield
8:45 pm
Sunday December 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
Stone Chapel at Drury University Drury University Springfield, Missouri 65802
8:45 pm - Chanukah on the Square
Springfield, MO Calendar , Park Central Square 100 Park Central Square , Springfield - STI Clinic Walk-in hours
Springfield, MO Calendar , 227 E. Chestnut Expressway , Springfield
8:00 am - Santa's Wonderland Ice Rink
Springfield, MO Calendar , Bass Pro 1 Bass Pro Drive , Springfield
10:00 am - BB vs Hillcrest
Glendale High Springfield, MO 65802
4:30 pm - STI Clinic Appointments
Springfield, MO Calendar Springfield, MO 65802 - Shingles/RSV/Tdap Clinic
Springfield, MO Calendar , 227 E. Chestnut Expressway , Springfield
9:00 am - Santa's Wonderland Ice Rink
Springfield, MO Calendar , Bass Pro 1 Bass Pro Drive , Springfield
10:00 am
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
📣 Springfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Mahjong Club — Village Meeple Board Game Cafe
Village Meeple Board Game Cafe , 1570 E Battlefield Rd ste f , Springfield
1:00 pm - Hope and Anchor Pantry
2216 W College St · Springfield , MO , Fremont Hills
4:00 pm - Polar Bear and Northern Lights Sunday Fun Day
Painting with a Twist , 3444 S Campbell Ave Suite G , Springfield
6:00 pm - Treehouse Comedy
The Treehouse Lounge · Nixa , MO , Fremont Hills
7:00 pm
Sunday December 21
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Alfie has learned a new word:”treats,” lol.
I can whisper it & he comes running fm anywhere he is in the house!! The other 2 really don’t care (or aren’t as bright, ha). My Alfie is a chonker -… (Nextdoor Ewing) - Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & Happy Hanukkah.
I wish for everyone to know peace. Let’s all b mindful of each other; b kind & thoughtful; b patient & loving. (Nextdoor Ewing)
- Melville Road Bridge to OPEN in #Springfield West Norton Road, west of Melville Road (Farm Road 127) OPEN 9. Friday, December 19 East Norton Road... (X: MoDOT_Southwest)
- Logan-Rogersville hires Fordland principal as assistant superintendent... (X: springfieldNL)
- Bass Pro Shops posted a job opening for Assistant Merchant I-Rods & Reels in Springfield. Apply here.
- Missouri Staffing posted a job opening for URGENT Production Workers 20.89/hour in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.
Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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