Beloved Robert E. Smith mural recreated in downtown Springfield after community outcry

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A celebrated tribute to renowned Springfield folk artist Robert E. Smith has returned to downtown Springfield, months after the original public artwork was painted over by a new property owner. A pair of regional muralists has nearly finished replicating the iconic piece along the 300 block...

Former Springfield leaders reflect on Cora Scott’s departure from city

Springfield voters reject all four city charter questions

Voters in Springfield rejected four ballot questions intended to modernize the city charter during the November 2026 election.

CASA of the Southwest receives $250,000 for Taney County clubhouse

Court Appointed Special Advocates for children, or CASA of the Southwest, will expand in Taney County after receiving $250,000.

Branson to Honor Veterans During Annual Homecoming Week

The Branson community will once again have the honor and privilege of hosting veterans and their families in the days to come during the annual Veteran’s Homecoming Week. From Thursday, Nov. 5 to Wednesday, Nov. 11, dozens of reunions, ceremonies, memorials, galas and other events will take place across the region as community leaders, organizations and businesses pay tribute to the brave men and women who’ve served as members of the United States military.

Governor Mike Kehoe has four city tour to support Amendment 3 ballot measure

JEFFERSON CITY — Governor Mike Kehoe Monday traveled the state to promote a “yes” vote on Amendment 3. Amendment 3 is the ballot measure to restore significant restrictions on access to abortion. Kehoe made stops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Jefferson City. Kehoe gave remarks and held news conferences at every stop, alongside national and state leaders. The statewide tour ended with a rally at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport.

Sankofa opens on Historic Commercial Street: $13.5M project brings affordable housing, business incubator

City and county leaders gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of “Sankofa,” a $13.5 million mixed-use development that marks the first ground-up construction on Historic Commercial Street in more than 50 years.

Longtime City of Springfield spokesperson out after 14 years

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Communication from the City of Springfield will look a little different moving forward. Cora Scott, who had been at the helm of Springfield’s communications team for nearly 15 years, is out, but there have been very few details surrounding her sudden departure.  Scott confirmed to Ozarks First the career change, saying, “I […]

The Charming Cafe In Missouri Where Cats Roam Around And Steal The Show

Your latte comes with a side of dozens of adoptable cats. That’s the deal at a Branson cafe that pairs coffee with a full-blown feline rescue mission. The cat lounge covers about 2,200 square feet. It has its own HVAC system, totally separate from the cafe, plus a 12-foot window for watching the cats.

WATCH LIVE COVERAGE: Check out the latest results and news from the midterm elections

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Midterm election results are coming in. Watch KY3’s live streaming updates above throughout the night for the latest numbers. Check out the latest election news and results. 10:25 p.m. AP Calls Missouri’s Amendment 3. Missouri voters have rejected Amendment 3, defeating a constitutional measure...

Sankofa opens on Historic Commercial Street: $13.5M project brings affordable housing, business incubator

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - City and county leaders gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of “Sankofa,” a $13.5 million mixed-use development that marks the first ground-up construction on Historic Commercial Street in more than 50 years. The four-story complex, located at the intersection of North Campbell...

Abortion and gender restrictions in full focus with Amendment 3

Many area residents have expressed interest in Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which is focused on abortion and gender transition restrictions. The ballot item has easy-to-read bullet points that summarize what a “Yes” vote will do. It will “repeal the 2024 voter-approved amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights,” which includes...

ELECTION DAY: The do’s and don’ts when heading to the polls

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Polls in Missouri open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, and voters in line by 7 p.m. can cast a ballot. Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller said voters should bring photo identification. Absentee voting and expected turnout. Many voters have already cast ballots through absentee voting at the...

Rountree neighbors ask Springfield schools to keep elementary open

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A “Keep Rountree Open” banner was carried through the Rountree neighborhood’s annual Halloween parade Saturday as residents asked Springfield Public Schools to repair Rountree Elementary rather than close it. The school is open, and no decision to close it has been made. Springfield...

Victim Center in Springfield offering ‘Surviving the Holidays’ class

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The Victim Center in Springfield will offer a new class this holiday season called “Surviving the Holidays” to give extra support and practical tips. “We’re really focusing on especially working through trauma surrounding the holidays,” said Tara Benson, executive director of the Victim Center....

Platte County’s program sets new standard with 4th-place state finish

Platte County went from moments away from potentially playing for a Class 2 state championship to a fourth-place state finish in a wildly emotional Thursday at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield. Thomas Jefferson Independent (TJI) took the deciding singles match in a 5-4 victory during the morning semifinal, and St....

Voter turnout of 58-59% is expected for Tuesday's Midterm Election

Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller is expecting a 58-59% voter turnout for the November General Election. The midterm elections on November 8, 2022, had a turnout of 49.93% in the county. As of Monday morning, 19,478 people had cast no-excuse, absentee ballots in Greene County, including 2,280 on Saturday. Polls...

Local election official reminds voters of a few key items before they head to the polls

Our weekly program Making Democracy Work is a collaboration between KSMU Radio and the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri. It's hosted and produced by LWV volunteers, and it airs each Monday morning at 9:45 on KSMU. In this episode of our local program Making Democracy Work, The League's...