Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield Community Gardens faces major federal grant cuts that will take more than half of its $2.2 million budget over the next three years—ending paid internships for 36 farm school students by May and reducing food aid to local families.

Staff are now working to find new funds to keep the programs running and support local farmers.

Two murder-suicides occurred in Springfield in less than five days and Kristen Snell of Harmony House explained that leaving an abuser is very dangerous.

She said more than 60 percent of murder-suicides involve a firearm and warned that abuse can grow worse when a victim tries to leave—safety planning with an advocate is essential.

Springfield police are asking for help locating Kevaughna Mechelle Nelson—24, who was last seen at 2 a.m. April 18 leaving a nursing and rehabilitation facility on West Mount Vernon Street; she has schizophrenia, is not on her medication, and has a history of leaving with strangers while wearing a dark shirt, gray sweatpants, and pink shoes with a tight headwrap, so anyone with information is urged to call 911.

A Baxter County, Arkansas woman and an Ozark County man were arrested Friday, April 18 — following a nine-count indictment unsealed by a federal grand jury — for trafficking methamphetamine in southwest Missouri.

The Missouri Senate approved a bill that allows local school districts to seek national accreditation instead of relying on the State Board of Education—schools must now post performance data online.

The measure was sent to the House before the session ended and will give education leaders more control if it passes.

Event organizer Lisa Landrigan said the free 8th Annual Planet Unity event at Unity of Springfield, featuring live music, sustainable art vendors, giveaways and experts from Dickerson Park Zoo, took place Friday night (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and continues today (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to encourage sustainable choices while offering fun activities like rock painting, an egg hunt and an Easter bunny meet-and-greet. The event aims to help the community take small steps toward a better way to care for our planet.

Easter Buffet at The Ozark Mill

10:30 AM – 7:00 PM — The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms — All-you-can-eat — Indulge in a festive spring buffet featuring various stations.

Vegan Sushi Night

6-8 p.m. — Craft Sushi — Cost varies — Celebrate Earth Day with delicious vegan sushi and connect with fellow vegans.

Stephen Paul Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — The Riff — Refunds available until 7 days prior — Enjoy a night of toe-tapping country tunes with Nashville star Stephen Paul.

CVMA Mouse Races

6-10 p.m. — Veteran Event Center — $15.00 — Enjoy thrilling races and support local veterans in need at this fun-packed charity event.

The Little Mermaid Musical

2-6 p.m. — Springfield Little Theatre — Suitable for all ages — Experience the underwater adventure of Ariel in this enchanting musical filled with beloved songs.

Springfield Cardinals vs Northwest Arkansas Naturals

11:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. — Hammons Field — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of a live baseball game with the Springfield Cardinals taking on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Brown Bag Concert Series: Missouri State Opera Theatre

12-1 p.m. — John Goodman Amphitheatre — Free entry — Experience the award-winning Missouri State Opera Theatre in a captivating performance showcasing student talent.

Taco de SOMO 2025

6-9 p.m. — Farmers Park Apartments — Free entry — Enjoy a taco festival where local chefs compete for the title of Taco Champion while supporting a great cause.

Jeremy Camp Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $25 to $149.75 — Experience the uplifting music of Jeremy Camp with a night of inspirational songs and stories.

Payton Smith Live Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Midnight Rodeo — Ticket info available — Experience the rising star Payton Smith and his captivating blend of country music.