Good morning, Springfield.

A partnership between Springfield-Greene County Library and Springfield Community Gardens brings free produce to Midtown-Carnegie Library as part of a community fridge program to help residents in food deserts.

Funded in part by Lincoln University, the program offers seasonal vegetables donated by local gardeners.

Sierra is set to open its first Springfield store at Primrose Marketplace by converting the former Jo-Ann Fabrics space at 3370 S.

Glenstone Ave; construction will start on Oct. 12 and is expected to cost $1.65 million (permit approval pending).

Retired KSMU news director Mike Smith has hosted his bluegrass show for 44 years (his two-hour program was trimmed to one hour due to cancer treatment) and continues to share traditional and new tunes on Ozarks Public Radio FM 91.1.

The Springfield Ballet is preparing for its new season with a schedule previewed by executive director Kyler Dibben and KY3’s Tyler Wayne.

The group will soon debut fresh performances that aim to engage local audiences.

On Monday, Aug. 24, about 650 students from SPS, Ozarks Tech + MSU gathered at the Alliance for Healthcare Education campus on N.

Jefferson Ave. to mark a milestone in a nearly complete $15 million renovation that supports a new, connected path for healthcare training.

Springfield City Council is considering an ordinance that would let the city join the Olympic Torch Relay with LA28.

If approved, the council will provide planning and emergency services support for the relay events as part of the 2028 Games.

At Fort Leonard Wood, military couple Brianna and Elijah Campo have turned to work at Starbucks + its insurance benefits to afford IVF not covered by TRICARE.

Federal proposals to expand coverage were removed from a defense bill, leaving many families facing high out-of-pocket costs.

With babysitting costs at $18 an hour, psychologist Dr. Baker says parents in Springfield can still enjoy free date nights today by swapping childcare + planning low-cost outings like coffee or picnics to stay connected.

She urges couples to use simple, flexible plans to make time for each other.

Missouri State defensive end Caden Wiest will lead the deep defensive line unit in the Bears' Sept.

5 opener against No. 8 Texas A&M + his strong leadership and improved technique have earned praise from coaches.

The Springfield Cardinals announced they will rebrand after the 2026 season, adopting a new name, logo & memorabilia while continuing to play at Route 66 Stadium.

The new brand will be unveiled at a free launch party Tuesday, Oct. 6, with giveaways celebrating the team’s era.