Springfield News-Leader
Sentinel program appears far off track
By July 2024, the public knew the program had blown its budget. But the announcement was staggering nonetheless. The projected price of an Air Force program to build a nextgeneration nuclear missile – dubbed Sentinel – had risen 81%, from $77.7...
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President Trump threatens Insurrection Act in MN
President Donald Trump on Jan. 15 threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would give him power to deploy armed forces domestically, as tensions ratcheted up yet further in Minnesota following a second shooting involving a federal agent. The...
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Trump encourages Iran protesters, issues tariffs
WASHINGTON – A day after the Trump administration said attacking Iran with air strikes was on the table, President Donald Trump encouraged protesters to continue the fight. “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the...
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3M WORKERS UNIONIZE
Springfield’s 3M plant has been a major employer in the city since 1967. Now, the plant’s 370 employees will be represented by a union following a successful organization effort. On Dec. 20, 2025, workers elected to be represented by the United...
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AI frenzy driving supply chain crisis
An acute global shortage of memory chips is forcing artificial intelligence and consumer-electronics companies to fight for dwindling supplies, as prices soar for the unglamorous but essential components that allow devices to store data. Japanese...
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Democrats face scrutiny over the Israel-Gaza war
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker recently visited New Hampshire, where he met with activists and spoke at a town hall meeting, sparking speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run. The trip also underscored a political reality confronting Booker...
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Trump: Case against Maduro ‘infallible’
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was transported by helicopter on Jan. 5 to a federal courthouse in Manhattan for an arraignment on federal narco-terrorism charges. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were facing a four-count indictment linking...
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Eateries that came to Ozarks in 2025
While the Ozarks had to say goodbye to some restaurants in 2025, it also welcomed many new ones. From Iraqi sweets to boba to French cuisine, here are some of the new restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as one that re-opened after remodeling. For a...
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BIG CHOICES, BOLD CHANGES FOR SPRINGFIELD
Although no seats on Springfield City Council will be up for election in 2026, the year will still be full of noteworthy local government decisions. From a potential referendum to determining the future of the convention center plans, council will have...
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Most Amish now work off the farm
ERIE, PA – Andrew Troyer was teaching in his Amish settlement’s school in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1977 when his pupils began relaying orders for rope. Troyer had brought his handmade, hand-twisting machine to school so his students could make jump...
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‘Let’s get this show on the road’
As the Willard police chief since 1993, Thomas McClain has been a steadfast presence in the community for decades. After being diagnosed with an aggressive lung disease, McClain is planning to join the list to receive a double lung transplant in 2026....
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Distance racing sees participation spike
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Distance running is having a moment – and it’s largely being led by Generation Zers, whose participation has been on the rise since the pandemic ended. In recent years, we’ve seen high-profile celebrities such as Harry Styles,...
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Regenerative farming making a comeback
At Troon Vineyard, in southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, Garett Long has turned composting into an art form, using it to support soil microbes and eliminate the need for petroleum-based fertilizers. h When Andrea Malmberg and her husband, Tony, bought...
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WHERE TO RING IN 2026 IN THE OZARKS
Regardless of how 2025 treated you, the year is almost over. In the Ozarks, there are plenty of ways to send off 2025 and welcome in 2026. You can celebrate with the kids, dress up, dress down or just enjoy a delicious meal. Events take place on Dec....
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SPRINGFIELD’S NEXT CHAPTER
There are plenty of big projects in the works across the Queen City that locals and visitors alike can get excited to welcome in 2026. h In the new year, Springfieldians will see new dining options enter the scene as well as several large public...
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‘DEEP CONNECTION’
The places Indigenous peoples call home have intertwined with their ways of life for millennia. Their stories, foodways and cultures relate directly to their homelands. Lands, waters, plants and animals, the creatures that inhabit the waters below and...
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2026 may bring more tough money decisions
Americans weary of high – and rising – prices may get some relief in 2026. Or not. Many analysts believe the economy is finding its footing after several jolts from tariffs, the long tail of the pandemic supply snarls, and more. But some think we’re...
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Spotify hits marketing sweet spot
Even before the 2025 Spotify Wrapped dropped, I had a hunch what mine would reveal. Lo and behold, one of my most-listened-to songs was an obscure 2004 track titled “Rusty Chevrolet” by the Irish band Shanneyganock. I heard it first thanks to my son,...
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‘The U’ to open in August
Ozarks Technical Community College has entered its final months of construction of the Michael L. Parson Student Union, which faces Chestnut Expressway east of Sherman Avenue. Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon said the college expects to be able to...
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Turning Point USA gains ground on campuses
A pair of students stood in the Indiana University Indianapolis student center asking a simple legal question: “Is ‘hate speech’ protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution?” Students slowed to read the white board, and many shuffled toward...
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New look coming to MSU campus
In 2026, changes to the look of Missouri State University will take center stage, especially along the east and south edges of campus. The still-under-construction Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex on Grand Street and the Clifton M....
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Inside how ICE operates in Trump’s America
KANSAS CITY, MO – Inside an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in a suburban office park hangs a printed-out text message that immigration officers feel is aimed at them: “Get a gun and shoot them in the streets.” It’s tacked on a...
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‘Misled and uninformed’
For more than three months, residents who live next to the Pershing school campus have voiced concerns and raised questions about the district’s construction plans. Five neighbors spoke during the Dec. 16 school board meeting, saying they are not...
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‘From the depths of football hell’
Art Hains watched intensely when Missouri State tried to get a stop against Liberty late in the fourth quarter. Months removed from retiring as the longtime “Voice of the Bears,” Hains saw Liberty quarterback Ethan Vasko mishandle the snap, and the...
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Businesses facing rent raise after strip mall sale
One of the main shopping centers in Willard houses businesses of all kinds — a beloved coffee shop, insurance agents, a gym, medical services and unique retail. But come the new year, the East Center at 304 E. Jackson St. is likely to see significant...
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GALLOWAY CID FAILS TO FUND PROJECTS
For five years, some businesses in Galloway Village have been collecting an additional 1-cent sales tax to go toward community improvements. While the tax is estimated to have brought in more than $200,000 since 2020, no projects have been funded and...
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LET THERE BE LIGHTS
With days getting shorter and evenings beginning earlier, twinkling lights and jolly tunes might be the best way to brighten your winter nights and get into the holiday spirit. Folks around the Springfield area are hard at work adding to the Christmas...
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Ozarks theme park, hotel named best holiday spots
The Ozarks has snagged spots once again in two USA TODAY’s 10BEST lists. Facing competition from across the nation, two southwest Missouri institutions were named the best hotel for the holidays and the best holiday theme park event. Industry experts...
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MoDOT cuts back median plan on East Sunshine
Despite making adjustments to its proposal to build safety medians along East Sunshine Street, the Missouri Department of Transportation continued to be the target of criticism from local business owners as well as state and county representatives....
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Couple caring for 3 kids after emergency
The former owner of Plaza Towers has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful gun possession and filing a faulty tax return. Marco Denis has remained in jail for more than a year after being initially arrested on four felony counts filed by local...
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SPS to advocate for public schools amid funding threats
With a push to expand school choice and threats to state funding for public schools expected to dominate the upcoming Missouri legislative session, Springfield district officials are preparing to have a larger presence in Jefferson...
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There’s something for all ages in Ozarks this month
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even after our post-Thanksgiving snow dusting has melted. If you’re already in the spirit – or need a little nudge – take a look at our list, which includes parades and tree lightings as well as places to...
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STEADY PROGRESS
Teachers and principals in Springfield schools that posted high scores or made significant progress toward meeting state benchmarks recently reflected on the reasons for their success. In a lengthy presentation, educators from eight buildings —...
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‘Open enrollment’ gains priority in MO Board of Education plans
As part of a proposed legislative platform for 2026, the Missouri Board of Education plans to declare its support for voluntary public school “open enrollment.” There is a caveat, of sorts. The state board stated, in the draft, that any system put in...
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AI could worsen school inequalities
Today’s teachers find themselves thrust into a difficult position with generative AI. New tools are coming online at a blistering pace and being adopted just as quickly, whether they’re personalized tutors and study buddies for students or lesson plan...
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Obama shares worries, hopes for democracy
Former U.S. President Barack Obama paid a visit to the Ozarks on Monday, Dec. 1, serving as the inaugural speaker at a new lecture series hosted by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The lecture series, called Building Bridges, aims to bring...
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Motor court lands spot on Historic Hotels of America
A Springfield hotel has been added to the national list of historic hotels found across the country. Rockwood Motor Court, at 2204 W. College St., was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, per an announcement from Visit Springfield, formerly...
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December offers holiday events, more
Thanksgiving is behind us, and December is packed full of events and shows that are sure to keep spirits bright as we enter the winter season. Whether you are ready to ring in the holidays full on or are looking for something less Christmas-focused,...
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HOLIDAY GIVING EVOLVES
After more than six decades, Share Your Christmas is adapting to changes and pushing ahead to expand access to happy holidays. This year, the gift drive will serve more seniors in care centers than ever before, continue its partnership with Ambassadors...
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Banned books being judged by their covers
Over the past decade, a growing movement to restrict access to books in public schools and libraries has spread across the country. Every year, there are hundreds of attempts to challenge or ban books, targeting thousands of titles. h According to the...
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
There is no print edition of the paper today, but you can find today’s puzzles, comics, national news and sports here in the eNewspaper.
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Hearts full of gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving. h This has been a challenging year for many but there have also been so many moments of joy, success and hope. h As part of this year’s Thanksgiving coverage, the NewsLeader asked a range of Springfield community leaders and...
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SPS board sees design concept for new Pershing Middle School
With the design process for the new Pershing Middle School wrapping up, the Springfield school district is getting ready for the next phase. The district will break ground in mid-2026 on the $58 million project, with construction expected to take two...
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Hotel proposal back with Planning & Zoning
A minor change to the proposal to rezone the northwest corner of National Avenue and Sunshine Street sent the contentious case back to the Springfield Planning & Zoning Commission, appearing in front of that body for the fifth time Thursday, Nov. 20....
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Lodging tax rejection vote causes surprise
When Springfield voters struck down a 3% increase to the city’s lodging tax meant to fund a new convention center, it was the first time a majority had opposed a city tax measure in more than 15 years. Despite supporting other tax proposals and...
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Join the News-Leader’s list of Christmas light displays for 2025
It may only be November, but preparations are already underway for the holiday season. Every year, the News-Leader gathers a list of extravagant holiday light displays in Springfield and beyond to include in an interactive map and share with those...
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Architecture program sees surge of female students
Jillian Komadina did not grow up wanting to be an architect. She found the career path while trying to figure out a way to intertwine other interests. “This was kind of a curveball. I’ve always loved physics and art since I was little and I just never...
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SPX Cooling Tech workers go on strike
Before the sun rose, at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, more than 20 employees arrived at the SPX Cooling Technologies plant in Springfield. It was the start time for their regular shift but they did not clock in for the workday as they typically would,...
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‘CONSISTENT GROWTH’
Springfield Public Schools made steady progress toward meeting or exceeding state benchmarks in 2025, part of a multi-year trajectory. For the third straight year, the state’s largest district has improved its overall performance on the Annual...
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‘There are things that have been lost’
Whoever said video rentals were a thing of the past? A downtown Springfield bookstore is bringing back the experience of picking a film off the shelf for movie night rather than couch-surfing with a TV remote. Bookmarx announced Tuesday, Nov. 4, that...
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MSU releases schedule for first homecoming
Homecoming 2025 at Missouri State will offer many of the usual events but will look slightly different during the university’s USA. In the past, homecoming has been in October but it will kick off Nov. 9 to align with the Bears’ home football game in...
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Work continues on Grant Avenue Parkway despite slowdowns
The Grant Avenue Parkway project has been under construction for years, with planning for the corridor in the works even longer. While the initial completion estimate has come and gone, the project is slowly nearing the finish line. The parkway, once...
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Grocery stores, restaurants feeding SNAP recipients
Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed their families will only receive partial benefits for this month, according to a filing by President Donald Trump’s administration, the New York Times reported. The...
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Hurricane bewilders meteorologists
As Hurricane Melissa neared the Jamaican coast, winds in the spiraling wall of clouds around its eye gusted to almost unimaginable speeds. How fast? Faster than most tornadoes. Faster than a race car at Daytona. Faster than the fastest roller coaster...
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Ground broken for new Harbor House shelter
Construction of a larger shelter that will provide additional beds for unhoused men in Springfield will launch in early November. The Salvation Army of Springfield officially broke ground on a new and improved Harbor House shelter on Thursday, Oct....
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OZARKS FACES SHORTAGES
With the federal government shutdown entering its fourth week, those relying on federal food aid in Springfield and the greater Ozarks region could see their benefits run dry come Saturday, Nov. 1. To respond to the need, several area organizations are...
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November events on tap in the Ozarks
Christmas decorations may already be out at local stores, but that doesn’t mean November is a wash. From opera performances to events honoring veterans to athletic feats, there’s a lot to do in the Ozarks this month. Here are 31 events to keep you...
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NEXT-LEVEL DEDICATION
The proof of Max Ellinger’s Costco fandom is his only tattoo, inked on his right arm. It’s the Kirkland Signature logo – the Costco house brand for everything from rotisserie chicken to laundry detergent. Ellinger got it in 2019 after a friend...
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Black walnut harvest extended after slow start
An annual tradition in the Ozarks, the black walnut harvest season can wrap up as early as the end of October. This year, largely due to weather, it has been extended through Nov. 14. Black walnuts are plentiful in the Midwest, especially Missouri,...
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Landlords respond to new rental inspection proposal
After months of review, Springfield City Council could soon vote to adopt a pilot program for rental inspections. As a final decision nears, some local landlords are pushing against the initiative. Ensuring that rental housing is maintained and...
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Shutdown will affect SNAP
The 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will go without their benefits come Nov. 1 because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a new message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SNAP,...
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Student demand for MSU food pantry soars
Missouri State student Tobias Mowery was struggling to afford food when a classmate suggested the university’s Bear Pantry early in the semester. Since then, he has used it roughly once a week as he looks for work. “This resource has made a world of...
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‘Tough decisions are now done’
Sitting in a second-floor office Oct. 22, 10 months into the job as executive director and CEO of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Rob Marsh said the “tough decisions are now done.” The difficult choices involved reining in expenses, trimming staff,...
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‘LASTING IMPACT’
Walt George, part of a five-generation family educated by Drury University, and his wife pledged ongoing support for a lecture series that brings nationally known speakers to campus. They were part of the nearly $6 million in private donations and...
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Community Foundation of Ozarks celebrates new office
In August 2025, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks moved into its new home on the fourth floor of 300 S. Jefferson Ave. On Oct. 21, the nonprofit celebrated the space with a ribbon cutting with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. A community...
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Housing development sees continued opposition
A 48-acre mixed-housing development proposal in east Springfield came before City Council on Monday, Oct. 21, drawing considerable opposition from neighbors worried about density and increased traffic, despite the developer’s willingness to pay $1.2...
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More school bus safety patrols planned this week
More law enforcement officers from the Springfield Police Department and Greene County Sheriff's Office are expected along school bus routes and loading zones this week. They plan to step up enforcement during the National School Bus Safety Week,...
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Locals come out for ‘No Kings’
Despite rain that fell much of the day, Springfield-area residents lined National Avenue near Sunshine Street on Saturday, Oct. 18 as part of national “No Kings” rallies protesting the actions of the Trump administration and celebrating Constitutional...
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Zoo mourns bald eagle
Phoenix, a bald eagle that served as a longtime ambassador for Dickerson Park Zoo, was humanely euthanized on Oct. 14 after spending the past several years under veterinary care for age-related joint issues, the zoo announced. “As a geriatric bird, we...
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CAMPUS GENDER SHIFT
Of the 25,238 students enrolled at Missouri State University this fall, 15,356 — or nearly 61% — are women, a gap that mirrors a national trend. h The overall number of students entering college declined over the past 15 years, part of a demographic...
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Care Clinic breaks down barriers
Missouri State University and Mercy Springfield celebrated 10 years and 33,000 patients served at its MSU Care Clinic on Wednesday evening. Leaders from Mercy and MSU, as well as clinic employees, spoke during the Oct. 15 event. The clinic first...
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American civil servants caught in ‘loyalty trap’
many Americans, work is not just about earning a paycheck. It is a centertion, piece of their lives, and they want their job to be meaningful. Decades of research suggest this is true for most federal civil servants, who aim to serve not only their...
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Path out of government shutdown uncertain
WASHINGTON – There’s no clear way out of the seemingly intractable government shutdown, now in its third week. The Senate has struck down the same budget bills more than half a dozen times. Another vote on a Republican funding measure failed on Oct....
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The Table offers sneak peek to Springfield ahead of opening
50 people gathered to witness Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor cut the ribbon on their new restaurant, The Table, Monday night. The Oct. 13 event also offered a sneak peek at the venue’s luxurious interior: Forest green walls, white marble tabletops...
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Israeli hostages released
Israel celebrated the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas militants in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks as the first phase in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan was met with joy around the world on Oct. 13. Twenty Israeli hostages in Gaza were...
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