Good morning, Springfield.

Expedia Group notified finance employees at its Queen City office via email on Sept.

21 that layoffs were announced through Sept. 22 as part of a reorganization that ended remote work; the company said it supported affected workers + shifted some roles to new divisions.

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) will offer new non-stop winter flights to Phoenix via American Airlines and to Mesa via Allegiant Air starting January 2027, giving residents a warmer escape from the cold.

Springfield illustrator Hannah Wilbers released her debut children’s book What Do Kittens Dream About? + the book mixes playful cat drawings with lessons in kindness and empathy, and the 23-year-old is already planning her next story, Daytime Werewolf, to help kids focus in class.

Artists Meg Wagler and Christine Riutzel will recreate the Robert E.

Smith tribute mural on 338 N. Boonville Ave. in October in downtown Springfield, aiming to finish before November’s Art Walk (the project is supported by over 80 community donors and the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District).

Three large outdoor sculptures by Texas artist Jeffie Brewer were installed at the Fairbanks campus (1126 N.

Broadway) in Grant Beach as part of a new partnership between the Drew Lewis Foundation and Sculpture Walk Springfield. They were showcased at the Fairbanks Fall Festival on Sept. 25.

The free Show-Me Success Summit will explore welcoming classrooms and inclusive practices on Tuesday, Sept.

29 at Drury University’s F.W. Olin Library (doors open at 6 p.m.). Michelle Gavel from Springfield Public Schools will lead discussions on how inclusion supports learning for all students.

Drury University rededicated the historic Benton Avenue AME Church on Friday, Sept.

25 and unveiled it as the Benton Avenue Education Center where community exhibits and conversations will be held, after renovations preserved original curved pews and improved accessibility (with a new roof and windows).

Missouri State's overall enrollment dipped 1.1% this fall to 26,917 while the College of Health and Human Services grew 4.7% to 4,742 students.

University leaders remain focused on attracting first-time freshmen, transfers, and returning adults to help reach a goal of 30,000 students by 2030.

Wildlife and Springfield Police officials warn that early fall brings the highest deer population, increasing the risk of deer crossing roads early in the morning and late at night.

They urge drivers to slow down and avoid sudden swerving to keep everyone safe.

A new March of Dimes report finds that over half of Missouri counties are maternity care deserts (without a labor and delivery unit or obstetric doctors), leaving nearly 140,000 women ages 15 to 44 with limited access and over 120,000 living more than 30 minutes from a hospital.

The Springfield Cardinals wrapped up their season Wednesday after a loss in the championship series to the Amarillo Sod Poodles and will announce a rebranding on Oct.

6. The team looks set for a fresh start.

Missouri State defensive tackle Tim Brantley returns as a hometown villain to face SMU tonight at Ford Stadium.

The 6-foot, 275-pound senior credited his training & workouts for powering his play as he seeks a rebound after last year's loss.