Good morning, Springfield.

On Oct. 16, Missouri State recognized the Thompson family with its Bronze Bear Award (celebrating generations of civic support) for contributions to academic programs and local arts.

The family, owners of one of Springfield’s oldest auto dealerships, has long supported Missouri State students and community programs.

Peggy Myers, the former office manager at Hoffman Stone Advanced General & Implant Dentistry, says she resigned over unequal treatment and denies causing its closure as claimed by her ex-boss.

Now she works as a temp, helps run her family's business, and studies at Ozarks Tech—she is considering legal action.

Veterans and military families are invited to a free writing workshop led by Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm on Nov.

6 at 2 p.m. at University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center (333 S. John Q Hammons Parkway) as part of the Missouri Folklore Society Conference.

Rural school districts raised concerns that Missouri's new A-F ranking system, which weighs test scores and student growth, might yield inaccurate grades for areas like Bakersfield.

The quick rollout has led to budget cuts (including a $200,000 reduction) and calls for clearer communication with the state board.

A study shows Halloween costumes cause more than 2,200 tons of waste each year in Springfield, and city environmental officials advise residents to reuse or donate costumes (a tip to reduce waste and repurpose decor).

Families attended the 4th annual Boo at the Bin event yesterday at the Franklin Avenue Recycling Center (731 N.

Franklin Ave). City staff in cardboard costumes taught kids how to recycle and reduce holiday waste while normal recycling drop-off closed at 3 p.m.

Cornerstone's RecoverED Eating Disorder Program remains one of the few local centers that accepts Medicaid for eating disorder treatment, leaving many patients to travel out-of-state for care.

The National Alliance for Eating Disorders reports only 20% of those affected receive help as state leaders lobby for expanded coverage.

Local gardening experts advise residents to plant long-lived perennials like peonies, bearded iris, false indigo, hostas, and daylilies this fall to enjoy decades of blooms and remind gardeners to water consistently through winter (Carson’s Nurseries expert Mandi Turner).

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the season after tests found deep vein thrombosis in his lungs.

Doctors explained that while he first had a superficial clot in his calf (later tests revealed it was more serious), immobility and injury increase clot risks for everyone.