Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Springfield Public Schools’ new AI rules mean for your student

Make time for 2026 IMA Heartland Regional Council Continuing Education Conference on the Springfield Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Springfield! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Springfield Public Schools' new AI rules mean for your student
  • How a new 411-acre project could reshape northeast Springfield
  • Springfield Cardinals seize playoff edge with dramatic walk-off blast

Also on today's calendar: Spooky Sprint - Springfield and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Springfield Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Springfield Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Springfield. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Hot, temps: high: 98, low: 73.
  • Friday: Hot, with a high of 96 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Local expert says nationwide AI concerns are part of push for regulations; how local groups use AI in small ways (ozarksfirst.com) — Springfield Public Schools has rolled out a detailed AI handbook that explains how teachers and students can use tools like Google Gemini and Canva while protecting privacy and academic integrity. The guidelines stress responsible, human-centered use, spell out what counts as misuse, and outline three levels of discipline for violations, from minor device issues to serious bullying or hacking with AI.
   

2. Springfield celebrates completion of northeast infrastructure improvements (ky3.com) — Northeast Springfield drivers will see lasting changes after Le Compte Road was widened and Eastgate Avenue extended to support a 411-acre mixed-use development near Springfield Underground. City leaders say the project, largely funded through a state cost-share program, opens scarce commercial land and is intended to drive jobs and economic growth in Springfield for decades.
   

3. Drillers Drop Heartbreaker in Playoff Opener (milb.com) — Springfield baseball fans saw a thriller as the Cardinals edged Tulsa 9–7 at Route 66 Stadium on a walk-off two‑run homer by shortstop Jesus Baez in Game 1 of the Texas League North Division playoffs. After multiple lead changes and seven total home runs, Springfield now heads to Tulsa needing just one more win to advance.
   

4. Missouri Blue Shield Grant will distribute $10 million to 350 agencies across the state (ky3.com) — Springfield's police department is among 350 Missouri "Blue Shield Communities" sharing a new $10 million state grant for law-enforcement equipment, training, and technology. Local leaders say the roughly $29,000 per community will help buy tools like mobile data terminals and forensic software that city budgets might not otherwise cover, while signaling state support for public safety.
   

5. Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Sept. 15, 2026 (news-leader.com) — Springfield residents who bought Missouri Lottery tickets can now check the Sept. 15 Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, and Show Me Cash winning numbers and learn how to claim prizes. Winnings over $600 can be redeemed by mail or in person at regional offices, including the Springfield location, with instructions and forms available online.
   

📸 Around Springfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Springfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Springfield PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The food here is amazing!
    Bonus is it's the oldest tavern in Springfield, MO. They do a brunch every Sunday. They have a daily special and other specials throughout the week… (Nextdoor Robberson RNA)
  • Mike Maxwell in Doling moved me from Ozark to Springfield today and I would highly recommend him!!
    Very professional! Punctual, fair prices, works hard, and knows how to load a truck! Very careful with all of my belongings***** (Nextdoor West Central)
  • Springfield Public Schools posted a job opening for 2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Jarrett Middle School in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Hy-Vee posted a job opening for General Merchandise Clerk in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Springfield