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Longmeadow is ranked No.1 in Western Mass. girls volleyball following a strong state tournament run and hosts No.2 Minnechaug today at 7:15 p.m. (a Class A rematch) at its home gym; the top 10 list also includes Springfield Central and East Longmeadow.

Springfield will hold a 25th anniversary remembrance ceremony for 9/11 tomorrow at Riverfront Park, starting with a drumline and band performance at 5 p.m. + the main program begins at 6 p.m. A photography exhibit, 'Forever in Our Hearts,' is on display at One Financial Plaza through Sept. 21.

Four Catholic Conference high school football games will open Week 1 with Catholic Memorial facing Andover at 7 p.m. Thursday, Bishop Feehan visiting Xaverian at 6 p.m. Friday, St. John's Prep playing Springfield Central at 7 p.m., and BC High taking on Central Catholic at 7 p.m. — promising close contests.

Springfield Public Schools remain closed after a severe cybersecurity incident disrupted normal operations, with officials saying schools will reopen only when safety concerns are resolved and targeting Monday, Sept.

14 as the reopening date. An emergency meeting was held Wednesday night to set strategies and review security measures.

MassLive released the 2026 WMass Girls Volleyball Super 7 list on Sept.

9, highlighting repeat picks like Longmeadow’s Chloe Scott (who reached 1,000 assists in 2025) and standout players from Minnechaug, PVCA, Springfield Central and Putnam. They earned recognition for strong seasons.

Massachusetts cannabis sales have surpassed $10B since 2018 and the Cannabis Control Commission plans to roll out social consumption licenses by early 2027 — allowing customers to buy and use cannabis on site.

The milestone signals steady industry growth with annual sales averaging about $1B.

The Public Health Council approved Baystate Health’s $292.7 million takeover of Mercy Medical Center from Trinity Health with conditions to retain essential services + keep Mercy’s emergency department open.

The deal will take effect on Nov. 1 and requires quarterly updates and a service plan due in 2027.

Springfield educator Irma Medina Stewart has been named the inaugural dean of Holyoke Community College’s Division of Integrative and Applied Learning, expanding access to high-demand apprenticeships.

Stewart said her new role will boost internships and community partnerships — focusing on equity and innovation.