Good morning, Springfield.

The Quaboag Hills Chamber invites Springfield residents to submit nominations for its 2026 Choice Awards in Community Hero and Educator categories; nominations close Feb.

13 and online voting runs Feb. 15-March 15. Finalists will be honored at the awards dinner on May 6 at Steaming Tender Restaurant (former Palmer Railroad Station).

Community Action Pioneer Valley holds its Eat Up for Heat Up fundraiser with local restaurants supporting heat insecurity relief.

Clark University professor Ousmane Power-Greene and Salman Hameed of Kainaat Studios+Hampshire College share local cross-ocean history and a starless galaxy on The Fabulous 413.

Massachusetts data shows one in six households pays over half their income on housing, forcing families to cut back on food.

Springfield residents are among those facing tough choices as rising rents strain budgets and prompt calls for affordable housing solutions (the highest rate in New England).

The Healey-Driscoll Administration will expand no-cost early literacy tutoring to 84 additional elementary schools statewide, raising the total to 356.

The program will be offered in-person and virtually during and after school, with options including Springfield's Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence (boosting reading skills).

Holyoke Community College is accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year until March 13.

Eligible students can fill out one online form for various awards and get help at the Scholarship Resource Center (Room 158) during weekday hours.

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni has engaged over 14,000 young locals through his outreach programs since 2014.

He recently spoke at Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow — an effort to promote public safety and explain legal processes to students.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D.

Gulluni will host the Stop the Swerve program on April 2 at Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to teach teens about the dangers of distracted driving (featuring video case studies and interactive pedal carts) as part of a county-wide school outreach initiative.

Baystate Medical Center doctor warns that cold weather may cause hypothermia and frostbite today as residents are urged to dress warmly, limit time outside, and check their carbon monoxide detectors; the hospital is ready for the extra winter injuries + advises precautions for at-risk individuals.

Springfield Central’s girls basketball team played high-level games this weekend, winning against Northwest Catholic at the Hoophall Classic but losing in Brooklyn against St. Timothy’s and Paul VI.

Belchertown, after early losses, gained momentum with three straight wins — a promising turnaround ahead.

MassLive released the fifth Western Mass boys hockey Top 10 ranking with Easthampton replacing Amherst and East Longmeadow maintaining a narrow lead (record 6-4).

The update comes as matchups continue this week with East Longmeadow hosting Greenfield at 6:30 p.m. and West Springfield beginning a three-game road trip.

Western Mass. high school boys basketball rankings are evolving as recent tournaments boosted teams’ standings (Pope Francis kept its No. 1 spot after an 80-78 double-overtime win), and upcoming games will continue to reshape the scene across local arenas.

Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson recorded three sacks in two playoff games and will play in his first conference championship against Denver on Sunday, Jan.

25. His strong season performance is setting the stage for a critical matchup.

Belleville Senators vs. Springfield Thunderbirds

6:05-8:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting AHL game as the Thunderbirds battle for victory on home ice.

ROAR! Comedy Featuring Lara Beitz

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising comedy star Lara Beitz, known for her appearances on top shows and her electrifying performances.

Winter Crow Roost Observation

2-6 p.m. — Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary — Registration required — Observe thousands of crows gathering for their winter roost while learning about these intelligent birds.

ROAR! Comedy: Dylan Carlino

8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night filled with laughter from the hilariously unique comedian Dylan Carlino.

Springfield Thunderbirds vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Game

7:00-9:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Cost info not provided — Catch the action live with the Springfield Thunderbirds taking on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Ally the Piper Performance

7-10 p.m. — 52 Sumner — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience the viral sensation blending modern rock and Celtic influences through the Great Highland bagpipe.