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Friday, January 30th, 2026

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The gym at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy was renamed in honor of state Rep. Bud L. Williams as city leaders and school board members gathered on Aug. 20 (6 p.m.). Williams was the first Putnam scorer to hit 1,000 points and earned All-City and All-Western Mass honors.  MassLive
  • U.S. Reps. Neal and McGovern visited Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen in Chicopee on Thursday, where rising food demand is straining resources as cuts to aid + recent storm disruptions threaten supplies; Springfield’s Gray House also reported limited canned goods distribution amid these challenges.  MassLive
  • Loomis Communities will host a free Chowder Bowl on Friday, Feb. 13 at noon to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Residents can sample unique chowders at three locations, including Loomis Lakeside at 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, by donating a non-perishable item & supporting local food security.  BusinessWest
  • After Sunday's snowstorm disrupted its usual food pick-up, The Gray House in Springfield’s North End used reserve supplies and extra donations from Rachel’s Table to feed up to 650 families weekly. The organization distributes food Thursdays and twice monthly for seniors and veterans (and others).  Western Mass News

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Drivers in Springfield reported heavy snow piles blocking views at intersections on Thursday, and the DPW is clearing heaps + hauling them to Kiley Middle School as more snow is forecast this weekend.  Western Mass News

CULTURE NEWS

  • Westfield State University and the cities of Westfield and West Springfield will host the third annual Keeper of the Dream Dinner (Feb. 12 at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place) to honor community leaders in Black History Month with dinner, awards and keynote remarks by Angela Sadler Williamson.  BusinessWest

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Governor Healey announced a relief plan that will take effect in February and March to reduce electric bills by 25% and gas bills by 10%. EverSource explained that rising costs result from increased energy supply expenses (public benefits and infrastructure maintenance also contribute), making winter utility bills higher.  MassLive

EDUCATION NEWS

  • American International College relaunched its online EdD program today with leadership specializations and flexible project options for professionals. The fully online program lets educators, administrators, and organizational leaders advance their careers (by balancing coursework with work and life) in as little as two years.  BusinessWest

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Following a state appeals court ruling, the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals must reinstate 2011 permits for Palmer Renewable Energy’s biomass plant (after a 15-year fight), with a meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at 70 Tapley St. as opponents plan further legal moves.  MassLive

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 1/31/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 2/8/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 2/13/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 2/18/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 2/20/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

To find yourself, think for yourself.

~ Socrates

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