Springfield
Morning News
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local leaders and community members recalled Rev. Jesse Jackson's decades-long contributions to civil rights as they mourned his passing at age 84. They highlighted his role in mentoring activists and bridging historic efforts with today's community work. Western Mass News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Top Fusion Smokehouse in Forest Park introduces a new slow-cooked barbecue style to Springfield. Owner Syron Wheeler blends Southern and Northeast flavors and urges locals to try his brisket mac and cheese during Black History Month. Western Mass News
- ➤ Country Bank has named Devan Summers retail banking officer for its new downtown center at 1500 Main St., Tower Square which will officially open on March 16 with a grand opening celebration planned for April (Summers brings over 14 years of experience in the industry). BusinessWest
- ➤ Milano Importing, an iconic Italian deli in the South End, will close Friday after 58 years as loyal customers line up for one last taste. Co-owner Nick Recchia said the closure follows a building sale and his plan to focus on family time. MassLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ally Crowley-Duncan (Piper Ally), a New York native known for viral bagpipe videos, will perform live with her band on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at 52 Sumner in Springfield. MassLive
- ➤ Trustees of Reservations President Katie Theoharides outlined plans to save 30% of local natural areas after buying Beaver Brook Golf Course; meanwhile, Triplex Cinema shows its 'Screwball Valentines' films today and Clark University professor Ousmane Power-Greene returns on The Fabulous 413 to talk about Marcus Garvey (a key figure). New England Public Media
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A community conversation on legal+financial well-being will take place Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hampden Post Acute, 9 Maple St. in Wilbraham; attorney Nicholas Kubacki will share practical planning advice and the free event welcomes older adults, caregivers and families. BusinessWest
- ➤ Springfield Public Schools will complete plans by April 9 to move eight Empowerment Zone schools back under district control. Teachers and administrators are drafting transition plans that keep some autonomy while aligning with district goals as proposals await final School Committee approval. MassLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Heating assistance for many local households has run out with weeks of brutal winter ahead; the Valley Opportunity Council said benefits may have been depleted for many of the roughly (20,000) homes it supports. Council is connecting families to additional resources and pushing for emergency funds. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mercy Medical Center secured a $1 million endowment for its Sister Caritas Endowed Nurses Education (SCENE) Fund from over 200 donors, including a $25,000 challenge gift from Harold Grinspoon. Trinity Health Of New England and Mercy will celebrate the achievement on Thursday, April 23 at Holyoke's Delaney House. BusinessWest
- ➤ In Springfield, local experts offer advice for American Heart Month (including flu prevention and nutrition tips) to help residents protect their heart health. Western Mass News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Sportsmen’s Show starts Friday on the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield—where the Vogel brothers share their Bigfoot sightings and marine expert Chris Stefanou explains shark tagging for ocean ecology. Special activities include live critter presentations, military discounts, and door prizes for families. MassLive
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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.
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Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert
8-10 p.m. — Symphony Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa performing live with unmatched energy.
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Ray Lau Comedy Show
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with unique and relatable humor from Ray Lau, a rising star in standup comedy.
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Providence Bruins vs Springfield Thunderbirds
6:05-7:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Stream available — Catch the exciting clash between the Bruins and Thunderbirds live on FloHockey.
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Big Irish Jay's Comedy Night
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience the charm of stand-up comedy with Big Irish Jay, a favorite among comedy enthusiasts.
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Run To End Homelessness 5K10K Walk/Run
10 AM – 12 PM — Old Monkey House — Registration fee applies — Participate in a 5K or 10K walk/run to support efforts to end homelessness.
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Foundations of a City: The Institutions that Built Springfield
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4, Members free — Explore the architectural and social history of Springfield's civic institutions.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
~ Mark Caine
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