Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
Good morning, Springfield.
💼 Business
After a 17-month rebuild following an August 2024 fire, Charlie’s Diner in West Springfield reopened on Wednesday.
Owner Michael Alfano + his team crafted custom parts to restore the historic 1941 restaurant for the community.
Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced that Natasha Wright, its entomologist and technical director, was named the 2026 Women of Excellence Award recipient by the New England Pest Management Association.
She will be honored at an award dinner in Marlborough on Wednesday, Mar. 4.
ESG Clean Energy, a West Springfield startup using Scuderi engine technology, wound down into Chapter 7 liquidation after a failed reorganization and a government-appointed trustee tracked creditor claims of 32 million while noting that future payment depended on its carbon-capture system working.
Karen Chudy claimed the final $1 million prize on Feb.
19 in the $10 $4,000,000 Gold 50X lottery game after buying a ticket at the Shell gas station on 3086 S. Main St. in Bondsville. She took a $650,000 payout for home improvements, and a $4 million prize remains available.
🎭 Culture
The Art for the Soul Gallery in downtown Springfield is hosting INhairITANCE, a group exhibit that celebrates hair’s role in heritage and cultural identity.
The exhibit opens Sunday with a free reception from 3 to 6 p.m. and runs through May 17.
Springfield Museums will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 122nd birthday on Saturday, Mar.
7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a family festival featuring interactive games, art projects, a meet-and-greet with the Cat in the Hat, and timed museum entry + free admission for everyone.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will celebrate women on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall with a concert featuring works by Fanny Mendelssohn and Gershwin — along with the Fearless Women Awards and a pre-concert reception for community donations to Gray House.
The Majestic Theater in West Springfield launches its 2026 season today with *Dear Jack, Dear Louise*, a play that retells a WWII love story through exchanged letters and runs until April 4.
Tickets cost $35 to $38 and can be bought at the box office.
🏛️ Government
Snow removal crews from New York and Vermont arrived Tuesday and overnight, respectively, to clear roads after Monday’s historic blizzard—Governor Healey’s state emergency remains active for all counties except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin as crews work through the week.
🏈 Sports
Nine local high school hockey teams in Western Mass are heading into the state postseason after the regional championships.
Key matchups include Pope Francis taking on Belmont (Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. at Olympia Ice Center) as teams like Minnechaug and Easthampton prepare for decisive contests this week.
🎉 Springfield Events
Submit an event →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MercyMe Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Luxury suite experience — Watch MercyMe perform in the comfort of your exclusive box.
Matthew Broussard Comedy Show
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of a former financial analyst turned comedian with a flair for the educational.
Comedy Night with Matthew Broussard
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the clever and self-deprecating humor of a financial analyst turned comedian.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Springfield Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Springfield Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Springfield.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.