Springfield
Morning News
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ MLK Jr. Family Services in Springfield has reopened after a gas leak forced a temporary closure, and all programs are now operating normally. The emergency food pantry and mobile food truck will resume their regular schedules today (after contractors secured safety permits and inspections). Western Mass News
- ➤ State Representative Carlos Gonzalez was named honorary chair for the 2026 World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast by Spirit of Springfield after receiving his blue and white jacket at MGM Springfield this morning. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 on Main Street. Western Mass News
- ➤ Sudbury’s Centre Street Food Pantry served over 1,100 families last year amid rising living costs — visits rose as federal food aid cuts left even wealthy towns struggling, with its location across a luxury car dealership reminding locals that need can hide in affluence. MassLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Greylock Federal Credit Union announced that Charles Robertson joined as Senior Vice President for Retail Services today, bringing 25+ years of banking expertise back to Western Mass. He will lead branch operations, the Contact Center, and strategic retail initiatives. BusinessWest
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Fuel prices have risen as some stations now charge over $5 per gallon, so drivers can save money by using fuel price apps (wholesale retailers offer lower rates nearby) and by adjusting driving habits and maintaining vehicles. These actions help keep fuel bills lower amid rising costs. MassLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Maura Healey announced Massachusetts' first Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program to help licensed educators reduce student loan debt + applications opened March 10 and will close June 1 to support workforce retention across various early education settings. BusinessWest
- ➤ Students must decide on college and deposit by May 1 as new federal changes limit loan options. A capped Parent PLUS loan and the end of the Grad PLUS loan mean families may need to explore private loans or more affordable schools. Western Mass News
- ➤ TommyCar Auto Group announced that nominations and applications are open for the 2026 Tom Cosenzi Scholarship for graduating high school seniors in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. Applicants have until 11:59 p.m. on May 31 to submit materials for one of three $2,500 awards. BusinessWest
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Polish National Credit Union in Chicopee is joining FHLBank Boston's Permanent Rate Buydown program to lower mortgage rates by up to 2% for borrowers earning up to (80%) of the area median income, helping more residents move into homeownership. BusinessWest
- ➤ Springfield resident Rosa Blair won the state lottery's '$100 a Week for Life' instant ticket game on Tuesday, Apr. 7 at (12:31 p.m.) EDT, making her the latest winner; her prize highlights the game's local appeal. Western Mass News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Massachusetts lawmakers passed a proposal that bans social media for children under 14 and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds while limiting personal device use during school hours; a final reading will occur before the law is enacted statewide. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study by the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham shows Massachusetts food insecurity rose from 19% pre-pandemic to 40% in 2025 because rising costs and SNAP cuts are straining families. Rates vary statewide, with Boston and Western Massachusetts hardest hit + experts urging greater funding for emergency food assistance. MassLive
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Emo Philips Live at MGM Springfield
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of humor with one of America's best joke writers.
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ROAR! Comedy with Emo Philips
8-11 PM — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter with one of America’s best joke writers.
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New England District Championship
12 PM – 7 PM — Eastern States Exposition — Competitive entry — Witness the top robotics teams from New England compete for glory in a thrilling championship atmosphere.
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The Magical Music of Harry Potter - Live in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Symphony Hall — Experience the enchanting score from the Harry Potter films performed live.
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2026 Stifel Stars on Ice Tour
7-10 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket required for entry — Celebrate Olympic greatness with top U.S. Figure Skating stars showcasing breathtaking performances on ice.
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Play by the Books: A Novel Night of Creative Crafting
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $20 ($15 for members) — Celebrate literature and creativity with art-making stations and a gallery tour.
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 smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
~ James Clear
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