Good morning, Springfield.

Officials and Clinical Support Options representatives broke ground on a 36-unit housing complex at 775 Worthington St. on April 16 to help houseless individuals, and the $20 million project will replace the old bar building and offer access to caseworkers, health services, and a cafeteria—set to open by summer 2026.

Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Massachusetts Avenue early on April 23rd—official reports have not confirmed any injuries or displacements.

In Agawam, 116 local farmers received grants of up to $2,500 each as part of the Local Farmer Awards program — the $267,850 total funding will help improve farm operations for the growing season.

The awards, marking a record year with support from community funders, will enable upgrades in irrigation, storage, and equipment.

BusinessWest started the 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to honor young professionals who make a strong impact with their work and community efforts.

The 2025 class features 40 diverse honorees—ranging from nonprofit managers to EMS coordinators—from Western Mass who continue this tradition of leadership.

Western New England University will launch a new master of science in biopharmaceutical technology program this fall to train students in biomanufacturing careers — the program features hands-on lab work, a fast-track one-year option, and is backed by a $500,000 grant.

On Tuesday, Massachusetts lawmakers visited a detention center in Louisiana to meet with Tufts student Rümeysa Özturk, who has been held by ICE since late March after an op-ed about the war in Gaza.

The lawmakers said the facility had harsh conditions — poor food, weak medical care, and bad sleeping quarters — and they vowed to use the courts and the Constitution to fight for her release.

The Springfield City Council approved a resolution on April 7 that urges the state legislature and the DPU to investigate rising gas and electric rates which burden local households.

The council also raised concerns about streetlights that have remained out for days (and plans to change Eversource's billing practices for them), calling for further consumer relief.

Springfield local 29-year-old Anthony Velazquez will fight Tanzanian boxer Yusuph Metu at Down and Dirty Boxing XVI this Saturday at MassMutual Center, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Other bouts will feature local and international fighters — winners will later face off for a title showdown in the fall.

Veterans Support Group Meeting

3-4 p.m. — OCA Veterans Support Center — Free entry — Engage in a supportive environment designed for veterans in recovery.

Live Music from John Prout

1-4 p.m. — Great Awakening Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy live music while sipping on a variety of craft beers and fresh food.

Empower Your Finances Workshop

1:30-3 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free entry — Equip yourself with skills and strategies for financial independence.

ROAR! Comedy: Corey Rodrigues

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with national touring comedian Corey Rodrigues.

Northeast Large Scale Train Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Better Living Center, Eastern States Exposition — $10 per day, $18 for 2 days — Explore model railroads, railroad art, and the rich history of railroading.

2025 Preservation Awards

7-8:30 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Cost information not specified — Celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to restoring Springfield's historic structures.

Mother’s Day Bottomless Brunch at Union Station

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Springfield Union Station — $5 – $46 — Enjoy a delightful array of bottomless cocktails and a lavish brunch spread with chef-attended stations.

EASTEC Manufacturing Trade Show

8 AM - 5 PM — Eastern States Exposition — Check website for details — Discover cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and strategies at this major trade show.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Fun experience — Enjoy an exciting night of laughter with Aaron Chen, a rising star in comedy from Australia.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star Aaron Chen from Australia.