Springfield
Morning News
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Set-up crews prepared tables and equipment near the MassMutual Center Friday for the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, which will serve (15,000) guests. Local officials cooked bacon early to serve the 8 a.m. event Saturday, boosting community spirit. Western Mass News
- ➤ Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its family-friendly 5K celebration on Saturday, June 6 at UMass Amherst (participants can start arriving at 9 a.m.). The race includes a 10 a.m. warmup and a 10:30 a.m. run, with all proceeds benefiting the program. BusinessWest
- ➤ The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday with a new clock debut, a golf tournament, and a performance by the Floyd Patterson Band, and members look forward to 25 more years of community events + charity tournaments. Western Mass News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pan’e Dolcetti will move and expand from its longtime Boston Road spot after 12 years, closing tomorrow for a two-week transition. The bakery will reopen at Peter Harris Plaza on June 2 or 3. MassLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Howard Bernard, an engineering teacher and alumnus at West Springfield High School, is gathering donations to cover the $80 yearbooks for about 30 seniors who cannot pay the cost. Local donors may drop off or mail checks to the school during business hours. Western Mass News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Zoo in Forest Park hosted its first Wildlife Summit on March 27, where nearly 100 wildlife professionals from Massachusetts and Connecticut met to share conservation and animal care tips. The free event was funded by the Mastroianni Foundation + will become an annual gathering. BusinessWest
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ MGM Springfield is boosting summer fun with outdoor concerts starting May 22, Tuesday terrace evenings through September, and Saturday comedy shows. The casino also offers new restaurant menus, a reopened Luxxe Spa and other indoor attractions, welcoming guests from across town — ensuring a lively blend of events for all. MassLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ West Springfield High School announced that 2012 graduate Vinnie Guiel will be its new head football coach (succeeding retiring coach Chad Labonte) and will bring eight years of experience from schools including Smith Vocational, Southwick Regional and Amherst Regional. MassLive
- ➤ Selections for the 2025–26 All-Western Mass. Girls Wrestling teams were announced after the Agawam team won first overall at the MIAA All-States Meet on March 2 at the MassMutual Center, with several local athletes making first, second, and honorable mention teams. MassLive
- ➤ MassLive announced the All-Western Mass. Boys Wrestling selections for the 2025-26 season, naming top wrestlers for first team, second team, and honorable mentions in two divisions. The honorees come from local schools across the region. MassLive
- ➤ MIAA Power Rankings for high school baseball were released Friday; the top 32 teams with 50-percent or better records will make the postseason. Springfield Central is among the leading teams, and the rankings include performance details across divisions. MassLive
- ➤ The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association released its sixth boys volleyball power rankings on Friday, listing the top 32 teams that will qualify for postseason play (teams must have a 50-percent record or higher). Springfield Central is among the teams ranked. MassLive
- ➤ The Springfield Thunderbirds overcame a three-goal deficit to force overtime with Akil Thomas scoring the winner last night against the Penguins — marking Springfield’s largest third-period comeback. The series moves to the MassMutual Center with game three on Tuesday and game four on Thursday. NewsRadio 560 WHYN
- ➤ Springfield Thunderbirds goalie Vadim Zherenko, 25, stays focused on stopping pucks with longtime coach Dan Stewart — who has worked with him since his early days in Russia. Born in Moscow, he balances his hockey career with family life as he chases his dream. New England Public Media
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Westfield Starfires Baseball Game
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Bullens Field — Tickets available online — Catch the collegiate summer action with the Westfield Starfires.
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Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto
June 5-11 — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical adventures of Frozen and Encanto brought to life on ice.
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Kristin Chirico Live Comedy Show
8:30 – 10:00 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket information available — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Kristin Chirico, known for her unique perspectives and engaging performances.
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IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon - Western Massachusetts
Sunday, Jun 7th — Mass Mutual Center — Registration required — Experience a challenging 70.3 triathlon featuring a scenic swim, bike, and run through beautiful Western Massachusetts.
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The Savage Brothers Live at The Landing
4:30-7:30 p.m. — The Landing — Free admission — Experience vibrant funk music from the acclaimed Savage Brothers band in a lively outdoor atmosphere.
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25th Annual GTO Car Show
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Springfield Elks Lodge #61 — Registration required — Celebrate classic cars and support local charities with the Pioneer Valley GTO Association.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
~ Alfred Adler
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