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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 23rd of July.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • West Springfield will host a townwide tag sale on Aug. 1, Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 where residents can set up yard sales at their homes—registration is now open following strong community feedback from last year's event.  The Reminder
  • SPRINGFIELD — The YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently received $10,000 from Liberty Bank—money that will fund its Girls Count program to teach budgeting skills to girls and young adults.  BusinessWest

ECONOMY NEWS

  • A new report Out of Reach 2025: The High Cost of Housing shows that Massachusetts is the fourth most expensive state for renting+residents must earn nearly $38 an hour to afford a one-bedroom apartment costing over $1,900 per month.  NewsRadio 560 WHYN

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The Hampden County 4-H Youth Fair returns on July 26 at Eastern States Exposition where local youth (ages 5 to 18) can enjoy livestock shows, STEM exhibits, bike rodeo, and craft activities. The full-day event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering competitions and prizes that celebrate youth talent.  The Reminder

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Officials purchased 578 acres in Blandford to create the Cross-Pike Nature Connector, which will link 40,000 acres of protected land north and south of the Mass Pike + help secure Springfield’s water supply from the Westfield River watershed. The project will let trees absorb carbon and plan for culverts to help wildlife cross safely.  Western Mass News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Today new safety rules took effect for 273 assisted living facilities after a tragic fire in Fall River claimed ten lives—each facility must now conduct a fire safety survey and add other measures to boost emergency readiness—to help protect residents in the future.  NewsRadio 560 WHYN
  • Massachusetts public defenders asked a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to extend the Lavallee protocol to juvenile courts—this change would have children held without representation released after three days and their cases dismissed after 15 days to address a lawyer shortage that leaves 101 children unrepresented. The petition seeks to modify current rules to fit the unique needs of juvenile cases.  MassLive
  • State Rep. Aaron Saunders filed a bill on July 22nd to change the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission board from three to seven members so that residents from towns like Agawam, West Springfield and East Longmeadow get a seat at the table. Lawmakers say the change—adding a ratepayer advocate and meeting state open meeting laws—will make decision making more fair—especially after a new fee surprised many ratepayers.  New England Public Media
  • State Sen. Jake Oliveira talked on the podcast So That Reminds Me with co-hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet about managing a large, diverse district and the challenge of balancing rising healthcare costs with funding for schools, roads, and public transport — his comments highlighted how federal cuts and budget pressures affect local services. He also raised concerns over the lack of transparency in legislative audits and the impact on public resources.  The Reminder

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Concerts in the Park Series

    6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening of live music amidst the beautiful scenery of Forest Park.

    Thu, 7/24/25

    View event
  • ROAR! Comedy: A Double Headlining Show

    8 PM — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliners Chris Tabb and Janet McNamara.

    Sat, 7/26/25

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  • Basketball Camp: Playmaker College

    July 29th - August 2nd — Springfield College — Registration required — Enhance basketball skills and confidence through specialized training and leadership development.

    Tue, 7/29/25

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  • Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival

    1-9 p.m. — Mortensen Riverfront Plaza — Free entry — Immerse yourself in island vibes with carnival fun, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and live music for the whole family.

    Sat, 8/2/25

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  • Annie the Musical

    1:30-4 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of little Annie as she navigates the challenges of the 1930s in New York City.

    Sun, 8/3/25

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  • East Coast Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show

    9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Cost varies — Explore a treasure trove of gems, minerals, and fossils at this east coast showcase.

    Fri, 8/8/25

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  • African Community Festival

    5-9 p.m. — Marshall Roy Park — Free entry — Celebrate African culture with music, food, and art in Springfield.

    Sat, 8/9/25

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  • Aquanett Live Concert

    6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience the electrifying 80's Rock n Metal show by Aquanett in a beautiful outdoor setting.

    Thu, 8/14/25

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  • The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers Tour

    7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket sales begin May 16 — Catch the Grammy-winning duo for an electrifying night of rock.

    Sun, 8/17/25

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  • Watercolor Workshop

    10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110 | $94 for members — Explore watercolor techniques with guided themes of architecture, flowers, and water scenes.

    Wed, 8/20/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

~ Seneca

About Springfield Morning News

Welcome to the Springfield Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Massachusetts community. If you like the Springfield Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.

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