Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
Good morning, Springfield.
MGM Springfield donated 45 cases of hygiene products — including socks and shampoo — to Springfield Rescue Mission to help the local homeless and support essential services.
A middle school librarian from Longmeadow was arrested on Aug.
13 for distributing child sex abuse materials—federal and local police report he turned himself in and now must wear a GPS monitor as authorities continue investigating to protect students.
A Massachusetts state trooper is recovering after being dragged by a vehicle—reportedly fleeing a traffic stop—on I-91 today.
St. Mark’s Armenian Church will host Armenian Fest, a nearly 40-year tradition featuring traditional food, live music and cultural booths to celebrate Armenian heritage.
This year, visitors will enjoy dishes like Losh Kebab and sweets, live folk music from noon to 5 p.m. — plus a wine tasting event on Aug. 30 to support church ministries.
The iconic Barney Estate Carriage House in Forest Park will host Springfield Preservation Trust’s Annual Garden Party Fundraiser ‘Flora & Fauna’ on August 24 starting at 1 p.m. The event features Victorian-era music, a silent auction, historic tours at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:15 p.m., and a 50/50 raffle—supporting local preservation efforts.
American International College is now the only private college west of Worcester to be designated as a Massachusetts Early College Program by the state's Joint Early College Committee — a move that strengthens its ongoing partnership with Duggan Academy, where students can earn up to 60 college credits for free by graduation. The program offers pathways in health sciences, education, and criminal justice to help prepare students for college and careers.
Springfield schools will introduce new lunch options for the upcoming school year—officials say the updated menus will replace old items like cardboard pizza and freezer-burned chicken nuggets with healthier choices.
Gov. Healey's spending bill proposes releasing historical records of disabled people in state institutions after 75 years—family members and researchers can access them 50 years after a patient's death, a change driven by advocates and a state commission report that lawmakers will consider this fall.
A new report shows that statewide home prices increased to a median of $665 thousand, a bit more than two percent, while Springfield saw its median rise 5 percent to $300 thousand even though sales dropped.
Holyoke and West Springfield also had gains—West Springfield’s sales jumped 40 percent with its median rising 8 percent to $350 thousand.
Flora & Fauna: Historic Carriage House Tour & Garden Party Fundraiser
1-4 p.m. — Carriage House at The Barney — $40-$50 — Experience a blend of history, music, and nature in a vibrant garden setting with a historic tour and a silent auction.
Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show
All Day — Brimfield Town Hall Annex — Entry fee varies — Explore the largest antique and collectibles market in the U.S. with thousands of dealers.
Latino Arts Festival 2025
5-8 p.m. — Springfield Museums — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant arts and cultures of Latin America with music, exhibitions, and hands-on activities.
Crochet Club Drop-In
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Make-It Springfield — Free, Donation, or Supporter options — Connect with fellow crafters in a welcoming crochet community.
North East Toy Show
5 PM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Affordable options for families and businesses — Celebrate the creativity and joy of specialty toys at the premier East Coast showcase.
The Big E 2025
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — $16+ — Experience 17 days of agricultural fun, live concerts, and cultural experiences from across New England.
The Big E Parade Featuring MCV
6:00-7:00 p.m. — The Big E — Ticketed event — MCV makes a festive debut in The Big Parade at the Eastern States Exposition.
Cole Swindell Live Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Tickets available — Experience country music star Cole Swindell with special guest John Morgan at The Big E.
Object-Oriented Programming in C# Training
9 a.m. — Healthforce CPR BLS ACLS PALS AHA Training Center — $1750 — Dive into C# programming through expert-led, hands-on classes in Springfield.
TLC with Big Boi Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Tickets available — Experience the iconic sounds of TLC alongside Big Boi in a vibrant music celebration.
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