Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 4, the Springfield Rotary Club hosted Mohammed Abdulahi and Tajaldin Jalil of Jewish Family Services to share an update on the Soccer Without Borders program, using a $2000 grant to purchase T-shirts and equipment and to present a Rotary T-shirt. The program now serves over 60 children and helps them improve English and build leadership skills. BusinessWest
- ➤ Today, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and community leaders hosted a free food drive at Wesley United Methodist Church on State Street—Aida’s Food Truck from Thorndike provided food and Aida Torres was honored with a citation for her generosity. Western Mass News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Springfield firefighters responded to a blaze at 37 Ainsworth Street Tuesday evening that displaced 14 residents; no injuries were reported and investigators are still working to determine the cause as the Red Cross assists those affected. Western Mass News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new mural titled 'Long May She Reign' is on display today in Indian Orchard—its design shows two women hugging the earth with arms that form a bridge over a river to highlight missing youth voices, and it was painted by a local artist with the Indian Orchard Youth Council. This artwork brings fresh color and a message of community inclusion to the area. Western Mass News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 4, the Springfield School Committee approved a $5 million state grant to upgrade the HVAC system at Glickman Elementary School—officials said the upgrades are planned for summer vacation after the 2025-26 school year and noted that long lead items could affect the timeline. The project is part of a broader effort to install air conditioning in every school. The Reminder
- ➤ Springfield College and its local education partners will share $380,000 in state grant funds to support teacher training in evidence-based early literacy instruction — the move aims to improve teacher preparation and boost reading and writing skills for PK-8 students. BusinessWest
- ➤ John J. Duggan Academy will soon name its entry driveway in honor of former head custodian Dan Kavanagh, who dedicated 35 years of service to Springfield Public Schools before he passed on July 27—this honor was approved at the School Committee meeting on Sept. 4. A feasibility study will be done to ensure the naming fits protocol, and his family will be notified when a ceremony date is set. The Reminder
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Springfield is accepting nominations for its 2025 Veteran of the Year from local veterans who have made a difference in the community. Nominations must be submitted on the city website by October 31 — a ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at 2 p.m. and a parade will follow on November 11 at Springfield Technical Community College. Western Mass News
- ➤ On September 4, city officials met with Dollar Tree representatives at the State Street store after inspectors found litter and mixed waste in the dumpster area—officials directed the chain to secure dumpsters overnight and update cleaning practices. The council will review a $2,150 fine and schedule another meeting to address waste management and ordinance issues. The Reminder
- ➤ At a ceremony in Riverfront Park, Springfield officials unveiled The 9/11 Memorial Plaza featuring a vertical beam from the World Trade Center and a bronze wall honoring 498 first responders who lost their lives—leaders including Mayor Domenic Sarno and State Sen. John Velis recalled the bravery of fallen heroes and urged the community to unite in remembrance. The Reminder
- ➤ The November ballot is set after a quiet Sept. 9 primary when only 1,508 of 44,407 voters cast ballots. In the races, incumbent Victor Davila (50%) will face Mary Johnson (38%) in Ward 6 while incumbent Malo Brown (44%) will oppose Willie Naylor (32%) in Ward 4, and incumbent Chris Collins (55%) will be challenged by Rosa Valentin (34%) for District 3 of the School Committee. The Reminder
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The closing of the Springfield Walgreens at 1440 Boston Road is one of 27 pharmacy shutdowns this year that has forced vulnerable patients in Massachusetts to drive longer to fill prescriptions. Local health centers are adding on-site pharmacies and more staff—making changes as rising costs and funding pressures make it hard for small stores to stay open. MassLive
- ➤ On September 10, City Council subcommittees examined how gambling addiction affects seniors by meeting with representatives from MGM Springfield, Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. Officials stressed that recognizing signs of financial abuse is key for protecting seniors—especially when some medications may increase impulsivity. The Reminder
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Tenants across Western Massachusetts are organizing to fight high rents and poor building conditions caused by out-of-state landlords, with some holding rallies and forming groups to protect their homes. In Springfield, a tenant started an organization after water damage in his building—others in Easthampton and Northampton are joining to push for changes like new rent rules. New England Public Media
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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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The Avett Brothers Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of folk rock with the harmonious sounds of The Avett Brothers.
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New England Grooming Show
12 PM – 9 AM — MassMutual Center — Registration required — A must-attend event for pet professionals featuring competitions to enhance your grooming skills.
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Shooting for Success
10 AM – 10 PM — Holyoke Community College — Community event — A transformative 3v3 tournament and career exploration experience empowering youth through sports.
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
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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