Good morning, Springfield.

A major fire at Chet’s Auto and Wrecking Yard on Aug.

8 burned a 60-foot pile of scrap metal for more than 16 hours and filled nearby neighborhoods with thick smoke. Fire Chief Bernard J. Calvi met with the public safety committee to say the fire was likely started by a battery—raising concerns about future junkyard blazes.

Timothy Murphy, a partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. in Springfield, will be included on the Best Lawyers in America list for 2026 in employment law management, labor law management, and labor and employment litigation—he has been recognized every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2025. He also serves on local boards such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid.

MGM Springfield reported $24.9 million in gross gambling revenue in August from table games and slot machines—an increase from $24 million in July and $23.6 million last August, according to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

World champion Irish dancers will perform in Springfield on Saturday at Springfield Symphony Hall in a production called A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation that blends traditional Irish music with a modern twist.

Staff at Chestnut Accelerated Middle School petitioned the School Committee to name the gym in memory of Andrea’Lee Sophia Serrano — a 12-year-old three-sport athlete who died January 2 — and the committee has moved the proposal to subcommittee for further review.

Governor Maura Healey has appointed Kristen Smidy to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education due to her nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent — including her work in Springfield.

Smidy will represent students and families from Western Massachusetts at the board.

The Holyoke Community College Gateway to College program earned a national excellence award for the third consecutive year—its sixth nod in nine years—for high student persistence and graduation rates.

The program helped 47 students earn high school diplomas in 2024-25 and improved their GPAs while serving nine local communities.

Springfield City Council delayed a vote on new apartment size rules because the Law Department must review the wording—the next regular meeting is on Oct.6 at 7 p.m.

Springfield councilor Sean Curran sent a letter to Governor Healey asking her to form a joint tourism task force with Connecticut to boost travel and local jobs—he said that working together will help promote events and economic growth in both areas.

A class action lawsuit in Springfield against the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is nearing a settlement over a contact-tracing app that was installed on about a million phones without user permission — the suit was filed in 2022 by residents and workers who claim unauthorized tracking during COVID. The settlement is expected to resolve the long-running dispute over the state's use of the app.

Springfield Council voted on a resolution that asked the state Legislature to raise drug-free zone limits near playgrounds, schools and parks from 300 to 500 feet and to remove the midnight to 5 a.m. exception—aiming to simplify enforcement and protect local families.

Councilors Lavar Click-Bruce and Brian Santaniello developed the proposal after noting more drug activity in these areas.

Hampden County Bar Association is partnering with Western New England School of Law to offer a free legal hotline tomorrow from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.—local attorneys will provide advice on various legal issues when contacted at 4137821659.

Gov. Healey visited the Raymond A.

Jordan Senior Center in Springfield on Sept. 18 to explain her Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act. The bill, introduced in May, will lower energy bills by changing net metering credits, phasing out a $60 million annual charge, and auditing utilities and is expected to save customers about $10 billion over 10 years.

Springfield City Council has delayed approving GoNetspeed’s fiber permits until the company assures full service to every neighborhood.

The provider has already installed fiber in Indian Orchard—officials now seek a guarantee that no area is left out.

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.

Shooting for Success

10 AM – 10 PM — Holyoke Community College — Community event — A transformative 3v3 tournament and career exploration experience empowering youth through sports.

Hypertufa Pots Workshop

5-7 p.m. — Zenful Spaces — All materials included — Create unique hypertufa containers for your garden with step-by-step guidance in this hands-on workshop.

Job Expo

4-7 p.m. — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Free entry — Explore job opportunities and connect with local employers in a dynamic setting.

Spirit & Grace Tour - Springfield

7:30-9:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — $1.00 service fee — Experience a vibrant evening of entertainment during the Spirit & Grace Tour.

The Mighty Oktoberfest Celebration

5-11 p.m. — Student Prince Cafe and The Fort — Ticket includes one beer — Celebrate with authentic German food, live music, and festive atmosphere.

Girls VolleyHall Classic Elite Tournament

8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. — American International College — $10 for adults, free for students and children — Cheer on the top 36 high school girls' volleyball teams from the Northeast in this exciting tournament.

New England Equitation Championships

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Eastern States Coliseum — Free admission — Experience five days of thrilling equestrian competition featuring top junior and adult riders.

G&LW Gem Show - West Springfield

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Wholesale only — Explore stunning gems and jewelry from various exhibitors in a charming New England setting.

ROAR! Comedy Featuring Neema Naz

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Iranian-Canadian stand-up comedian Neema Naz.