Good morning, Springfield.

The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium will host Comedy & Community Impact FUNdraiser on Saturday, Nov.

14 at 6 p.m. at the Springfield Marriott where dinner and local comedy will support its new Endowment Fund for community programs.

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts has selected four local residents as 2026 Pynchon Medal winners – Gianna Allentuck, Dr. Ronald Berger, David Cecchi, and Dr. Philip Glynn – who will be honored this fall at a celebration recognizing their commitment to serving others.

Heating oil prices in Massachusetts jumped nearly 75% from last year as the average cost reached $6.15 per gallon for the week of Sept.

21 (prices vary by delivery size); propane prices remained steady, and state officials urge households to check home energy assistance programs.

Super Saturdays and Sundays education forums will expand to 10 sessions after last year's positive feedback — the series starts with an early literacy discussion at 11 a.m. Sept.

26 at Indian Orchard Elementary and will cover various district topics across city schools.

Bay Path University in Longmeadow was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most innovative schools in Regional Universities North, ranking 12th in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings and 18th for Social Mobility.

The university recently acquired Cambridge College to expand its academic offerings.

Dean Tech received 13 vehicles through the FUEL program from the Hampden County District Attorney’s office for hands-on automotive training.

The donated vehicles will help students learn practical skills and prepare for future careers.

Central High senior Mykella Meadows received a $1,000 scholarship today from the Gary Rome Auto Group Surprise Squad during dance class and was honored for her strong academics + community service with Beat the Odds.

She plans to continue helping others and pursue a career in dermatology.

State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg announced that BabySteps accounts in Massachusetts have reached $1B, allowing families to use funds for college, vocational training and apprenticeship programs.

The program gives a $50 seed deposit when families open a 529 account within a year of a child's birth (or adoption).

A recent report finds Massachusetts retirees could lose $527 a month in Social Security benefits by 2032 if the trust fund runs out.

The planned cut would affect 1.2 million locals (a loss of $7.1 billion and about 0.9% of the state GDP) unless lawmakers act soon.

At The Big E fair in West Springfield, Golden K Dog is offering a unique corn dog called the CinnaMozza filled with mozzarella and coated in butter, cinnamon sugar and crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch; fairgoers can try this sweet and savory treat for $19 until Oct.

4.

Northampton holds top rank in Western Mass boys soccer — Pope Francis surged with a key win Monday, while Longmeadow, Chicopee and West Springfield shift positions ahead of upcoming matches in the local season.

Red Sox extended Craig Breslow's contract by picking up two club options through 2030, securing his role after an early season struggle.

Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said the move followed a strong turnaround & grew support for Breslow amid previous calls for a change.