Good morning, Springfield.

4-H teens work hard to prepare their livestock for The Big E agriculture fair in West Springfield, where over 2,500 youths will showcase months of farm work (with some starting as early as 4:30 a.m.).

Five finalists for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra music director position will engage in week-long residencies with the musicians during the 2026-27 season.

The candidates will participate in interviews, community meet-and-greets — and prepare performances to help shape the orchestra's future.

Hip-hop legend Ice Cube discusses his rise with N.W.A. and his upcoming show at The Big E in an interview with John Juliano on Big E Extra; the episode streams at 12:30 p.m. today.

Teacher Tyler Chrystal received a $75,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative’s Career Technical Education Center in West Springfield.

The award highlights his focus on workforce placement and hands-on training, marking the first win from Massachusetts in the 25-teacher nationwide competition.

Rays of Hope’s 33rd annual Walk & Run will take place Sunday, Oct.

18 at Forest Park, starting with an 8K run (8:30 a.m.) followed by a walk that winds through neighborhoods, with teams and survivors uniting to raise funds for local breast cancer programs and research.

MassLive released its fourth boys soccer ranking update on Sept.

23, showing Ludlow entering the top five on a three-game win streak while Northampton remains at No.1; several teams shift positions after key wins.

MassLive released its Week 4 football rankings on Sept.

30 - South Hadley climbed to No. 5 after outscoring opponents 120-0; Friday, Springfield Central hosts Westfield at 7 p.m. as local teams prepare for key matchups.

After losing its season opener, Springfield International Charter School won five straight games with a 16-9 combined score and joined the regional girls soccer rankings under head coach Matt Smith, and the Bulldogs will face McCann Tech, Hoosac Valley & Springfield Central on the road.

A local sports analyst offers predictions for 33 high school football games (Week 4) scheduled from Oct.

1 to Oct. 3, highlighting key matchups in West Springfield, Acton-Boxborough and nearby towns as teams seek to improve their season standings.

Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet acknowledged he let his team down in a Wild Card loss to the Yankees after failing to record an out during his brief return from rehab.

He said his shoulder felt strong (following months of recovery), though his performance could not turn the tide.

High school girls volleyball in Western Massachusetts highlights its top performers this fall with detailed stats on kills, blocks, digs, assists and aces compiled through Oct.

1. Aubri Panetta reached her 1,000th career assist for Putnam Voc/Tech on Sept. 30.