Good morning, Springfield.

Westfield Bank was named on the Forbes Best-In-State Banks list 2026 today for excellent customer service at 25 branches + digital channels.

President James Hagan said the honor reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to local community banking.

Staff at Six Flags New England in Agawam are busy preparing for Fright Fest by working in a makeup room (the Zombie Factory) where 200 scare actors get into character before their nightly shows starting at 6 p.m. on weekends and select Fridays through Nov.

1.

The state awarded $56 million to Pioneer Valley economic development projects on Thursday (including $5 million for Springfield’s Main Street public-space improvements and other funding for projects in Easthampton, Greenfield, Hadley and Holyoke) as Gov. Healey announced the grants to spur local growth.

A lottery player won over $700K on Thursday by playing Timber Wolf, a new online game launched in July.

Over 1,000 prizes of at least $600 have been claimed statewide, including 11 in Springfield.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services has restored funding for its free national adult education program hosted at 3 Rutland St., Springfield.

The Clemente Course in Humanities gives low-income students a chance to earn up to six credits from Bard College, with an orientation session scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:15 p.m.

Applications have opened for HEAP to help with winter heating bills, and local agencies report rising inquiries as fuel costs increase.

Residents may apply online for free help — asking for a fee is a scam.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Franklin Tech edged Ware with a 32-28 win — breaking a decade-long losing streak as standout plays by Hunter Donahue and Cole Bassett clinched the victory.

The Eagles will face Greenfield on Oct. 9 to pursue a perfect season.

On Oct. 1, Pathfinder Tech defeated Smith Vocational 31-16 at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School with running back Cassian Kowalik scoring three touchdowns (a performance that turned the game around).

The Pioneers will finish their road trip on Oct. 8 in South Hadley.

Springfield Central (2-1) and Westfield (2-1) faced off Friday night in an AA Conference football match that also marked the grand opening of Westfield’s new sports complex in Western Mass.

The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a season-opening roster that blends returning players including captain Chris Wagner + veteran additions, and they will drop the puck today at 6:05 p.m. at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza before hosting a home opener on Oct.

10.

UMass Minutemen are trying to reach a 5-0 record today against Eastern Michigan at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Standing room tickets remain available along with first-come student tickets for those who want to join the sell-out game.