Good morning, Springfield.

On Saturday morning, local volunteers from the Kiwanis club packed 10,000 meals at the Springfield Elks lodge for food pantries and survival shelters across western Mass.

The effort was funded by a local law firm and the Kiwanis Foundation of New England.

Abbie Gonzalez (executive director of a local tech firm) was named the grand prize winner in the Hyundai Salute to Heroes program after receiving a 2026 Hyundai Tucson at The Big E in West Springfield on Wednesday morning.

Her work aiding access to tech served nearly 400 nominations.

Legendary metal bands Twisted Sister and Tesla performed at The Big E Arena Friday night, delighting thousands in West Springfield with classic hits from the 1980s, including 'I Wanna Rock' and 'We’re Not Gonna Take It.'

A new WalletHub report shows Massachusetts residents paid a median of $250 per month on student loans, ranking them second nationwide after Vermont.

The U.S. Department of Education extended auto pay enrollment for a 1% interest rate reduction until Dec. 31 (a temporary benefit) to help ease repayments.

Springfield officials protected over 580 acres for wildlife and recreation — boosting local conservation and outdoor opportunities.

The decision was announced on Oct. 1.

At Szot Park in Chicopee on Saturday, Oct.

3, the Springfield International Charter Bulldogs won 47+14 against Chicopee High, breaking a three-week losing streak with strong plays in every quarter. They now look ahead to a 7 p.m. game next Friday at AIC.

East Longmeadow beat Longmeadow 43-36 as QB Kevin Baker connected twice with receiver Jovani Ramos for key touchdowns; Longmeadow will aim for its first win at Springfield Central on Oct.

9.

UMass football fell 38-14 to Eastern Michigan Saturday, Oct.

3 after a slow start that led to costly penalties and a reliance on late touchdowns. Coach Joe Harasymiak apologized for the poor defense as the team prepares for its homecoming game against Miami (OH) next Saturday at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s throwing shoulder is injured and his poor decisions raise concerns as the team will face the Bills in Buffalo soon.

Coach Vrabel and players are working to improve pass protection and offensive line depth (including a third right guard) for a better game plan.