Good morning, Springfield.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services will host the 2025 Social Justice Impact Awards on Oct.

18 at noon at Twin Hills Country Club to honor community leaders dedicated to advancing equity and justice — the event will feature honorees from education, health, arts, and civic engagement with a keynote by Amherst College Professor Stefan Bradley.

Research from UMass Amherst found drivers often do not yield and pedestrians sometimes cross without pressing the beacon button at Springfield crosswalks like the one at 858 State St. Experts say that as these beacons become more common, clearer signals and education will soon help reduce the confusion + improve safety.

Hertz opened a new rental car office in Union Station next to the Peter Pan Bus lines ticket booth on Oct 1—city officials and Hertz representatives celebrated the opening.

The office offers a variety of vehicles with pickups and drop-offs available via Main Street access and will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eversource’s Western Mass team of line workers is preparing for the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, KS starting October 15 to test their strength and technical skills + they practiced climbing a 40-foot utility pole and simulated rescue drills at the Springfield service center ahead of the event.

The Sons and Daughters of Italy announced the return of the Columbus Day parade after a 20-year break, and the free event will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday from Stonewall Bridge near Gridiron Street to the Columbus and Italian American Veterans Memorial Statue — featuring 58 marching units and floats.

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has launched Words on the Bus to let riders display their writings on bus monitors — the program accepts poetry, song lyrics or short prose.

Springfield riders of all ages are invited to send in their work — approved submissions will be featured for passengers.

A new study by Way Finders and the UMass Donahue Institute confirms that Western Mass is short 23,420 housing units and that rising rents are straining low-income renters.

The report predicts that 17,000 more homes must be built by 2035 to boost the local economy—pressing state officials to speed up permitting and bolster investments.

On Oct. 6, the Healey-Driscoll administration launched the Go Higher campaign at UMass Dartmouth to show students that college is within reach by highlighting free community college and expanded financial aid programs.

Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega spoke with students, educators, and community leaders about breaking down barriers to higher education.

State Sen. John Velis supported the American Legion’s Student Trooper Program at a gathering on Sept 26 at the State Police Barracks on Liberty Street by backing a $1,500 donation that will help train teenagers in first aid, laws and safety — Louis Brault added that the five-day summer program enrolled 75 students in 2025 with 69 graduating. This boost aims to strengthen the pipeline to careers in law enforcement and the military.

Legislators Warren, Markey, Neal, and McGovern sent a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler on Sept.

26 asking why the Springfield SBA office was closed on June 1 as local business owners now must drive to Boston for services. They requested details on when a new office will open and additional support for small businesses and gave Loeffler until Oct. 10 to respond—focusing on Western Mass.

On Tuesday, the Labor and Workforce Development Secretary announced new workforce success grants at Springfield Technical Community College to fund training programs for unemployed and underemployed workers to gain skills in high-demand fields (health care, education, information technology, life sciences, and construction).

On Monday, the CDC changed its COVID-19 vaccine guidelines by ending the universal recommendation and requiring doctors to review vaccine risks and benefits with patients before vaccination—Massachusetts continues to allow pharmacists to administer shots under a state standing order. This update may add extra steps for some residents seeking protection from severe illness.

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.

Plantella: A Houseplant Expo

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — MassMutual Center — VIP Tickets: $20 | General Admission: $10 — Explore the best of houseplants and related businesses from the Northeast.

MVMA Fall Continuing Education Conference

Earn 12 hours of CE — 2 days — MGM Springfield — Entry Fee Required — Enhance your professional expertise at this informative veterinary conference.

Halloween Paint & Sip

2-4 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Ticket required — Enjoy a fun Halloween-themed painting experience while sipping your favorite drink.

BCI’s Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat

9:30-10:30 p.m. — Springfield Learning Center — Free entry — Enjoy a spooktacular sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat experience for families.