Good morning, Springfield.

The Indian Orchard Food Truck Festival celebrates 10 years at Myrtle Park on Oct.

10 and 11, featuring food trucks, games and face painting along with a new basketball tournament. Organizers rely on a $20,000 state earmark and community sponsorships — they plan to keep the free event despite rising costs.

Rain and a nor’easter led to a 17% drop in attendance at The Big E in West Springfield this past weekend — many visitors faced lengthy traffic delays.

Organizers warned these challenges could lower turnout at next year’s fair.

Western New England University received a nearly $3 million federal grant to boost student advising, career-connected learning, and retention initiatives, especially for first-generation and low-income students.

The five-year project will build stronger pathways to career opportunities in Springfield.

American International College in Springfield must show cause in a January 2027 meeting to avoid probation due to financial issues that include a projected $17.1 million loss through fiscal year 2028.

The college is cutting expenses and boosting enrollment to secure future federal aid (following steps seen at other nearby institutions).

Springfield's City Council approved reactivating the Youth Commission today to give high and middle school students a greater role in addressing issues such as mental health, food insecurity, and financial literacy (with members appointed by both the mayor and the council).

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Pope Francis girls cross country team dominated the tri-meet at Smith Voc High School, winning races against Hampden Charter and Smith Voc with top four finishes (Kaylie Rattell clocked 17:27).

The Cardinals now prepare for next Tuesday's meetups with Greenfield and PVCICS.

Northampton kept its No. 1 spot in the WMass Boys Soccer Top 20 released Oct.

7 after a 1-1 tie with Ludlow on Monday that snapped a nine-game win streak and a 1-0 win over Agawam Tuesday. Pope Francis fell to No. 2 after a 2-0 loss to Belchertown.

MassLive released the Top 10 rankings on Oct.

7 for WMass girls volleyball teams — Longmeadow stays first while Amherst climbed to second, with Ludlow, Mount Greylock and Taconic joining the list. Amherst will face Longmeadow on Oct. 14 in a rematch.