Good morning, Springfield.

Monson Savings Bank donated $5,000 today to MLK Jr. Family Services Food Pantry in Springfield as part of its Together for Food Security campaign — the donation will sustain local emergency food services and community food access in Hampden County.

Dueling Pianos will be held on Oct.

23 at Storrowton Tavern Carriage House from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. to raise funds for West Springfield Public Schools; tickets cost $65 per person (including dinner and a cash bar) as two pianists deliver an interactive show.

American International College is at risk of losing accreditation after the New England Commission of Higher Education demanded a sustainability plan to prove its long-term funding.

The school projects nearly $18–million in losses through the 2028 fiscal year and will implement strategic measures to boost enrollment and cut costs.

Springfield Public Schools reported a Sept.

4 cyberattack that disrupted digital systems and canceled classes for one week. Officials said free identity theft protection + contact updates will be provided to long-term employees, former staff and volunteers whose social security numbers were exposed as repair work continues.

MassDOT has reached an agreement with CSX to fund track improvements in Pittsfield (aimed at reducing conflicts between passenger and freight trains) that will support the seasonal Berkshire Flyer and future West-East rail service.

The state also announced $2B in federal funding for new Siemens Airo trains to boost regional rail connections.

MassDOT started a milling and paving project along Route 20 between Dewey Street and Lower Beverly Hills Road yesterday.

Crews will work weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for several weeks — delays are expected.

Small local firms met Tuesday at IBEW Local 7 on Liberty Street to learn about bidding on the upcoming $462 million courthouse project led by Liberty Junction + state officials.

The project, part of a 40-year leaseback deal worth $1.94 billion, may begin construction in fall and is set to open subcontracting opportunities for minority-owned and local companies.

Doctor Esteban Delpilar at Baystate Medical Center said respiratory viruses are on the rise while flu cases remain low, and he advises those eligible to get their flu+COVID vaccines and wash their hands well to lower infection risk in the community.

The Springfield Thunderbirds are set to play their first home game of the season tonight (at the local arena), drawing local fans to support the team as it launches its campaign.

The Springfield Thunderbirds held practice today ahead of tomorrow's 6 p.m. home opener at the MassMutual Center in downtown.

President Nathan Costa said the team will feature new concession offerings + vendors to build on their strong 2-0 start, and fans can still purchase tickets online.

A regional referee shortage forced local sports events to change, with a Friday football game moving to Thursday and West Springfield Girls Soccer Senior Night held on Wednesday.

Parents noted that the rescheduling reduced recognition for seniors and disrupted travel plans.

Cayden Bousquet scored a hat trick to help Pathfinder Tech beat Commerce 3-2 on Thursday, Oct.

8 in Springfield. The win moves the team up in standings and they will host Franklin County Tech Tuesday at 6 p.m.