Good morning, Springfield.

City Tire has raised nearly $15,000 today to support a service dog program that helps veterans, first responders, and active service members gain more independence—dogs like Daisy attended the event.

A Salute to Soldiers will hold its first annual golf tournament on October 17th at Tekoa Country Club to raise an additional $25,000 for the program.

UPS is holding some international packages because customs now require full item origin details—this affects fewer than 10 percent of shipments—and Vlad Tsvor of Agawam Pack and Ship urges holiday shoppers to ship early to avoid returns or disposal.

Rick Sullivan, who will step down as president and CEO of the EDC (Economic Development Council) at the end of this year, said his work helped grow membership and build new business sectors like quantum computing, cybersecurity, and food science in Western Mass.

He added that boosting affordable housing and higher education is needed to attract workers and strengthen the region's economy.

Firefighters from Springfield graduated today from an intensive training program that tested their emergency skills — the course combined hands-on exercises with classroom lessons to better prepare them for future calls.

Massachusetts residents with low incomes can apply for a federal program that helps pay heating bills this winter— the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program supports households whose income is below 60% of the state median.

Applications opened on Oct. 1 and are available online, in person, or by mail for the heating season that begins Nov. 1.

State officials announced Friday that 22 firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy after a 50-day training program—these recruits from Amherst, Belchertown, Greenfield, Longmeadow, Monson, Northampton and West Springfield showed strong skills in search and rescue, water supply and fire attack.

New SNAP rules require able-bodied adults without dependents—ABAWDs—to work 80 hours each month to avoid receiving only three months of benefits in any three-year period.

States must enforce these changes by November 1, so local recipients without dependents should contact their SNAP office for advice.

Hockey season begins today as the Springfield Thunderbirds host the Charlotte Checkers in a sellout game to open their tenth anniversary season.

Team president Nathan Costa said the team spent weeks training at camp and will unveil new jerseys along with a pregame area called The Landing — all set to boost the game experience.

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.

John Caparulo Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy sharp wit and hilarious anecdotes from seasoned comedian John Caparulo.

Comedy Night with John Caparulo

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience sharp wit and dry humor from the seasoned comedian John Caparulo.