Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Officials from Dakin Humane Society removed nearly 100 cats from a Hampden County home that was suffering from severe hoarding and unsanitary conditions—27 were taken on October 4 and 69 more on October 14. Many cats received treatment for respiratory infections and other health issues, with some facing humane euthanasia while others await adoption. Western Mass News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Recent e-bike crashes—including two in Greenfield with one fatal and another in Montague—have raised alarms among officials who warn that faster bikes may lead to severe injuries if riders do not wear helmets. Western Mass News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ TSM Design, a marketing and branding firm that served Springfield for 40 years, will close Dec. 31 as leader Nancy Urbschat retires — the team will continue working independently to ensure a smooth transition. BusinessWest
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bright Nights at Forest Park returns for its 31st season + tickets for the three-mile tour of lights are on sale. General admission costs $25 per car with a $2 fee and season passes cost $65 as the display runs from November 26 through January 4 with special discounted nights available. Western Mass News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Holyoke Community College has received a $300,000 state grant to train low-income job seekers by improving their English skills. The program partners with three Springfield agencies — Way Finders, Tech Foundry, and MassHire Springfield — to provide career training and support, and is expected to begin by the end of October. BusinessWest
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city is addressing heavy traffic on Sumner Avenue as work on the $22 million project (a four-year effort) continues to upgrade the busy intersection and corridor near Forest Park ahead of Bright Nights. Construction will pause each night during the event (to keep the park entrance clear) and residents are urged to stay alert for cones and work zones. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A rescue puppy named Bandit has joined the correctional staff comfort dog program to help reduce stress—donated by Paws New England, he joins Al and Mugsy, both of whom have supported DOC workers for six years. MassLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UMass men’s basketball is preparing for two exhibition games before its regular season as it welcomes 10 new players including transfers and freshmen while joining the MAC — the team will face the Brown Bears in Providence on Sunday and play the Rhode Island College Anchormen at Mullins Center on October 25 before starting its season against Marshall on November 3. Western Mass News
-
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.
-
Massachusetts Equine Affaire
9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Thurs-Sat), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun) — Eastern States Exposition — Ticket prices vary — Experience four days of equine excitement, education, and entertainment with top trainers and breed showcases.
-
Laval Rocket vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
10:35 AM — MassMutual Center — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of AHL hockey as the Thunderbirds host their rivals, the Laval Rocket.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
About Springfield Morning News
Welcome to the Springfield Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Massachusetts community. If you like the Springfield Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Massachusetts. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Springfield Morning News
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://springfieldmorningnews.com/sitemap