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Friday, October 17th, 2025

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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

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 10/18/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 10/19/25

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  • 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.

    Sat, 10/25/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 10/26/25

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  • 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.

    Thu, 10/30/25

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  • 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.

    Fri, 10/31/25

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  • 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.

    Sat, 11/1/25

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  • 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.

    Thu, 11/6/25

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  • 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.

    Wed, 11/12/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

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

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