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Friday, November 7th, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Today, Springfield Bishop toured a local food pantry to review its operations and meet with staff who help provide food to local residents.  Western Mass News
  • The 103rd annual Toy for Joy campaign launches its 2025 drive today with local volunteers sorting a donation of books from Link to Libraries at the Springfield Salvation Army. The Salvation Army in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield will host online and in-person registration starting Nov 10th—14th and schedule pickup on Dec 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th and 16th to provide toys, games and books to children before Christmas Eve.  MassLive
  • The federal shutdown has left empty shelves at Springfield parish food pantries as more families turn to them for help—parish leaders, including Bishop William Byrne, are urging western Mass churches to ramp up support while a mobile pantry now serves 341 people from 98 families. Increased demand has doubled or tripled weekly visitors compared to October, highlighting the urgent strain on food benefits.  Western Mass News
  • Square One will waive parent fees for early education in November—using a reserve fund gifted by Health New England—and MassDOT will close the St. James Ave bridge for emergency repairs as the Gray House seeks Thanksgiving food donations while AIC prepares a student food pantry and Baystate Health, HCC and STCC launch career and training events. Holyoke Medical Center has expanded its same-day clinic and local officials—Patricia Devine and Richard Purcell—are running for city council as free line-cook training and a Sunday walk to raise funds for Alzheimer’s support add to a busy slate of community efforts.  MassLive
  • The Springfield Salvation Army launched its 103rd annual Toy for Joy drive to help local children and families, noting that last year’s drive raised over $100K. The campaign will accept donations until December 24 and support about 1,600 families and up to 4,000 children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties — uniting the community for the holiday season.  MassLive
  • Local groups and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced the We Love Springfield holiday campaign on Thursday at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The new campaign features social media pages and a website and will include over 28 holiday events starting November 28—such as a Grinch’s Grotto, museum visits, a pop show with Trisha Yearwood, and Bright Nights at Forest Park ending January 3.  Western Mass News

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Bulkley Richardson was named the 2026 Best Law Firm in 14 practice areas by Best Lawyers in Springfield based on rigorous client and peer evaluations — the firm has 12 lawyers on the Best Lawyers list and Mary Jo Kennedy was named Lawyer of the Year for employment law and litigation.  BusinessWest

HEALTH NEWS

  • If Congress does not extend enhanced premium tax credits by Dec. 31, more than 330,000 Massachusetts residents will see higher health insurance premiums in 2026—some paying double or triple rates. The Massachusetts Health Connector is expanding call center and navigator support to guide enrollees through the upcoming changes.  MassLive
  • Mercy Medical Center in Springfield suspended its maternity care—affecting expectant families—while officials reviewed patient protocols. Hospital administrators said the service pause began earlier and will be reassessed soon.  Western Mass News
  • Massachusetts Health Connector is guiding residents through a complicated open enrollment period that started November 1 and ends January 23 as federal changes cut subsidies and lower eligibility for many. Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier said the state is urging people to update their accounts and shop around — actions designed to help manage potential premium increases.  MassLive

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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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  • A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce

    8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets on sale now — Experience a night of unforgettable music and stories with A.J. Croce's latest tour.

    Fri, 11/21/25

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  • Jeff Dye Performance

    8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic flair of Jeff Dye live in Springfield.

    Sat, 11/22/25

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  • Sweater Weather Paint & Pick Your Sip

    6-8 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Ticket required — Cozy up for a painting evening with included drinks and good vibes.

    Fri, 11/28/25

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  • ROAR! Comedy: Frank Santos Jr.

    8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Free entry — Laugh the night away with Frank Santos Jr.'s hilarious comedy show.

    Sat, 11/29/25

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  • ROAR! Comedy: Todd Barry

    8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Todd Barry, known for his wit and TV appearances.

    Fri, 12/5/25

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  • Teddy Bear Toss Night

    6:05-7:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices fluctuate — Bring a new teddy bear and toss it onto the ice after the first goal for a charitable cause.

    Sat, 12/6/25

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  • 5th Annual Kringle Market

    10 AM – 4 PM — Nosh Café and Restaurant — $2 at the door — Celebrate the holidays with local artisans, festive food, and community spirit at this vibrant market.

    Sun, 12/7/25

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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

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

~ Henry Ford

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