Springfield
Morning News
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local organizations hosted the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday in Springfield to honor 34 people killed and over 100 injured on Hampden County roads last year. WalkBike Springfield Advocate Betsy Johnson noted that new safety features were installed on State Street—public officials also discussed plans to redesign roadways for better pedestrian safety. Western Mass News
- ➤ Local groups and businesses are launching a series of initiatives to support nonprofits and community services. Monson Savings Bank invites residents to vote online for its 2026 Community Giving Initiative until Dec. 31 at 3 p.m., while Elms College and Beacon ABA Services are offering discounted tuition for eligible employees, a cycling event raised nearly $80,000 for local and global services, the Applied Mortgage Team backed several community programs, Greater Holyoke Chamber opened a food drive with set drop-off hours, and the Springfield Young Professional Society will host Friendsgiving on Nov. 20 at 52 Sumner. MassLive
- ➤ Final arrangements for longtime Springfield chef Wayne Hooker were announced after he passed away last week, and a public visitation is held today from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sampson Chapel of the Acres on Tinkham Road (a spring celebration service is planned but details are pending). Western Mass News
- ➤ Berkshire Bank—a division of Beacon Bank & Trust—launched a food drive at Pioneer Valley branches to help local food pantries, asking community members to donate nonperishable items by Dec. 13 at several locations including three in Springfield. BusinessWest
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Maj. Gen. Sean Collins concluded his assignment as the first commander of the Air Force Medical Command after Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes was confirmed and will continue in his roles as Air National Guard assistant to the surgeon general and director of Space Force Medical Operations. Markens Group Inc. headquartered in Springfield named Emily Leonczyk president and CEO, and UMass Amherst honored Music and Dance chair Matthew Westgate as a Distinguished Faculty member—his lecture is set for December 2 at 4 p.m. in the Old Chapel. MassLive
- ➤ Former Patriots star Vince Wilfork has launched his GHI75 BBQ sauce line in three flavors — Original, Sweet & Spicy, and Hickory & Brown Sugar — which he developed over two years using his father’s recipe and will soon be available online and in select local stores. MassLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ West Springfield's American Legion hosted a free 90-minute tribute to World War II heroes this past Sunday where dance routines—performed by the Small Planet Dancers in military uniforms and 1940s dresses—and readings on The Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, and the 442nd Infantry Regiment honored the history of the war. Western Mass News
- ➤ A new 50-foot animated Christmas tree choreographed to music is set to be part of this year’s display in Forest Park in Springfield. The tree, as tall as a five-story building with a four-foot star on top plus over 18 hundred ornaments, will change its patterned lights to match different Christmas carols. Western Mass News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Healey visited the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on Monday as community groups faced a 600% surge in people seeking food assistance. SNAP benefits have been restored but officials warned that the struggle to feed residents continues—volunteers and staff work daily to meet the need. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Multiple free in-person and online support groups are available for mental health, grief, cancer, and recovery across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Rick's Place, Baystate Health, NAMI-WM and Springfield College offer these programs—helping residents get the support they need. MassLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UMass men’s basketball won 84 to 77 over Central Connecticut State at the Mullins Center on Sunday afternoon after a 51-point first half — Junior K’Jei Parker scored a career-high 22 points and Leonardo Bettiol recorded a double-double as the team improved to three wins and one loss. MassLive
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Holiday Sip & Shop
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield — No entry fee — Enjoy festive refreshments while shopping local gifts and test driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
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Winter in Watercolor Workshop
10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110, $94 for Members — Explore winter landscapes in watercolor with guidance from artist Andrea Mackin.
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MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic
4:30-7 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling basketball classic featuring UMass vs. Boston College and Yale vs. UAlbany in the birthplace of basketball.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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