Springfield
Morning News
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Toy for Joy is giving local children a chance to build their reading skills with new books in its 103rd annual campaign. Link to Libraries is donating 1,000 high-quality books while donations are accepted until Christmas Eve — the effort serves kids in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. The Reminder
- ➤ Kelly Dobbins, chef and owner of Iona’s Kitchen at Tower Square, is offering free hot meals every Friday in November to help Springfield residents affected by halted SNAP benefits—he expects to serve 500 to 1,000 meals weekly at locations such as Wesley United Methodist Church, Pine Point, and the South End Community Center while planning to continue if needed. The Reminder
- ➤ Stillbrook Park in Agawam faces a state complaint over accessibility as nearly all walking trails are unpaved, making it hard for wheelchair users to enjoy the park—Mayor Christopher Johnson said officials will provide documents to confirm the park meets design standards. Western Mass News
- ➤ The Springfield Boys and Girls Club’s Festival of Trees returns to the MassMutual Center (November 28th through December 14th) where over 100 trees feature raffle tickets with prizes ranging from $200 to $2,000. The event includes a 50/50 raffle and live entertainment while proceeds support after-school programs (tickets cost $6.75 for ages 13 and up, $5.75 for seniors, and free for children under 12, active military, veterans, and first responders). The Reminder
- ➤ Rocky's ACE Hardware in Springfield has launched its Round Up for Kids campaign, asking customers to round up their purchases so extra pennies help Children's Miracle Network Hospitals including Baystate Children's Hospital. Customers' contributions will support life-saving care for children and assist families during hospital stays—donations end on December 31. Western Mass News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A recent survey shows that shoppers are bracing for higher holiday prices and are already hunting for early deals as retailers offer discounts on high-end items. Comparisons from Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon reveal small price gaps on gaming systems and larger discrepancies on computers—experts warn that limited inventory may force buyers to act fast. Western Mass News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A celebration of life was held for beloved Chef Wayne Hooker, who passed away a week ago. Western Mass News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ About 350 middle and high school students took part in the 20th Annual Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge in Springfield on Tuesday at 11 a.m., where they competed over 60 simulated trading days to build the highest portfolio net worth. The event provided a hands-on lesson in finance—teaching teamwork and financial skills. Western Mass News
- ➤ After a 2024 vote removed MCAS from high school graduation rules, Springfield Public Schools announced new guidelines—students now must meet specific subject requirements. The Class of 2026 will complete two years of English, two years of math, and one year of science while the Class of 2027 will add one year of U.S. history. Western Mass News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield residents lost a chance to stop a woody biomass plant as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declined to review their appeal, leaving Palmer Renewable Energy free to build in East Springfield. City officials and community groups vowed to keep fighting by challenging permits & pushing for new laws. The Reminder
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell met with former Springfield Gardens tenants in Springfield to discuss a $10 million settlement with Schweb Partners LLC and new housing guidelines for safe living conditions. Former tenants like Anna Smith said they feared for their families during winters with broken heat—stories that underscore the need for better housing repairs. 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.
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
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
~ John D. Rockefeller
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