Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
Rock102’s 32nd annual Mayflower Marathon raised a record $260,062.39 over 52 hours to fight food insecurity in Springfield.
Volunteers collected four truckloads of food for Open Pantry—online donations continue through Sunday to help sustain the pantry for several months.
The Springfield Public Forum will host CNN host and bestselling author Fareed Zakaria on Dec.
1 at Springfield Symphony Hall—doors open at 5 p.m., and he will discuss historical and modern revolutions to shed light on today’s challenges.
Max, a 6-year-old 77-pound Dogo Argentino mix from Palmer Animal Control now at the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, is known for his passion for fetching tennis balls and is looking for a new family — potential adopters can visit the Springfield Animal Resource Center Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. — staff advise that he needs slow introductions with other pets.
John and Geri Spear celebrated 66 years of marriage on Orlando Street Wednesday, November 26 in Springfield, with Mayor Domenic Sarno declaring the day as John and Geraldine Spear Day.
The couple, known for their deep roots in the city, said their secret was patience and love.
Today the Knights of Columbus will serve thousands of Thanksgiving meals to local families in Springfield — they plan to help residents celebrate the holiday with a free warm meal.
🌲 Environment
State agencies did not submit the required emissions reports for state vehicles and the MassDEP admitted that no audits were done to enforce the rule.
The next report is due March 1, 2026—raising concerns about oversight as the state works to meet its climate goals.
Boston Globe meteorologist Ken Mahan explained that a sudden stratospheric warming event is weakening the polar vortex and will bring very cold weather with alternating chilly and milder days to Western Mass after Thanksgiving, with the cold snap beginning Black Friday and peaking in early December. The change, not seen this early since the 1960s, will also increase snowfall across interior New England—affecting travel and daily routines.
🏥 Health
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who drink one cup of coffee a day show fewer irregular heartbeat recurrences compared to non-drinkers.
Baystate Cardiologist Dr. Kyle Gobeil said coffee drinkers had a 46% recurrence versus 64% for non-drinkers — he warned that extra sugar and cream could harm heart health.
🏈 Sports
Ten Thanksgiving football games have spanned decades among Western Mass schools, with one game played yesterday and nine scheduled today featuring long-standing contests like Longmeadow versus East Longmeadow and Agawam at West Springfield — the NFHS website will stream five matchups. The series histories date back over 100 years — preserving a cherished local tradition in high school sports.
A local prophet predicted the outcomes for 17 Thanksgiving football games across the state, noting that Wednesday’s games have already been decided while teams playing today will try to build on recent wins—teams like Newton North, Ware, and South Hadley are set for competitive rivalries. The predictions use each team's season record and past matchups to forecast scores and stir local excitement for Turkey Day matchups.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Polish Christmas Decorations: Design, History, and Meaning
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4 for residents, FREE for members — Discover the vibrant history and craft of Polish Christmas decorations with artist Susan Urban.
Breakfast with Santa
9-11 a.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket price supports local charity — Enjoy a festive breakfast while meeting Santa and supporting a good cause.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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