Good morning, Springfield.

Rock 102’s 32nd Mayflower Marathon Food Drive raised over $260K in food & cash donations for Open Pantry Community Services on Nov.

24. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and volunteers helped collect donations that honored late broadcaster John O’Brien’s legacy.

Congressman Richard E.

Neal donated $2,000 to the Salvation Army’s Toy for Joy campaign to help deliver toys and books to children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. The drive offers pickups today and on Dec. 15 and 16—registered recipients must bring their email confirmation and photo ID.

On Nov. 28, MGM Springfield held a tree lighting and opened its ice rink, welcoming hundreds of festive locals.

Mayor Domenic Sarno, Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and officials joined Santa's appearance — a holiday tradition that featured live music and a celebrity meet-and-greet with Eric Estrada.

BusinessWest celebrated women business leaders at the Women of Impact event held on Dec.

9 at Twin Hills Country Club. The award honored eight local entrepreneurs including Tara Brewster and Rania Kfuri for their innovation and community leadership.

The Amherst Winter Farmers Market opens at Bangs Center (venue) through year’s end with fresh produce and artisan goods, and acapella group Take 6 performs today at the Hope Center for the Arts.

Meanwhile, Clark professor Ousmane Power-Greene appears in Power of History for amicus brief role on birthright citizenship.

A poll finds that about one in three registered voters is considering leaving the state due to rising costs for utilities, health care, housing and food.

The survey of 500 conducted in late November has a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

Eversource explained that rising electric bills are driven by a new smart meter program that sends detailed usage data, with charges split into 40% supply, 30% distribution, 17% public benefits and 13% transmission; the company is redesigning bills to help customers understand their energy use.

At a Dec. 1 Town Council meeting, West Springfield Public Schools’ CFO Adam Tarquini presented the FY27 level service budget projection of $61.5 million reflecting a 4.81% increase over FY26.

The district will work with schools once Gov. Healey releases her budget to finalize figures.

The Healey-Driscoll administration launched a pilot to boost youth employment and awarded four MassHire boards $75,000 each.

The Hampden County Workforce Board in Springfield will partner with local organizations to help place 350 youth as part of this state effort.

Dr. Kyle Gobeil of Baystate Health said holiday overindulgence has led to more Springfield emergency visits for heart problems caused by alcohol binging and rich foods—issues seen even in younger patients.

American Medical Response urges residents to seek help quickly if symptoms occur.

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.

25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees

10 AM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Support local youth programs while enjoying a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees.

New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.

Harlem Globetrotters

7-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Tickets from $46 — Experience the unforgettable antics and incredible basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.

ROAR! New Year's Eve Showcase

6-9 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians as you countdown to 2026.