Good morning, Springfield.

Former hostages Maya and Itay Regev and their father shared their survival story at Temple Beth El on Thursday evening, recounting how they were taken after a terror attack on Oct.

7 and later released in late November + urging local listeners to learn from their experience.

Springfield-based attorney James Sheils from Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. was named to the 2025 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list in Banking Law today.

This marks his 11th top attorney recognition (he was also recently selected for the 2026 Best Lawyers in America list).

After two years of construction, Springfield Crossing is now open and already hosts BJ’s Wholesale Club, PetSmart, and BJ’s Gas with more stores coming soon.

Chick-Fil-A had its grand opening Thursday at Boston Road, employing nearly 120 people — a boost for local convenience and job opportunities.

Today, The Fabulous 413 airs a live acoustic session with Socks in the Frying Pan ahead of their show tonight at The Iron Horse, while conductor William Waldrop and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra preview Saturday’s Holiday Pops concert.

Senior editor Emily Brewster also explores how once-trademarked words become common usage.

The Healey Administration awarded $1.2 million in federal grants to 24 school districts and 10 early education programs to expand school gardens, indoor growth systems, culinary classes and farm field trips to increase children’s access to locally grown food.

The Healey Administration awarded $1.8 million on Thursday to train over 300 early childhood education apprentices in areas with childcare shortages (including grants to MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and MassHire Hampden County).

The funding aims to boost local workforce development.

On Dec. 4, four East Longmeadow firefighters were promoted to lieutenant in a ceremony led by Chief Beecher and Town Clerk Jeanne Quaglietti, with Town Council President Connor O’Shea awarding them official citations to mark their new leadership roles.

Springfield U.S. Rep. Richard Neal warned that if Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at the end of the month four million people might lose their insurance amid rising costs & primary care shortages, urging an extension to prevent increased emergency room visits.

Mellace Family Brands California has recalled Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts unsalted 34-oz tubs & 11.5-oz bags for a potential Salmonella risk.

Buyers in Massachusetts and other states should return affected products to the store for a refund.

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.