Good morning, Springfield.

Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow is hosting a Christmas Market Local Vendor Showcase that blends holiday shopping with dining (from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly through Dec.

23).

Gary Rome Auto Group and Talk of the Town Restaurant in Springfield have been hosting a donation drive for four weeks to collect supplies for Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Contributions from locals and officials (including Senator Adam Gomez) will be sent by the end of this month.

Marines helped deliver hundreds of Toys for Tots donations after the Springfield campaign ended Friday.

The toys (from stuffed animals, dolls to bicycles) will reach local children in time for the holiday season, thanks to community support.

The new Springfield Crossing Plaza on Boston Road has sparked mixed reactions among local drivers since its businesses opened on Nov.

19, as some say long delays have marred the design while others favor its nostalgic layout — Onyx Partners have not yet announced traffic fixes as more stores will open soon.

Window World of Western Massachusetts earned national recognition as it ranked 92nd nationally and first in Western Mass on Qualified Remodeler's HIP 200 list, which honors home improvement companies for remodeling volume, industry certification, and community service (owner Tim Drost credited his team for the success).

Data shows Massachusetts startups may secure slightly higher funding this year than in 2023 or 2024 while venture capital collections could drop to a decade low.

Local tech leaders say strict healthcare rules & fierce talent competition with Silicon Valley may affect growth.

State officials have launched an investigation to review delivery charges on electric and gas bills, aiming to simplify fee components and reduce volatility.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities said it will examine cost recovery requests and may propose limits on monthly charge increases (to help customers manage their bills).

Liz Monopoli from West Springfield’s CARE Coalition presented the 2025 youth substance use survey at the School Committee meeting on Dec.

9, showing a decrease in alcohol use and a rise in vaping among grades 8, 10, and 12. The findings will guide future prevention efforts + community collaboration.

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.