Springfield
Morning News
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ John O’Brien, former Rock 102 radio host known for launching the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive, died of cancer on Oct. 6. City Councilor Davila and Mayor Sarno recognized his lasting impact on our community at a council meeting and event. The Reminder
- ➤ Donations to the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center will be matched dollar for dollar by the Anthony M. and Lea Scibelli Charitable Foundation through the end of the year, giving local donors the chance to double support for animal care during the winter months. BusinessWest
- ➤ Salvation Army Captain Stacy McNeil, new to her Springfield citadel role, leads the 103-year-old Toy for Joy Christmas campaign to distribute gifts to children in need. The drive, which began Dec. 9, needs an extra $82,177 to reach its $125,000 goal by Christmas Eve. The Reminder
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Developer Anton Melchionda said he will examine traffic issues at Springfield Crossing, a shopping center that opened on Nov. 19 amid early complaints about the intersection at the old Eastfield Mall site (with plans to adjust traffic lights if needed) as more stores open. Western Mass News
- ➤ On Tuesday, two $100K scratch lottery tickets were claimed from Om Gulf Racing Mart in Indian Orchard and from Xtra Mart on Providence Street — one costing $30 and the other $10 — with over 407 prizes claimed statewide. MassLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Museums have featured Jurassic Gingerbread (in its 16th year of display) created by local bakers and families; the dinosaur-themed exhibition is open until Dec. 31 and includes a People’s Choice vote online. The Reminder
- ➤ Repairs have been completed on the historic Philip Kilroy House at 63 Chestnut St after a five-year $800,000 restoration partly funded by a 1.5% tax surcharge, preserving its ornate stained-glass windows + terracotta-tiled roof. The project was overseen by the Community Preservation Committee to safeguard Springfield’s unique history. The Reminder
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A study by the Eos Foundation urges more schools to offer Breakfast in the Classroom after finding universal free meals could feed 303,000 more students daily + secure an extra $73 million in federal funds. Springfield Public Schools lead by example with 84% breakfast participation and partnerships with local farms. The Reminder
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The FDA warned that recalled infant formula linked to 51 botulism cases remains on shelves at some Walmart and Target stores, including in Springfield, despite recall notices sent on Nov. 8 and Nov. 11. Retailers must submit corrective plans within 15 days to avoid further action. MassLive
- ➤ Local health care officials urged residents without employer insurance to enroll by Dec. 23 at Massachusetts Health Connector and Caring Health Center so coverage starts Jan. 1 — navigators are available to help guide applicants through the process. Western Mass News
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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.
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Harlem Globetrotters
7-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Tickets from $46 — Experience the unforgettable antics and incredible basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.
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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.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Morning News
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