Good morning, Springfield.

William Toller, program consultant for the Ludlow chapter, announced a $1,100 donation from American Veterans in Prison to the Toy for Joy drive supporting children in Hampden + Hampshire + Franklin counties; the campaign, aiming to raise $125,000, accepts mail-in and online donations through Dec. 24.

A year‑in‑review article highlights Springfield’s 2025 milestones, from record voter turnout on Nov.

4 and tight city council races to major civic projects like the X reconstruction, the reopening of Springfield Crossing, and legal challenges involving local officials & property developers.

Open Pantry will serve a holiday meal at Commerce High School on Christmas day with doors opening at 11 a.m. and meals served from noon to one.

All community members are invited to join this festive gathering.

Four Springfield residents lost their home when a fire broke out on Bretton Road Monday night; firefighters extinguished the flames and the Red Cross provided assistance as officials investigate the cause.

Common Capital from Springfield provides small business loans up to $300,000 and hands on support to local entrepreneurs.

Alysia Bryant of Carefree Cakery used a $100,000 loan to start her shop — the agency is expanding its portfolio from $5M to over $9M.

Employers must now follow Massachusetts’ salary range transparency law, which requires them to post a credible pay range for every Massachusetts role starting Oct.

29, 2025. Businesses with 25+ employees will also disclose pay ranges to applicants and submit EEO data as mandated, with warnings given before any penalties.

Springfield celebrated Hanukkah in Court Square on Dec.

15 with children dancing and families enjoying warm latkes. Rabbi Noach Kosofsky lit the first two menorah lamps—an event attended by Mayor Domenic Sarno and other city officials to mark the festival's start.

The Big E fair drew over 1.5 million visitors this year, ranking it as the fourth-largest fair on the continent according to Carnival Warehouse and the Eastern States Exposition (ESE).

ESE President Gene Cassidy said the honor is a reward for the team and highlights the fair’s support for local agriculture.

Central High School is hosting a court dedication ceremony to honor former NBA star Travis Best, whose achievements continue to inspire local athletes.

Western New England University offers a hands-on engineering course where freshmen build skills on real projects.

Local firms such as Tighe + Bond and O’Reilly, Talbot + Okun Associates partner with the school to provide internships that prepare students for future careers.

Nutritionist Nicole Frank-Maslar of Pyramid Nutrition Services in West Springfield advises families to stick to regular meals and try healthier ingredient swaps—such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream—during holiday gatherings to enjoy festivities without overindulging.

At a Dec.15 Springfield Regional Chamber panel, Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko and Rep. Richard Neal warned that cuts from the OB3 Act may cost local residents coverage and increase hospital costs (impacting 31,000 people) and could drive up premiums.

They urged community advocacy to maintain stable healthcare services.

Direct Source Seafood issued a recall for over 83,000 pounds of raw Market 32 shrimp following potential cesium-137 contamination affecting Price Chopper stores, including Springfield — customers are urged to return products for a refund.

The FDA is investigating the levels while no illnesses have been reported.

Drake Maye led the Patriots to a 28 to 24 comeback win over Ravens on Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2021.

Maye threw 380 yards as the Patriots improved to 12 to 3 while Ravens dropped to 7 to 8.

Central High School hosted a court dedication ceremony for former NBA star Travis Best on Monday night at 6:45 p.m. The event was followed by a 7:30 p.m. tipoff as the Boys’ Varsity played against the Agawam Brownies.

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.

Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins at Springfield Thunderbirds

3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement as local hockey action heats up with the Thunderbirds facing off against the Penguins.