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Hi Springfield, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: MassDOT rail expansion, Disney on Ice, and St. Patrick’s Day at The Fort + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Massachusetts drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

MassDOT advances rail expansion: Springfield Union Station is set for a makeover to clear a choke point, adding tracks, upgraded platforms, and a rebuilt layover yard to boost Amtrak capacity in western Massachusetts — see what’s planned for rail.

Pathways into utility careers: Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is accepting applications for its 2026 summer internships, a seven-week, state-certified training program for high school students. Applications are open now and close April 2 — get all the details.

Momentum builds for tournament hub: Springfield City Council passed a resolution on March 3 to explore a sports complex following reports the Hoophall Classic may move to Boston, to boost tourism and support youth athletics — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Fort
• Sip cocktails, craft charcuterie masterpieces
• Golf to support Kamp for Kids

💎 This week’s top finds

Old-school breakfast fix: When breakfast cravings can’t wait, Route 66 Diner serves the classics: counter stools, jukebox vibes, and plates that hit the spot. Keep it in your midweek rotation for griddled favorites, generous home fries, and no pretense, just Springfield comfort that shows up exactly when you need it.

Italian deli comfort: Frigo’s Foods has been a family-run standby since 1950, serving hefty Italian sandwiches (classic cold cuts, chicken parm, fresh mozz), plus prepared meals and catering for nights that sneak up on you. Comfort comes stacked high, with old-school flavors and reliable portions that never overpromise.

Gift ideas, solved: PLAYNOW!is a family-owned toy spot rescuing birthdays and rainy afternoons with LEGO, Playmobil, puzzles, plush, and brainy kits that actually get used. Perfect for quick wins for kids, plus a nostalgia hit for grown-ups, this neighborhood trove keeps playtime easy.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍀 The Tinkers @ Nathan Bill’s Bar&Restaurant | Tuesday (3/17) at 10:00 AM – Nothing says Saint Patrick’s in Western Mass like The Tinkers turning the biggest celebration into a proper shindig. Expect real tunes, hearty food, and drinks that don’t glow neon. Wear some green, bring your favorite people, and let the craic take care of itself.

☘ St. Patrick’s Day @ Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant | Tuesday (3/17) at 11:00 AM – St. Patrick’s Day at The Fort means the Student Prince swaps schnitzel for shamrocks, and we are not mad about it. Settle in for the Classic Hurley Clan Dinner, sip the themed cocktails, and pretend your grandparents were from County Wherever.

⛸ Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto @ MassMutual Center | Thursday (3/19) at 7:00 PM – MassMutual Center turns into Arendelle and the Madrigals’ Casita for Disney on Ice with Frozen and Encanto. The kids belt ‘Let It Go’ and ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno,’ you’ll pretend it’s for them, and everyone has a blast. Sparkles, skates, and quality time.

🏷 Fused Glass Flower Vase Frame @ New Life Church (East Longmeadow) | Friday (3/20) at 6:00 PM – Spring’s finally here, so celebrate with a fused glass flower-vase frame workshop for $35, a $25-off steal. Choose your colors, craft the bouquet, and leave with a 4″ x 5″ keepsake fit for Mother’s Day, your mantle, or the office. Only 10 spots.

🎶 Adaptive Music Pop-Up Class @ Springfield City Library – Central Library | Saturday (3/21) at 3:00 PM – Got a rhythm-loving kid who needs a sensory-friendly space? Community Music School of Springfield brings Nora Cruz to lead adaptive music for disabled and neurodivergent kids and caregivers, featuring singing, dancing, and instruments for bonding, language, and self regulation. No stage, joyful noise.

🍷 Wine Tasting @ Mount Carmel Parish Center | Saturday (3/21) at 5:00 PM – Grab a glass and join the locals for a wine tasting that actually knows its tannins, all to support Greater Springfield UNICO. Swirl, sip, pretend you taste blackberry and leather, then feel good knowing it benefits our community. Quality pours, easy conversation, zero pretension.

🔔 Gongs & Himalayan Singing Bowls Sound Meditation @ Heartsong Yoga Center (East Longmeadow) | Sunday (3/22) at 3:00 PM – Trade your to-do list for a sound bath with gongs and Himalayan singing bowls at Heartsong Yoga in East Longmeadow. You lie down, they vibrate, and sleep, blood pressure, and mood get the memo. Registration required, 413-525-0720.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Springfield report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 48°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 11%

Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Northeast wind 2 to 12 mph. Later: Rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 100%

Rain showers before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 51 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Most popular house this week

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