Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield Pharmacy owner Tobias Billups will open a new location on State Street in May.

The store will combine full pharmacy services with growing grocery offerings (fresh deli and select produce) to help ease the food desert in the McKnight neighborhood and add local jobs.

The Springfield Garden Club will host a free family event called Children’s Books in Bloom starting Friday, May 1 at Forest Park’s Monkey House.

Families can view 32 floral designs inspired by children’s books, enjoy storytime readings, and participate in outdoor games as the event runs until Sunday, May 3.

Springfield Garden Club members planted a Jefferson Elm at Forest Park on Friday during a National Arbor Day ceremony.

The tree, a descendant of the famed Liberty Tree, is expected to reach full maturity in about 70 years (a tribute to local heritage).

BusinessWest announced the 2026 40 Under Forty program — honoring young professionals for career and community service as winners from diverse industries are recognized for inspiring local talent.

Meg Sanders of Canna Provisions (with stores in Pittsfield, Lee and Holyoke) warns that a November ballot measure to repeal recreational cannabis laws threatens markets as anti-cannabis groups raise $10 million, while a new reform law resetting the Cannabis Control Commission and raising license caps could support the industry.

Folks from The Massachusetts Review discuss their latest issue for National Poetry Month as local Parris prepares to debut her new EP at the Community Music School Spring Gala on May 1.

The Wine Thunderdome also returns to State Street Fruit Store — a creative twist on traditional wine tasting.

Local institutions have planned special exhibits and lectures to celebrate the region's role in our nation’s 250th birthday celebration this summer (including tours along the Knox Trail and a fireworks viewing at the Armory grounds).

They aim to attract visitors and highlight historic contributions.

AIC announced a transfer initiative for students impacted by Anna Maria College’s closure at the end of spring 2026.

The program offers guaranteed admission, expedited credit decisions, a $4,000 transfer scholarship (including housing support) and a chance to begin summer coursework.

Western New England University will host its annual Emerging Engineers Expo today from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center, where over 100 student projects show how classroom work becomes real-world solutions.

Play by the Books: A Novel Night of Creative Crafting

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $20 ($15 for members) — Celebrate literature and creativity with art-making stations and a gallery tour.