Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield leaders announced the fifth annual Pride Parade will take place June 4 to 6 after initial plans for 500 grew into an expected crowd of over 5,000, with officials noting the event will offer young people a celebration of love, pride, and community.

The Springfield Business Improvement District and Springfield Parking Authority are offering $5 After 5 parking at Taylor Street Parking Garage (33 Taylor St.) to boost evening activity downtown.

The program begins today.

In March, two casino players at MGM Springfield won jackpots when betting on slot games, one winning $17,084 from a $5 bet on Phoenix Link and another $11,004 on Dragon Link; the casino, with over 1,500 machines, distributed over $100 million in prizes in 2025+ recorded peak payouts in July.

Gas prices in Massachusetts rose by 35 cents in April, pushing the average for regular gas above $4 for the first time since 2022.

Drivers in Nantucket faced the highest cost at $5.56 at the pump.

STCC has received $809,989 from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to expand free HVAC and heat pump training for Springfield residents, with six hands-on programs starting this spring and summer (offering industry certifications and clear pathways to jobs).

Springfield School Committee will vote on a proposed $671 million budget that increases funding by 6.9% to support classrooms.

Officials said increased spending will help avoid cuts to teaching jobs, sports, or activities (public input was minimal) at the meeting on Thursday.

Consumers in Springfield should stop using Thermos food jars and bottles as the CPSC recalled them today for pressure build-up risks that can cause exploding lids and eye injuries.

The recalled models (SK3000, SK3020, SK3010) were made before July and sold at local stores and online, with free replacements available.

Measles cases in Japan have quadrupled this month—state health officials linked one local case to international travel—and urged residents to confirm vaccinations before summer trips; families planning international travel should consult clinics two to four weeks in advance for the MMR vaccine.

East Longmeadow moved up to second after Tuesday's win over Northampton while Wahconah reached the top five with six straight wins, and upcoming matchups include West Springfield versus Minnechaug on Thursday night and a Mount Greylock-Wahconah rematch on May 6.

Morgan Marini of West Springfield’s outdoor girls track and field team was named MassLive’s Athlete of the Week on Thursday, April 30 after setting new personal bests in the 2-mile and 800-meter races at the William Kane Invitational (Holyoke High School).

She broke the school record in the 2-mile race.

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.