Good morning, Springfield.

Dakin Humane Society shared how fostering pets creates big love, with local caregiver Maddie easing a frightened tuxedo cat’s transition into a new home — the shelter is now seeking foster caregivers for adult cats and dogs, and soon kittens.

GBH and New England Public Media will merge by summer to form a statewide media organization that retains NEPM’s brand, programming and Springfield studio while streamlining operations.

The merger is pending FCC approval and is not expected to cut staff immediately.

Amid growing biotech layoffs and reduced venture funding, Eli Lilly has announced five acquisition deals worth over $20B to buy promising local firms, including a potential $7B acquisition of Kelonia Therapeutics announced on April 20.

The moves, unfolding since January 2025, highlight an aggressive investment approach in Massachusetts.

Today, the Fashion for Everyone all-ability fashion show will begin at Hope Center for the Arts—the first time hosted there—with local leaders and 65 models walking the runway, and organizers plan a second show in Philadelphia on Aug.

15.

Western Mass News and Gray Media launched the Star-Spangled Sing-Off contest for acapella renditions of the National Anthem—offering an all-expenses-paid Nashville trip; submissions end May 31 and viewers will vote for the winner, who will be announced on July 2.

Foundations for Success Springfield launched today at City Hall as preschool providers joined efforts to align curriculum and support families with early education guidance (local officials and partners backed the new collaboration).

Teens from the Hampden District Attorney Youth Advisory Board urge adults to look past phone use to address broader mental health challenges + they have shared projects and safety lessons in Springfield schools since Oct.

1.

The Springfield Thunderbirds came back from a 1-0 deficit on Friday night at Amica Mutual Pavilion to win 3-2 over the Providence Bruins and secure home-ice advantage in the Calder Cup playoffs.

They will face Providence again on Sunday (7:05 p.m.).

Springfield’s Franconia Golf Course earned the 2026 Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award from the Connection Section PGA after $1 million in renovations and record revenue.

The course (built in 1929) will be honored at the Walter Lowell PGA Tournament on May 26.

The Springfield Thunderbirds are set to begin the Calder Cup Playoffs tonight in Game One against the Providence Bruins — Game Two will be in Providence on Sunday and Game Three in Springfield on Tuesday, with Game Four scheduled for next Thursday if needed.

Iggy Suarez became the new WooSox manager after Chad Tracy was promoted to Boston and led the team to a 6-2 win over Syracuse in his first game at Polar Park on Sunday.

With years of coaching in the Red Sox farm system, Suarez is set to guide the team through upcoming road games.

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.

Westfield Starfires Baseball Game

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Bullens Field — Tickets available online — Catch the collegiate summer action with the Westfield Starfires.