Good morning, Springfield.

Local florists, including Durocher Florist, are preparing for a busy Mother's Day weekend as they craft fresh bouquets and offer options for every budget.

They are using both imported blooms and locally sourced flowers to help keep prices reasonable despite tariffs.

A Massachusetts casino player turned a $1.76 bet on the Coin Trio Royal game at MGM Springfield—one of more than 1,500 slot machines—into a jackpot prize of $10,331.70 that was won on Wednesday.

During a special School Committee meeting on April 30, longtime local educators Terry Powe and Jose Escribano were named assistant superintendents for curriculum instruction and community engagement in the Springfield School Department.

Powe, who spent 14 years at Elias Brookings School, will lead instructional programs while Escribano, formerly chief of family and community engagement, will build collaborative relationships with families and community groups (their selections were unanimously approved).

The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled Wednesday that Palmer Renewable Energy’s permits for its biomass plant at 1000 Page Boulevard remain valid despite opposition from local officials and the Conservation Law Foundation.

Councilor Michael A. Fenton and other critics said they will keep fighting the project (which opponents call a 'Frankenpermit' due to its potential for long-term pollution).

Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell filed a lawsuit against CVS, saying the chain charged Medicaid patients more because it did not report discount prices from its ScriptSave program—this violated state rules—and CVS said it will fight the charges in court.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno unveiled his proposal for a $985.7 million fiscal 2026 budget yesterday at City Hall that avoids layoffs and preserves stabilization funds—using only $2 million from a pension reserve to manage rising costs.

The plan raises spending by 6.1% with most increases directed toward salary adjustments and education and now goes to City Council for approval.

State lawmakers floated a bill on Monday to tax colleges that use legacy, donor, and early decision admissions as a way to fund public institutions—Harvard could pay over $106 million while schools like MIT and UMass Amherst would remain exempt.

Lawmakers also would require colleges to share admissions data publicly amid rising federal pressures on higher education.

Baystate Health announced layoffs for 43 employees to help offset earlier operating losses, and affected team members had discussions completed by May 2.

The health system—focused on reducing costs and redesigning operations—plans to improve its supply chain and revenue cycle to boost financial stability.

A new law took effect Monday that lets some renters seal eviction records to remove barriers in getting housing, and local advocates welcomed the measure as Hampden County faces the highest eviction rate in the state.

Tenants can petition courts to seal records if they meet set conditions (a four-year wait applies after non-payment evictions and a seven-year wait for fault evictions).

Mother’s Day Bottomless Brunch at Union Station

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Springfield Union Station — $5 – $46 — Enjoy a delightful array of bottomless cocktails and a lavish brunch spread with chef-attended stations.

EASTEC Manufacturing Trade Show

8 AM - 5 PM — Eastern States Exposition — Check website for details — Discover cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and strategies at this major trade show.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Fun experience — Enjoy an exciting night of laughter with Aaron Chen, a rising star in comedy from Australia.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star Aaron Chen from Australia.

Volunteer Fair

On Sunday, May 18 at 1pm, over a dozen local non-profit organizations will be on hand to talk about the work they do and the volunteer opportunities they offer. The event is free and open to the public.

Comedy Night with Nicky Smigs

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience laughs with a talented comedian who started at Second City Chicago.

30th Anniversary Self Advocacy Conference

9 AM – 4 PM — Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel — Registration required — Celebrate three decades of self advocacy and connect with like-minded individuals.

Open Home Tour

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 47 Garfield St, Springfield, MA — Free entry — Explore a charming property listed by J Barrett & Company.

On-Site Tour of Best Senior Living Amenities

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — 370 Pine St, Springfield — Free entry — Explore exceptional senior living dining and activities at this informative tour.

IRONMAN 70.3 Western Massachusetts

8 AM — Downtown Springfield, MA — Various costs for bike rentals — Compete in a scenic triathlon with a swim in the Connecticut River and bike through charming New England landscapes.