Good morning, Springfield.

Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield donated five years of wish coins from its moat to Springfield’s Dakin Humane Society.

Volunteers are sorting 48 baskets of coins—this donation will help cover care and spay/neuter costs as animal intakes rise during summer.

A Springfield police officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and a suspect was arrested after two police cruisers were struck on Thursday morning—local officers noted a heavy presence along I-291 near Exit 3.

On June 12, 2025, Springfield Police conducted a quality-of-life sweep near lower Belmont Avenue and the South End to address ordinance violations by targeting unregistered vehicles and overflowing trash bins—towing five vehicles and issuing 61 tickets from police, code enforcement, and the ordinance unit.

Lawyers in Karen Read’s retrial finalized jury instruction details during a brief hearing on Thursday and set closing arguments to start today at 8:30 a.m.—each lawyer will have 1 hour and 15 minutes to speak before the jury begins deliberating later in the day.

The judge will then deliver her final instructions and select the foreperson and alternates as the case moves toward its verdict.

The Springfield Science Museum is hosting a Taylor Swift-themed planetarium show called Reputation: Under the Stars at the Seymour Planetarium this summer, featuring songs from her 2017 album and designed with help from Westfield High School student Kaitlynn Goulette.

The 45-minute show begins at 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and tickets cost $5 each—offering a unique blend of music and astronomy.

Over $420K in grants was awarded to 16 local summer programs, announced yesterday at the Springfield Jewish Community Center by the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership — the funds will support enrichment for more than 3,700 students.

Walking Tour: Springfield’s Lost Riverfront

10:30 a.m. — Riverfront Park — Free entry — Explore the historical significance of Springfield’s Lost Riverfront with local historians and experts.

David O’Connell: Live Music

6-9 p.m. — Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub at the Irish Cultural Center — Dinner reservations available — Enjoy an evening of live music while dining on Irish delights.

The Willie J. Laws Band

9-11:59 p.m. — Theodore's Blues, Booze, and BBQ — Cover charge at the door — Enjoy a unique blend of Texas roots music infused with funk and jazz from a celebrated local band.

ROAR! Comedy: Janelle Draper

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with Janelle Draper at The Armory.

Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Admission varies — Enjoy a showcase of dog breeds with clubs from Kenilworth, Holyoke, Farmington & Naugatuck.

47th Annual Springfield's Big Fourth 5K

9 AM – 12 PM — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Online registration available — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun run in Springfield.

Basketball Camp: Scoring College

July 7th-11th — Springfield College — Registration required — Enhance your basketball skills and mindset with expert training.

Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic Show for Kids

10–11 a.m. — Stanley Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively comedy magic show featuring interactive storytelling and balloon sculptures for children.

Mt Carmel Italian Feast

4-6 p.m. — Casa Italiana — $5 entry fee — Celebrate Italian culture with food, music, and community at the Mt Carmel Italian Feast.