Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield officials announced that the city will offer multiple cooling centers from June 23 to 25 to help residents beat the upcoming heat, and Reminder Publishing will update the list as new sites become available.

The centers include the Indian Orchard Community Center at 117 Main St.—South End Community at Center 99 Marble St.—and several local senior centers and library spaces.

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near Bay and Bowles Streets in Springfield late Monday morning (injured person taken to a hospital) as crews responded to the scene (further details pending).

A casino player at MGM Springfield bet 88 cents on the Tian Ci Jin Lu slot machine and won $11,040.89 on Sunday night.

The win comes as the casino has seen high payouts in recent months + players must be 21 or older to play.

BJ’s Wholesale Club — marking its first new location in Massachusetts in 13 years — has announced a new store opening later this year at Springfield Crossing at the former Eastfield Mall.

The store will donate products weekly to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and is expected to create between 100 and 150 jobs.

Springfield officials are pursuing further legal action against Garcia Market after a two-year operation ended drug trafficking there—resulting in 19 arrests and the seizure of 12,000 grams of cocaine and 530 grams of fentanyl—and are working with law enforcement to prevent future crimes.

The Tommy Car Auto Group awarded two $2500 scholarships on Monday to two local high school graduates in memory of Tom Cosenzi.

Ainsley Kearney and Elena Conklin will use the funds to help cover tuition and related expenses as they begin college studies in medical biology and sports management.

On June 9, the Springfield City Council voted to extend the pawn broker moratorium until June 30, 2028, keeping a rule that requires a 30-day hold on items before sale to help police check for stolen goods.

The council also approved borrowing $34.5 million for repair projects at five Springfield schools in fiscal year 2025 — funds that will update roofs and windows.

Springfield officials completed a $4 million renovation of the iconic Walker Memorial Grandstand at Forest Park on June 16—upgrading the roof, brickwork, dugouts, and adding a major-league fence with dimensions of 400 feet in center and 330 feet on the sides.

Mayor Domenic Sarno and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal celebrated the improvements—funded by $1 million from the city and $3 million from HUD—with plans to name the scoreboard after sportswriter Garry Brown and host future baseball games.

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.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard College

July 15th-19th — Springfield College — $1,195 — Elevate basketball skills and IQ at a premier training camp for aspiring players.

Saturday Art Lab for Kids and Families

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Make-It Springfield — Free entry — Explore creativity with painting, drawing, fashion, and more during a fun Saturday art lab for kids and families.

Concerts in the Park Series

6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening of live music amidst the beautiful scenery of Forest Park.