Good morning, Springfield.

Local business groups, including the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, sent a letter on July 8 urging the SBA to reopen its Springfield branch office.

They argued that the closure forces local enterprises to rely on online and distant Boston support (a key disadvantage for the region).

Three cultural events are coming soon in Springfield: the Pioneer Valley Ska Festival brings 30 bands to 52 Sumner, the 17th Etchings Festival in Florence features four days of music at Bombyx and Look Park, and Silverthorne Theater Company will open a new summer production—the last on Hampshire College campus.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced that Cait Murray earned the annual MassHire Youth Partner Award for her work in youth financial education and workforce readiness initiatives in Hadley.

Her programs like Reality Fair have helped students learn basic money management skills.

On International Paramedics Day today, Mark LaPrade, an AMR supervisor in Springfield (with 21 years in EMS), recounted his early inspiration from a family in firefighting and law enforcement while noting that evolving roles such as delivering blood at trauma scenes highlight EMS’s expanding impact.

The CDC warns Springfield residents as cases of cyclosporiasis—an intestinal infection from contaminated produce—are reported from 17 states, including Massachusetts; Baystate Health doctor DelPilar said prompt antibiotic treatment can help avoid a prolonged illness.

Way Finders will host an open house at its new affordable home at 18 Highland St. on Sunday, July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Buyers can tour the 1,400 sqft property with three bedrooms and two bathrooms before the lottery deadline on July 22.

The Springfield Thunderbirds will face the Laval Rocket on Saturday, Oct.

10 at 6:05 p.m. for the opening night of Springfield’s 100th hockey season, and coach Steve Ott begins his first full season at the helm.

Western Mass. high school baseball season highlighted 50 top home run leaders, with Wahconah’s James Rabuse collecting his 100th hit against Frontier on May 12 — a milestone in his career — as coaches submitted stats to rank local players.

Southwick's Wick 338 will host the national motocross championship this weekend at 7 a.m. Saturday as it celebrates 50 years of pro motocross racing in the community.

The track will be groomed on Wednesday before semi-trucks begin arriving on Thursday.

2026 Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

Friday night and Saturday — Court Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant blend of jazz, blues, and cultural discussions in the heart of Springfield.

Misha Brown Live Performance

8:30-11:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience the captivating influence of social media star Misha Brown with a night of entertainment.

Springfield Dragon Boat Festival - Individual Registration

6 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club — Free entry — Sign up to paddle in a dragon boat and enjoy a day of community fun and teamwork.

Yoga on the Landing

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Engage in gentle yoga sequences and sound healing while connecting with the community in a serene outdoor environment.

Lawn Party @ The Landing Featuring La Era Del Mambo

4:30-7:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free admission — Enjoy a lively evening of Latin sounds with La Era Del Mambo.

Heritage Pops Orchestra Concert

1-2:30 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free — Enjoy a patriotic-themed concert on the historic grounds with the Heritage Pops Orchestra.

River of Dreams: A Tribute to Billy Joel

5-7 p.m. — Springfield City Library: Mason Square Branch — Get tickets — Experience the nostalgia of Billy Joel's greatest hits performed live.

Marina Franklin Comedy Show

8:30-10:00 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening with veteran comedian Marina Franklin, known for her engaging humor and impressive TV credits.

5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K

8 PM — Old Monkey House — $40 registration — Participate in a run/walk that raises awareness for mentorship in under-resourced communities.