Good morning, Springfield.

Suit Up Springfield launched America 250: United Suits of America on July 4 with partners St. Brian Clothiers and King Urban Life Center to provide 300 suits for new citizens, prom students, veterans and frontline workers.

The campaign, celebrating 250 years of democracy, aims to empower new Americans.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union has named Kelley Jewell as its new community engagement coordinator to expand financial wellness programs, coordinate outreach events, and strengthen partnerships across the Pioneer Valley.

The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation has doubled its grantmaking to $1 million to aid nonprofits serving low-income women and girls in Hampden County.

Applications for awards ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 close Sept. 18 (a virtual info session is set for Thursday, July 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.).

Twisted Sister and Sebastian Bach will perform at the Big E on Friday, Oct.

2 in West Springfield while Tesla also appears and the band reunites with founding members following Dee Snider’s departure.

State Rep. Mindy Domb honored Britt Ruhe of Granby at the 2026 Commonwealth Heroine awards held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, recognizing her leadership in beautifying public spaces through Common Wealth Murals across the region.

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a bill to boost animal safety by requiring public housing to allow pets and set up a program for older residents (unlike the Senate version, it does not ban pet shop sales); a vote is set for today.

Cooling centers were open in Springfield on Tuesday, are open today, and will open again tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at sites including the Indian Orchard Community Center and South End Community Center + similar centers in Holyoke operate through Friday during business hours.

Gary Rome Hyundai partnered with Hyundai Hope on Wheels to donate $50,000 to Blood Cancer United’s Visionaries of the Year campaign — led by a local mother — on Jul.

13, supporting the community effort to boost blood cancer research funding.

Baystate Health cut staff for moving patients at Baystate Franklin and Baystate Noble — forcing nurses to cover extra shifts in the evenings and weekends.

The union will hold a news conference Thursday at 10 a.m. to discuss the changes.

Willson Contreras hit his Bowser-themed bat at Monday, July 13's Home Run Derby and it has been sent to Cooperstown + it will join the Baseball Hall of Fame, marking the first time in 15 years a Red Sox player competed in the event.

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.