Good morning, Springfield.

City leaders unveiled a $250K renovation to Tree Top Park on Wednesday morning in the Outer Belt, adding a new walking path and an accessible playground — the ribbon cutting marked 17 years since the park opened.

Bacon Wilson, P.C. was recognized as a 2026 In the Lead: Legacy Law Firm by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly — a firm in Springfield that has served families, individuals and businesses for over 130 years and now employs 39 attorneys across the region.

Gov. Healey announced a new $100M supplemental school budget Wednesday to help school districts boost staff and secure quality instructional materials.

Local school boards will soon decide on fund allocation — ensuring every district is ready for the upcoming school year.

Gov. Maura Healey signed a law today creating a no-cost Blue Star Family license plate for families of fallen law enforcement officers after long local advocacy by Springfield residents; families can soon contact RMV branches to learn when plates are available (honoring over 400 officers killed in service).

Canadian wildfire smoke is lowering air quality in Western Mass, and local doctors advise residents to limit outdoor activities & use N95 masks if needed; particulate matter drifting from upper elevations may reach ground level today.

Doc Rivers will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug.

15 at Symphony Hall in Springfield with Celtics legends Paul Pierce plus Kevin Garnett presenting him.

Doc Rivers will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield on Aug.

15. Retired NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, handpicked by Rivers, will present him during the 2026 ceremony.

Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela played in his first All-Star Game Tuesday and showed strong hitting and fielding.

Hall of Famer Andruw Jones met him in Philadelphia and said he is proud of Rafaela’s path to success.

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.