Good morning, Springfield.

Officials at the Springfield Jewish Community Center held a ribbon cutting on July 9 to open eight new outdoor pickleball courts and a full-sized basketball court for members and the public.

The courts are free until July 31 and the center will add more upgrades later this fall under its 'Be Our Best' campaign.

The Department of Health and Human Services in Springfield has partnered with young adults for a community art contest that studies gambling's impact—residents ages 16 to 26 can submit art until Aug.

15 and winners will get gift cards and cash prizes through community voting in September.

The Springfield Business Improvement District is promoting downtown by installing the 'Odyssey' art piece at Tower Square Park (featuring three seven-foot-tall pigeons and a Campbell's soup can) until Labor Day.

The project is part of broader efforts that include new mural plans and housing developments to boost local commerce.

BJ’s Wholesale Club broke ground at Springfield Crossing on July 8 at 1655 Boston Road and announced plans to open later this year, marking its first new location in Massachusetts in 13 years—this new store will partner with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and is expected to create 100—150 jobs.

On July 14 at 1:40 p.m., two Springfield men fought over a lottery ticket when one man used a knife and suffered a cut while police arrested both after finding crack cocaine during a search—one man pleaded not guilty and was released on bail while the other missed his arraignment and faces felony charges for assault with a dangerous weapon and weapon carrying.

Springfield police arrested four men near Federal and Orange Street on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. during a drug operation in a Summit Street parking lot—detectives recovered heroin, crack-cocaine, and cash from the suspects.

MassDOT and the Springfield DPW said the water pipe work for the 'X' reconstruction project will take place through fall on Ormond Street between Sumner Avenue and Belmont Avenue.

The contractor will remove asphalt, trench, and install pipes Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the road will remain open for local residents and businesses.

Four Springfield groups secured $875,000 in Community Investment Tax Credit awards to support affordable housing and job programs.

State Sen. Adam Gomez announced that Way Finders received $375,000, Revitalize CDC was awarded $150,000, Wellspring Cooperative got $250,000, and Home City Development earned $100,000—funding that will boost local development efforts.

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.

ROAR! Comedy: A Double Headlining Show

8 PM — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliners Chris Tabb and Janet McNamara.

Basketball Camp: Playmaker College

July 29th - August 2nd — Springfield College — Registration required — Enhance basketball skills and confidence through specialized training and leadership development.

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival

1-9 p.m. — Mortensen Riverfront Plaza — Free entry — Immerse yourself in island vibes with carnival fun, delicious Caribbean cuisine, and live music for the whole family.

Annie the Musical

1:30-4 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of little Annie as she navigates the challenges of the 1930s in New York City.

East Coast Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Cost varies — Explore a treasure trove of gems, minerals, and fossils at this east coast showcase.

African Community Festival

5-9 p.m. — Marshall Roy Park — Free entry — Celebrate African culture with music, food, and art in Springfield.

Aquanett Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience the electrifying 80's Rock n Metal show by Aquanett in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket sales begin May 16 — Catch the Grammy-winning duo for an electrifying night of rock.