Good morning, Springfield.

A Springfield nonprofit is working with local teens to create murals this summer across the state as a community engagement project.

The program, based at the New North Citizens’ Council Youth Center, includes a three-month training for 16 local artists and open studio nights for the public.

United Way of Pioneer Valley will reveal plans for its new Nonprofit Resource Center and recruit experts at a Leader’s Lounge on Thursday, Aug.

13 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at 1441 Main St in Springfield; the center will soft-launch in September (covering board development, marketing, and finance).

Target’s new 129,000 sqft store opened Sunday on the old Eastfield Mall site at Springfield Crossing.

It features a Starbucks Café at the front that serves food and drinks and lets customers add Starbucks orders to their car order — a new setup for local shoppers.

The Massachusetts State Lottery launched its online platform on July 27 to let players aged 21 or older buy tickets and wager on mobile devices from anywhere in the state.

The system adds over 20 new eInstant games and built-in protections for responsible play while keeping retail sales available.

Southern Rock musician Duane Betts and his band Palmetto Motel will perform Friday at Hope Center for the Arts (tickets range from $40 to $70) at 7 p.m. in downtown to support his new album Isle of Hope, released in June.

Springfield Cultural Partnership celebrates its 10th anniversary with a free event at Tower Square Park on Aug.

5 from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring the new Sounds of Springfield installation, live music by Community Music School + Springfield Symphony Orchestra + Hope Center for the Arts, and family activities.

Elms College received a $469,651 grant from the Massachusetts Life Science Center on July 23 to renovate a historic lab at Berchmans Hall into a modern space for life sciences and data analytics, supporting industry training for students.

Country Bank was named Massachusetts’ top bank on Forbes’s Best-In-State Banks 2026 list based on customer reviews.

The recognition highlights its 175-year commitment to local financial service in the region.

Bryan Fleury of West Springfield has spent 35 years fighting HIV stigma by teaching young people how to stay safe; his work continues to collect thank-you cards and poems (a reminder of his ongoing mission).

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the team traded Connelly Early (a promising lefty) to the Nationals for Curtis Mead to boost offense and reward players after a strong finish; Mead will join the team during a key road trip starting Monday night.

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.