Good morning, Springfield.

Several communities opened cooling centers to help residents beat the heat during a possible heat wave—Springfield reopened its centers today and nearby Easthampton and Nonotuck extended their hours until July 30.

Two people died on Sunday in separate crashes—one in Hatfield when a 17-year-old's car rolled over and hit a fire hydrant on Greenfield Road and one in Hadley when an 82-year-old pedestrian was struck by two cars near 73 Russell Road, and authorities are investigating both incidents.

The Springfield fire department responded just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday to a working fire on Brookdale Drive and quickly extinguished the flames—its Arson and Bomb Squad determined smoldering rags caused the blaze with no reported injuries.

Police say a juvenile pulled a firearm while shoplifting near the Round One entrance at Holyoke Mall last Friday and exchanged gunfire with officers—reportedly sustaining a leg injury before being taken into custody as the mall has now reopened while officials investigate the incident.

Thirty-one young adults from Immaculate Conception Church in Springfield began their week-long pilgrimage to Rome on Monday for a once-every-25-year Jubilee Year celebration and are expected to join nearly two million people in a global event—church leaders said the trip may renew faith connections after the quiet pandemic years.

Liberty Bank Foundation donated $10,000 to Square One’s Learn & Earn program in Springfield to help young families access education support, paid workforce training, and childcare through local partnerships with Holyoke Community College and employers.

The program is also funded by a grant from MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board—covering participant salaries and expenses to boost career opportunities.

Governor Maura Healey’s anti-hunger task force will include a member from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts along with about 30 nonprofit representatives to find long term solutions for hunger caused by federal cuts.

Executive director Andrew Morehouse said the panel will work on policy changes & investments to improve food access in rural, suburban and gateway cities.

Crews from the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission repaired a water main break that disrupted traffic along Chestnut Street and cut water service at 70 Chestnut Street—Chestnut Street was closed from Pynchon Park to State Street with westbound lanes reduced to one—service was restored Monday afternoon.

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.

Watercolor Workshop

10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110 | $94 for members — Explore watercolor techniques with guided themes of architecture, flowers, and water scenes.

Flora & Fauna: Historic Carriage House Tour & Garden Party Fundraiser

1-4 p.m. — Carriage House at The Barney — $40-$50 — Experience a blend of history, music, and nature in a vibrant garden setting with a historic tour and a silent auction.