Good morning, Springfield.

Cooper’s Gifts in Agawam is accepting classroom supply donations for Homework House through Aug.

31 to help children receive free tutoring and mentoring from nearby communities; donors will earn entries for a $100 gift card raffle (conditions apply).

PV Financial Group has joined Rachel’s Table’s Growing Gardens program as a Seed Sustainer, pledging $10,000 per year for three years (supporting healthy food access and financial literacy classes in local neighborhoods).

The sponsorship aims to help maintain on-site gardens and improve food security in Springfield.

Heavy overnight rain caused a partial road collapse and culvert failure on North Branch Parkway, so Springfield DPW closed the road between North Brook Road and Sunrise Terrace until further notice.

Massachusetts life science companies announced hundreds of layoffs in the past year (cutting about 1,400 jobs statewide), but experts expect a rebound as venture capital flows and job growth increases by 2033.

Parents in Springfield are advised to review school supplies at home and set a firm budget ahead of the approaching tax-free weekend, according to Macaroni Kid editor Giselle Wisdom Davey (a local mom).

Her advice helps families ease back-to-school shopping stress.

Springfield welcomed its new fire commissioner yesterday as Miguel Rivera, a local hero with nearly 20 years of service, became the first Latino to lead the fire department + He was officially sworn in on Monday to support the next generation of firefighters.

Top high school field hockey players, including Kina Roy from Belchertown, are set to return when fall practices begin later this month at local schools.

Coaches expect these leaders to boost team performance as communities gear up for a competitive season.

Several top girls soccer players from last season, including Kalli White (Granby Jr./Sr. High) and Lucia Grimaldi (Springfield Central), will return for fall practices later this month as summer vacation ends.

They are set to lead their teams in upcoming competitions.

Fall practices for high school boys soccer will begin later this month as top WMass players from last season prepare to return on local fields.

Fans in Springfield can look forward to watching rising stars compete at regional schools.

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.