Good morning, Springfield.

Today, Springfield volunteers and partners delivered donated school supplies and backpacks to United Way of Pioneer Valley to help children start school (with nearly 900 backpacks collected).

The campaign will continue on August 21 at 8:30 a.m. when volunteers hold the Stuff the Bus event to distribute extra supplies.

Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash—at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Woodside Terrace—where one person was extricated and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A $5 bet on the Cash Express Legend slot machine led to a $13,220.42 jackpot win on Wednesday at MGM Springfield (which has over 1,500 slot machines).

The abandoned CityStage theater — a 39,500 square-foot facility — in downtown Springfield has been transformed into a free arts center for kids by Robert Bolduc.

The center now offers local youth a professional space for creative programs.

Massachusetts will hold a sales tax free weekend tomorrow and Sunday, where most purchases of items costing $2,500 or less will not be charged the usual 6.25% tax+ items costing more than $2,500 will still incur the regular tax.

Businesses must issue refunds if they collect tax in error+ customers will get back any extra money paid.

Richard Tremblay started as assistant vice president of People and Talent at Holyoke Community College on July 28.

He brings over 20 years of human resources experience from Springfield companies — including work at Prefere Melamines LLC and Helix Human Services — to lead the division’s office.

On Thursday, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died after a three-year fight with melanoma, prompting local health experts to caution about this dangerous skin cancer.

Dr. Stanley Glazer told Springfield residents to check their skin for odd moles and to avoid tanning beds — measures that can help catch melanoma early.

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.

Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show

All Day — Brimfield Town Hall Annex — Entry fee varies — Explore the largest antique and collectibles market in the U.S. with thousands of dealers.

Latino Arts Festival 2025

5-8 p.m. — Springfield Museums — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant arts and cultures of Latin America with music, exhibitions, and hands-on activities.

Crochet Club Drop-In

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Make-It Springfield — Free, Donation, or Supporter options — Connect with fellow crafters in a welcoming crochet community.

North East Toy Show

5 PM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Affordable options for families and businesses — Celebrate the creativity and joy of specialty toys at the premier East Coast showcase.