Good morning, Springfield.

Severe storms caused widespread outages and damage in Springfield, Ware, and West Springfield at around 6 p.m. and led to a building collapse in Springfield’s South End that displaced 45 residents — who are receiving help from the American Red Cross.

Saturday's storms in Springfield knocked down trees and utility wires and caused a partial building collapse that displaced 45 residents.

Officials inspected the damage and started cleanup to restore safety.

Massachusetts stores are expecting a surge in sales as the state lifts its sales tax for a tax-free weekend until midnight today.

Manny’s Appliances in Wilbraham has extra staff helping shoppers find discounted appliances under $2,500 (food, alcohol, and vehicles are excluded) and a new promotion will start at Labor Day.

Springfield's Caribbean Carnival and Parade on Aug.

15 will showcase handcrafted costumes by Tobago-born designer Ackeela Graham — her Oceans collection uses blue shades inspired by the sea — along with workshops, food tastings and live music that celebrate Caribbean tradition.

Local lottery players enjoyed wins Friday as a Whitinsville player won $1 million on a Keno ticket from Highland Farms, and two others earned $100,000 playing Mass Cash at stores in Lawrence and Lunenburg – with 773 prizes of $600 or more claimed across the state.

The state will re-establish a 29-member commission in the fiscal 2027 budget to review the Chapter 70 school funding formula and adjust state aid.

Local districts welcome the move and expect public hearings and a report by Oct. 2028.

A Warren resident found a clear spherical object (about 1/4 inch in diameter) in her Kind breakfast bar on Aug.

2 that caused burning and numbness and led her to visit Harrington Hospital. Kind Snacks said its quality team will review batch details while officials have been informed.

St. John's Prep quarterback Chris Vargas, a top recruit with more than 20 scholarship offers, verbally committed to Ohio State University last Saturday and became the team’s first quarterback commit in the Class of 2028.

The Eagles will open the regular season on Sept. 10 against Springfield Central.