Good morning, Springfield.

Kate and Nick Riley from Riley Home Realty hosted a fundraiser that raised over $15,000 for Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee to help neighbors facing food insecurity.

Local supporters gathered to back ongoing efforts providing meals and pantry access.

Chickadee Karaoke Rooms in Easthampton opened under owners James Crawford + Ashley Anglan to offer a safe space for locals to sing.

Salman Hameed discussed Betelgeuse’s future supernova while professor Ousmane Power-Greene examined birthright citizenship in a Power of History segment.

Firefighters responded to a fire at a home on 344 Saint James Ave Wednesday night that displaced seven residents—no one was hurt and the Red Cross offered support while officials said an unattended candle sparked the blaze.

The Eastern States Exposition opens today in West Springfield with vendors showcasing gemstones, fossils and jewelry from Tucson Todd's Gems and PCR Stone.

The event runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The fourth annual Latino Arts Festival will take place on Friday, Aug.

28 at Springfield Museums in partnership with Mi Museo Committee to celebrate Latino heritage with a lecture by Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, guided tours of two exhibits, interactive art activities + a live performance by Bomba de Aqui.

Diemand Farm in Wendell has been run by a multi-generational family for 90 years, expanding its operations with community & government support.

Bhangra Liberation Orchestra will perform a blend of South Asian and Afrobeat sounds at The Iron Horse on Aug. 16.

American International College launched its redesigned website offering a modern, accessible platform for prospective students, alumni and the community to explore academic programs and campus news — a project developed with input from students, faculty and staff since May 2025.

Massachusetts community colleges have offered free nursing programs since 2024 to help meet understaffing concerns at local hospitals.

Schools like Greenfield Community College prepare students with essential technology skills (including AI training) for area healthcare jobs.

Massachusetts health officials issued an emergency order on Thursday placing all kratom products in Schedule I for one year to protect residents from unpredictable health risks, as some products show strong opioid like effects and local boards now have more power to enforce rules against unregulated retailers (for public safety).

After high school championships at Clark Field in West Springfield on Oct.

25, 2025, local field hockey teams feature returning stars and underclassmen ready to boost the 2026 season. Teams from Longmeadow, Southwick and other schools are set to compete with renewed energy — a promising sign for the sport locally.

Basketball legends will be honored in Springfield this weekend as the Birthplace of Basketball hosts its enshrinement ceremony on Saturday at 6 p.m. outside Springfield Symphony Hall; autograph sessions open at 11 a.m. for fans + a family-friendly celebration continues.