Good morning, Springfield.

The O'Dell Women's Center held its grand reopening on August 14 at its Lyman Street location—approximately 80 people attended—and announced a new peer-to-peer outreach program along with a diaper drive to support local women facing economic challenges.

Lindsay LaBonte, branch manager of Applied Mortgage at HMA Mortgage in Northampton, helps people across Western Mass secure homes while making sure each client gets a tailored mortgage plan.

She also launched Local Love Days— a program that partners with local businesses to support both first-time homebuyers and experienced investors.

Three Rhode Island men pleaded guilty to 43 burglaries in 25 towns, targeting homes they believed held precious metals and jewelry because of the homeowners' ethnicity—law enforcement recovered some of the more than four million dollars in stolen property.

A class action lawsuit was filed last Friday in federal court against 32 colleges, including five Massachusetts schools (Smith, Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Williams and Wellesley), accusing them of using early decision to inflate tuition costs and limit financial aid options for students.

Congressman Richard Neal visited Springfield on Friday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, which was signed on August 14th, 1935 to help older Americans get extra income—nearly one in five residents now receives Social Security benefits.

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.

The Big E 2025

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — $16+ — Experience 17 days of agricultural fun, live concerts, and cultural experiences from across New England.

The Big E Parade Featuring MCV

6:00-7:00 p.m. — The Big E — Ticketed event — MCV makes a festive debut in The Big Parade at the Eastern States Exposition.

Cole Swindell Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Tickets available — Experience country music star Cole Swindell with special guest John Morgan at The Big E.