Good morning, Springfield.

A Springfield man was arrested after an armed carjacking at the intersection of Bay and Cambridge Streets on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m.; police later found 23-year-old Christian Soto-Pi in the woods near Tapley Street while a second suspect remains at large.

Stephen Loewe pleaded guilty to straw purchasing around 20 firearms and robbing three Vermont banks and will serve over three years in federal prison—authorities linked one recovered gun to a Springfield police shooting last year.

The state's Department of Agricultural Resources says invasive Spotted Lanternflies have spread to over 50 cities, with many sightings in Springfield and Hampden County—especially in areas where Tree of Heaven grows.

Officials ask residents to report any sightings so they can slow the bug's spread.

Stop & Shop is recalling over 100 containers of Hans Kissle Red Potato Bliss Salad—found to have undeclared wheat that may trigger severe allergic reactions—and customers are urged to return any purchased product for a full refund.

Symphony Hall in Springfield will welcome about 2,000 people for a Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony this weekend while East Columbus Avenue is closed from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The road closure affects only the I-91 south entrance—access to I-91 north remains available.

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.

Object-Oriented Programming in C# Training

9 a.m. — Healthforce CPR BLS ACLS PALS AHA Training Center — $1750 — Dive into C# programming through expert-led, hands-on classes in Springfield.

TLC with Big Boi Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Tickets available — Experience the iconic sounds of TLC alongside Big Boi in a vibrant music celebration.

The Avett Brothers Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Big E — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of folk rock with the harmonious sounds of The Avett Brothers.

New England Grooming Show

12 PM – 9 AM — MassMutual Center — Registration required — A must-attend event for pet professionals featuring competitions to enhance your grooming skills.

Shooting for Success

10 AM – 10 PM — Holyoke Community College — Community event — A transformative 3v3 tournament and career exploration experience empowering youth through sports.