Good morning, Springfield.

The Center After School Program plans to expand its services and build duplexes for families in Springfield—it will host an open house Sept.

24 to share its vision with residents.

The 52nd Mattoon Street Arts Festival was held Saturday and Sunday in Springfield and featured over 100 exhibitors showing handmade jewelry, ceramics, woodworking and more—making it the longest running arts and crafts show in the Pioneer Valley.

Strolling entertainers performed on both days while three new food vendors offered treats at the free event.

The Springfield School Committee voted 5-1 on Sept.

4 to update competency determination requirements for the class of 2026 and 2027—these new benchmarks, set by DESE, require coursework in English, math and science and offer remediation options for those who fall short. The district will review its grading policy after Gov. Healey’s K-12 Graduation Council releases its report in December.

Springfield residents and city council committee members are drafting an Urban Woodlands Ordinance that will protect micro forests through permits and a revolving tree fund — measures aimed at preserving mature wooded lots and cooling the city.

The draft ordinance follows concerns over a solar installation project that removed a mature forest and will be discussed in upcoming subcommittee meetings with developers.

Massachusetts state officials will break ties with federal immunization policies to ensure COVID-19 booster shots remain available at retail pharmacies — insurers must now cover these vaccines.

State regulators have also penalized sports betting companies for allowing wagers on a Philippines basketball league facing game fixing allegations.

City and state officials in Springfield celebrated the grand opening of the Convention Center Carpark and its adjacent plaza—Bruce's Landing—on Aug.

27; the $80 million project is expected to boost downtown access and create local jobs.

Springfield may lose its $20M EPA grant—after a judge dismissed a legal challenge by tribes, nonprofits and local governments on Aug.

29. The funds were meant to support projects such as a community solar project, home upgrades and tree planting—initiatives designed to reduce health risks, and the city is planning an appeal.

Mass. Gov. Maura Healey said that Boston immigration enforcement detained everyday workers and was a political power grab rather than a step to improve public safety—stressing that local families suffered from these actions.

Schweb Partners LLC may have to pay two and a half million dollars to the commonwealth and forgive seven and a half million in rent owed to settle claims it did not keep Springfield Gardens safe—issues like water leaks and pests—and a judge must still approve the deal.

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.

Hypertufa Pots Workshop

5-7 p.m. — Zenful Spaces — All materials included — Create unique hypertufa containers for your garden with step-by-step guidance in this hands-on workshop.

Job Expo

4-7 p.m. — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Free entry — Explore job opportunities and connect with local employers in a dynamic setting.