Good morning, Springfield.

A new Springfield restaurant with family ties in Jamaica is donating part of this month’s proceeds to help those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The storm is a category five with mandatory evacuations in Jamaica — while the staff hope their support provides much-needed relief.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group was honored by the Boston Business Journal as one of Massachusetts’ most charitable companies after donating over $100,000 to local nonprofits and supporting volunteer work in 2024—this award recognizes the firm's commitment to community support.

Eversource customers in Springfield voiced concerns over steep electric bills and fees linked to switching smart meters.

The utility announced it will waive the one-time $42 fee for those opting out within a 90-day notice period—though a $34 monthly fee for manual readings will still apply.

Country Bank donated $250 Visa gift cards to 44 local schools totaling $11,000 to support teachers and students starting the new school year.

The donation is part of its Money School program — a course that teaches money management skills.

Two Jamaican American International College students in Springfield are watching Hurricane Melissa—a Category 5 storm—as it nears Jamaica and are worried about their families, with one student expressing concern for her son visiting relatives.

They will send aid if needed while monitoring risks of flooding and landslides as the storm advances.

Today, the Healey administration announced over $12 million in grants to improve parks and protect natural lands across the state, including phase two of Holyoke’s Anniversary Hill Park revitalization, a new Easthampton skate park, and east entrance improvements at West Springfield’s Mitteneage Park; more than $2.4 million (for projects in western Massachusetts) will be allocated via awards ranging from $16,500 to $425,000 (to support local climate resilience and conservation).

Authorities at Central High School collected about 674 pounds of unused prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Takeback Day last Saturday — Springfield Police and the DEA will now safely dispose of the medications.

Holyoke Medical Center has expanded services in Springfield with a new walk in care office, family medicine center, and podiatry clinic at its Main Street outpatient center.

The walk in office opened Monday with weekday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the family medicine center started last month, and X-Ray services will open by the end of the year — offering more options for patients.

Yamil Lozada, a 14-year-old student at Libertas Academy Charter School, won his first gold medal in boxing at the Copa Olimpica tournament in Puerto Rico and kept an over 4.0 GPA.

He and his father Milton will prepare for his Silver Gloves fight in November and an international competition on December 6 — his win inspires other local youth.

BCI’s Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat

9:30-10:30 p.m. — Springfield Learning Center — Free entry — Enjoy a spooktacular sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat experience for families.

John Caparulo Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy sharp wit and hilarious anecdotes from seasoned comedian John Caparulo.

Comedy Night with John Caparulo

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience sharp wit and dry humor from the seasoned comedian John Caparulo.

Massachusetts Equine Affaire

9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Thurs-Sat), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun) — Eastern States Exposition — Ticket prices vary — Experience four days of equine excitement, education, and entertainment with top trainers and breed showcases.

Laval Rocket vs. Springfield Thunderbirds

10:35 AM — MassMutual Center — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of AHL hockey as the Thunderbirds host their rivals, the Laval Rocket.

A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets on sale now — Experience a night of unforgettable music and stories with A.J. Croce's latest tour.

Jeff Dye Performance

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic flair of Jeff Dye live in Springfield.