Good morning, Springfield.

The City of Springfield has announced a summer schedule for free movies in the park with shows starting at 8:30 p.m. at various parks (Samuel Bolden Park on July 14, Forest Park Amphitheater on July 16, Emily Bill Park on July 18, Marshall Roy Park on July 21, Riverfront Park on July 22, Emerson Wight Park on July 23, Hubbard Park on July 25, Kenefick Park on July 28, Nathan Bill Park on July 30, and Van Horn Park on August 1) with no rain dates. The city also will host live music events with performances by Dee Reilly on July 17, Auqanett on August 14, Bennie and the Jets on August 21, Trailer Trash on August 28, Floyd Patterson Band on September 4, Unforgettable Fire on September 11, and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on September 18 (the SSO show starting at 6 p.m. while all others begin at 6:30 p.m.).

The City of Springfield has announced schedules for Movies in the Park and Concerts in the Park series—planned to run this summer with several family fun opportunities.

More details on times and locations will be shared soon.

Second Chance Animal Services is asking the community for help after a resident surrendered 52 cats because of health issues.

The group said the cats are well cared for but need spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and money for food and litter — donations will cover those costs until they are adopted.

The Foundation for TJO Animals announced that this year’s 'Ride Like An Animal' motorcycle run will be its final event after 17 years—registration is open until September 18 for the ride scheduled for September 20.

On June 12, Mayor Domenic Sarno and SEZP representatives announced that $420,000 — provided by the state’s elementary and secondary education department — will fund 16 afterschool and summer programs to support hundreds of Springfield students.

Local groups such as AIC and the Springfield Jewish Community Center will use the grant to offer activities and learning experiences during the off-school months.

Springfield City Council approved a new skills-based hiring ordinance on June 9 that lets city departments remove degree requirements to focus on candidates’ skills and work experience.

The rule passed unanimously — with a 10 to 0 vote — and will go into effect immediately to create fairer access to city jobs.

The Springfield City Council passed the first step of an ordinance that bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of unregulated THC products—known as gas station weed—to protect public health.

The proposal now goes to the Public Safety committee for further discussion.

David O’Connell: Live Music

6-9 p.m. — Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub at the Irish Cultural Center — Dinner reservations available — Enjoy an evening of live music while dining on Irish delights.

The Willie J. Laws Band

9-11:59 p.m. — Theodore's Blues, Booze, and BBQ — Cover charge at the door — Enjoy a unique blend of Texas roots music infused with funk and jazz from a celebrated local band.

ROAR! Comedy: Janelle Draper

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with Janelle Draper at The Armory.

Yankee Classic Cluster Dog Shows

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Admission varies — Enjoy a showcase of dog breeds with clubs from Kenilworth, Holyoke, Farmington & Naugatuck.

47th Annual Springfield's Big Fourth 5K

9 AM – 12 PM — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Online registration available — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun run in Springfield.

Basketball Camp: Scoring College

July 7th-11th — Springfield College — Registration required — Enhance your basketball skills and mindset with expert training.

Ed Popielarczyk's Comedy Magic Show for Kids

10–11 a.m. — Stanley Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively comedy magic show featuring interactive storytelling and balloon sculptures for children.

Mt Carmel Italian Feast

4-6 p.m. — Casa Italiana — $5 entry fee — Celebrate Italian culture with food, music, and community at the Mt Carmel Italian Feast.

Basketball Camp: Point Guard College

July 15th-19th — Springfield College — $1,195 — Elevate basketball skills and IQ at a premier training camp for aspiring players.