Good morning, Springfield.

The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation announced it will award $500,000 in grants to nonprofits supporting low-income women in Springfield.

Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $75,000 — applications open July 1 and are due Sept. 5 — with award decisions scheduled for Nov. 7.

Springfield opened its first public skate park today as part of a $2 million makeover of Gurdon Bill Park — initiated eight years ago by WalkBike Springfield — and organizer Yolanda Cancel said it will attract visitors from across Massachusetts.

The local Green Day tribute band Dookie will perform at MGM Springfield for Free Music Friday today at 7:30 p.m.—they will play about 25 punk rock songs from their 30-plus year career in a 90-minute set.

Opponents in East Springfield are fighting to stop the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant from using expired permits, and officials are set to move a bill to close a loophole in emissions rules.

State Sen. Adam Gomez + Rep. Orlando Ramos say the new measure on Beacon Hill will remove woody biomass from the list of approved greenhouse gas emitters for municipal plants.

Springfield joined a class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to reinstate a canceled $20 million EPA grant meant to finance green projects in disadvantaged neighborhoods—projects that would help reduce high asthma rates and lead exposure.

City solicitor Stephen Buoniconti said the suit, partnered with Earthjustice, aims to recover the grant funds and restore essential environmental upgrades.

Opponents of the proposed wood-burning plant in Springfield say the plan will make the city's air worse + they will keep fighting it.

The city council voted to appeal a court ruling that helped Palmer Renewable + state lawmakers offered bills to stop wood energy from counting toward green goals.

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.

Saturday Art Lab for Kids and Families

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Make-It Springfield — Free entry — Explore creativity with painting, drawing, fashion, and more during a fun Saturday art lab for kids and families.

Concerts in the Park Series

6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening of live music amidst the beautiful scenery of Forest Park.

ROAR! Comedy: A Double Headlining Show

8 PM — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with headliners Chris Tabb and Janet McNamara.