Good morning, Springfield.

Today in Springfield, Dakin Humane Society reduces cat adoption fees by 50% to help ease rising shelter needs this summer.

The discount lasts until Saturday (doors open at 12:30 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.).

The 413 Gives partnership distributed funds from its June 11 day of giving to local nonprofits facing federal funding cuts and received nearly $100,000, with 80% allocated to Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.

The collaboration aims to support remaining applicants as future donations arrive.

Springfield mourns the loss of youth football coach Bobby Murch (known as Bobby Murch) who was killed over the July 4 weekend; he dedicated years to coaching young athletes at Springfield Youth Athletics and Springfield Central, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Miss Paula and the Twangbusters will perform as part of the Florence Summer Concert Series on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. outdoors at the Florence Civic Center (local favorites known for honky-tonk roots) as they deliver a unique mix of classic honky-tonk and Western swing.

52 Sumner will host a dual language performance of Disney’s Aladdin featuring a bilingual cast from Springfield Community Theater of MA.

Showtimes are Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. — tickets cost $16 to $23 and sales end July 10.

United Way Pioneer Valley will host a Step Up Springfield kickoff reception on Thursday, July 9 at 8:30 a.m. at the TD Bank building to connect community leaders with agencies that will deliver summer learning programs for local youth + support early education staff professional development.

Western Mass News is partnering with United Way of Pioneer Valley for the Stuff The Bus drive to collect school supplies for local kids — backpacks and more are needed.

Supplies can be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1300 Liberty Street from July 20 through July 31.

The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield suspended dog and cat adoptions after confirming cases of canine parvovirus and feline distemper (closure announced July 5) and is sharing vaccine clinic information.

Staff urge pet owners to keep pets indoors to help stop the disease.

The William McKnight House (a 135-year-old, 14-room restored mansion) is for sale at $600,000 in the McKnight Historic District, following 30 years of dedicated care and preservation near local parks and gardens.

2026 Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

Friday night and Saturday — Court Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant blend of jazz, blues, and cultural discussions in the heart of Springfield.

Misha Brown Live Performance

8:30-11:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience the captivating influence of social media star Misha Brown with a night of entertainment.

Springfield Dragon Boat Festival - Individual Registration

6 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club — Free entry — Sign up to paddle in a dragon boat and enjoy a day of community fun and teamwork.

Yoga on the Landing

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Engage in gentle yoga sequences and sound healing while connecting with the community in a serene outdoor environment.

Lawn Party @ The Landing Featuring La Era Del Mambo

4:30-7:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free admission — Enjoy a lively evening of Latin sounds with La Era Del Mambo.

Heritage Pops Orchestra Concert

1-2:30 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free — Enjoy a patriotic-themed concert on the historic grounds with the Heritage Pops Orchestra.

River of Dreams: A Tribute to Billy Joel

5-7 p.m. — Springfield City Library: Mason Square Branch — Get tickets — Experience the nostalgia of Billy Joel's greatest hits performed live.

Marina Franklin Comedy Show

8:30-10:00 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening with veteran comedian Marina Franklin, known for her engaging humor and impressive TV credits.