Good morning, Springfield.

Edward Wright, a Springfield man wrongfully convicted in 1985, was released yesterday after spending 41 years in prison (separated from his family) when a Hampden County Judge overturned his conviction due to withheld evidence and false testimony, and the New England Innocence Project’s ten-year effort led to his release while Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni evaluates whether to retry him.

A UMass Amherst study found research funding supports over 81,000 jobs and fuels more than $16 billion in economic activity in Massachusetts.

Governor Healey announced legislation on August 1 to provide $400 million to aid the research sector from potential federal cuts—impacting related sectors like real estate, construction and food services.

The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill that bans cell phones, smart watches, and tablets in public schools to help students learn better.

Governor Maura Healey and the state’s largest teachers unions support the bill—though it will not move forward in the House, Speaker Ron Mariano said he understands concerns over emergency communication.

United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will speak at Symphony Hall on October 27 as part of the Springfield Public Forum speaker series.

The free event runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—she will share insights about her life including her family’s rise from segregation to her confirmation on the highest court.

Criminal defense lawyers say the lawmakers' bill—giving bar advocates a $20 raise over two years—fails to fix the court crisis because bar advocates still earn only $65 an hour and more than 4,000 defendants lost representation when a work stoppage began on Memorial Day.

They argue that the low pay will not attract the skilled attorneys needed to safeguard constitutional rights in Massachusetts courts.

Governor Maura Healey said Friday that all hotel shelters are closed (the Clarion in West Springfield closed in June) to focus on providing real homes; West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt added that the hotel may be changed into stores (a plan meant to strengthen the shelter system) and help protect taxpayer dollars.

Annie the Musical

1:30-4 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of little Annie as she navigates the challenges of the 1930s in New York City.

East Coast Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Cost varies — Explore a treasure trove of gems, minerals, and fossils at this east coast showcase.

African Community Festival

5-9 p.m. — Marshall Roy Park — Free entry — Celebrate African culture with music, food, and art in Springfield.

Aquanett Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Forest Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience the electrifying 80's Rock n Metal show by Aquanett in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket sales begin May 16 — Catch the Grammy-winning duo for an electrifying night of rock.

Watercolor Workshop

10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110 | $94 for members — Explore watercolor techniques with guided themes of architecture, flowers, and water scenes.

Flora & Fauna: Historic Carriage House Tour & Garden Party Fundraiser

1-4 p.m. — Carriage House at The Barney — $40-$50 — Experience a blend of history, music, and nature in a vibrant garden setting with a historic tour and a silent auction.