Good morning, Springfield.

Officials from Dakin Humane Society removed nearly 100 cats from a Hampden County home that was suffering from severe hoarding and unsanitary conditions—27 were taken on October 4 and 69 more on October 14.

Many cats received treatment for respiratory infections and other health issues, with some facing humane euthanasia while others await adoption.

Recent e-bike crashes—including two in Greenfield with one fatal and another in Montague—have raised alarms among officials who warn that faster bikes may lead to severe injuries if riders do not wear helmets.

TSM Design, a marketing and branding firm that served Springfield for 40 years, will close Dec.

31 as leader Nancy Urbschat retires — the team will continue working independently to ensure a smooth transition.

Bright Nights at Forest Park returns for its 31st season + tickets for the three-mile tour of lights are on sale.

General admission costs $25 per car with a $2 fee and season passes cost $65 as the display runs from November 26 through January 4 with special discounted nights available.

Holyoke Community College has received a $300,000 state grant to train low-income job seekers by improving their English skills.

The program partners with three Springfield agencies — Way Finders, Tech Foundry, and MassHire Springfield — to provide career training and support, and is expected to begin by the end of October.

The city is addressing heavy traffic on Sumner Avenue as work on the $22 million project (a four-year effort) continues to upgrade the busy intersection and corridor near Forest Park ahead of Bright Nights.

Construction will pause each night during the event (to keep the park entrance clear) and residents are urged to stay alert for cones and work zones.

A rescue puppy named Bandit has joined the correctional staff comfort dog program to help reduce stress—donated by Paws New England, he joins Al and Mugsy, both of whom have supported DOC workers for six years.

UMass men’s basketball is preparing for two exhibition games before its regular season as it welcomes 10 new players including transfers and freshmen while joining the MAC — the team will face the Brown Bears in Providence on Sunday and play the Rhode Island College Anchormen at Mullins Center on October 25 before starting its season against Marshall on November 3.

ROAR! Comedy Featuring Neema Naz

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Iranian-Canadian stand-up comedian Neema Naz.

Plantella: A Houseplant Expo

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — MassMutual Center — VIP Tickets: $20 | General Admission: $10 — Explore the best of houseplants and related businesses from the Northeast.

MVMA Fall Continuing Education Conference

Earn 12 hours of CE — 2 days — MGM Springfield — Entry Fee Required — Enhance your professional expertise at this informative veterinary conference.

Halloween Paint & Sip

2-4 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Ticket required — Enjoy a fun Halloween-themed painting experience while sipping your favorite drink.

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.