Good morning, Springfield.

Chinese-owned CRRC in Springfield furloughed 140 of its 422 workers because federal officials held up essential parts from China under a forced labor prohibition.

The manufacturer said the furlough is expected to last two months + workers will continue to receive health insurance benefits.

BusinessWest is hosting StratAI, a workshop series on the impact and practical use of AI on Thursday, Mar.

26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Brian Corridan Center in the Technology Park at STCC (this event aims to help companies learn how to use AI for smarter operations).

Heather Caisse-Roberts now leads the Springfield Symphony Orchestra as president and CEO; she is driving growth and expanding access to concerts by modernizing programming and launching a search for a new music director.

She began her full-time role last summer and aims to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.

Nathan Bill's in Springfield is preparing to host a St. Patrick’s Day event today with new bands, a larger stage, and a tent (drawing crowds) beginning at 8 a.m. The celebration will feature Irish breakfast and lunch specials as well as donations to the MJK Foundation (supporting mental health).

River East School to Career will hold a Skilled Trades Career Exploration day on Wednesday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, and it seeks exhibitors with interactive equipment & hands-on displays to guide local high school students on career paths.

An audit of the public schools’ $30 million Sodexo contract found flaws including calculation errors, missed $300,000 updates and disputed billing — school officials are negotiating reimbursement and adjusting terms for a bid process closing April 10, with a provider selection scheduled for April 20.

Foundations of a City: The Institutions that Built Springfield

12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4, Members free — Explore the architectural and social history of Springfield's civic institutions.

MercyMe Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Luxury suite experience — Watch MercyMe perform in the comfort of your exclusive box.

Matthew Broussard Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of a former financial analyst turned comedian with a flair for the educational.

Comedy Night with Matthew Broussard

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the clever and self-deprecating humor of a financial analyst turned comedian.

Springfield Thunderbirds vs. Hershey Bears

7:05-8:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Thunderbirds continue their AHL season with an exciting matchup against the Bears.

Syracuse Crunch vs Springfield Thunderbirds

6:05-7:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Check FloHockey to enjoy live streaming of this exciting hockey matchup.

Emo Philips Live at MGM Springfield

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of humor with one of America's best joke writers.

ROAR! Comedy with Emo Philips

8-11 PM — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter with one of America’s best joke writers.

New England District Championship

12 PM – 7 PM — Eastern States Exposition — Competitive entry — Witness the top robotics teams from New England compete for glory in a thrilling championship atmosphere.