Good morning, Springfield.

A petition by Springfield residents with nearly 500 signatures asks the city council and planning board to amend local zoning laws to allow backyard hens.

Petition organizer William Comiskey said the change — designed to address concerns over noise, odor, and sanitation — may give residents more control over their food source and follows examples from other communities.

Authorities said the second driver in a fatal crash in Chicopee is scheduled to appear in court soon—police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.

Springfield police arrested six people during increased patrols at Union Station last week after officers recovered cocaine, heroin, and PCP, and thousands of dollars in cash; the suspects face charges for drug use, possession plus trespassing and more operations are planned following a shooting last month.

Get the Led Out, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, will perform at Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m.—they aim to recreate the band’s studio recordings live using extra instruments—and tickets cost between $29.50 and $69.50.

The Holyoke Mall held a Get Hired Job Fair on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the lower level in Macy's Court, where Springfield Public Schools sponsored employers from over 10 industries to conduct one-on-one interviews for full-time and part-time positions.

During its March 27 meeting, the School Committee approved new competency determination rules for Springfield’s class of 2025 seniors so they can earn their diploma by passing required English 9 and English 10, Algebra and Geometry, plus one lab science course—students who did not pass the MCAS will have a chance to later apply for an official diploma if they completed their credits between 2003 and 2024.

The Springfield Finance Subcommittee will host officials from DCAMM on April 30 at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s hybrid chamber to offer details on the new Springfield Regional Justice Project—focusing on a public/private partnership for a regional courthouse.

DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino will explain the plan’s potential to accelerate building the new facility.

Singles Retreat 2025: Foundation

8-10 p.m. — Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel — Registration Required — Build relationships and faith at this gathering for singles in New England.

Meet the Easter Bunny & Bluey

10:30-12:00 p.m. — The Longmeadow Shops — Free entry — Experience a joyful morning with the Easter Bunny and Bluey, perfect for families.

The Chaos Beneath Returns: Public Reading by U.S. Latino Poets

7-8 p.m. — Jones Library — Free entry — Experience an evening of captivating Latino poetry from renowned poets in an intimate setting.

April Third Thursday at the Springfield Museums

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — Cost varies — Celebrate community connections under the stars with art, food, and awards.

Candlelight Tribute to Adele

6-7:15 p.m. — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting melodies of Adele illuminated by candlelight.

March For Jesus Celebration

10 AM – 12 PM — Holy Grounds Coffee House — Free entry — Celebrate the Risen Savior with a joyful march through Springfield.

Springfield Sheraton Easter Brunch

10 AM - 2 PM — Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel — Reservations required — Enjoy mouth-watering dishes and free photos with the Easter Bunny.

Veterans Support Group Meeting

3-4 p.m. — OCA Veterans Support Center — Free entry — Engage in a supportive environment designed for veterans in recovery.

Live Music from John Prout

1-4 p.m. — Great Awakening Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy live music while sipping on a variety of craft beers and fresh food.

Empower Your Finances Workshop

1:30-3 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free entry — Equip yourself with skills and strategies for financial independence.