Good morning, Springfield.

In March, every Shamrock Shake purchase at local McDonald’s donated 25 cents to the Ronald McDonald House to help families stay near sick children.

The next seasonal campaign, Give a Little Love (April 20-May 3), invites customers to support by donating with Happy Meal purchases.

Rachel’s Table is hosting Outrun Hunger, a 5K race + 1-mile walk at Forest Park on Sunday, May 17, with an 8:30 a.m. welcome and 9 a.m. race start; funds will fight hunger while participants enjoy free access to the Zoo at Forest Park and music by DJ Matt Peterson.

Broadway veterans Meredith Patterson and Dustin Brayley will lead adult and youth masterclasses on acting on April 23 and 24 at 52 Sumner, where residents can learn audition tips and stage guidance.

They will perform a Best of Broadway show on April 25 at 2 p.m.

Six Flags New England in Agawam opens today with a dual-launch roller coaster called Quantum Accelerator.

Season pass-holders get first rides while others can ride starting April 17 as the park begins spring break days and daily operations through April 26 (with new food options and special events).

Springfield Museums hosted the Festival of Flowers featuring 50 art-inspired arrangements by local florists and students from Chicopee Comprehensive High School and UMass Stockbridge Floral Design School — the event kicked off yesterday and will run until Sunday to attract visitors from western Massachusetts.

Kimberly A. Wells, the chief of schools officer for Springfield schools, has been on paid leave since June 7, 2024 pending an investigation after a recorded conversation with retired Superintendent Daniel Warwick, and the School Committee is auditing administrative roles to check proper setup & spending.

The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded $247K in Bridges to College grants to five community colleges and a healthcare staffing agency to help nearly 200 adult learners strengthen academic and career skills.

Funding includes allocations ($50K for Springfield's Caring Medical Staffing and $40,524 for Holyoke Community College) to ease access to education.

A state update shows that recent rains have improved drought conditions in Massachusetts; Western, Southeast, Northeast, Central, Connecticut Valley regions and Nantucket County are now normal, while Cape Cod remains in Level 2 drought.

The Drought Management Task Force urges residents to audit water use to detect leaks.

A new one-way rule on Edgecomb Street has led to driver confusion as many make illegal turns from Bay Street — speeding toward Acorn Street.

Neighbors hope the change will reduce traffic and improve safety while authorities clarify enforcement measures.

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.

The Magical Music of Harry Potter - Live in Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Symphony Hall — Experience the enchanting score from the Harry Potter films performed live.

2026 Stifel Stars on Ice Tour

7-10 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket required for entry — Celebrate Olympic greatness with top U.S. Figure Skating stars showcasing breathtaking performances on ice.

Play by the Books: A Novel Night of Creative Crafting

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $20 ($15 for members) — Celebrate literature and creativity with art-making stations and a gallery tour.