Good morning, Springfield.

BusinessWest hosted its inaugural Strategy+Ai event on March 26 to show how AI is helping local manufacturers.

Ben Grande from Meridian Industrial Group explained how ChatGPT saved his firm $25,000 + inspired other industry leaders to adopt innovative tech solutions.

Following Rick Recor’s passing on Jan.

21, Rick’s Auto Body on Pasco Road will carry on under the leadership of his widow, Mari Tarpinian—ensuring the legacy of personalized service continues. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 18 at Wilbraham Funeral Home.

Local landscapers see a booming season after a harsh winter as calls spike and quality leads from the Home and Garden Show signal busy months ahead.

Easthampton-based Pioneer Landscapes and Springfield’s Stephen A. Roberts Landscaping are scheduling backyard upgrades from patios to outdoor rooms for spring and summer.

Volunteers at Springfield JCC read aloud the names of Holocaust children on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during Yom Hashoah—an event honoring victims that ended with a screening of local survivors’ stories.

On Sunday, the Dream Destinations Travel Show took over MGM Springfield to offer exclusive travel deals and expert consultations for getaways ranging from exotic cruises — European escapes.

All guests were entered in a free vacation giveaway and the next show will take place in October.

Parents and teachers shared ideas at a forum hosted by Springfield Public Schools and Springfield City Libraries (Super Saturdays and Sundays) on Sunday, marking the second-to-last session in a series focused on education improvements.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Congressman Richard Neal announced a $500K federal grant for the East Springfield library renovation, part of a project with a $5M city investment and over $12M in total funds; planning will finish by spring’s end and construction will begin next year.

Governor Healey declared Monday '413 Day' to honor western Massachusetts’ diverse landscapes and cultures, and state and federal lawmakers planned stops—Congressman Neal will visit Springfield to announce library funding—to promote housing, outdoor recreation, and education.

Baystate Health moved its pharmacy to Mason Square Health Center at 11 Wilbraham Rd. after closing its High Street location due to pipe damage.

The pharmacy opened April 8 and now operates 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday offering local delivery.

State officials announced on Monday that $8 million in housing grants, including $2.75 million for Springfield, Greenfield, and Montague, will fund 49 new affordable homes.

Nonprofits such as Wayfinders + Habitat will renovate or build homes for first-time buyers while the city organizes a lottery for available properties.

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.