Springfield
Morning News
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a forum on maternal health improvements Jan. 8 from 4-6 p.m. at the Raymond Jordan Center, where Linda Wilson of Fund II Foundation will speak and community members may submit their questions online. MassLive
- ➤ Rick’s Place Inc. has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to expand its grief support services and move to a larger facility. The grant will help the organization reach more families & support targeted community outreach. BusinessWest
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In 2025, MGM Springfield paid out five six-figure jackpots including a $136,000 win on July 16 from All Star Poker 2, while adding plexiglass barriers + closing some slot machines for social distancing. MassLive
- ➤ Mykonos, a long-running local restaurant, closed its doors at 2 p.m. Wednesday after serving Springfield for 45 years, and it thanked the community for decades of support. Western Mass News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local designer Justin Haynes mentors 20 stylists to shape the Golden Globes red carpet look, which airs Jan. 11 on CBS from 8 to 11 p.m. He aims to guide the group toward a refined, elegant style reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour. MassLive
- ➤ Bright Nights at Forest Park is open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day through Jan. 4 with hours from 5 to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy 750,000 LED lights on more than 400 displays plus festive scenes throughout the park. MassLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Residents reported that local oil companies experienced delivery delays on New Year’s Eve due to high demand. Noonan Energy advised customers to schedule refills before their tanks fall below one-quarter full — a key reminder to prevent running out this winter. Western Mass News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Springfield City Libraries submitted preliminary designs for a new East Springfield Branch Library on Osbourne Terrace after receiving a $100,000 state design grant and $150,000 matching funds. The one-story facility will offer reading rooms+ community space and is slated to open in 2028 or 2029. MassLive
- ➤ Bay Path University announced its doctor of nursing practice program earned maximum 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at its Longmeadow campus. The university also partnered with Springfield public schools to let high school students start nursing education early & prepare for advanced roles. BusinessWest
- ➤ Family and friends honored local hero Thomas J. Sullivan with a scholarship award ceremony for 17 students at Pope Francis Preparatory School on Wednesday morning at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant in East Forest Park — the fund also supports a Marine Reserve remembrance run to help families meet tuition costs. Western Mass News
- ➤ Applications are open for the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute, set to begin on Feb. 19 to build strategic, communication, and change management skills. Classes will run on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St. & graduates can enroll in a free graduate course. BusinessWest
- ➤ Local students were awarded Thomas J. Sullivan Scholarship funds from a competitive selection process held recently in Springfield (details provided by the scholarship committee). The awards support recipients’ academic pursuits. Western Mass News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, stricter SNAP work rules take effect in Massachusetts. About 40,000 residents, including veterans and parents of children (over 14), must meet updated requirements, and local shelters call for volunteers and winter donations to support rising needs. Western Mass News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ City officials approved a 10-year tax break for McCaffery Interests Inc. to convert four downtown historic buildings into a $68 million project that will add 99 apartments (20% affordable) and retail space along Main Street. Major construction is slated to begin in spring 2027 under the state Housing Development Incentive Program. MassLive
-
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins at Springfield Thunderbirds
3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement as local hockey action heats up with the Thunderbirds facing off against the Penguins.
-
Belleville Senators vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
6:05-8:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting AHL game as the Thunderbirds battle for victory on home ice.
-
ROAR! Comedy Featuring Lara Beitz
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising comedy star Lara Beitz, known for her appearances on top shows and her electrifying performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Morning News
Welcome to the Springfield Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Massachusetts community. If you like the Springfield Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Massachusetts. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Springfield Morning News
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://springfieldmorningnews.com/sitemap