Good morning, Springfield.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.