Springfield
Morning News
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Attorney Karolina Weagle has been selected to the 2025 Massachusetts Rising Stars list by local firm Shatz+Schwartz and Fentin for her work in estate planning and estate administration; this marks her third consecutive honor. BusinessWest
- ➤ Drivers have suffered delays since the West Street bridge connecting Springfield to Ludlow closed in August. The city and MassDOT are planning repairs to ease commuter congestion on alternate routes. Western Mass News
- ➤ An eight-year-old girl in Springfield stopped a dangerous electrical fire on Jan. 6 by staying up late to play video games — her quick action saved her family from harm. Western Mass News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cinemark will celebrate National Popcorn Day on Jan. 18-19 at its theaters in Hadley and West Springfield by offering a $5 popcorn deal. Customers using a container other than a 5-gallon Lowe’s bucket (limit 400 oz) will not earn a coupon, unlike bucket users who get one for Feb. 1-26. MassLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Eversource has lowered its delivery rate so a typical customer using around 600 kWh monthly will see about a $5 bill decrease & the remaining charge still depends on usage and weather. The new rate went into effect Jan. 1. Western Mass News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The board of trustees announced that Joseph Hartman will become the seventh president of Western New England University on June 1. He currently serves as provost at UMass Lowell and will use his experience to guide academic and student affairs at the university. BusinessWest
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Healey ordered flags be flown half-staff at state buildings on Wednesday to honor Uxbridge officer Stephen LaPorta, who died in a car crash while helping a driver on Route 146. First responders declared him dead at the scene. MassLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ According to veterinarians, it is safe to cuddle your dog when you have the flu because humans cannot pass their virus to pets. However, dogs can catch canine flu from infected ones at parks or kennels (busy spots), so owners should watch for signs like coughing, fever, and reduced appetite. MassLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Crossing shopping plaza (on the former Eastfield Mall site) opened on Dec. 15 with a ribbon cutting attended by lawmakers and developers. The $80 million project has attracted stores including BJ’s, PetSmart, Chipotle, and Chick-fil-A and is expected to create 800 jobs over the next two years. The Reminder
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Central City Boxing in Springfield will host one of New England’s prestigious amateur tournaments for at-risk teens this month to build confidence and showcase talent. The event runs for seven weeks and draws fighters from across the area + supports community growth. Western Mass News
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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.
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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.
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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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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