Springfield
Morning News
Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 13th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation distributed $550,000 in 2025 to support local women and families by awarding $450,000 in grants to organizations including Bay Path University and Dress for Success while providing $100,000 directly to food pantries amid SNAP delays. BusinessWest
- ➤ On Dec. 13, the Annual Breakfast with Santa raised over $7,000 for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club where attendees met Santa, enjoyed a breakfast, and gained admission to the Festival of Trees. Western Mass News
- ➤ The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced the distribution of $3,347,000 in flexible grants to 123 nonprofits in Springfield, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. The funds support operational needs amid reduced federal aid and come with an additional $1 million pledge for next year (boosting future support efforts). BusinessWest
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Project 351 has selected two eighth-grade ambassadors from Agawam and West Springfield — out of over 300 statewide — to join a nonprofit youth-led service program launching in Boston on Jan. 17; they will build leadership skills and lead local projects. The Reminder
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Massachusetts businesses may soon add credit card fees if a new law passes, as it passed committee last week. The legislation limits surcharges to processing costs and requires clear fee disclosure on receipts (rules vary by payment method). Western Mass News
- ➤ Massachusetts' Assisted Living Residences Commission released final safety recommendations for assisted living facilities with enhanced inspections, mandatory evacuation drills and a safety coordinator. Gov. Healey said (inspections will begin by July 1, 2026) and (staff training will start by Jan. 1, 2027) to boost fire safety and protect residents. MassLive
- ➤ Residents near Chicopee heard loud booms from the Westover Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit training at Westover Air Reserve Base on Sunday and Monday & the routine exercise poses no threat. Western Mass News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After the holidays, many kids now have a new smartphone that raises concerns over screen time and online safety, said Maria Maloney at CHD. Parents are urged to set screen-free times and talk about digital habits with their children. Western Mass News
- ➤ The USDA has issued a recall for nearly 6,000 lbs of salted lamb products sold by Ghanaianway Restaurant + Grocery because they bypassed federal inspection and consumers in Springfield are advised to check freezers and return affected items. MassLive
- ➤ Baystate Health announced Monday that healthcare workers must wear medical masks in patient care areas, and visitors age five and older must wear masks in patient rooms and waiting rooms — measures following Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance during a period of high respiratory illness. Western Mass News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local business owners are preparing for the Patriots playoff games as a win against the Chargers sparked excitement and boosted sales by 20-30%; Paddy’s Irish Pub, which recently opened Paddy’s Pizza (a new dining spot), is promoting a viewing event on Feb. 8 at Wilbraham Road. Western Mass News
- ➤ Massachusetts figure skaters Spencer Howe, Emily Chan, and Max Naumov will compete in Italy for team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Naumov honors his parents (who died last January in a D.C. crash) by carrying forward their last conversation about making the Olympic team. Western Mass News
- ➤ Former Central quarterback Pop Watson, a high school star who spent three seasons at Virginia Tech, has committed to play for UMass Amherst; he has two years of eligibility left + will compete for the starting job when summer camp begins. 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.
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Winter Crow Roost Observation
2-6 p.m. — Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary — Registration required — Observe thousands of crows gathering for their winter roost while learning about these intelligent birds.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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