Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ MGM Springfield reported $21.98M in December 2025 gross gaming revenue, down from $24.5M in November and $22.6M in December 2024, with annual revenue rising to $282.35M. Online + mobile sports betting outpaced the on-site sportsbook’s $1.17M handle, according to the Gaming Commission. MassLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration held in Springfield, community leaders, teachers and children gathered to celebrate progress and urge continued effort in reclaiming justice. The event featured musical performances and poetry readings, and officials stressed that Dr. King's dream requires daily action+ unity. The Reminder
- ➤ The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England in West Springfield announced new appointments to its executive committee and board, confirming leadership that will soon guide its mission and support the Community Performance Center (a seven-year, $4 million buildout) to reach completion. BusinessWest
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ STCC is now enrolling students for a free Workforce Readiness Academy that builds digital, academic and career skills. The academy will offer session one from Jan. 26 to April 9 and session two from April 13 to June 25 with classes Monday to Thursday available in day (or evening) formats. BusinessWest
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Attorney Michael Fenton from Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. in Springfield was named a 2025 Go To Lawyer for commercial real estate by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. He is the only lawyer from Western Mass. chosen for his decade of experience and proven leadership in law. BusinessWest
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL on Jan. 19 during the Warriors win, shifting trade plans ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline as the Celtics eye a low-cost big man. The injury forces the Warriors to reconsider rebuilding versus a key roster boost + changes Celtics’ strategy. MassLive
- ➤ The MIAA baseball committee voted 14-1 to propose returning the Super 8 tournament for Division 1A baseball, and the Tournament Management Committee will vote next month. If approved, the tournament will launch in spring 2027 & aim to boost competitive fairness statewide. MassLive
- ➤ The Springfield Thunderbirds lost 3-2 to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Monday at the MassMutual Center, despite goalie Vadim Zherenko making 45 stops. The team will host the Toronto Marlies on Friday at 7:05 p.m. MassLive
- ➤ The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association released its fourth set of power rankings for girls’ hockey teams Tuesday — listing the top 32 schools eligible for postseason play if they maintain a 50 percent record. Coaches are using the list as a guide while teams prepare for upcoming games. MassLive
- ➤ Steve Ott, who spent nine years with the St. Louis Blues organization, is named head coach of the Thunderbirds after Steve Konowalchuk was dismissed for a disappointing record over the past two seasons. The team is currently in last place in the AHL's North Division. NewsRadio 560 WHYN
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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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ROAR! Comedy: Dylan Carlino
8-9:30 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night filled with laughter from the hilariously unique comedian Dylan Carlino.
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Springfield Thunderbirds vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Game
7:00-9:05 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Cost info not provided — Catch the action live with the Springfield Thunderbirds taking on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
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Ally the Piper Performance
7-10 p.m. — 52 Sumner — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Experience the viral sensation blending modern rock and Celtic influences through the Great Highland bagpipe.
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
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
~ Navy SEAL saying
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