Good morning, Springfield.

Mike Vedovelli of Eversource is the director of Community Relations and Economic Development based in Springfield, where he leads a team that helps more than 70 communities prepare for severe weather and infrastructure upgrades.

He built his career serving in local government plus economic development roles, which gives him deep regional insight.

BusinessTalk aired an episode on December 22 featuring Dakin Humane Society Executive Director Meg Talbert.

She explained how the nonprofit is expanding its animal and family care services + planning future initiatives to support local residents, with the episode available on audio and video platforms.

Bacon Wilson, P.C. in Springfield announced it was recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers in America edition and ranked among the top law firms.

The firm earned Tier 1 honors in Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations and Elder Law — with several attorneys individually recognized for excellence.

Ahead of Christmas vacation, local behavior analyst Arianna Martineau advises parents to limit kids' screen time by setting timers and planning non-screen activities.

She recommends scheduling outdoor play, household chores, and family outings to help children adjust and avoid holiday stress.

The FDA approved a daily Wegovy pill as an alternative to weekly shots that showed similar results in clinical trials.

Novo Nordisk said the pill will be available by prescription in January + providing patients who dislike injections another option.

Walmart (a local retailer) has issued recalls for four food items amid the holiday rush after discovering rock contamination in frozen desserts, mislabeling in peanut butter crackers, metal fragments in cheeses and bacterial risks in baby formula.

Customers in Springfield are urged to check their purchases and dispose of any recalled products.

After years of vacancy, the Lakeside Inn at Nine Mile Pond in Wilbraham is set for a $2M renovation; construction will begin this March and the revamped property will feature 15 hotel rooms + a restaurant for 100 diners with outdoor recreation nearby.

The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 100-year tour to Springfield’s MassMutual Center next Monday, Dec.

29 at 7:00 p.m. as they celebrate a century of basketball entertainment with trick shots and slam-dunks.

New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.

Harlem Globetrotters

7-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Tickets from $46 — Experience the unforgettable antics and incredible basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.

ROAR! New Year's Eve Showcase

6-9 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians as you countdown to 2026.

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.