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Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
+6:00: Get a free rapid test in Worcester at vaccination clinic
+6:00: January will be "a really, really hard month" as Omicron fuels spike in infections, expert says
+6:00: South Africa study suggests Omicron infection could boost immunity
+2:00: What should you do if you test positive or were exposed during the holidays?
+2:00: Worcester County cases increased by 5,141 this week
-"We're just going nonstop": Long line for testing in Worcester (1:35). Article
-Vaccincation/booster clinics this week at Worcester Senior Center. Walk-up testing and vaccinations at Mercantile Center in Worcester
-Wednesday's Bruins-Senators game latest to be postponed
-ICYMI: Omicron is latest blow to pandemic-weary front-line workers
-Massachusetts averaged 4,327 cases since Friday as state nears 1 million-case milestone
-Dr. Fauci recommends avoiding large gatherings on New Year’s Eve
-Connecticut to distribute at-home tests, N95 masks
-CDC recommends shorter isolation and quarantine periods for all
-Doctor reacts to CDC's updated quarantine guidance
-Face masks and Omicron: What to know about cloth, surgical, N95 and KN95 masks
In The News
-Latest weather: Freezing rain this morning yields to unseasonably mild, high of 43 today in Worcester
+6:00: Worcester Walgreens property sells for $8.8 million
+6:00: Great Brook Valley residents say improved park, after-school programs would benefit city youth
+2:00: Downtown Worcester restaurant development listed for sale for $5.7 million
+2:00: Residents call for council to nix zoning change for Brattle Stop in Worcester
+2:00: Worcester company added to NASDAQ Biotech Index
+2:00: Wanted man found with gun in Worcester
+2:00: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - December 28th
+2:00: Driver escapes injury after truck crashes through guardrail in Hubbardston
+2:00: Ed Humphries’ newest play, "Dad's Dance," set for Gateway Players in February
-Proposed Worcester development dramatically reduced in size
-62-year-old man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after pedestrian crash in Worcester
-Saint Vincent Hospital reopens 12 behavioral health beds as nurses strike approaches possible end (:25). Article
-Mass. restaurants bring back igloos for winter dining; here’s where to find them
-Worcester area couple married 74 years dies a day apart
-City Clerk's office at 801 Main Street closed through January 7th because of staffing issues
-Fun violations of Worcester’s municipal ordinances
-New: Wachusett Wine & Spirits' podcast (1:09:14): Top 5 Whiskies of 2021. Earlier: Nos. 6-10, Nos. 11-20.
-The Mayor’s Live Music List for Tuesday
-WCCA-TV's ''Coffee with Konnie" (29:38): Jo and Huck Truesdell, Tidewater Books
-WCCA-TV's "Ramona Interviews" (29:15): Ralph Shapiro, President, Retired Men's Club of Greendale
-Tribute to a member of the last class of St. Stephen's High School who worked for the same company for 46 years
-Reminder: No delay in trash and recycling pickup this week in Worcester
-Top 10 worst products for Mass. consumers in 2021
-ICYMI: Man shot multiple times on Christmas morning in Worcester, police investigating
-UMass Memorial delivers 8 babies on Christmas Day (:25). Article
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
-The Burbs (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Shrewsbury school operates food pantry for area families
-GoFundMe created for retired Grafton police sergeant whose home was damaged in Christmas Day blaze
-Holden election nomination papers available January 4th
-Sports: Updated AFC standings, playoff scenarios after Week 16
-Enter to win a Patriots hoodie, courtesy of North End Motor Sales
-Bravehearts sponsor Baseball at the Oval skating today on Worcester Common
-Bravehearts bring back Joe Pesce for 4th season (:18)
-ECHL postpones Railers game Monday night
-Worcester Hockey Alumni highlights, week 11
-Timberwolves beat Celtics, 108-103
-Cars: Happy Holidays from Bertera Nissan (2:04)
-Take a look at new 2022 Four Winds RV now in at Fuller RV in Boylston
-Business: Mass. minimum wage increases with start of new year
-3-month free DGC Gratitude Program begins January 1st
-Colleges: Holy Cross examines the sites on campus once occupied by the Nipmuc in documentary
-National: Shooter kills 4, injures officer in Denver area, police say
-Man fatally shoots his grandmother, father’s girlfriend as family exchanges Christmas gifts, police say
-Death of teen killed by stray cop bullet at Burlington Coat Factory is ruled a homicide
-New England: Man charged with wrong-way driving with unrestrained child in front seat
-Mass. not shut down, but slowing down
-Tragic: Texas kids found alone on Christmas after parents' murder-suicide
-Shopping/Deals: Best Amazon deals you can still score after Christmas
-Health: Flu is making a comeback in U.S. after an unusual year off
-Homes: The weirdest homes for sale in 2021
-TV/Streaming: The 5 worst TV shows of 2021
-Celebrity: Oliva Munn and John Mulaney share first photo of newborn son
-Animals: Goats at this Gardner farm will eat your Christmas tree for you
-Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Nurse goes beyond duty and rescues a hospitalized patient's dog from the shelter
-Meanwhile, Scotland to pardon 3,837 innocent "witches" — 300 years later
Latest obituaries | | Monday highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
In The News
>WEATHER: Last day of oppressive heat, high feels like 95 to 100 today in Worcester
-Cooling centers open today in Worcester; water available
>TOP OF THE NEWS
+6:00: Mass. names Worcester 1 of 78 Housing Choice Communities
+6:00: Here's when Disney on Ice will skate into Worcester
+6:00: Bill Ballou on baseball
+Noon: Camels as pets? Meet Phil and RJ of Grafton
+Noon: Old Sturbridge Village to host Redcoats and Rebels for 250th anniversary
+Noon: Texas country band Flatland Cavalry heading to Indian Ranch in Webster
+Noon: Listen Up: Chill out for summer with Caylin Costello, D-Tension songs
+Noon: Last Call: Catherine Zebrowski, writer and musician
-13-year-old girl reported missing in Worcester
-U.S. News: UMass Memorial Medical Center is a top Mass. hospital, best in Worcester
-Can you help Worcester police ID these road-rage suspects?
-2 Shrewsbury men arrested in Boston prostitution sting
-Community rallies to help Leicester girl, hospitalized for year with cancer, celebrate birthday
-Algae treatment planned for Coes Reservoir, Indian Lake on Thursday
-Worcester school jobs saved as administration releases education funding
-Worcester elderly apartments sold for $17 million
-More body camera footage released of Eureka Street I.C.E. incident. Here's what it shows
-What's the best way to enjoy summer in Worcester County? Vote in round 3
-5 places to get out on the water in Central Mass. this summer
-Worcester African Festival returns for third year
-Interested in becoming a Worcester Police Officer? (:47)
-Radio Worcester (22:34): Commissioner Rob Antonelli on Worcester’s parks progress, priorities and planning
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (47:21): When immigration enforcement meets local politics
>DINING OUT (brought to you by Patsie Dugan's): Nan Xiang Express set to come to Shrewsbury
-ICYMI: Good Samaritan helps out driver in Worcester crash
-Downtown Worcester apartments at center of CitySquare redevelopment sold for $122 million
-2 Central Mass. women die in Old Orchard Beach, Maine camper explosion (2:15). Article
-"My baby!": Newly released body cam video shows new insight into Worcester I.C.E. arrest
-Worcester police arrest 3 juveniles after gun found in car
-Millbury police arrest 3 Worcester men in separate thefts
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Eagle Lake still closed for swimming
-Long term employees make Lamoureux Ford special (3:50)
-This week's road closure and traffic delays
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): bankHometown consolidating Webster branches
-Clinton man accused of using pudding barcode taped around finger to steal $40 of groceries
-Item photos: Young "royals" get ready for Fancy Nancy Tea Party
-Drive-throughs targeted in West Boylston as new Dunkin's gets variance
-Lancaster administrator sets directions for now
-Shrewsbury High’s Chemistry Club brings science to elementary schools
-Spencer Selectmen talk evaluation, criteria for E.M.S. request for proposals
-Former Templeton administrator warns select board of 9C cuts, hiring woes, and out-of-class pay risks
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Wednesday
-Jazzed Up Trio 6 to 8 Wednesday at 961 at Union Station
>SHOWTIME: Worcester writers bring the drama in summer showcase
-Destiny's Child reunites onstage for first time in 7 years at Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" finale
-Hanover Theatre takes over full management of the J.M.A.C.
-W.S.C. Stay Connected (1:01:31): A Tribute to the Beatles by the Hip Swayers, Stomp N' Holler, Hit the Bus
>OPINION: Worcesteria: How low can it go? Dry spell dries up Elm Park's ponds
-Margaret Smith: For a Catholic fan, Ozzy's life and lyrics strike a holy note
-What's Up Worcester's Minute with Meagan (15:24): Jenny Gaul, Executive Director, Joy of Music Program (JOMP)
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to a Worcester native who ran a home daycare for over 20 years
>SPORTS: Christian Gonzalez injury to sideline Patriots cornerback for "a bit"
-How Kayshon Boutte has impressed so far at Patriots training camp
-Red Sox beat Twins, 8-5
-Bravehearts beat New Britain, 3-2 . Next home game: 6:30 Wednesday. Buy tickets here
-Holy Cross Athletics (1:57): Get to know Coach Bryan Robbat
-WooSox beat IronPigs, 7-5
-King of the Court basketball tournament debuts at Worcester parks
>NATIONAL: 8.8-magnitude earthquake sends tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska
-Ghislaine Maxwell will plead the Fifth in House testimony — unless demands are met: defense lawyer
-ChatGPT passes the "I'm not a robot" test — a "terrifying" step toward developing a mind of its own
>TRAGIC: Toddler dies after "slipping" from dad’s arms on water slide
>NEW ENGLAND: Powerful moment for Mass. family who was forced to live in park (2:16). Article
-Intruder bathed, slept, ate & stole while Boston family was away on vacation (3:45)
>COLLEGES: Q.C.C. president pushes for faculty pay hikes
-WPI researcher tackles water treatment woes with battery tech
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): Inside the "arms race" to win the new luxury cruise ship market
>BUSINESS: Highlights from A.A.R.P.'s 99 ways to save money (1:46)
-LPL Financial Research: Economy in uncharted waters
-Report: Small size of Mass. sports betting industry limiting opportunities for minorities, women and veterans
>SHOPPING: When do Spirit Halloween stores open this year? Here's our guess
>HEALTH: Police, doctors warn of e-bike dangers as use skyrockets in Mass.
-Researchers say some artificial sweeteners could impact brain (:53)
-COVID barely detectable in wastewater, but is it time to celebrate? (2:15). Article
>FOOD: Greek Chicken Salad Bowls
>TV/STREAMING: Robin Roberts reveals why she’s been absent from "GMA"
>MOVIES: 40 best needle drops in movies of all time
>CELEBRITY: Tom Cruise, Ana de Armas attend Oasis show — after band roasted actor
-Justin Baldoni breaks social media silence to celebrate milestone with wife amid Blake Lively legal battle
>ANIMALS: 14-year-old dog dumped at shelter gets a ton of new siblings (1:40)
>HISTORY: Then & Now: Grafton Street, Worcester
>GOOD NEWS: Woman found alive 9 months after vanishing near Death Valley
-Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, polite black bear stuns homeowners after ringing doorbell before exploring hot tub
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