Highlights in The 016 Wednesday, December 29th

• Posted by 016 Administrator December 29, 2021 - Filed in News - 2,844 views

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  Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today:

  Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  +6:00: THURSDAY! Additional date for testing in Downtown Worcester

  +6:00: Mayor Petty encourages vaccines, boosters as city sees highest case numbers yet (:25)

  +6:00: Worcester sees "amazing" number of new cases

  +6:00: Booster shots to be required for Worcester city employees by February 1st

  +6:00: Worcester limits crowds at school sporting events to only parents, siblings

  +6:00: Mass. officials report more than 15,000 new cases as positivity rate tops 13 percent

  +6:00: Mass. schools receive 200,000 at-home tests for staff

  +6:00: Doctor explains accuracy, effectiveness of PCR, rapid tests

  +Noon: Free testing by appointment for families in Worcester Public Schools, but you must have symptoms

  +Noon: U.S. hits record average of daily new cases

  -Get a free rapid test in Worcester at a vaccination clinic

  -Vaccincation/booster clinics this week at Worcester Senior Center

  -Added protection in Worcester schools following holiday vacation

  -January will be "a really, really hard month" as Omicron fuels spike in infections, expert says

  -Worcester County cases increased by 5,141 this week

  -ICYMI: "We're just going nonstop": Long line for testing in Worcester (1:35). Article

  -Mass. reports more than 20,000 new breakthrough cases, 70 additional deaths among vaccinated residents

  -Mass. isn’t seeing the spike in kids’ COVID hospitalizations other states are

  -UMass requiring booster shots for all students, faculty and staff

  -COVID vs. cold symptoms: When should you go to the hospital?

  -South Africa study suggests Omicron infection could boost immunity

  -New Year’s Eve plans in limbo with cases rising

  -What should you do if you test positive or were exposed during the holidays? 

  In The News

  -Latest weather: Clouds linger, mild temps through Friday

  +6:00: 216-unit apartment building proposed on Hemans Street in Worcester

  +6:00: Ghislaine Maxwell convicted of helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse girls

  +Noon: After the death of Worcester Christmas Carol Mom, family seeks help

  +Noon: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - December 29th

  +Noon: New Year's Eve plans? Check Dining Out and Bars & Bands

  +Noon: Remembering First Night Worcester on what would have been its 40th year

  +Noon: Five Things to Do: Twiddle, New Year's at the EcoTarium and more ....

  +Noon: Last Call with Nick Austin, commercial actor

  -Downtown Worcester restaurant development listed for sale for $5.7 million

  -Bakery set to open new location in Worcester by end of January

  -Worcester meat shop asks state to reverse local liquor license denial

  -Worcester Walgreens property sells for $8.8 million

  -Residents want to halt Brattle Stop plans

  -Multiple vehicles hit by gunfire on Stockton Street in Worcester

  -Wanted man found with gun in Worcester

  -Man eyed in Worcester killing is ordered to provide DNA

  -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 Wednesday

  -Ed Humphries’ newest play, "Dad's Dance," set for Gateway Players in February

  -Rosalie Tirella: Worcester, we must not become indifferent to our homeless neighbors

  -Worcester Common Oval ice skating open for extended hours this week

  -Worcester Fire Department hockey team traveling to Toledo to play charity game

  -Great Brook Valley residents say improved park, after-school programs would benefit city youth 

  -Tribute to an avid knitter and crocheter who created thousands of beautiful projects over the years 

  -ICYMI: Proposed Worcester development dramatically reduced in size

  -62-year-old man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after pedestrian crash in Worcester

  -Reminder: No delay in trash and recycling pickup this week in Worcester

  -See the rest of the day's Worcester news

  -The Burbs (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Sutton farm owner faces "constant damage" from increased traffic

  -Former Sutton Veterans Services officer close to opening gun shop

  -Local Boy Scout troops to hold Christmas tree pickup drives

  -Northborough tech CEO buys $3 million apartments next to HQ

  -Friends of Shrewsbury Senior Center plan ventriloquist show

  -Driver escapes injury after truck crashes through guardrail in Hubbardston

  -Worcester area couple married 74 years dies a day apart 

  -Sports: How will the Patriots respond after back-to-back losses? 

  -Enter to win a Patriots hoodie, courtesy of North End Motor Sales

  -All-Star 1B/DH Gavin Noriega returning to Bravehearts

  -Brad Marchand criticizes NHL for pulling out of 2022 Olympics

  -Several former Worcester hockey pros near the top of their leagues at the Christmas break

  -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: Worcester company added to NASDAQ Biotech Index

  -3-month free DGC Gratitude Program begins January 1st 

  -Local distributor says draft beer sales rebounded in 2021

  -National: Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader, dies at 82 

  -New England: Maine man sentenced for manslaughter in wife’s strangulation

  -Shopping/Deals: Shop Best Buy's New Year's savings event 

  -Homes: The weirdest homes for sale in 2021 

  -New on DVD: Wes Anderson reports in with "French Dispatch"

  -Celebrity: NFL legend John Madden dies at 85

  -Animals: See dogs, cats & more available for adoption in the Worcester area 

  -Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Salvation Army bell ringer marked 49th year of service 

  -Meanwhile, in Dallas, Santa ejected for fighting at Cowboys game