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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
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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