John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
+6:00: Worcester, other districts manage return to schools amid surge
+6:00: How long before Omicron symptoms appear after exposure?
+6:00: U.S. sets new milestone with more than 1 million cases
+6:00: Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID lately?
-Massive lines await those just wishing to be tested in Worcester (2:06)
-'We have to do better': Residents shiver in frigid cold for hours to get test, officials seek more testing sites amid omicron 'log jam'
-Testing in Downtown Worcester scheduled 3 more days this week
-UMass Memorial says positivity rate has "skyrocketed" to around 30% during recent surge
-Worcester teachers' union says KN95 masks from state not good enough
-Worcester Public Schools staff receive rapid tests
-31,184 new cases, 39 additional deaths reported in Massachusetts
-Here's how the Omicron surge is different than previous surges in the U.S.
-Grafton Board of Health issues order mandating masks in all public space
-Massachusetts doctors weigh in on throat swab for testing
-Rapid omicron spread fuels statewide workforce crunch
-ER doctors in Massachusetts make plea amid breaking point
In The News
-Latest weather: 4" to 6" of snow possible Friday in early forecast
+6:00: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - January 4th
+6:00: Local singer premieres music video shot right before the pandemic in Los Angeles
+6:00: Radio Worcester (16:07): Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus talks Omicron, testing, development and inauguration
+6:00: Radio Worcester (6:47): Worcester School Committee member Sue Mailman talks about inauguration
+6:00: Janice Harvey: No one seems enthusiastic for 2022
+6:00: New pets up for adoption in the Worcester area
+6:00: $50,000 Powerball winner sold in Webster
+6:00: More people leaving Massachusetts, fewer moving in, study says
+6:00: A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November
-Former St. Peter-Marian school site sold for $4.75 million
-Related: Diocese establishes fund to benefit Saint Paul Junior/Senior High
-Saint Vincent Hospital nurses approve new deal to end historic strike (2:35)
-Related: Reflecting on the longest nurses strike in Massachusetts history
-Worcester's inauguration highlights most diverse council, school committee in city’s history . Gallery (11 photos)
-Cold nights, uptick in COVID cases means full house at Hotel Grace
-Worcester youth violence down, Clark University study finds, but racial schism persists
-Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Worcester man donates Lego sets to kids with cancer
-The Mayor’s Live Music List for Tuesday
-Wachusett Wine & Spirits' Whiskey Wednesday (36:03): Tequila Single Barrel Pick
-Politics and the City: Not a bad 2021 for Worcester, but what's next?
-Tribute to a talented jewelry designer who owned his own store for many years
-Tribute to a professor emeritus at Worcester State
-ICYMI: Worcester firefighters hit the ice in Toledo to honor fallen brothers
-Community raising funds for Worcester Assistant Principal hit with devastating health news
-The most read stories of 2021 on The 016
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
-The Burbs (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Shrewsbury talks future athletic facilities projects
-Cannabis dispensary owners buy $4 million facility to open soon in West Boylston
-Nomination papers now available at Millbury Town Clerk's office
-Developer purchases Hardwick mill for $5 million cannabis project
-Sports: Worcester Bravehearts turning 2022 into TwentyTwentyYou (1:04)
-Oluchi Ezemma selected as Hilton Garden Inn Crusader of the Week
-Worcester Hockey Alumni highlights, week 12
-Belichick, teammates praise Mac Jones after team clinches playoff spot
-Enter to win a Patriots hoodie, courtesy of North End Motor Sales
-Anna Maria men's hoops team loves playing for Coach Conrad
-Planet Fitness welcoming newcomers with New Year's resolutions
-Cars: Happy Holidays from Bertera Nissan (2:04)
-Take a look at new 2022 Four Winds RV now in at Fuller RV in Boylston
-National: Powerball jackpot now $575 million after no winner last night
-Classic BlackBerry phones will stop working starting today
-New England: Carver boy who opened pantry that serves thousands is now battling leukemia
-Tragic: Mississippi officer responding to shooting finds her son dead
-Business: 39% of workers are looking to change jobs, survey finds
-Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes found guilty on 4 of 11 charges of fraud and conspiracy
-WBJ Economic Forecast: The year of biotech
-Homes: 5 new houses for sale in Worcester
-History: Pilgrim Church on Main Street in Worcester
-Animals: Guy rescues stray puppy and reunites her with brothers (3:18)
-TV/Streaming: 9 hidden gem shows from 2021 that were overlooked
-Movies: 6 must-see movies being released in January
-Celebrity: Vicki Lawrence reveals Betty White’s last word before death
-Meanwhile, in Tennessee, TikToker discovers abandoned '50s diner in perfect condition (:40)
Latest obituaries | | Monday's 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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