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Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
+6:00: Radio Worcester's Worcester Wednesday with Mayor Joe Petty (13:21): COVID, testing, schools, inauguration, housing and much more
+6:00: Can we really "ride out" the Omicron wave?
-Worcester, other districts manage return to schools amid surge
-Worcester Catholic school get tests
-Radio Worcester (16:07): Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus talks Omicron, testing, development and inauguration
-Westborough brings back indoor mask mandate
-Auburn temporarily closes some town buildings to the public
-Grafton Municipal Center shuttered because of outbreak
-ICYMI: Massive lines await those just wishing to be tested in Worcester (2:06)
-Testing in Downtown Worcester scheduled 2 more days this week
-Mass. officials report more than 16,000 new cases, 94 deaths as positivity rate tops 21 percent
-Mass. reports more than 45,000 new breakthrough cases, 88 additional deaths
-U.S. sets new milestone with more than 1 million cases
-Omicron now accounts for 95% of new U.S. cases
-More than 100,000 people are hospitalized with COVID in the U.S. for the first time in months
-Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID lately?
-How long before Omicron symptoms appear after exposure?
-How will pandemic conclude? Omicron clouds forecasts for endgame
In The News
-Latest weather: Latest on Friday snow, black ice possible this morning, high in the mid 40s today in Worcester
+6:00: Kitchen fire displaces residents of Webster home
+6:00: Spencer Fire Department tanker skids off road in icy conditions
+6:00: Oxford family seeks answers on Beau Mann missing in LA since November
+6:00: Local news site announces shutdown
+6:00: Food: See the January menus for local specialty doughnut shops
+6:00: Animals: "They go ape over it" — discarded Christmas trees a delicacy for local goats
+6:00: Visit the latest 2 open houses in Worcester
+12:30: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - January 5th
+12:30: Guess Friday's snow total in Worcester, win $100 gift card
+12:30: 13 die in fire at Philadelphia rowhome converted into apartments
-Worcester store has 2nd $1 million lottery winner in 2 months
-Residents make it out of massive Charlton house fire overnight (:30)
-Murder at O'Connor's: Man facing trial in fatal stabbing pursues insanity defense
-Hanover Theatre performer reunited with stolen tap shoes
-More people leaving Massachusetts, fewer moving in, study says
-Cafe Neo hosting karaoke contest with $1,000 prize
-Local singer premieres music video shot right before the pandemic in Los Angeles
-The Mayor’s Live Music List for Wednesday
-Wachusett Wine & Spirits' Whiskey Wednesday (36:03): Tequila Single Barrel Pick
-Community organizing essential to keeping Worcester clean
-Angels Net Foundation empowers and supports refugees and immigrants
-Janice Harvey: No one seems enthusiastic for 2022
-Radio Worcester (6:47): Worcester School Committee member Sue Mailman talks about inauguration
-Jim Coughlin: Inauguration of the newly elected members of City Council and School Committee
-Tribute to Worcester native and legendary Boston physician
-ICYMI: Former St. Peter-Marian school site sold for $4.75 million
-Cold nights, uptick in COVID cases means full house at Hotel Grace
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
-The Burbs (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Holden nomination papers available
-Sterling honors Village Pizza's commitment to community
-Holden's budget could run into Wachusett costs
-Paxton search committee appointment pushed to January 10th
-$50,000 Powerball winner sold in Webster
-Sports: Bravehearts unveil fan-focused, fully interactive Twenty-Twenty-You
-Holy Cross football already looking forward to next season
-Enter to win a Patriots hoodie, courtesy of North End Motor Sales
-Bruins beat Devils, 5-3
-Jim Corsi, former Red Sox pitcher and Newton native, dies from cancer at 60
-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: Drivers stranded for 15+ hours on I-95 in Stafford County, Va.
-New England: Hero dog leads troopers to site of car crash, rescuing victims
-Police: 3 people, including 2 teens, broke into same Attleboro home twice in span of 7 hours
-Tragic: North Carolina state trooper accidentally kills his brother during traffic stop
-Business: Toyota is about to become the leader in U.S. auto sales for the first time
-Central Mass. cannabis dispensaries power through holiday rush
-Homes: Central Massachusetts towns with homes available below $350,000
-Shopping: Macy’s cuts store hours at all of its stores
-History: 1906 conceptual drawing of Union Station
-Animals: New pets up for adoption in the Worcester area
-New on DVD: Legendary monster haunts small town in "Antlers"
-Celebrity: Alec Baldwin addresses "Rust" tragedy in New Year’s video
-Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Shrewsbury students raise money for Red Cross following tornadoes
-Meanwhile, in Florida, watch as bears try to open the front door of home
Latest obituaries | | Tuesday'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
Latest obituaries | | Tuesday's Highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
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