Start your day with the latest and most complete Worcester news! Click here to join The016.com today! Registration is free and easy
Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
+6:00: Worcester Walmart to close for COVID-19 cleaning
+6:00: Holy Cross temporarily suspends spectator attendance at all athletic events
+2:00: What to do, and not to do, if your home test comes back positive
+2:00: Sutton Schools report more than 200 students absent
+2:00: What is "flurona" and how serious is it?
-New cases reach an all-time high in Worcester
-110 Worcester firefighters are out, which creates a "very critical" situation
-More than 130 Worcester Public Schools staff members out on Tuesday after testing positive
-State sent untested, "nonmedical" masks to schools
-Mass. school districts scrambling to find substitutes
-What parents should know about sending kids back to school during Omicron
-Worcester County cases spike 288% in two weeks
-Radio Worcester's Worcester Wednesday with Mayor Joe Petty (13:21): COVID, testing, schools, inauguration, housing and much more
-Testing in Downtown Worcester scheduled today
-ICYMI: Worcester, other districts manage return to schools amid surge
-Mass. officials report more than 27,000 new cases, 22% positivity rate as death total since start of pandemic tops 20,000
-U.S. hospitals seeing different kind of surge this time
-Celebrity: Grammys postpone ceremony, citing risk
-Can we really "ride out" the Omicron wave?
-If I am positive, how can I keep family members safe?
In The News
-Latest weather: Up to 8 inches of snow likely beginning overnight
+6:00: Report: Group looking to buy WooSox, offered more than $50 million
+6:00: Worcester Public Schools canceled on Friday
+6:00: Parking ban in effect in Worcester starting at midnight
+6:00: Worcester street renamed to honor Officer Familia
+6:00: 2 suspects tried to run down Auburn officer in Home Depot parking lot, police say
+6:00: Charlton police K9 locates man who left crash scene
+6:00: Webster man faces charges for stolen car, auto break-ins
+2:00: 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester - January 6th
+2:00: Apartments at old Edgemere Drive-In in Shrewsbury to open in March
+2:00: Shrewsbury Street restaurant closed for 2 days because of lack of staff
+2:00: Five Things to Do: Method Man and Redman, the Albert Lee Band and more ....
+2:00: Is Grafton going to be the place for Dexter's last stand?
+2:00: Health: Vitamin D shows promise for children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
-Guess Friday's snow total in Worcester, win $100 gift card
-2-hour delay for the Worcester Public School
-UMass Memorial payroll affected by recent cyber attack
-Worcester-based company investing $43 million in Georgia plant that will employ 150
-2 winners in $632 million Powerball drawing; $100,000 winner sold in Webster
-Downtown Worcester eatery announces move to Main Street
-Ziggy Bombs to host pop-up event at Miss Worcester Diner
-Boston Magazine's 10 must-visit restaurants in Worcester
-Food: See the January menus for local specialty doughnut shops
-Stolen car crashed in West Boylston, driver grabbed in Sterling
-Kitchen fire displaces residents of Webster home
-Spencer Fire Department tanker skids off road in icy conditions
-NEW! Wachusett Wine & Spirits' Whiskey Wednesday (1:08:04): Amanda Beckwith from Virginia Distillery
-Animals: "They go ape over it" — discarded Christmas trees a delicacy for local goats
-Attempt to remove MNA union from Saint Vincent Hospital could leave nurses unrepresented for at least a year
-Related: Saint Vincent spent upward of $31 million in battle against striking nurses
-Local news website announces shutdown
-Planning Board recommends zoning change to pave way for potential re-use of Webster St. building
-Committee assignments for the 2022-23 Worcester City Council
-Worcester assistant principal stays positive after cancer diagnosis
-ICYMI: Worcester store has 2nd $1 million lottery winner in 2 months
-Murder at O'Connor's: Man facing trial in fatal stabbing pursues insanity defense
-Tribute to Worcester woman who was her church's organist and worked with her husband at the family auto body shop
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
-The Burbs (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Western-style bar opens in Dudley
-Oxford family seeks answers on Beau Mann missing in LA since November
-Anzio’s plans pizza fundraiser to aid retired cop’s family after Christmas fire
-Here's what residents have to say about Sutton's open space/rec plans
-Shrewsbury holds topping off ceremony at new police station
-Shrewsbury students raise money for Red Cross following tornadoes
-3 men arrested in Blackstone for solicitation
-Residents make it out of massive Charlton house fire (:30)
-Sports: Bravehearts unveil fan-focused, fully interactive Twenty-Twenty-You
-Enter to win a Patriots hoodie, courtesy of North End Motor Sales
-Spurs hold off Celtics, 99-97
-Cars: This is the best month to buy at car at Bertera Nissan (5:21)
-Take a look at new 2022 Four Winds RV now in at Fuller RV in Boylston
-National: Recalling January 6th: A national day of infamy
-A timeline of what happened during the Capitol riots on January 6th
-New England: Flu activity high in Mass. for first time since April 2020
-Red Sox post perhaps the coolest job opening in America
-Tragic: 12 die, including 8 kids, in fire at Philadelphia rowhome
-Business: Fallon CEO re-elected as board chair of the Mass. Association of Health Plans
-Fed officials now seeing U.S. job market near full recovery
-Homes: Visit the latest 2 open houses in Worcester
-History: Downtown Worcester in the early 1900s
-TV/Streaming: "Yellowstone" finale was most watched cable broadcast since "Walking Dead" Season 3
-Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Blackstone teen surprises waitress with $1,000 tip
-Meanwhile, in China, monkey visits kindergarten, sticks around for snacktime
Latest obituaries | | Wednesday'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
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | Help Wanted | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather