Here's what's happening in and around Worcester today
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
+5:45: 54 new cases in Worcester, 3,522 total; Shrewsbury, 254 (1 new case); Millbury, 193 (+2); Leicester, 118 (+1); Grafton, 74 (+1); Holden, 69 (+1). Press conference video (30:58)
+5:45: When can my business reopen? Here's a list based on Massachusetts’ plan
+5:45: What determines when Massachusetts is ready for next reopening phase?
+4:15: How Massachusetts will reopen
+4:15: Worcester restaurant's humorous reaction to restaurants not opening in Phase 1
+4:15: Reopening plan allows hair salons to take appointments as early as May 25
+4:15: 'Stay at home' replaced by 'Safer at home'
+4:15: Child care, summer camp reopening plans still developing
+4:15: Plan For reopening schools expected in weeks to come
+4:15: Radio Worcester (9:59): Chamber President & CEO Tim Murray talks re-opening guidlines & small business loans (May 18th)
+4:15: CDC: No evidence coronavirus can be spread to people through water but public pools should follow guidelines
-75 new cases in Worcester, 3,468 total; Shrewsbury, 253; Millbury, 191 (as of Friday); Leicester, 117; Grafton, 73; Holden, 67. No press conference on Sunday
-Billy Riley back to work at St. John's Food for the Poor following recovery
-Silver lining: Worcester able to help homeless like never before
-Worcester Public Schools to launch Hearts Connected exercise program
-Email to local officials: Manufacturing, construction, worship could be first to reopen in Mass.
-Central Mass. businesses hope Gov. Baker will provide clarity Monday on way forward
-ICYMI: 5 deaths in outbreak at Worcester nursing home
-State totals: 3,534 long-term care deaths, 5,797 total, 702 in ICU, 1,077 new cases
-Here’s how to find a Mass. testing site near you
-‘COVID Toes,’ other rashes latest possible rare virus signs
-At least 100,000 cruise ship staffers still stuck at sea: report
-At the office: For millions, pandemic will make retiring harder
-Help To Retire offering remote consultations to those nearing retirement (1:00)
-On the lighter side: Priest squirts holy water at churchgoers with water gun at social-distant service in Mich.
-Good news (brought to you by Bertera Nissan): Worcester Islamic Center hands out 350 free meals during food drive
In Other News
+6:00: Black bear gets boot from Burncoat
+4:15: Rollover crash on Paxton Road in Spencer
+4:15: This week’s road work in Worcester
-2:45: Who's open for take out or delivery? (updated)
-Councilor Colorio wants list of possible penalties if Polar Park doesn't open on time
-Former Worcester mayor Sara Robertson deserving of recognition
-Historical Commission praises WBDC's efforts to find reuse for Hale Building
-Here are the top 10 food orders on GrubHub in Worcester during pandemic
-ICYMI: Iconic Miss Worcester Diner reveals new Harley Davidson sign
-ICYMI: Drone video above the new Kelley Square (1:15)
-McDonald's is going to look drastically different when it opens dining rooms
-Chest of drawers sold at national retailers recalled amid concerns it can tip over, injure children
-Dover doctor accused of murdering his wife arrested
-Weymouth man charged with murdering father
-Hotter-than-average summer predicted for most of U.S.
-Homes (brought to you by Ross Mortgage): See inside 1890s Brownstone for sale in downtown Worcester
-Virginia shoplifters wore watermelons on their heads as disguise: police
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (:30). High of 85 today in Worcester
>TOP OF THE NEWS
-Passengers arrive in Worcester after JetBlue plane veers off Orlando taxiway (1:41). Article
-Protesters bring July Fourth spirit of independence to No Kings rally 2.0 in Worcester
-Last undeveloped CitySquare property purchased for $4.2 million by Ohio firm
-Worcester Public Library responds to rise in safety incidents
-Table Hoppin': Market on Brussels offers local food and pleasant vibes
-Structure fire at Grafton home prompts 2 alarms and mutual aid response
-Oxford's Geoffrey Esper takes fourth on the Fourth at Nathan's hot dog contest; Chestnut wins again
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (27:49): Breaking down W.P.D. scrutiny and city manager review
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (50:43): City Manager review, council dynamics and the influence of local blogs
>DINING OUT (brought to you by Patsie Dugan's): Worcester restaurant named Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year for 2025
-ICYMI: Man accused of throwing lit explosives out a window released without bail (:53). Article
-Bill creates potential dilemma for UMass Memorial Health leader
-Former sneaker entrepreneur opens Worcester ice cream shop
-Tax relief to landlords offering affordable housing proposed in Worcester
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Jason Bradshaw Memorial Scholarships awarded
-Lamoureux Ford offers huge discounts! (2:53)
-Holden police welcome new officer
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Paxton working on finding administrator
-Leicester police Youth Police Academy is still accepting applications
-Helmets in Rutland could earn kids sweet treat
-Clinton fireworks will light up sky July 12th
-Woman charged with witness intimidation over YouTube threat in Rutland harassment case
-West Boylston studio is "Iron Strong"
-Lauren Crossman-Nanof named Commonwealth Heroine
-Sterling runner ready to Endure to Cure
-Millbury-Sutton Chronicle goings on
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Saturday
>SHOWTIME: Things to Do: Movies on the Common, Little River Band and more ...
-Things to do in July in Central Mass. (& FREE printable)
-Oasis reunites onstage for the first time in 16 years
-South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo coming to Mechanics Hall
>OPINION: Liz Goodfellow: Worcester Speaks No. 11: Dani Killay
-John Keough: America the Beautiful on Independence Day
-Giselle Rivera-Flores: Brief overview of what Independence Day means for millions of non-white, non-straight, elderly and young
-City of Worcester (2:09:37): Mayor's Civics Academy - Leadership & Graduation
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to "bright-eyed, curious and adventurous" 4-year-old Worcester boy
>SPORTS: Red Sox beat Washington, 11-2
-Bravehearts split doubleheader, winning 4-2 and losing 6-3 . Next home game 6:30 p.m. today. Buy tickets here
-Bravehearts to host 3 weeks of baseball camp starting Monday
-Holy Cross announces 2025 men’s soccer schedule
-WooSox lose to Syracuse, 4-0
-"It’s so fun just to be part of it": Worcester umpire Eric Goldstein enjoys calling Savannah Bananas games
>CARS: Nissan recalls over 440,000 vehicles over engine failure issues
>NATIONAL: At least 13 dead as nearly 2 dozen girls missing after "catastrophic" floods at summer camp
-Human remains found at fireworks warehouse where 7 went missing after explosion, massive blaze
>TRAGIC: Woman dies after getting stuck in donation box in Florida
>NEW ENGLAND: 70-year-old dies in fireworks incident at July Fourth party in Wareham (:25). Article
-Fallout from public defender work stoppage could set Mass. defendants free
>COLLEGES: Nichols board elects new chair, vice chair, trustees
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): How (and where) to take a houseboat vacation
>BUSINESS: You just retired (or are about to). Now what?
-Microsoft announces second round of mass layoffs in months
>HOMES: Rental scams: Be aware of red flags when looking for an apartment
>HEALTH: Can dairy products lead to nightmares? (2:38). Article
-WCCA-TV's Soapbox No. 1385 (27:41): Stroke and rehabilitation
>FOOD: Starbucks reveals new prices for syrups and add-ons
>TV/STREAMING: New shows & movies to watch this weekend
>MOVIES: "Jurassic World Rebirth" stomps to strong box office opening, targets $138 million U.S. long weekend
>CELEBRITY: "Fantastic Four" and "Nip/Tuck" star Julian McMahon dies at 56
>ANIMALS: Mama dog was hiding her puppies in abandoned house (2:18)
>HISTORY: Kurt Russell honors family ties to the Revolutionary War
>GOOD NEWS: Students unite hotel with spontaneous national anthem performance (2:56)
-Meanwhile, in Arkansas, brawl at kindergarten graduation — kids beg parents to "STOP!" (1:46)
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