Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory to headline Worcester Guardian third anniversary celebration
Brian McGrory, editor of The Boston Globe, will headline a discussion on the state and future of local journalism at The Worcester Guardian’s third anniversary celebration Oct. 20 at Off The Rails in Worcester.
The celebration will mark three years of independent, nonprofit journalism by The Guardian and explore the changing local news landscape and the growing role of nonprofit news organizations.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and welcome reception from 5 to 6 p.m. featuring a cash bar. At 6 p.m., the main program, “Discussions with Brian McGrory,” will be moderated by The Worcester Guardian lead consultant Dave Nordman.
The Guardian was launched three years ago to help fill a growing local news gap in Central Massachusetts. Since then, the nonprofit news organization has grown to more than 22,000 subscribers and published more than 1,000 stories.
“The growth of The Worcester Guardian over the past three years has demonstrated that there is a strong demand for fact-based local journalism that is available to everyone,” said Tim Loew, chair of The Worcester Guardian’s board of directors. “Brian McGrory brings a unique perspective on both the challenges facing journalism and the opportunities presented by nonprofit local news. We are delighted to have him join us as we celebrate this milestone and look toward the future.”
McGrory has spent decades in journalism and has twice served as editor of the Globe. His previous roles at the newspaper include columnist, Metro editor, White House reporter, national reporter and general assignment reporter.
Toomey crash draws internal police investigation
Newly released police records and body-camera footage provided additional details about City Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Toomey’s Sept. 2 crash on Harrington Way and the police response that followed. The crash report states Toomey’s vehicle struck an unoccupied Volkswagen described as parked on the sidewalk shortly after midnight; no injuries were reported, both vehicles were towed and the report lists no citation. Police Chief Paul Saucier ordered an internal investigation to determine whether officers followed department policies and whether Toomey received preferential treatment. Read more
Toomey temporarily steps away from Public Safety Committee
Toomey announced Tuesday that she would temporarily step down from the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and recuse herself from matters involving the Worcester Police Department while the internal investigation continues. Toomey, who chairs the committee, also said she was “not in any way impaired” when her vehicle struck an unoccupied vehicle Sept. 2 and said she would face no charges. She said the temporary move was intended to avoid the appearance of a conflict while the department reviews its officers’ handling of the crash. Read more
Public camping ordinance delayed before council debate
A proposed ordinance prohibiting camping on public property did not go before the City Council as planned Tuesday after Vice Chairman Khrystian King held the measure under personal privilege. King also held City Manager Eric Batista’s broader “Disrupting the Cycle” homelessness framework, saying he wanted more time for review and a fuller briefing from the administration. The proposed ordinance would establish an enforcement process involving outreach, offers of shelter and services and up to 72 hours’ notice before an encampment is cleared, with a possible $25 fine for failing to comply with an order to leave. Read more
Council wants better answers when road projects fall behind
The city council voted unanimously Tuesday to seek a report on improving how Worcester tracks road construction and informs residents when street and sidewalk projects are delayed. Councilors raised concerns after residents were told some projects expected this year would not be completed on the original schedule. The meeting also drew public comments about Toomey’s crash and the proposed public camping ordinance, although the camping measure was held before council debate. Read more
School realignment plan drops proposed Arts Magnet move
The second draft of Worcester Public Schools’ boundary and quadrant realignment plan abandons a proposal to move Worcester Arts Magnet School to the Francis J. McGrath Elementary School building. Planners said the McGrath building would not meet the operational needs of the Arts Magnet program, one of several concerns raised after the first proposal was released in August. The latest version also revises quadrant assignments and leaves questions about lotteries and student transitions for future drafts before an expected school committee vote on a final plan later this year. Read more
NAACP, police oversight advocates raise questions over Toomey crash
The Worcester NAACP joined the Worcester Civilian Review Board Coalition in raising concerns about the police response to Toomey’s crash and calling for her to step aside from her Public Safety Committee leadership role. NAACP Worcester President Fred Taylor cited questions about the lack of field sobriety testing, muted portions of body-camera footage and Toomey’s participation in a Sept. 8 council debate over civilian police oversight while the crash remained under investigation. Hours after the NAACP’s position became public Tuesday, Toomey announced that she would temporarily leave the committee and recuse herself from police-related matters until the internal investigation is complete. Read more
Allen targets gains in reading and math
Superintendent Brian Allen presented his goals for the 2026-27 school year Thursday, including increasing the share of students meeting or exceeding STAR benchmarks in reading and math from 35% to 38%. His goals also include work on school realignment, district leadership development and improving collaboration and consistency across the school system. Last year, Allen sought to raise reading and math performance from 33% to 36%, with students ultimately reaching 35% in both subjects. Read more
Achievement gaps join academics on school committee agenda
Ahead of Thursday’s meeting, Worcester Public Schools proposed a three-percentage-point increase in the share of students meeting or exceeding STAR reading and math benchmarks, from 35% to 38% by June. Allen’s proposed goals also addressed school boundary realignment, collaboration among educators and development of future school leaders. Separate data before the committee showed Hispanic and Latino students increased their participation in Advanced Placement courses last year but remained underrepresented compared with their share of district enrollment. Read more
Clark and Worcester schools expand longstanding partnership
Clark University and Worcester Public Schools signed an agreement Thursday formalizing plans to expand college access, scholarships, dual enrollment, teacher training, internships and other opportunities. The partnership includes a “Grow Our Own” pipeline designed to help Worcester students, paraprofessionals and other community members pursue careers in education while giving Clark students more opportunities to work in city classrooms. The agreement builds on decades of collaboration that included 217 Clark alumni working for Worcester Public Schools as of September 2025. Read more
Sean Rose named Worcester schools equity chief
Worcester Public Schools appointed Sean Rose its chief of Access, Opportunity and Equity, a Cabinet-level position focused on narrowing opportunity and achievement gaps and strengthening inclusion across the district. Rose, president and CEO of Thrive Support and Advocacy, brings more than two decades of experience spanning education, human services, youth development, municipal government and trauma-informed care. The position also oversees Family and Community Engagement, the Parent Information Center, recruitment programs including the Grow Your Own teacher pipeline and equity and discrimination compliance. Read more
WPI lands $2 million for STEM scholarships and support
Worcester Polytechnic Institute received a $2 million National Science Foundation grant to provide scholarships, mentoring and other support to 70 undergraduate and graduate students. The six-year initiative focuses on students pursuing degrees connected to robotics, smart infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, with an emphasis on high-performing students with financial need. WPI also plans to recruit transfer students from regional community colleges and the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. Read more
Worcester EMS brings blood transfusions into the field
Worcester paramedics can now begin blood transfusions before some critically injured patients reach the hospital, making Worcester EMS the first ground ambulance service in Central Massachusetts authorized to carry and administer blood products in the field. The program launched Sept. 1 following state approval in July and serves Worcester and Shrewsbury through the UMass Memorial Health-operated EMS system. Blood products are carried aboard a designated supervisory response vehicle whose lieutenant can bring them directly to serious incidents when a patient is identified as a candidate for transfusion. Read more
Armsby Abbey goes up for sale after 18 years
Armsby Abbey, the downtown gastropub that has operated at 144 Main St. since 2008, is being offered for $995,000 as owners Sherri Sadowski and Alec Lopez consider stepping away from the business. The sale offering includes the operating business, equipment and other assets — but not the leased real estate — and the owners say their priority is finding someone who will continue operating Armsby Abbey with its existing team. Sadowski and Lopez stressed that no closing is imminent and the restaurant remains open and operating as usual while they explore a potential sale. Read more
328 apartments proposed as Worcester’s chicken boom continues
Three more chicken-focused restaurants received Common Victualler licenses Sept. 10 as Worcester’s recent run of new poultry restaurants continued. Development proposals headed to the Planning Board include 300 apartments near Newton Square and another mixed-use project with 28 apartments on Chandler Street. A long-vacant 141-year-old Main South building has also returned to use as housing. Read more
The Bra Shop plans second location in Wellesley
The Bra Shop is expanding beyond Worcester with plans to open its second location at 22 Church St. in Wellesley in November. Founded in Worcester in 2021, the specialty lingerie boutique relocated and expanded its original store to 303 Main St. last November and specializes in professional fittings alongside bras, lingerie, sleepwear and other products. The company has not announced a specific opening date for Wellesley, which will offer professional fittings by appointment as well as walk-in service. Read more
Worcester Economic Club opens season under new president
Mike Lavoie, executive vice president and senior commercial officer at Cornerstone Bank, has been named president of the Worcester Economic Club as the organization prepares for its 2026-27 season. The season begins Wednesday, Sept. 23, with a networking event at Off the Rails before political strategist and commentator Mark McKinnon opens the dinner speaker series Oct. 5. Former Massachusetts economic development secretary Jay Ash is scheduled to speak Dec. 8 about business growth, economic development and opportunities facing communities across the state. Read more
Federal grant creates countywide comfort dog network
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office received a federal Department of Justice grant to create a mutual aid program allowing trained police comfort dog teams to respond beyond their home communities. The countywide system is intended to make comfort dogs available to children, families and others dealing with traumatic events even when their own municipality does not have a team. Funding through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program will also support youth substance-use prevention efforts across Worcester County. Read more
Worcester adding 22 public EV charging ports
Worcester is adding 22 electric vehicle charging ports at five city-owned locations, increasing its municipal charging network from 30 to 52 ports. New stations are planned on Sever Street, Russell Street near Elm Park, Providence Street near Vernon Park, Woodland Street at Oberlin Street and Great Brook Valley Park. Construction was scheduled to begin this week and continue through December, with the expansion representing a nearly 75% increase in the city’s public charging network. Read more
Arts grants offer more than $250,000 for Worcester projects
More than $250,000 is available to Worcester artists, cultural organizations and community programs through the Worcester Arts Council’s fiscal 2027 grant cycle. The funding includes $244,500 from the Mass Cultural Council along with $15,000 from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for individual artist fellowships. Applications remain open through Oct. 15 for projects and fellowships supporting arts and cultural activity across the city. Read more
Doherty girls turn a 3-0 deficit into opening-day win
Doherty High girls’ soccer opened its season with a dramatic 4-3 comeback over Notre Dame Academy after falling behind 3-0. The Highlanders entered the fall looking to rebound from a 4-13-1 season, with players pointing to stronger chemistry, experienced senior leadership and a more positive approach. The opener also carried added significance for senior captain Gloria Jani as she returned from a difficult injury. Read more
South High captains lead push for a turnaround
South High boys’ soccer is leaning on a veteran group of captains who have played together for four years as the Colonels try to rebound from last season’s 2-9-2 finish. Coach Brian Cormier has put a particular emphasis on improving a defense that allowed games to get away from the team last year. The returning players say stronger chemistry and a willingness to fight for one another are shaping a different outlook this fall. Read more
WooSox pack final homestand with six days of festivities
The Worcester Red Sox opened their final homestand of 2026 Tuesday against the Durham Bulls, kicking off Fan Appreciation Week at Polar Park. Promotions through Sunday’s season finale include dogs at the ballpark, wrestling, fireworks, discounted food and merchandise, an appearance by former Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill and a pregame Meet the Team event. Following Sunday’s finale, players will participate in the annual “Shirts Off Their Backs” giveaway. Read more
Nathan Hickey does a little bit of everything for WooSox
Nathan Hickey has filled an unusually wide range of roles for Worcester this season, appearing as a designated hitter, first baseman, catcher, pitcher, pinch hitter and defensive replacement. Primarily a DH and first baseman, Hickey returned behind the plate for two games in late August when the WooSox briefly ran short of catchers. He also took the mound this season, adding another position to a resume that has made him one of Worcester’s most versatile players heading into the final week. Read more
Polar Park gets the road-trip comparison treatment
Bill Ballou and his wife visited Triple-A ballparks in Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester and Allentown, Pennsylvania, to see how Worcester’s Polar Park compares with some of its International League rivals. All four parks have larger footprints than Polar Park, and each offered good sightlines along with some ground-level parking, while Buffalo’s Sahlen Field shares Polar Park’s downtown setting. The trip also connected several cities with Worcester’s much earlier Triple-A history, which dates to 1899. Read more
Lanterns, lasers and loud guitars fill the weekend
Worcester Night Market brings hundreds of lanterns, food, art and performances to City Hall and the Common Saturday from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The weekend also includes Brit Floyd’s elaborate Pink Floyd tribute at The Hanover Theatre, the Queer AF fashion show at Mechanics Hall and a heavy-metal bill featuring Dying Fetus and Sanguisugabogg at the Palladium. Holy Cross adds a different kind of history with a stage production exploring the relationship between Celtics legends Bob Cousy and Bill Russell. Read more
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
The Worcester Guardian is a nonprofit newsroom serving Central Massachusetts. Help keep independent reporting alive by making a donation today.
