Worcester police confirm death of missing woman Joanna Brown
Tragic news in Worcester this week as police confirmed that 30-year-old Joanna Brown, who had been missing since Friday, was found dead inside her SUV near Green Hill Towers. Detectives discovered her body Monday afternoon in a gray Mitsubishi Outlander matching the description of the vehicle she was last seen driving after leaving work at the Bean Counter on Grove Street. The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
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Holy Cross study finds nearly $1 billion statewide impact
A new College of the Holy Cross study revealed the school’s economic impact tops $985 million statewide, with $313 million generated in Worcester alone. The report highlights jobs, spending and community investments that ripple far beyond campus.
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Holistic paths to healing highlight DA Early’s recovery event
District Attorney Joe Early’s annual recovery event took a holistic turn this year, focusing on community, mindfulness, and the power of peer support in overcoming addiction. Speakers shared lived experiences and new approaches to long-term recovery.
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Meet the candidates: Jermaine Johnson on closing the learning gap
School Committee candidate Jermaine Johnson spoke about addressing learning disparities and building stronger connections between schools, parents, and teachers. His focus: tackling inequities head-on through collaboration and accountability.
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Holy Cross basketball teams optimistic for 2025–26 season
Both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Holy Cross are setting their sights high after promising offseasons. Coaches pointed to leadership, depth, and a unified locker room as reasons fans should expect a strong year ahead.
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Meet the candidates: McCullough blends advocacy with experience
Candidate Maureen McCullough brings decades of education and community work to her campaign, emphasizing inclusion and practical problem-solving in city schools. Her platform centers on giving every student a fair chance to succeed.
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Meet the candidates: Mailman blends business grit with education reform
Entrepreneur and educator Jessica Mailman says Worcester schools need data-driven solutions and real-world readiness. She’s pitching herself as a results-oriented reformer with an eye on accountability and innovation.
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Meet the candidates: King takes social worker’s path to City Hall
Councilor Khrystian King reflected on his social work roots, community advocacy, and what drives his ongoing commitment to Worcester families. His story mixes personal mission with public service.
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Quality of Life Team grows — and draws debate
The city’s Quality of Life Team has expanded to address neighborhood issues from litter to housing code enforcement, but not everyone agrees on how effective it’s been. Supporters call it progress; critics question transparency and reach.
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Election Day 2025: Turnout, results, and live updates
We brought real-time coverage from polls to final results as Worcester voters chose their next mayor and city council. The night delivered surprises, close races, and record online engagement.
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Fitchburg man sentenced to life for 2013 killing
A Worcester Superior Court jury found a Fitchburg man guilty in a decade-old murder case, ending a long legal chapter and bringing closure for the victim’s family.
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Election results: Mayor Petty clinches another term as Worcester’s top vote-getter
Mayor Joe Petty extended his record-setting tenure, securing another term after topping the ballot once again. His victory speech struck a note of unity and unfinished business.
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Worcester Foundation and partners team up on $3M boost for nonprofits
A new partnership between the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and city leaders will distribute $3 million in grants to strengthen local nonprofits tackling housing, education, and equity.
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Bookmobile, sip and paint, tons of music: 5 fun weekend things
From family crafts to live music, Worcester had no shortage of weekend fun. Our roundup included creative local picks for every age and interest.
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New sign welcomes drivers to Worcester’s Grafton Hill
A bright new gateway sign now greets drivers entering Grafton Hill, marking another effort to highlight Worcester’s neighborhood pride and history.
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Councilor King calls for vigilance in protecting children
Following recent high-profile cases, Councilor Khrystian King urged stronger community oversight and child protection efforts citywide.
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Worcester’s snowplows need names — again
The city’s beloved plow-naming contest is back, inviting residents to submit creative ideas to brand the fleet before winter hits.
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Open Sky CEO Ken Bates honored by Worcester State University
Worcester State recognized Ken Bates for decades of nonprofit leadership and mental health advocacy. Bates leads Open Sky Community Services and remains a key voice in regional human services.
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‘Shattered Ice’ brings heart, hockey, and healing to Worcester screen
The new documentary Shattered Ice premiered to a packed local audience, blending sports, emotion, and resilience in a powerful community story.
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QCC Police earn $60K to modernize traffic reporting
Quinsigamond Community College Police secured a $60,000 state grant to upgrade their crash data and traffic reporting systems, boosting safety and efficiency.
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Kamara seeks recount in razor-thin Worcester City Council race
After finishing just a handful of votes behind, Jermoh Kamara requested a recount in the at-large City Council race, citing the slim margin and strong voter turnout.
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Not Your Average Joe: Okla’s road back to Worcester
After years away, Joe Okla’s return to Worcester marks both a personal comeback and a new chapter for a man once known for his larger-than-life persona.
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Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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