Mini Olympics bring together Worcester students
Students from 35 Worcester elementary schools participated in the district’s annual Mini Olympics competition. The event combines athletic contests with teamwork, sportsmanship and school pride. Worcester Arts Magnet School captured first place in this year’s competition.
Read more
Read more
School budget hearing raises technology and equity questions
Residents and advocates used Worcester Public Schools’ fiscal 2027 budget hearing to question spending priorities, including technology purchases, staffing and funding for the district’s Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office. Several speakers urged officials to reconsider investments in student devices and software while protecting classroom services. The hearing came ahead of deliberations on a proposed budget exceeding $620 million.
Read more
Holy Cross baseball earns NCAA berth
Holy Cross baseball headed to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Patriot League championship. The Crusaders travel to Austin, Texas, where they are scheduled to face regional host Texas in the opening round. The appearance extends a successful season that already included a conference title and a return to the national postseason.
Read more
Community preservation program prepares next funding round
Worcester’s Community Preservation Committee is updating its preservation plan while preparing for a third major funding cycle later this year. Since voters approved the Community Preservation Act, the city has awarded roughly $10.8 million to housing, recreation, environmental and historic preservation projects. Officials estimate the program generates about $4.5 million annually through a local surcharge and state matching funds.
Read more
CASA Palooza sets fundraising record
The third annual CASA Palooza at Lilac Hedge Farm raised more than $9,000 for CASA Project Worcester County, which advocates for children involved in abuse and neglect cases. The event featured live music, vendors, food trucks, raffles and family activities. Organizers said this year’s fundraiser was the most successful in the event’s history.
Read more
Ron Shelton brings baseball stories to Polar Park
Filmmaker and former minor leaguer Ron Shelton visited Worcester as part of the Larry Lucchino Writers Series at Polar Park. Shelton discussed his baseball career, the making of films such as “Bull Durham” and “Tin Cup, “and the enduring connection between sports and storytelling. The event drew baseball fans, writers and movie enthusiasts to the ballpark.
Read more
Holy Cross announces student affairs leadership changes
Holy Cross named longtime student affairs administrator Koren Bakkegard as its next dean of students. The college also promoted Jesuit priest Rev. Thomas P. Landy to vice president for mission. Both appointments are part of a leadership transition at the college ahead of the next academic year.
Read more
New correctional officers prepare to join sheriff’s office
Fourteen recruits are graduating from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Basic Recruit Training Academy. The graduates will be sworn in as correctional officers following months of classroom instruction and physical training. The ceremony marks the completion of Academy Class 65.
Read more
Clark students earn Fulbright awards
Two Clark University students received Fulbright awards that will allow them to conduct research abroad. The prestigious fellowships support international study and cultural exchange in countries around the world. University officials said the awards reflect Clark’s continued emphasis on global engagement and research.
Read more
Graduation season gets underway across Worcester
Colleges, universities and high schools across Worcester are preparing commencement ceremonies as graduation season begins. The schedule includes events at Worcester’s major higher education institutions and public schools. Thousands of students and family members are expected to participate in celebrations throughout the coming weeks.
Read more
Top scholars recognized before commencement
Outstanding students from Worcester-area schools were honored ahead of graduation season through the city’s annual scholar recognition program. The event celebrates academic achievement, leadership and service. Students from public, private and charter schools were among those recognized.
Read more
City opens youth violence prevention grant applications
Worcester is accepting applications for a new round of youth violence prevention grants. The funding is intended to support programs focused on intervention, mentorship, outreach and positive youth development. City officials said the grants are part of an effort to reduce violence and improve opportunities for young people.
Read more
Students prepare to present civics projects
Students from across the region are scheduled to present civics projects at the DCU Center. The projects address public policy issues and community challenges identified through classroom research.
Read more
A fish-and-chips tour of Worcester
The latest…well, the first…installment of The Local Plate focuses on fish and chips offerings across Worcester. The roundup compares different approaches to the classic dish while highlighting local restaurants and neighborhood favorites. The feature arrives as seafood season and outdoor dining pick up across the region.
Read more
License Commission reviews new bars and patios
Several proposed businesses and outdoor dining requests appeared before the Worcester License Commission this week. Applications included a proposed sports bar on Millbury Street, a Green Street lounge and requests tied to patio dining and entertainment.
Read more
Police seek suspect in City Hall stabbing case
Worcester police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a stabbing investigation linked to an incident near City Hall. Authorities released information identifying the suspect and asked the public for assistance locating him.
Read more
Worcester groups join school segregation lawsuit
YWCA Central Massachusetts and Worcester Interfaith joined a statewide lawsuit alleging Massachusetts has failed to address racial segregation and unequal educational opportunities in public schools. The suit was filed by students, families and advocacy groups seeking systemic reforms. Supporters argue the case could reshape how the state approaches school integration and educational equity.
Read more
Memorial Day ceremonies planned across Worcester
Worcester honored fallen service members through a series of Memorial Day observances and ceremonies. Veterans groups, city officials and community organizations are participating in events throughout the city. The annual commemorations recognize military personnel who died while serving the United States.
Read more
Chad Tracy adjusts to life in the Red Sox spotlight
Former WooSox manager Chad Tracy continues settling into his new role as interim manager of the Boston Red Sox. Tracy’s promotion followed a sudden leadership change and has drawn attention throughout Central Massachusetts. Family members, former players and colleagues reflected on his path from Worcester to Fenway Park.
Read more
Senior picnic registration deadline approaches
Worcester County seniors have until May 30 to register for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office annual Senior Picnic, scheduled for June 12 at the Bolton Fairgrounds. The free event features food, entertainment, health screenings, community resources and opportunities for older adults to connect with local organizations. Organizers expect hundreds of seniors from across the county to attend one of the sheriff’s office’s largest community outreach events of the year.
Read more
WooSox Hall of Fame class announced
The Worcester Red Sox selected Dr. Charles Steinberg, Chad Tracy, Mark Fidrych and Gene Zabinski for induction into the WooSox Hall of Fame. The honorees represent a mix of team leadership, local baseball history and community impact. The induction ceremony is scheduled for later this season.
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.
