Airport director prepares for final landing
Andy Davis is preparing to retire after more than 17 years as director of Worcester Regional Airport. His tenure included Massport’s takeover of the airport, major investments, expanded airline service and passenger growth that helped make the airport a stronger regional option. Davis leaves as Worcester Regional continues to build on service from JetBlue, American and Delta, with additional investments such as a large solar project also underway.
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Public servants recognized for behind-the-scenes work
Five Worcester-area public servants received the 2026 Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards for work that often happens far from the spotlight. This year’s honorees include Christina Connolly of Worcester Public Library, Emily Glaubitz of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, Richard Gonzalez of Worcester Health & Human Services, and Worcester Public Schools employees Kelsey Lamoureux and Sue Obiero. Their work spans library-based social services, housing planning, recovery support, career pathways and family enrollment support for students.
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Tobacco rules head to public hearing
Worcester residents have a chance to weigh in June 15 on proposed changes to the city’s tobacco regulations. The proposal includes revisions tied to flavored tobacco sales, retailer training requirements, buffer rules for tobacco retailers and smoking bars, and enforcement provisions. The Board of Health may revise the proposal before taking action, making the hearing a key step before any final decision.
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The Phoenix at Curtis opens first phase
The former Curtis Apartments redevelopment officially entered a new chapter as Worcester Housing Authority and Trinity Financial celebrated the opening of the first phase of The Phoenix at Curtis. The first phase replaced 90 aging apartments with 129 new affordable units, with the full project expected to eventually create 527 apartments on the Great Brook Valley site. The milestone marks one of Worcester’s largest public housing redevelopment efforts and comes as demand for affordable housing remains high across the city.
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Bars get later last call for World Cup
The Worcester License Commission voted unanimously to allow participating bars and restaurants to stay open until 3 a.m. during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebration. The temporary pilot follows a new state law allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts through July 31. Worcester establishments that want to participate must notify the by commission email.
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World Cup watch parties bring downtown changes
Worcester’s “Game On Worcester” World Cup watch parties bring road closures, parking plans and security measures to the downtown area. But also, a heck of a lot of excitement and fun to celebrate the cup. The first event is scheduled for June 13 on Worcester Common, with closures affecting portions of Franklin Street, Front Street, Commercial Street, Portland Street, Church Street, Mechanic Street and Norwich Street. City officials said bags may be searched, alcohol must be purchased on site and attendees should watch for heat and weather updates as the tournament continues.
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Weekend picks go country, campy and carnival-ready
This week’s five things to do included Creed Fisher’s outlaw country show at Off The Rails, a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadowcast and WCUW events pairing local rock with a new art exhibition. The roundup also included the Worcester Carnival’s final weekend at 74 Winfield St. and Father’s Day activities around the area. The mix gave readers everything from loud guitars and cult-movie chaos to midway rides and fried dough before the carnival packs up.
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Railers make ECHL community service finals again
The Worcester Railers have been named finalists for the ECHL Community Service Team of the Year Award for the eighth consecutive season. The team’s foundation donated more than $325,000 during the 2025-26 season, contributed more than 2,600 volunteer hours and welcomed more than 2,000 children through Skate to Success. Winners will be announced June 24 during the ECHL’s summer meetings in Nashville.
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Open Sky gala raises more than $210K
Open Sky Community Services raised more than $210,000 for Safe Homes, its LGBTQIA+ youth program, during the organization’s annual gala at Mechanics Hall. The fundraiser supports mental health counseling, leadership development, drop-in programming, emergency assistance, a food and toiletry pantry and services through the Transgender Resource Center. Six individuals and organizations were also honored with People of Courage Awards for work supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and advancing equity.
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Worcester schools earn national communications honors
Worcester Public Schools received four national awards from the National School Public Relations Association for communications work tied to video, photography and social media. The district was recognized for school welcome videos, short-form news features, a South High graduation photo and the “WooStars” social media series. The awards mark the third consecutive year Worcester’s communications team has received national recognition from the organization.
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A canoe trip reveals the Quinsigamond River
A paddle from Lake Quinsigamond toward the Blackstone River offered a closer look at the often-overlooked Quinsigamond River. The trip moved through familiar Worcester and Shrewsbury geography while highlighting history, wildlife, rowing culture and hidden stretches that many residents pass without noticing. The result is a local history and outdoors piece with a simple premise: sometimes the best view of a city is from the water.
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Veterans Inc. Stand Down returns with immediate help
Veterans Inc. expected about 500 veterans and family members at its 21st annual Stand Down in Worcester. The event brought more than 120 employers, service providers and community organizations to the nonprofit’s Grove Street headquarters for housing help, benefits counseling, healthcare resources, employment opportunities, meals, clothing, haircuts, dental screenings and other services. Organizers said the goal is for veterans to leave with concrete progress, not just a stack of phone numbers.
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Early College expansion announced at Worcester Tech
Massachusetts education officials announced the largest Early College expansion in state history during a visit to Worcester Technical High School. The state approved 29 new Early College partnerships that will add 1,629 seats beginning this fall. Worcester Public Schools, already one of the state’s largest Early College districts, has nearly doubled participation from 714 students in 2023 to 1,362 students in 2026.
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Water main break disrupts Burncoat
A water main break on Norton Drive caused low water pressure in parts of Burncoat and forced traffic detours Friday morning. City crews worked with Worcester police to isolate the break, while one business had water service shut off and nearby residents were told pressure would return as the system repressurized. Officials said no injuries were reported, and the cause of the break had not been released.
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Worcester man charged after child found in locked car
A Worcester man was charged with reckless endangerment of a child after Northborough police said he left a young child alone in a locked vehicle outside Walmart on Otis Street. Police said Northborough officers and firefighters removed the child from the vehicle, and EMS transported the child to an area hospital for evaluation. Luis Fernando Lopez Veloez, 40, was arrested without incident and scheduled for arraignment in Westborough District Court.
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Murder indictment returned in Joanna Brown case
A Worcester County grand jury indicted Donovan Foster, 29, of Worcester, on a murder charge in the death of Joanna Brown. Brown, 30, disappeared after leaving her job at the Bean Counter on Grove Street on Oct. 31, 2025, and was later found dead near Green Hill Towers. Foster, who was previously held on firearm-related charges, is expected to be arraigned on the murder charge in Worcester Superior Court on July 17.
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Council presses lake patrols and sidewalk delays
Worcester city councilors postponed a budget vote until June 16 and used a shorter meeting to scrutinize lake patrols, e-bike rules, sidewalk delays and traffic-calming measures. Councilors raised concerns about speeding watercraft and enforcement challenges on Lake Quinsigamond, especially around Flint Pond, where city officials said current police boating capacity is limited. The discussion also touched on long-running transportation and neighborhood safety issues that continue to draw complaints from residents.
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Woman killed in Canterbury Street crosswalk
Van Thi Khanh Doan, 39, of Worcester, died after being struck by a tow truck while crossing Canterbury Street at Grand Street. Worcester police said a preliminary investigation found she was in a marked crosswalk when the truck turned left and hit her. The Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating, and police had not announced charges as of Thursday.
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First-degree murder conviction in double homicide
Christopher Burns of Worcester was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2021 shooting deaths of brothers Marcus A. Thibodeau and James M. Johnson outside the former Diamond Inn on Grafton Street. Prosecutors said evidence showed the brothers were targeted in a case of mistaken identity and had no connection to Burns. A sentencing date had not yet been announced.
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Brayan Bello begins reset in Worcester
Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello reported to the Worcester Red Sox after being optioned from Boston following a difficult stretch. Bello said the demotion was emotional and described it as a “really tough day,” but he arrived at Polar Park focused on working through both mechanical and mental parts of his game.
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Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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