This Week in Worcester

Mass. Announces Grants for School Literacy Programs Gov. Healey's office announced funding for two literacy programs to support schools across the state through grants and Fair Share revenue.

Gov. Healey's office announced funding for two literacy programs this week to support schools across the state through grants and Fair Share revenue.
thisweekinworcester.com/mass-literac...

Ecotarium Hosts Interplanetary Symphony of Science on Aug. 9 The Ecotarium hosts "Mars Syphony," an interplanetary symphony of science performed live by an chamber orchestra on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

The Ecotarium hosts "Mars Symphony," an interplanetary symphony of science performed live by a chamber orchestra on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Health, Safety Advisory Issued for Some Cannabis Products The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission issued a public health and safety advisory for potentially contaminated marijuana flower and products.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission issued a public health and safety advisory for potentially contaminated marijuana flower and products.

Donate Sneakers to Benefit Local Boys and Girls Clubs Planet Fitness locations in Massachusetts are teaming up with GotSneakers for a sneaker recycling campaign to support local Boys and Girls Club locations.

Planet Fitness locations in Massachusetts are teaming up with GotSneakers for a sneaker recycling campaign to support local Boys and Girls Club locations.

Worcester Events Remember Atomic Bombings 80 Years Ago Two events in Worcester will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945 on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

Two events in Worcester will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945 on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

Dr. Matilde Castiel Retires after Leading Worcester HHS for 10 Years Worcester Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Dr. Matilde Castile will retire on Sept. 30 after leading the department for 10 years.

Worcester Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Dr. Matilde Castile will retire on Sept. 30 after leading the department for 10 years.
thisweekinworcester.com/matilde-cast...

Federal Funding Cuts to Impact $16 Billion in Economic Activity in Mass. A new report finds that federal R&D funding creates $16 billion in economic activity in Mass.. The Trump Administration wants deep cuts.

A new report finds that federal R&D funding creates $16 billion in economic activity in Mass.. The Trump Administration wants deep cuts.

Partial Sewer Line Break on Main Street to Affect Traffic A partial break in a sewer line announced on Friday, July 25, will affect traffic at the intersection of Main Street and Cambridge Street.

A partial break in a sewer line announced on Friday will affect traffic at the intersection of Main Street and Cambridge Street.

Mosquito Spraying in Worcester After West Nile Detected Spraying for mosquitoes in Worcester will occur on July 29,, after West Nile Virus was detected in a mosquito sample in the city.

Spraying for mosquitoes in Worcester will occur on July 29,, after West Nile Virus was detected in a mosquito sample in the city.

Councilor Pleads Not Guilty, Addresses Supporters City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj addressed supporters after pleading not guilty to charges related to an ICE arrest on Eureka Street on May 8.

City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj addressed supporters after pleading not guilty to charges related to an ICE arrest on Eureka Street on May 8. The court dismissed a felony charge against a second woman at the request of prosecutors.

Bill Coleman, Worcester Activist, Educator, Dead at 70 Bill Coleman, 70, a 50-year Worcester resident, activist, educator, WCCA TV board member and host of the "This is Worcester" show, died Sunday.

Bill Coleman, a 50-year Worcester resident, activist, educator, WCCA TV board member and host of the "This is Worcester" show, died Sunday. He was 70 years old.

Worcester Ranked 10th Best City for People with Disabilities A new study ranks Worcester as the 10th best city in the U.S. for people with disabilities, and the second best in the Northeast.

A new study ranks Worcester as the 10th best city in the U.S. for people with disabilities, and the second best in the Northeast.

The Solution to Everything in Worcester: Corporate Welfare A request by a city councilor for a feasibility report on a city-owned grocery store became advocacy for taxpayers to finance more private profits.

A request by a city councilor for a feasibility report on a city-owned grocery store became advocacy for taxpayers to finance more private profits.

Worcester Announces 18 Community Preservation Act Awards The City of Worcester announced the first 18 funding awards from revenue generated by the Community Preservation Act.

The City of Worcester announced the first 18 funding awards from revenue generated by the Community Preservation Act.

The Worcester Gaslight Council Continues to Shine The Worcester City Council met for the first time in a month on Tuesday, July 16., with discussions about how residents interact with government.

The Worcester City Council met for the first time in a month on Tuesday, July 16., with discussions about how residents interact with city government. Column by John Keough @bigdaddyjohnjohn.bsky.social

Shawna Shea Film Festival Returns To Worcester The Shawna Shea Film Festival returns to Worcester July 16 through July 19 at Studio 50 at WICN and the Hilton Garden Inn.

The Shawna Shea Film Festival returns to Worcester from July 16 through July 19 at Studio 50 at WICN and the Hilton Garden Inn.

EcoTarium Celebrates its 200th Birthday with a Free Event on July 19 The EcoTarium celebrates its 200th birthday with a free event this Saturday, July 19.

The EcoTarium celebrates its 200th birthday with a free event this Saturday, July 19.

See the Neighborhood Meetings This Week in Worcester The Worcester Police Department holds neighborhood meetings this week in Worcester. See when your neighborhood meets.

There are two neighborhood meetings this week in Worcester. See when your neighborhood meets.

Not Believing Lies is Anti-Police Sentiment in Worcester City government tells Worcester residents that if they don't believe these lies, they hate the police. Part 4 of a series on WPD.

City government tells Worcester residents that if they don't believe these lies, they hate the police. Part 4 of a series on the city's response to the DOJ report, why it happened, and the inaction of city government to address the problems.

New Opioid Settlement Brings $17 Million to Massachusetts Massachusetts expects to receive $17 million from a new nationwide opioid settlement with eight companies for $720 million.

Massachusetts expects to receive $17 million from a new nationwide opioid settlement with eight companies for $720 million.

See the List: Worcester Restaurant Weeks Starts July 28 Worcester Restaurant Week features 34 restaurants in and around Worcester offering a 3-course meal at one price through from July 28 to Aug. 10.

Worcester Restaurant Week features 34 restaurants in and around Worcester offering a 3-course meal at one price from July 28 to Aug. 10.

Crompton Park Pool to Open on Thursday, July 10 The City of Worcester announced that the city-run Crompton Park Pool will open on Thursday, July 10, at noon.

The City of Worcester announced that the city-run Crompton Park Pool will open on Thursday, July 10, at noon, after the repair of a faulty valve.

Federal Government Withholds $108 Million for Mass. Schools All states received notice hat federal funding awards for five education grant programs are under review, withholding $108 million from Mass.

All states received notice that federal funding awards for five education grant programs are under review, withholding $108 million from Massachusetts.

Worcester Public Library's March Meowness Wins Second Award The Worcester Public Library wins an award and grant for outstanding library public relations and strategic communications.

The Worcester Public Library wins an award and grant for outstanding library public relations and strategic communications in its March Meowness campaign.

Gov. Healey Signs $60.9 Billion State Budget for FY26 Gov. Healey signed a $60.9 billion Fiscal Year 2026 state budget that includes $2.4 billion in funds from the Fair Share Amendment.

Gov. Healey signed a $60.9 billion Fiscal Year 2026 state budget that includes $2.4 billion in funds from the Fair Share Amendment. See some programs and projects funded.

Elm Park Playground Rehab Finished Ahead of Schedule The Elm Park Playground rehabilitation project finished well before the July 31 target date set by the city, and in time for the holiday weekend.

The Elm Park Playground rehabilitation project finished well before the July 31 target date set by the city, and in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend.

America the Beautiful on Independence Day The greatest speech in my lifetime was not made by a real president. It was made by an actor, in an international summer blockbuster in 1996.

The greatest speech in my lifetime was not made by a real president. It was made by an actor, in an international summer blockbuster in 1996. Column by @bigdaddyjohnjohn.bsky.social

Mass. Budget Bill Ends Forcing Renters to Pay Broker Fees Gov. Maura Healey is expected to soon sign a state budget bill that requires whoever hired a rental real-estate broker to pay all associated fees.

Gov. Maura Healey says she will sign a state budget bill that requires whoever hired a rental real estate broker to pay all associated fees.

Mass. Joins Lawsuit to Overturn Mental Health Funding Cuts in Schools Massachusetts and 16 other states file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education funding cuts for mental health school programs.

Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell joins 16 other states to file a lawsuit against U.S. Department of Education funding cuts for mental health programs in schools.

Worcester Accepting Artist Proposals for Festival of Lights The City of Worcester accepts proposals through Aug. 1 for temporary illuminated public art and lighting installations for the Festival of Lights.

The City of Worcester accepts proposals through Aug. 1 for temporary illuminated public art and lighting installations for the Festival of Lights.