Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Worcester Magazine is spotlighting local women who are set to make a positive impact this year in education, business, arts and nonprofits. The feature introduces leaders with plans for new school programs, cultural festivals and community projects — efforts designed to change everyday life in our city. Telegram & Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Avvio Ristorante, a Rhode Island-based Italian eatery, will open this summer at The Shops at Blackstone Valley, replacing the former Uno’s space at Millbury. The 5,200 sqft restaurant seats 180 guests and is part of Newport Restaurant Group’s growing portfolio. Worcester Business Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Worcester music fans have several shows coming this week — One Dime Band performs at WCUW Community Radio on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m., Almost Queen presents a Queen tribute at Hanover Theatre later that evening, and chamber music and a Broadway sing-along follow on Feb. 1 and Feb. 4. Telegram & Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A Lending Tree study shows that childcare in Massachusetts costs about $47,012 a year for a two-child family while families need an income of $671,600 to meet the seven percent guideline set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This Week In Worcester
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ WEDF announced that applications are open for 20 mini-grants for Worcester Public Schools educators, with each grant providing up to $500 to support projects in Arts, College, Health, and STEM (applications must be approved by a principal). This Week In Worcester
- ➤ WPI first-year students in the Smart and Sustainable Cities course worked with city officials + developed plans to reduce pond scum at Crystal Pond in University Park, proposing more native plant buffers, upgraded aeration, and educational signs to improve water quality. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- ➤ The Better Business Bureau of Central New England will launch its new Trades Scholarship tomorrow, Jan. 30, at a Worcester Railers game. The program will reimburse students for work-related expenses (tools, protective gear) to support the local talent pipeline in the trades. Radio Worcester
- ➤ Worcester Public Schools students returned to class on Jan. 28 despite bus challenges after nearly two feet of snow blocked streets; one bus in Vernon Hill was towed from a snowbank. The district worked with safety officials & urged families to report snow-covered bus stops by calling 311. Telegram & Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Massport plans to double passenger use at Worcester Regional by 2035 and boost cargo operations (a concept discussed for over 25 years) to meet rising travel and shipping needs; officials say the upgrades will modernize airport facilities to handle more people and freight. Worcester Business Journal
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A $38M tax-exempt bond from MassDevelopment is funding the first phase of Lakeside Apartments’ redevelopment by replacing 9 Garland St. and 34-46 Lakeside Ave. with modern passive housing and 97 of 116 affordable units (Eastern Bank and Webster Bank participated in the bond purchase) as announced Tuesday. Worcester Business Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Worcester Red Sox announced that former pitcher Roger 'Rocket' Clemens will throw the ceremonial first pitch on March 27 at Polar Park, and the team will unveil a new canopy over the Hanover Deck to improve fan comfort. Renovations + event details come as the season approaches. Telegram & Gazette
-
The Warped Tour Band with Dookie and All The Blink Things
8-11 p.m. — Rascals — $20-$27 — Enjoy a night of nostalgia with tribute performances to Green Day and Blink-182.
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's enchanting tale of love and magic come to life.
-
Be My BBQ Valentine Night with The Deloreans
9-11 p.m. — Firefly's BBQ — $5 Cover — Enjoy a night of brass-kickin' Rock and Soul from the 70s and 80s with The Deloreans.
-
Lunar New Year Celebration
10 AM – 5 PM — EcoTarium — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with lively performances and engaging educational programs.
-
Lunar New Year Celebration
10 AM – 4 PM — Worcester Art Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with art, music, dance performances, and activities for all ages.
-
Cirque Kalabante
7-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket required — Experience an unforgettable night of thrilling performances with Cirque Kalabante.
-
Aaron Diehl Trio Performance
8:00 p.m. — Prior Performing Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Experience the sophisticated musical blend of jazz and classical with the acclaimed Aaron Diehl Trio.
-
Back In Black - AC/DC Tribute Concert
8-11 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the electrifying tribute to AC/DC while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Rascals.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Worcester
Welcome to the Daily Worcester, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Worcester, Massachusetts community. If you like the Daily Worcester, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Worcester.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Worcester and across Massachusetts. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Worcester
A free Worcester community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyworcester.com/sitemap