Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Worcester firefighters are mourning Capt. Jason Couture, who died on Feb. 12 at Mass. General Hospital at age 51. His funeral will be held on Feb. 25 at St. John Church — he leaves behind his wife, two sons and three grandchildren. Telegram & Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Gardner-based Garlock Flexibles announced it will close two plants (at 164 Fredette St. and 77 Industrial Way) between April 30 and Sept. 30, cutting 91 jobs after 40 years of local operation. Telegram & Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The National Baseball Poetry Festival (in its fourth year) is inviting adults and youth in Worcester to submit baseball-themed poetry by March 27 and April 17 ahead of a four-day May event featuring workshops, panels, readings, a ballpark tour, a WooSox game, and a musical performance on baseball music. Radio Worcester
- ➤ Rev. Jesse Jackson visited Worcester several times, speaking at Mechanics Hall and Holy Cross where he urged unity and awareness. He died Tuesday, Feb. 17, and his memorable messages continue to influence local discussions on civil rights & community inclusion. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Events celebrating Dr. Robert Goddard’s first liquid fueled rocket launch will take place in Worcester and Auburn from March 16 – 22. The week-long centennial celebration includes a park rededication, museum exhibit, new National Space Trail, and a free event at the Hanover Theater to inspire students. Radio Worcester
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Saint Vincent Hospital violated labor rights by withholding bonuses, bypassing the union and blocking union officials, a Jan. 30 ruling found. The hospital must reimburse nurses and post the ruling (and rescind non-union contracts) while the union negotiates a new contract and Tenet Healthcare appeals the decision. Telegram & Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ McCann Tech boys hockey clinched a spot in the Class B finals with a 5-2 win on Tuesday; they will face No. 2 Easthampton on Thursday, Feb. 19 (puck drop 5:30 p.m.) at Olympia Ice Center for a shot at their first title. MassLive
-
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.
-
Worcester Spring Home Show
4 PM – 1 PM — DCU Center — Free entry — Discover innovative home improvement ideas and connect with local experts to transform your space.
-
Colin Quinn Live
7-9 p.m. — Tuckerman Hall — $49 – $59 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Colin Quinn as he brings his stand-up show to Worcester.
-
Irish Seisiun in Worcester
4-7 p.m. — Hibernian Cultural Center — Free entry — Experience live Irish music and the best craic in the city with musicians welcome to join in.
-
Speak Easy Story Night
7:30-11:59 p.m. — Ralph's Diner — $10 — Share your raw and true stories on stage with a guiding theme.
-
The Super 70's Rock Show featuring Super Trans AM
8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — Tickets starting at $30.50 — Experience a nostalgic journey through the iconic rock anthems of the 1970s.
-
Mid-Century and Beyond Part II on the Mighty Wurlitzer
2-5 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticketed entry — Experience nostalgic tunes played on the iconic Mighty Wurlitzer organ with Dr. Kleefield.
-
Brandenburg Concertos by The Sebastians
8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience Bach's timeless Brandenburg Concertos performed by a renowned early music ensemble.
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
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find 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