Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
Good morning, Worcester.
Bill and his son Patrick in Hubbardston have spent decades gathering what they claim is the largest private collection of 'Back to the Future' vehicles and props—visitors from around the world tour five different buildings on their property.
Donations from these tours support Parkinson’s research through the Michael J. Fox foundation.
Music Worcester announced its 2025-26 season on May 6 with 29 concerts covering classical, jazz, and world music in its 167th season.
Upcoming shows will feature performances by Orchestra National de France with pianist Daniil Trifonov—Dance Theatre of Harlem and other acclaimed artists across the region.
Brian Allen, a longtime Worcester Public Schools employee and South High graduate, will become the new superintendent on July 1 pending contract talks—current superintendent Rachel Monárrez will leave for a position in California.
He said his focus is on continuing the district’s strategic plan and systems improvement amid funding challenges.
Worcester held a preliminary election on Sept.
2, 2024 to select 12 City Councilor-at-Large candidates and the top two District E School Committee candidates for the November general vote. Incumbents and challengers competed on the ballot—city officials confirmed the contests would narrow the field ahead of the final election.
The Worcester Housing Authority is launching new projects — including the Curtis and Lakeside developments — to build hundreds of affordable housing units while offering support services through its ROSS program to help residents become self-sufficient and work toward homeownership. Executive Director Alex Corrales explained that a fall in housing voucher success has led many residents to leave Worcester, highlighting the need for these efforts.
A local social media page wrongly claimed candidate Ashley Spring is ineligible for the school committee ballot for not meeting the residency rule—officials confirmed she submitted the required signatures and lease, and the final decision will come from the Board of Election Commissioners after May 15.
A local radio roundtable praised Brian Allen’s appointment as the next superintendent of Worcester Public Schools — saying that hiring a deputy with classroom experience will address concerns about his limited teaching background.
Panelists also criticized City Manager Eric Batista’s decision not to reappoint Human Rights Commission leaders — warning that the crowded candidate field could trigger a preliminary election in September.
UMass Chan Medical School scientists Jun Xie and Guangping Gao have received $500,000 from Chengdu Origen Biotechnology to improve gene therapy by boosting AAV transduction efficiency — they will conduct research over the next 12 months in cell lines and animal models to lower the viral dose needed in patients.
The Holy Cross baseball team will host Lehigh at Fitton Field in a best-of-three semi-final series this weekend, and if they win, they will host the championship series next weekend while seniors aim for a Patriot League title + NCAA Tournament bid to cap their careers.
St. Paul softball coach Aimee Lee earned her 200th career coaching win last week when her team beat Nipmuc+ players praised her clear guidance and batting tips that build on her long history at Holy Name and Clark University.
Judy Collins Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the stunning voice of Grammy award-winner Judy Collins as she performs timeless folk classics.
Lunch & Learn: HR Essentials for Startups
12:00 – 1:30 PM — WorcLab Incubator & Coworking space — Free — Gain essential HR insights tailored for startups in an interactive session.
Northeast Section IFT Food Industry Expo
Various times — DCU Center — Entry ticket fees apply — Check out the latest innovations in the food industry at this major expo.
CoComelon: Sing-A-Long
4-6 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience a lively Broadway-style production featuring favorite sing-along songs from CoComelon.
Conservatory Spring Reflection 2025
1-2:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of spring in an engaging performance reflecting nature's renewal.
Nekrogoblikon Concert
6-10 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Nekrogoblikon as they bring their high-energy performance to Worcester.
Monthly Craft, Color, and Chat
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Morse Institute Library — Free entry — Enjoy crafts and connect with an accepting community for socializing and support.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
3:30 a.m. — The Mercantile — Cheap tickets available — Experience the stunning artistry of Van Gogh in an immersive setting.
Informed Investor Mastermind Conference
5-9 p.m. — Off The Rails — $35 entry — Network, learn, and connect with real estate pros and industry experts in a collaborative environment.
May Fiesta: Boodle Fight!
4-9 p.m. — Loft 266 — Tickets required — Experience a Filipino cultural celebration with delicious food and vibrant entertainment.
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