Daily
Worcester
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Westborough-based Kopin Corp received a $21.5M defense production order for a custom eyepiece module and signed a $15M deal with Fabric.AI on Apr. 28 to develop optical technology for AI data centers, according to CEO Michael Murray. Worcester Business Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On May 6, UMass Chan Medical School hosted its Reverse Science Fair where nearly 50 Worcester high school students judged graduate and postdoctoral research posters. The event, organized by ScienceLIVE (a STEM outreach program), featured projects on gene editing and cellular processes. UMass Chan Medical School
- ➤ Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a solid polymer biosensor using harmless viruses to detect S. enterica quickly. The device offers a field-ready method + a simple food safety check that skips lab incubation steps. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- ➤ Worcester Regional Chamber CEO Tim Murray addressed Anna Maria College’s recent closure as a significant loss for the community, clarified details on a proposed housing development to support affordable housing efforts, and noted the upcoming Women’s Leadership Conference that will offer professional development opportunities. Radio Worcester
- ➤ The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education held its annual Celebration Honoring Excellence in Teaching awards on Tuesday, May 5, recognizing 20 educators statewide; two Worcester County winners include Southbridge Middle School principal Sarah Houle and Dudley-Charlton Regional School District nurse Stephanie Moisan. This Week In Worcester
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Massachusetts taxpayers who were charged penalties during the COVID tax filing pause must file a protective claim by Friday, July 10 to preserve a possible IRS refund if the court ruling is upheld—tax professionals urge checking tax transcripts for unexpected charges. Telegram & Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UMass Memorial Medical Center has adopted Infant Driven Feeding in its NICU — a method that focuses on baby cues instead of volume feeding — which has shortened hospital stays and empowered parents since November last year. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Massachusetts health officials warn that both deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease, and lone star ticks, which can cause red meat allergies, are active this season; residents should check areas (behind the ears, hairline, and knees) after outdoor activities. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ UMass Memorial Health has not set a closure date for Worcester-based Community Healthlink following 78 layoffs announced in April. The pending closure leaves the future of the community health programs uncertain. Worcester Business Journal
- ➤ A nursing survey released during National Nurses Week shows that Massachusetts nurses face understaffing + patient safety challenges, with 60% identifying insufficient staffing as a care barrier. Nearly one in four nurses do not feel safe, and 38% report using AI despite minimal training. Worcester Business Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former South High star Aaron Nkrumah from Worcester has been invited to the NBA G League Elite Camp from May 9 to May 11 in Chicago, and he will use the opportunity to showcase his skills + continue intensive workouts in Nashville. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Iggy Suarez became the manager of the Worcester Red Sox during a Polar Park game when Chad Tracy left the dugout in the fourth inning. He said he would focus on player development (drawing on his successes with the Greenville Drive) to help players reach the major leagues. Radio Worcester
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Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating ballet performance featuring imaginative choreography and diverse music.
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Kreator Live Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary metal band Kreator and their evolving sound live on stage.
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Wage War Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience Wage War's dynamic blend of heavy technicality and memorable melodies live.
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Black Veil Brides Concert
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets available — Experience Black Veil Brides' electrifying hard rock performance in Worcester.
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Manufacturing Your Future: Power of Change
8 AM — DCU Center — Free – $350 — Explore the momentum transforming manufacturing with insights from industry leaders and experts.
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2026 Spring SNCA BJJ In-House Kids Championship
Time TBA — Worcester Massachusetts — Entry fees may apply — Experience exciting Gi divisions for kids of all ages and skill levels in a safe, competitive environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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