Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
Good morning, Worcester.
🚧 Accidents
Thomas Kelleher (68), a longtime historian at Old Sturbridge Village for over 40 years, died after a motorcycle crash on Route 131 in Dudley early Tuesday, May 26 when he was taken to UMass Medical Center in Worcester and the museum plans to hold a tribute.
🎭 Culture
May 30 brings a busy day in Worcester with a clothing swap at Burncoat Center for Arts + Wellness from 1 to 3 p.m., a Black Veil Brides concert at The Palladium at 6:30 p.m., and folk, stand-up, and burlesque shows at Creative Hub, FrontRoom at WCUW, and Worcester Dance.
Radio Worcester featured UFO researcher Ronnie LeBlanc today as he discussed his new book Interdimensional and proposed that declassified Pentagon files suggest UFO phenomena may be interdimensional rather than extraterrestrial — a theory he linked to advances in AI and reports of paranormal activity.
🎓 Education
North High School held its graduation ceremony at the DCU Center on Wednesday, May 27, awarding diplomas to its graduates.
Worcester State University and Everett Public Schools teamed up to allow Everett High School seniors entry to undergraduate day programs with a 2.5 GPA beginning this school year.
The partnership, announced on Thursday, May 28 at Everett High, waives application fees and test requirements and will provide offers by November.
UMass Chan Medical School inducted 41 members into the Gold Humanism Honor Society on May 27 at the Albert Sherman Center auditorium, recognizing 31 medical students, six residents and four faculty for their compassionate patient care (honoring a longstanding peer-nominated tradition).
Nichols College will absorb Anna Maria College’s fire science, public safety, and administration programs (providing automatic admission and housing) to serve about 150 fire science and 80 public administration students displaced by the closure.
The proposal has been submitted for state department approval.
After Robert Doc Donahue started a 20-year scholarship fund for University Park Campus School in Worcester, his family is raising money to keep his legacy alive; nearly $8,000 has been raised and is pending approval by the School Committee.
🌲 Environment
A 120-pound black bear was seen near Sagamore Road and Grove Street on Thursday in Worcester.
Police and animal control responded to calls — the animal rummaged through garbage.
🏛️ Government
The Social Security Administration will send June checks following its schedule: SSI payments on Monday, June 1 and retirement benefits on Wednesday, June 10, 17, and 24 (based on birthdays).
More than 1.3 million beneficiaries will get a 2.8% COLA increase and should wait three extra mailing days if delayed.
🏈 Sports
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and his wife Anne Michael will host a softball game at Polar Park on Sunday, May 31 to benefit their MayeDay Family Foundation; gates open at 5 p.m., with a home run derby at 6 p.m., the game at 7 p.m., and fireworks after.
The city is hosting four free FIFA World Cup watch parties on Worcester Common starting Saturday, June 13 and continuing through Sunday, July 19.
Residents must register to attend as events will feature outdoor screens, food vendors and soccer clinics.
🎉 Worcester Events
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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.
Manufacturing Your Future: Power of Change
8 AM — DCU Center — Free – $350 — Explore the momentum transforming manufacturing with insights from industry leaders and experts.
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.
Healthcare and Human Services Job Fair
10 AM – 12 PM — MassHire Worcester Career Center — Free entry — Connect with top employers hiring in the healthcare and human services sectors.
The Deloreans Concert at Firefly's BBQ
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.
The 26th Miss Massachusetts Teen Competition
7-10 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — $59 — Celebrate the talent and ambition of young women competing for the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Teen.
Massachusetts Cheese Festival 2026
10 AM - 4 PM — Stone Cow Brewery — VIP ticket available — Celebrate local cheese with tastings, music, and educational sessions.
Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival
12-7 p.m. — Institute Park — Free entry — Celebrate diverse cultures with music, food, and entertainment honoring Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Worcester Bravehearts vs. Norwich Sea Unicorns Baseball
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Fitton Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as local teams battle it out on the diamond.
Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox
6:45-7:45 p.m. — Polar Park — Tickets from $15 — Catch a thrilling baseball game between the Mud Hens and the Red Sox in Worcester.
🏠 Worcester Real Estate
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💼 Worcester Job Board
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📣 Worcester Announcements
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