Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of August.
Good morning, Worcester.
🏘️ Community
The 12th annual Worcester Caribbean Carnival will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Aug.
24 at Institute Park with a parade starting at 1:30 p.m. from City Hall along Main Street—city and police officials have assured that ICE will not be involved and private security will support police efforts amid community concerns.
💼 Business
GOGO Charters will launch a new intercity bus service in 2026 with three routes that include Worcester where riders will board at the AC Hotel Worcester—luxury coaches offer spacious seating, onboard WiFi, and climate control.
The service will connect major cities like Boston, New Haven, and Hartford and will have fares starting at $10 based on distance and demand.
🏛️ Government
At its August 19 meeting, the city council discussed the Holden lawsuit that may cost Worcester over $30 million and reviewed complaints about the new website and pothole repairs.
Councilors planned to appeal the decision and debated future changes as residents expressed growing frustration—highlighting a need for better public input.
Worcester police urge drivers to slow down and follow traffic rules as nearly 25,000 students start a new school year on Monday.
Officers will enforce a 20 MPH limit in school zones + monitor safe distances behind school buses.
Worcester has added $1.25 million to its Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help developers build affordable units for low- and moderate-income families.
Developers must apply by Sept. 17 for shovel-ready projects or Oct. 15 for regular ones—awards will be capped at $150,000 per unit or 25% of project costs.
On Tuesday, August 20, Worcester’s city council held a long meeting to discuss a Holden lawsuit that could force the city to pay over $30 million and review problems with a new website and lingering potholes.
The council then went into executive session, and some members expressed concerns that residents feel left out of decision making—adding to calls for clearer local communication.
🏥 Health
UMass Chan faculty are working with digital health startup winners of the Advancing Health Equity Challenge — Candlelit Care, Greens Health, and myBiometry — to build online tools that help improve care in underserved communities.
The projects focus on mental health, asthma, COPD and diabetes while receiving pilot funding to move forward.
🏈 Sports
Holy Cross will use a deep running back group in 2025 led by Jayden Clerveaux and Sam Slade—who stepped up after Jordan Fuller's injury in 2024—and will also feature senior Nyeoti Punni, who has improved his speed in training camp.
Coach Dan Curran said the team plans to give touches to up to five players this season to boost versatility.
Jhostynxon Garcia—nicknamed 'The Password'—was promoted by the Boston Red Sox ahead of their series against the Yankees after strong showings in Double-A and Triple-A.
The 22-year-old outfielder, who hit 20 homers and drove in 73 runs, said he felt emotional about fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the big leagues.
🎉 Worcester Events
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Old Goat Track Club XC Classic
10 AM - 12 PM — Waters Farm — $35-$40 entry — Experience the excitement of a 5k XC race as part of the USATF New England All Terrain Series.
Andy Grammer Live Concert
7-11 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Tickets required — Experience multiplatinum artist Andy Grammer as he energizes the crowd with his pop anthems.
VentureMeets Networking Event
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Courthouse Brew Co — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and expand your professional network in Worcester.
Dawes Concert
7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music at a popular local brewery.
Thousand Below Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Palladium — Cost not specified — Experience the atmospheric and emotional sounds of Thousand Below in an engaging live performance.
Matt Soper: Easy Season Performance
1-5 p.m. — Janine's Frostee — Free entry — Enjoy the lush harmonies and unique renditions of popular songs from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.
The Pike RokFest 2025
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Indian Ranch — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a day of tribute performances featuring classic rock hits from iconic bands.
Dorothy Concert
7-9 p.m. — Palladium — $51 — Enjoy a last-minute concert experience with Dorothy in Worcester's vibrant music scene.
Kaleo Concert
6:30 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Resale tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music at the Summer Stage.
Wachusett Brew Yard 0.0 Road Race
2-6 p.m. — Wachusett Brewing Company — Registration fee benefits charity — A fun non-race event supporting Boston Children's Hospital with food, drinks, and music.
🏠 Worcester Real Estate
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💼 Worcester Job Board
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📣 Worcester Announcements
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