Daily
Worcester
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Central Massachusetts raised over $1 million and will use $400,000 to provide 4,000 food gift cards worth $100 each to Worcester SNAP recipients facing a cutoff on Nov.1 & boost local food stores. Gov. Healey announced $4 million from the state's Emergency Food Assistance Program will go to food pantries & the funds will not come from the rainy day fund. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ NESN opened a new playground at Harrington Field park on Wednesday afternoon, and local children were excited to try out the new equipment. The project — supported by groups like eClinicalWorks, The Red Sox Foundation, and NESN’s former CEO Sean McGrail and planned with input from Lake View Elementary School students — marks a new community asset for the park. Worcester Business Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Oct 29, the fifth annual Edgar Allan Poe Double Header opened at BrickBox Theatre—livestreamed with a dramatic reading of The Tell-Tale Heart and The Cask of Amontillado by Livy Scanlon, artistic director at The Hanover Theatre. The show will run through Nov 1 and includes a Halloween costume ball to celebrate the season’s dark spirit. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ The documentary 'Spooktacular: Behind the Screams of America’s Original Horror Theme Park' told the story of Spooky World, a legendary horror park that drew visitors and celebrity guests from across the nation and has been streaming on Amazon Prime, Fandango and DirecTV since October 3rd. Using archival footage and interviews with former staff, the film shows the park's local impact and lasting legacy — a nostalgic nod for area viewers. Telegram & Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Auburn School Superintendent Elizabeth Chamberland warned that the lapse of SNAP benefits on November 1 will increase hunger among students — she urged families to donate to Auburn Youth and Family Services' food pantry. Over 600 students depend on SNAP and many low-income students are at risk — donations can be dropped off at Auburn Public School buildings during the day. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing tiny drones — inspired by bats — that use echolocation to detect obstacles in dark conditions and will aid search and rescue missions. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins testified before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (Oct 30) in support of Gov. Healey’s DRIVE legislation, which would provide $200 million in bridge funding to sustain vital research programs amid federal cuts. UMass Chan Medical School
- ➤ Worcester officials explained that the Polar Park financing shortfall—$760,000 in FY24 and $930,000 in FY25—resulted from lower-than-expected revenues, and they promised that taxpayers would not face a rate increase under Proposition 2½. They added that new commercial developments and a future hotel will help close the gap while the team has met all its payment obligations. Radio Worcester
- ➤ On Oct. 30, Worcester announced the United Response Fund to help offset federal SNAP and home heating assistance cuts. City Manager Eric Batista said United Way will run a $1 million food program and the Worcester Community Action Council will manage a $1.1 million heating fund—contributions come from the city, United Way and private donors. This Week In Worcester
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Born of Osiris with The Browning
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets available — Experience high-energy performances from progressive metal innovators as part of the Through Shadows USA Tour.
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Kyung-Wha Chung: Violin Recital
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Mechanics Hall — $15-$84 — Experience acclaimed violinist Kyung-Wha Chung showcasing masterful sonatas alongside pianist Kevin Kenner.
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Colorful Cocktails: A Pen and Watercolor Workshop
5-7 p.m. — The White Eagle — $55 for one, $100 for two — Unleash your creativity while painting seasonal cocktails in this beginner-friendly watercolor workshop.
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An Evening of Authors at Worcester Public Library
5:45-9 p.m. — Worcester Public Library — Fundraiser event — Celebrate literature with Chris Bohjalian, Wally Lamb, and Kristina Forest over drinks and food.
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Niagara Purple Eagles at Holy Cross Crusaders Hockey
6-8 p.m. — Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex — Tickets required — Experience intense college hockey action as the Crusaders face off against the Purple Eagles.
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Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers
3:05 – 4:35 PM — DCU Center — Tickets required — Catch the Worcester Railers take on the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.
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Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers
7:05-8:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting hockey matchup.
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Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers
6:05-7:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting ECHL matchup.
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Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers
10:00-11:35 a.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill as the Worcester Railers skate into action against the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.
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Macbeth
7:30 p.m. — Worcester State University — $7-$15 — Experience Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of power.
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