Daily
Worcester
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Donations from readers, local businesses & civic organizations helped T&G Santa purchase toys for nearly 10,000 children identified by 20 partner groups on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ On Dec. 4 a ceremony took place at Franklin Street Fire Station to honor the six firefighters who died in the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage blaze, including Thomas Spencer, James Lyons, Paul Brotherton, Timothy Jackson, Jeremiah Lucey and Joseph McGuirk. Telegram & Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 4, UniBank hosted a 10-cents-a-gallon gas giveaway in the Canal District to celebrate one year at its 1 Green Island Blvd branch near Polar Park, drawing long lines and heavy traffic around Kelley Square. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Mary Ann McGovern sold the Greendale liquor store along West Boylston Street to trustees Amitkumar and Ritaben Patel for $1,025,000 last November. The store (founded by Rep. McGovern’s parents) will keep its name and remains near Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School. Telegram & Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Museum of Worcester has named Eric Butler its new executive director, marking its first leadership change in 50 years. Butler will begin on Jan. 5 and will succeed William Wallace, who recently announced his retirement. Worcester Business Journal
- ➤ In Worcester today, the annual Festival of Lights begins at 4:30 p.m. downtown with local acts (including Ricky Duran) and interactive displays while additional holiday events continue this week at Polar Park and Mechanics Hall. Telegram & Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ WPI launched a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that builds on three decades of research excellence, preparing students to secure modern computing systems and address a global skills gap. The program integrates computer science & electrical engineering to offer hands-on training in digital defense. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting February 1, travelers without a Real ID or another acceptable form can choose TSA ConfirmID for $45 at airport security checkpoints; TSA officials said the temporary ID, valid for 10 days, is expected to affect about 6 percent of passengers. Spectrum News 1
- ➤ MassDOT plans to update Pleasant Street by adding bike lanes and 4,000 ft of sidewalks while reducing travel lanes, with work set to begin in spring 2026. A meeting at West Tatnuck Elementary School on Dec. 3 sparked mixed reactions among residents. Telegram & Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow hosted a blood drive to honor the Worcester 6 (six firefighters who died 26 years ago) by encouraging blood donations and offering free skin cancer screenings. Local firefighters and community members participated to pay tribute to their sacrifice. Spectrum News 1
- ➤ UMass Memorial Health (Worcester-based) is searching for its first chief of medical management to join the executive team. The hospital expects to reveal further details soon. Worcester Business Journal
- ➤ UMass Chan researcher Dr. Carmona and fellow Grotehans received early career awards from the American Federation for Aging Research and Glenn Foundation to study aging effects on motor skills and mitochondrial function. They will use the funding to examine cellular metabolism (including glycolysis and electron transport) to support healthy aging. UMass Chan Medical School
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ West Boylston will face Randolph in the Division 8 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium this Saturday at 10 a.m. as the Lions aim for a fourth straight championship title in a rematch of last season. Telegram & Gazette
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Handel's Messiah Performance
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket purchase required — Experience the Worcester Chorus as they perform the timeless holiday classic, Handel's Messiah.
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Sans Souci Tribute to JGB
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Electric Haze Llc — Tickets starting at $15.44 — Enjoy a night of alternative rock with a tribute to JGB.
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New England Winter Market
9 AM-6 PM — DCU Center — Check Official Website — Experience a festive market filled with local artisans, gourmet foods, and holiday cheer.
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Saves The Day and Glassjaw Concert
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — $TBA — Experience an electrifying evening with indie rock legends in a vibrant venue.
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45th Annual Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $47+ — Experience Worcester's festive holiday celebration with the Massachusetts Symphony and special guest performances.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $25.65 — Experience the music of Coldplay in a candlelit setting for a unique musical celebration.
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A Christmas Carol
7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $102 — Enjoy a classic holiday tale brought to life in a stunning theatrical performance.
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Fourth Annual Royal Holiday Ball
6-11 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Worcester — Cost not specified — Experience a magical evening of celebration, dancing, and festive treats fit for royalty.
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Sans Souci Tribute to JGB
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Electric Haze Llc — Tickets starting at $15.44 — Experience a tribute to JGB with live alternative rock music.
-
A Christmas Carol
7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a classic holiday tale brought to life in a beautiful theater setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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