Daily
Worcester
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Good morning, Worcester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 6th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Dec. 5, T&G Santa provided toys for nearly 10,000 local children in need through 20 partner organizations — led by United Way of Central Massachusetts. Generous donations from readers, businesses and civic groups raised a running total of over $30,000 to support future efforts. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Dozens of community leaders met on Dec. 4 in downtown Worcester to plan quicker responses to federal funding cuts affecting housing, food and health services. They split into food, housing and wellness teams — each to draft rapid emergency policies. Telegram & Gazette
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ About 2,000 National Grid customers in Worcester have not received bills since smart meters were installed in September (including the McGuiness and Cronin households), and National Grid said customers will get a bill within seven days for only the recent 60-day usage. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Dirk Koopman is stepping down as CEO of his Whitinsville lumber retailer as his sister Denise Brookhouse (former CFO) will take over in January, while he remains chairman and president and the firm now has about 480 employees and a dozen locations. Worcester Business Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ WPI has launched a new bachelor's degree program in cybersecurity to prepare students for roles in securing digital systems. The course mix (computer science, electrical engineering, and math) builds on a cybersecurity master's track introduced in 2021. Worcester Business Journal
- ➤ College students at WPI set two Christmas trees on fire in a lab experiment on Wednesday night to show how quickly trees can ignite. The team hopes its data will guide fire safety tips for home decoration - experts say even small flames can rapidly lead to dangerous fires. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ WBDC Podcast featured local leaders discussing the city's new Specialized Stretch Code + tougher energy-efficiency standards for new construction. They explained that the code is intended to reduce emissions, promote healthier buildings, and balance industry costs as Worcester's economy continues to grow. Radio Worcester
- ➤ WPI researchers developed an enzyme-based, carbon-negative building material that cures in hours and sequesters CO2, lowering emissions compared to traditional concrete. The breakthrough was published in Matter and may reduce long-term construction costs and waste in local projects. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents must clear a 4-foot-wide path on sidewalks within 10 hours after snowfall to avoid a $75 daily fine, according to Worcester city rules enforced by the Commissioner of Public Works. The ordinance applies to properties next to streets to ensure safe pedestrian access. Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Chief Lewos said the temporary exit at The Shops at Blackstone Valley, located left of Dick’s Sporting Goods, will be used when Shaw Elementary is closed and traffic is heavy to ease holiday backups amid construction that has reduced parking (it remains experimental). Telegram & Gazette
- ➤ Governor Healey restored a $3,200 grant for Wachusett Regional High School on Dec. 5 after the state corrected an error that incorrectly deemed the school ineligible; state officials said the mistake had no connection to local noncompliance with the MBTA Communities law. Telegram & Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 4, AIDS Project Worcester held a candle-lighting ceremony at Worcester Public Library to honor those lost to AIDS (as the federal government did not mark the day), with community leaders stressing ongoing needs for HIV prevention and care. Telegram & Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Boylston’s Brown at Northwestern and Worcester’s Murray at Tufts helped win NCAA championships on Dec. 5, marking significant wins for their teams. Their successes highlight a growing local field hockey tradition (both players are rising stars). Telegram & Gazette
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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.
-
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.
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Dueling Pianos Show
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock and roll at an electrifying musical experience where you choose the playlist.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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