The Worcester Guardian

Worcester PD responded to lower #WestBoylstonStreet Wednesday after a possible social media threat involving weapons. Officers determined the threat wasn’t connected to the area. The incident remains under investigation. theworcesterguardian.org/f/police-inves… #Worcester #WorcesterPolice

Worcester Councilor #EtelHaxhiaj pleaded not guilty today to charges stemming from a May 8 ICE incident. She has called the charges “politically motivated” and said she is “resolute and unapologetic.” 📰 Full story: theworcesterguardian.org/f/worcester-co… #Worcester #ICE #Immigration

Despite tough funding cuts and fear in the immigrant community, the Worcester African Festival is back Aug. 2 — with music, fashion, and a message of unity. theworcesterguardian.org/f/worcester-af… #WorcesterAfricanFestival #WorcesterEvents #CommunityResilience

As part of the Worcester Guardian’s candidate series: Incumbent At-Large Councilor Kate Toomey is seeking her 11th term, highlighting decades of public service and work on public safety, schools, and housing. theworcesterguardian.org/f/worcester-ca… #WorcesterElection #WorcesterCityCouncil

Bill Coleman, a steadfast voice in Worcester politics and a champion of inclusion and local history, has passed away. For decades, he ran for office not for fame, but to make sure every community voice was heard. theworcesterguardian.org/f/bill-coleman… #Worcester #RestInPower

#Backyardchickens in @TweetWorcester? After more than a year of debate, council's Economic Development Committee is taking its first real step toward a local ordinance. Supporters say it’s about food security — critics worry about rats and enforcement. 🐔 theworcesterguardian.org/f/that%E2%80%9…

Just in time for the summer heat! ☀️💦 Worcester’s newest spray park at University Park is officially open. Free. Daily. Noon to 7 p.m. Here’s how to splash, swim & chill citywide ➡️ theworcesterguardian.org/f/new-spray-pa… #cooloff #Worcesterchill #MAsprayparks

At 98, Maybelle Blair is still knocking it out of the park. The AAGPBL legend and “A League of Their Own” advisor visited Worcester to talk #baseball, her new book, and why Madonna “couldn’t play a lick.” ⚾ @WooSox theworcesterguardian.org/f/that%E2%80%9… #MLB #LeagueofTheirOwn #girlscanplaytoo

A newly renovated #FullerFamilyPark opened Thursday in #Worcester’s Main South neighborhood with a splash pad, new play structure, and more. YMCA officials say the $2.6M project will support youth programs, mental health, and community events. theworcesterguardian.org/f/fuller-park-…

Worcester just ranked among the top 10 U.S. cities for people with disabilities — praised for accessibility, economic opportunity, and health care access. A new nationwide study says the Heart of the Commonwealth is making real progress on inclusion. theworcesterguardian.org/f/worcester-na…

🔥 From fire demos to classic rock covers, Worcester is lit this weekend. Here are 5 fun, free, and totally worth-it things to do, handpicked by the Worcester Guardian like berries in a basket. theworcesterguardian.org/f/5-hot-picks-… #WorcesterEvents #5FunThings #WorcesterWeekend

Mill Street’s redesign was meant to make it safer — but has it? With $2.5M now on the table just for design, city councilors are pushing for answers on crashes, costs, and whether the project’s worth the price tag. theworcesterguardian.org/f/council-pres… #WorcesterMA #CityCouncil #MillStreet

Need a retreat from the heat? Worcester opens cooling centers with water and air-conditioning on July 16 and 17. Full details: theworcesterguardian.org/f/city-opens-c…

Worcester councilors voted Tuesday to seek a report on a proposed tax break for landlords who keep rents affordable. Residents urged the city to include tenant protections and prioritize struggling renters. theworcesterguardian.org/f/council-requ…

📚 Plan to overhaul Worcester high school grading stalled after a split vote by the School Committee’s FOG subcommittee — leaving the future of mastery-based grading in limbo. Supporters say it promotes equity and growth. Critics worry it’s a rushed. theworcesterguardian.org/f/worcester-sc…

From AP credits to community leadership, @DohertyMemorial valedictorian Dea Kamberi is heading to Harvard — driven by curiosity, cultural pride, and big plans for public service. First-gen Albanian American rewrites playbook on academic impact. theworcesterguardian.org/f/doherty-vale…

🔥 It’s a scorcher out there — but inside City Hall, things might get even hotter. Worcester City Council meets tonight with a full agenda: Mill Street redesign, DOJ report, more. As always, we’ll have full coverage after the meeting. Stay tuned. theworcesterguardian.org/f/council-mill…

Updated: Worcester School Committee member Alex Guardiola is doubling down on concerns about chronic staff absences — and now he's speaking out in detail. “We should encourage attendance for educators" theworcesterguardian.org/f/wps-eye-teac… #WorcesterSchools #EducationMatters

🏀🔥The first-ever King of the Court tournament brought 8th and 9th grade talent to outdoor courts across the city, ending with a nail-biter championship at Hadwen Park. theworcesterguardian.org/f/king-of-the-…

🚨Worcester police responding to a call about a man with a gun found grenade launcher rounds inside a Monroe Ave home Friday. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment. MSP bomb squad rendered the explosives safe. theworcesterguardian.org/f/police-respo… #Worcester #Breaking #WPD