Top stories from The016.com, Monday, September 29th

• Posted by Worcester News September 29, 2025 - Filed in News - 1,243 views

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  In The News

  >WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (1:05). High of 78 today in Worcester

  -Fall foliage expert says leaf peepers will enjoy earlier colors this year
  
  

  >TOP OF THE NEWS:

  +5:00: Pain of a government shutdown would be felt in Central Mass., McGovern says

  +5:00: Mass. student M.C.A.S. scores remain stuck. Worcester fares even worse

  +5:00: "American Idol" star David Cook will headline Pet Rock Fest
  
  

  +Noon: 1 arrested after social media threat targeting Clinton school, officials say

  +Noon: Putting the spotlight on Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week. Vote now

  +Noon: Monday's Child: Chill, laid-back Skylher, 17, enjoys outdoors, sports, gym every day
  
  

  -UMass Medical School Chancellor Dr. Michael Collins talks federal funding challenges (9:42) (pictured)

  -Worcester uses $500,000 Polar Park settlement to launch grant program for minority- and woman-owned construction firms

  -Worcester County Wonders: Harry Houdini's final curtain call on Main Street

  -Worcester Diocese priest accused of indecent assault pleads to lesser charge

  -Woo! Science: Autumn has arrived. It's up to mantids and monarchs to make humans care about all insects

  -American Flatbread is bringing candlepin bowling back to its birthplace in Worcester (:26)

  -Is this your dog?

  -Worcester Public Schools creates Quadrant Teams (2:19)

  -Radio Worcester's The Rundown (25:48): Spike in citizen petition denials raises concerns over accessibility and transparency

  >POLITICS: Meet the Candidates: Rivera returns to the ring for District 5

  -Candidates for Worcester district School Committee seats to debate Wednesday

  -Radio Worcester Roundtable (48:56): How contested district races could shape city council

  >DINING OUT: Following tragedy, entrepreneur finds independence through BBQ

  -ICYMI: Despite legal fight, proprietor of former Boston Market in Worcester keeps eatery open

  -No reopening yet for most businesses inside former Midtown Mall after fire

  -UMass hospital-at-home program faces halt if federal shutdown occurs Wednesday

  -See the rest of the day's Worcester news
  
  

  >HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Holden residents to offer mental massage workshop

  -America's newest game show, filmed at Lamoureux Ford (1:40)

  -September Senior Center events

  >THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Scenes from this year's Spirit of Shrewsbury Parade

  -"Art in Prospect Park" returns, drawing hundreds to Shrewsbury’s hidden gem

  -Route 146 briefly shutdown after camper rollover in Millbury

  -2 Webster men arrested after loaded Glock with extended magazine found in Auburn traffic stop

  -Radio Worcester (24:25): Whittier Farm vs. Stowe Farm — Distinct models of local farming

  -Jumpin' Juba bringing "music for all ages" to Clinton

  -Leominster police say A.I.-powered G.P.S. apps are driving traffic to unexpected roads

  -Grafton Lions Club will be hosting its 11th annual Haunted Woods Hayride from October 17th & 18th

  -Paxton Cultural Council seeks funding proposals
  
  

  >BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Monday

  -Jazzed Up Trio 6 to 9 Wednesday at 961 at Union Station

  >SHOWTIME: Worcester keeps faith with "Punk in the Park" at the Palladium

  -Mass. songwriter recounts working with teenage Taylor Swift (3:16)

  >OPINION: Afua Asare: State's proposed F.A.F.S.A. bill offers chance for more to enter college

  -Charles Steinberg: Tip of the WooSox cap to staff - and to fans

  -This Week in Worcester Podcast (1:54:15)

  >OBITUARIES: Tribute to longtime college professor
  
  

  >SPORTS: Patriots receive "good validation" after rout vs. Panthers

  -Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs "reinventing himself" in new role

  -Red Sox visit Yankees for A.L. Wild Card showdown

  -Red Sox beat Tigers, 4-3

  -Al Horford agrees to multi-year contract with Warriors

  -Holy Cross Athletics teams up with Shift Group to empower student-athletes for career success

  -U.S. Ryder Cup rally falls short, Europe retains the trophy (2:19)
  
  

  >NATIONAL: Shooter opens fire at Michigan church, killing at least 4, before he's shot dead by police (2:20)

  -American decline: Depopulation is possible — and could cause a crisis

  -Tragic: Dad wrongfully imprisoned misses birth of his second child

  >NEW ENGLAND: Ex-cop barred for life in Mass. over conduct involving Sandra Birchmore (2:23)

  -Assisted living homes in Mass. charging families for rent after residents die (2:14). Article

  -Massport police officer accused of pocketing charity donations

  >COLLEGES: Assumption named to U.S. News & World Report Best University List
  
  

  >TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): 8 places where it’s rude (or illegal) to take photos while traveling

  >BUSINESS: Central Mass. business by the numbers

  -Gardner optics manufacturer to move headquarters to Littleton

  >HOMES: Effort underway in Mass. to add housing units to houses of worship (1:56)

  >SHOPPING: See Halloween adult costume trends — "KPop Demon Hunters" and more

  >HEALTH: The benefits of resistance training

  -Doctors warn of energy drink usage, impacts in children

  >FOOD: Central Mass. bakeries whip up sweet treats at Wicked Gluten Free New England Expo
  
  

  >TV/STREAMING: Trailer for Season 3 of Netflix's "The Diplomat" (2:12)

  >MOVIES: Paul Thomas Anderson movies: "Boogie Nights" vs. "Licorice Pizza"

  >CELEBRITY: Dolly Parton, 79, postpones Las Vegas residency due to "health challenges"

  -Tim Curry gets standing ovation at "Rocky Horror Picture Show" 50th anniversary screening

  >HISTORY: Worcester native George Bancroft was a noted 19th century statesman and author

  >ANIMALS: Tiny kitten bosses around his 4 Great Dane siblings (1:45)

  >GOOD NEWS: Former cancer patient using nonprofit to give back to hospital

  -Meanwhile, scientists propose nuking "city killer" asteroid

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