In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Tuesday, March 23 – Hospital Drive will be closed to traffic today, Worcester Wares is hosting a Spring Clear Out sale, Crust Bakeshop is hiring, Massachusetts is ranked among states with worst doctors and the average gas price in Massachusetts is up one cent this week.
City to Shut Down Hospital Drive Today to Extend Water Main
On Tuesday morning, Hospital Drive between Belmont St. and Dorista J. Goldsberry Drive will be closed for extend periods of time.
The contractor doing work on Hospital Drive is extending the water main across the full width of the road in multiple locations.
Commuters are asked to seek alternative routes on Tuesday.
Worcester Wares Hosting Spring Clear Out Sale
From now until March 27, Worcester Wares is hosting a Spring Clear Out Sale with discounts on everything from hoodies, t-shirts, hats and more.
With every purchase, you will also receive a free Worcester pennant.
To start shopping, click here.
Need a Job? Crust Bakeshop is Hiring
Crust Bakeshop — with two locations in Worcester – is now hiring full and part-time positions.
Crust is looking for people with professional baking experience, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
To apply, you can email [email protected] with a resume and short cover letter.
Massachusetts One of the Worst States for Doctors
A new study by WalletHub.com ranked Massachusetts as one of the worst states to be a doctor.
The study compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) across 19 key metrics and used a 100 point scale to rank each state.
The score of 45.68 for Massachusetts is 46 of 51.
The two major subcategories considered were “opportunity and competition” which Massachusetts ranked 50th, while the “medical environment” of the state ranked 16th.
In the individual metrics considered, Massachusetts state medical boards ranked the most punitive in the country and tied for the highest malpractice award payout amount per capita.
The ranking of other New England states and their total score is:
- 13th: Maine (60.88)
- 35th: Vermont (52.34)
- 42nd: New Hampshire: (50.36)
- 44th: Connecticut: (47.37)
- 51st: Rhode Island (39.73)
The five states ranked worse in overall score than Massachusetts are New Jersey, District of Columbia, New York, Alaska and Rhode Island.
The best state to be a doctor in the study is Montana (69.63) followed by Minnesota (67.97).
Gas Prices Up a Penny This Week in MA
AAA Northeast, the popular not-for-profit auto club, reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price increased one cent from last week ($2.75), averaging $2.76 per gallon. That price is the 20 cents higher than a month ago ($2.56), and 53 cents cheaper than March 22, 2020 ($2.23).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is 12 cents lower than the national average.
AAA Northeast’s February 22 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be two cents higher than last week, averaging $2.88 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 25 cents higher than a month ago ($2.63), and 74 cents cheaper than this day last year ($2.14).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
