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, December 13 – applications to take the exam to become a Worcester police officer are now open, register for the Worcester Sports Management Summit before Dec. 25 to save $5, NSA validates Assumption University’s cybersecurity program, the NTSB holds a virtual Drive Sober Holiday Kickoff at 10 AM today and gas prices fall 12 cents from last week and 32 cents from a month ago in Massachusetts.
Take the Exam to become a Worcester Police Officer
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Municipal Police Officer exam. The deadline to apply is Jan. 17. The exam takes place between March 18 and April 1.
The exam is open to candidates ages 19 to 31, but an applicant must be 21 and a US Citizen with a high school diploma or G.E.D at the time of hire. Applicants who resided in Worcester for one full year or more prior to the date of the exam will be given preference.
Passing the exam makes the individual eligible to serve within municipal police departments in Massachusetts, the MBTA Transit Police and as a Massachusetts State Trooper.
Find more information and apply for the exam here.
Registration Open for the Worcester Sports Management Summit
The Worcester Bravehearts host the annual Worcester Sports management Summit on Feb. 10, 2023 at Worcester State University.
The event includes a career fair for students interested in careers in the sports industry, a keynote address and discussion panels with professionals in the industry.
Registration is now open. Register before Dec. 25 to receive $5 off the registration fee.
Visit the Worcester Bravehearts website for more info.
Assumption University Cybersecurity Program Validated by NSA
Assumption University announced on Tuesday that its cybersecurity program has received “Program of Study” validation by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA the accrediting agency for cybersecurity programs that provide degrees.
The validation means the University’s cybersecurity curricula and its B.S. in Cybersecurity degree meets or exceeds NSA standards in articulating cybersecurity education. Assumption is pursuing becoming the third NSA-recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in Massachusetts.
The recognition indicates an institution is helping to reduce threats to the national infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense as well as providing a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
NTSB Drive Sober Holiday Kickoff
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration holds its Drive Sober Holiday Kickoff as a virtual event today at 10 AM.
The webinar features the NTSB acting administrator Ann Carlson, representatives from UMass Memorial Health and other officials to discuss coordinated efforts nationwide to combat alcohol and drug-impaired driving during this holiday season.
Sign up for the virtual event here.
Tomorrow at 10am ET: Join us for our Drive Sober Holiday Kickoff Event! You’ll hear from our Acting Admin. Ann Carlson & reps from @umassmemorial & @DEStatePolice. You’ll also hear stories from people directly impacted by an impaired driver. Register: https://t.co/gfbku2YVzE pic.twitter.com/5kmdz0XfJC
— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) December 12, 2022
Gas Prices Down 32 Cents this Month in Massachusetts
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price decreased by 12 cents from last week, averaging $3.54 per gallon. That price is 32 cents lower than a month ago ($3.86) and 14 cents higher than on Dec. 12, 2021 ($3.40).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is 28 cents higher than the national average.
“The seasonal pattern of less driving due to shorter days and crummy weather, combined with a lower oil cost, is driving gas prices lower,” said Mary Maguire, AAA Northeast Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “If this trend continues, many states could see their average prices fall below $3 a gallon by early next year.”
AAA Northeast’s Dec. 12 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 14 cents lower than last week ($3.40), averaging $3.26 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 52 cents lower than a month ago ($3.78) and 6 cents higher than this day last year ($3.32).
