Airport Boss Retires After 17 Years

Andrew B. Davis, who has led Worcester Regional Airport for nearly 17 years, will step down next month. Before taking the helm in Worcester, he managed operations at Philadelphia International Airport for American Airlines. In 2025 the airport welcomed 229, 000 travelers, a steep rise from under 50, 000 in 2009. The Worcester Civic Center Commission has extended its partnership with Digital Federal Credit Union. The new deal, confirmed on May 28, will keep the DCU Center name from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2034. The agreement echoes the current terms and includes a yearly fee of $600, 000 plus bonus incentives tied to performance.Animal activists have raised concerns about a laboratory owned by Charles River Associates at 55 Union Street. The facility, one of the largest contract research centers in the world, reportedly housed 264 dogs daily in 2023. Protesters argue that the testing conducted there is unnecessary and cruel, calling for a halt to these practices. In Millbury’s Shops at Blackstone Valley, the popular sports‑bar chain Yard House will open its doors on June 15. The venue occupies a 7, 500‑square‑foot space and features a 1, 500‑square‑foot patio. The new location is part of an ongoing development project that has reshaped the outdoor shopping center. The region’s economic activity reached a notable milestone, with total spending hitting $474 million. This figure reflects the combined impact of local businesses and visitors, underscoring the area’s growing influence.