Good morning, Worcester.

The Worcester Railers hosted their annual Skate to Success media day at the Worcester Ice Center on Tuesday, Jan.

13, where 91 students from local schools learned to skate while sponsors covered costs for gear + transport and lunch.

Sheruff Barkley is Worcester PD's first comfort dog, a 5-month-old Berniedoodle training with officer Mike Higgins to lower stress.

He visited Tatnuck Magnet School on Jan. 13 (Tuesday morning) where students cheered his arrival and he will help ease anxiety during community incidents.

UMass Chan earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement by strengthening its partnership with Worcester Public Schools & local groups.

The designation validates its community work and remains in effect until 2032.

Telegram and Gazette announced three high school nominees for Student of the Week, recognizing strong academic achievements and community service at local schools.

Kylie Hoyt (a sophomore from David Prouty High) is one nominee, with readers invited to help choose this week’s recipient.

UMass Chan medical students have shaped the Foster Children Evaluation Services Clinic on campus by advocating for enhanced educational support and autism evaluations — prompting the hiring of an education navigator and the launch of dedicated resources for foster children who receive year‐round medical and mental health care.

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority took control of the former RMV site at 611 Main St. in October to pave the way for redevelopment + it will issue a request-for-proposals later this year.

The Healey administration announced Tuesday that the state expanded the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit to include AI-related roles and defense manufacturing jobs, offering up to $4,800 per participant while lowering the annual fee from $300 to $250.

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts has opened applications for its annual Activation Fund grants program to support local organizations in meeting community health needs, offering up to $125,000 for projects lasting 12 months.

Applications are due at 5 p.m. on March 1.

Shaun Murphy has been named CEO of the Worcester Majors, the city's semipro basketball team—he plans to boost youth mentorship and community programs while working closely with co-CEO Papee Paye.

His new role aims to expand local engagement through family-friendly games and after-school initiatives.

Jennifer Toland curated top performances for the Hometeam Girls' Basketball Player of the Week and readers voted for the best from last week, with Tantasqua's Maya Lewis winning 661 votes, edging Shelby Parsons & Leominster's Raegan Murphy.

The Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association announced its All-State Divisional teams on Jan.

13 (2:40 p.m. ET), naming several Central Mass. athletes such as Leominster quarterback Osiris Lopez. Coaches selected players from multiple divisions to honor a season of standout high school football.

Tahanto’s Anthony Pasquale led last week’s Hometeam Boys’ Basketball Player of the Week contest with 13,499 votes — over 28,000 ballots were cast.

Tommy Cassell compiled top performances while area coaches are invited to submit future game highlights to the T and G sports desk.

The Taylor Party: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

8-10:30 p.m. — Palladium — $ — Dance and sing along to all of Taylor Swift's iconic eras at this electrifying tribute party.

Bingo Loco - Late Show

5-6:30 p.m. — Palladium — Ticketed event — Experience an interactive bingo party with live music, wild prizes, and high-energy performances.

The Great Escape - Journey Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Rascals — $18-$25 — Experience the high-energy tribute to Journey that leaves fans eager for more.

The Warped Tour Band with Dookie and All The Blink Things

8-11 p.m. — Rascals — $20-$27 — Enjoy a night of nostalgia with tribute performances to Green Day and Blink-182.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's enchanting tale of love and magic come to life.