Good morning, Worcester.

The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance reports a significant shortage of affordable and permanent supportive housing in Worcester, exacerbating homelessness, especially among seniors and due to low vacancy rates and high rents.

Worcester and Boston commuters can now use Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited for travel between the two cities, offering a faster alternative to the MBTA commuter rail.

A train carrying ethanol derailed in Worcester without causing injuries, leaks, or public threat, and recovery efforts are underway.

A Worcester Police officer was charged with assault following an altercation at a youth indoor soccer game in Northborough.

Worcester's Regional Chamber of Commerce and Auxilium are collaborating to host the inaugural StartUp Week from April 8-10, aiming to spotlight the city as a burgeoning entrepreneurial hub with events including an innovation crawl and a collegiate pitch competition.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute was designated a Research 1 institution, reflecting its significant research investment and doctoral output, after spending $66 million on research and awarding 88 doctoral degrees.

UMass Chan Medical School is assembling a working group to ensure compliance with DEI initiatives amidst changing federal policies, maintaining its commitment to diversity and health care improvement.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is developing a robotic technology to improve kidney transplant screening, aiming to save lives by ensuring more donated kidneys are viable for transplant.

Acres Live in Concert

Experience a live performance by Acres at the Palladium in Worcester.

Guinness Celtic 5K Race

The Guinness Celtic 5K is a lively Irish-themed race held in Worcester, MA, welcoming both runners and walkers before the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Sesame Street Live: An All-Singing, All-Dancing Spectacular

The beloved characters from Sesame Street, including Cookie Monster and Elmo, perform in a vibrant live show filled with music and dance.

Stick to Your Guns Concert

Stick to Your Guns will perform live at the Palladium, coinciding with the release of their new album KEEP PLANTING FLOWERS.

Party101 Featuring DJ Matt Bennett

The Party101 event with DJ Matt Bennett will take place at the Palladium in Worcester, MA, offering an evening of music and entertainment.

Troy Mercy Concert

1-5 p.m. — Starlite Gallery — BBQ available — Experience the bold sounds of the Boston duo TROY & HADLEY as they bring their 21st Century Brave New Blues to Southbridge.

On-Site Tour of Senior Living Awards

9 AM - 7 PM | The Overlook | Free entry | Explore a premier senior living community celebrated for its exceptional care and engaging activities.

NEWWA Spring Conference and Exhibition

6 PM – 6 PM — DCU Center — Registration fee applies — Connect with 3,000 industry professionals at this premier water works event.

MAAPS School Conference for Special Education Professionals

9 AM – 12 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Westborough — $50 early bird; $75 after March 1 — A professional conference connecting school representatives with admissions teams from over 50 special education schools.

Sonic Bomb Live Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Ralph's Diner — 21+ entry — A night of electrifying performances featuring Sonic Bomb, Inverter, and Tree at a historic venue.