Good morning, Worcester.

O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar on West Boylston Street closed permanently on March 11 after a burst pipe and rising costs made reopening unsustainable (it had served the community for over 35 years).

Che Anderson, a key figure in Worcester's cultural scene, was named chair of the Mass Cultural Council on March 11 + he will lead a 19-member board and help appoint a new executive director to bolster the local arts sector statewide.

Federal funding of $4.8M was announced to boost economic development and environmental projects in Worcester, Holliston and Northbridge — recipients include Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which will use $1.5M for a PFAS reactor, and local centers set to upgrade facilities.

Eagle Hill School in Hardwick is building a new 26,000 sqft dorm for seniors (housing 59 boarders and four faculty apartments) to boost college readiness.

Construction began in January and will finish before the 2027-2028 school year with $12 million in tax-exempt financing.

According to state data, the average property tax bill for a single-family home rose to $8,111 today from $7,732 last year.

Bills in some towns top $26,000 while Hancock reports the lowest at $835.

The Patriots signed All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a one-year contract ($9 million) on Wednesday; he joined the team to boost its secondary alongside Craig Woodson.

Hoosac Valley's boys basketball team rallied from a 16-point deficit to secure a 56-52 state semifinal win against Roxbury Prep, led by senior Adan Wicks who scored 26 points (18 in the second half).

They will face No.6 Holbrook in the Division V final.

Red Sox prospect Braiden Ward is vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster and might soon charm Worcester fans.

He boasts strong spring training stats (batting .448 in 15 Grapefruit League games) and is projected to start as the club's left fielder.

The Patriots signed former Titans safety Mike Brown on a one-year deal during free agency to boost their safety depth with Kevin Byard.

Brown played under coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and helped on special teams.

Drury girls basketball team advanced to its first state championship game since 1981 after Megan McGrath scored a season-high 18 points in a 45-27 win over St. John Paul II at Worcester North High School, and they will face No. 2 Hopedale at Tsongas Center in Lowell.

The Super 70's Rock Show featuring Super Trans AM

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — Tickets starting at $30.50 — Experience a nostalgic journey through the iconic rock anthems of the 1970s.

Mid-Century and Beyond Part II on the Mighty Wurlitzer

2-5 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticketed entry — Experience nostalgic tunes played on the iconic Mighty Wurlitzer organ with Dr. Kleefield.

Brandenburg Concertos by The Sebastians

8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience Bach's timeless Brandenburg Concertos performed by a renowned early music ensemble.

Papercut - A Tribute to Linkin Park

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket pricing available — Experience the energetic tribute to Linkin Park and relive classic hits.

NCAA DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship - Worcester Regionals, Session 1

8 PM – 4 AM — DCU Center — Check venue for costs — Experience thrilling NCAA Division I collegiate hockey action.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

8:30-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the magical music of Coldplay by a string quartet in an enchanting candlelight setting.

NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship - Worcester Regional

8 PM – 4 AM — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience collegiate hockey excitement as four Division I teams compete for glory.

NEWWA Spring Conference and Exhibition

8 a.m. – 12 a.m. — DCU Center — Admission costs vary — Connect with 3,000 water works professionals at this key industry event.

Parsons Dance Company Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the artistry of movement with the renowned Parsons Dance Company.

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

6-9 p.m. — Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Check for ticket information — A delightful musical experience for young fans of Peppa Pig.