Good morning, Worcester.

Dan Kenary, co-chair of the Massachusetts Competitiveness Council and co-founder of Harpoon Brewery, spoke to 250 local business leaders at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club on Thursday morning and urged them to contact council subcommittees to discuss issues like rising housing+energy+healthcare costs and taxes.

Mechanics at Sullivan Tire & Auto Service on Randolph Road are fixing pothole-damaged cars with blown tires and suspension issues from a harsh winter and extra traffic.

City road crews will work on pothole repairs soon to help drivers avoid expensive fixes.

International Ceramic Engineering moved from Worcester to Lancaster after nearly 40 years in the city and now operates in a space that more than doubles its previous square footage—supporting future expansion.

The new restaurant Rio Viejo Cocina de Mexico at 50 Franklin St. will have a soft opening on March 23 and a grand opening on March 30 at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting featuring Mayor Petty — its menu highlights the best dishes from nearly 50 years of culinary work.

Preservation Worcester will hold sold-out tours of the Worcester Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, March 21 — the building, built in 1933 to honor WWI heroes, once hosted community gatherings and now is undergoing revival efforts.

Western Mass is facing warmer temperatures and stronger storms, and conservation groups like the Kestrel Land Trust are working now to protect forests and farms from development + boost carbon storage.

These nature-based solutions offer a local tool against climate change while helping wildlife adapt to a shifting environment.

Worcester banned all nonessential outdoor water use on March 18 after a state drought declaration in Central Massachusetts; the measure cuts golf course irrigation and bans landscape watering, even as forecast rain tonight into Saturday morning and additional precipitation Sunday and Monday may help ease the drought.

Three generations of the Sutton family shared a rare birthday coincidence when baby Shawn Patrick O’Brien was born on Monday, Mar.

16 at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus at 3:16 p.m., joining his mother and grandmother on a day that also marks a milestone birthday for his grandmother.

The Red Sox cut eight position players, including infielders Nick Sogard and Tsung-Che Cheng, and sent them to Worcester’s Triple-A camp while clearing a spot for newcomer Andruw Monasterio at second base.

Manager Alex Cora said he will finalize a platoon option with a utility infielder.

Holy Cross women's basketball team, led by seniors, prepares to face No. 2 seed Michigan today at 5:30 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Patriot League championship and riding a nine-game winning streak from past big-stage games.

South High coach Diago McClain said hate messages aimed at his players are not new, with cruel words appearing online + at games after a playoff match.

Local officials and community groups are pushing for measures that better protect student-athletes.

Four local high school hockey players will be honored by the Boston Bruins+MIAA at TD Garden for their sportsmanship, marking an upcoming event that celebrates local youth hockey and positive community spirit.

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.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

10 AM – 1 PM — Waters Farm — Registration required — Enjoy a fun-filled day with egg hunts, games, and local vendors at Waters Farm.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

11 AM – 3 PM — DCU Center — Tickets required — Experience the ultimate family fun at this thrilling circus extravaganza.

Who Is Eartha Mae?

2-5 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a live performance from Eartha Mae at a renowned Worcester venue.