Good morning, Worcester.

Lauren Bell (a mobile barber) provides gentle home haircuts for special needs clients including kids, seniors, and those with mobility challenges in the Gardner area.

With nearly 20 years of experience, she plans to expand her growing service to accommodate busy event seasons.

Ed Augustus is named CEO of UniBank today and brings nearly 40 years of public service, including a former role as City Manager, to boost local housing and community investments.

He plans to expand the bank’s services while supporting more neighborhood projects.

Rising inflation has led to reduced prom dress sales at local formalwear stores, with owners noting an 8% drop compared to last season.

Some shop owners (including those on Main Street) are shifting focus to suit rentals and social media promotions as families prioritize essential expenses.

Teachers in local public schools now have a new pathway to full licensure after the Board voted Tuesday to let eligible candidates use prior experience, advanced degrees — out-of-state credentials or a portfolio to waive a test.

The three-year pilot aims to ease teacher shortages and diversify the workforce.

Worcester State University hosted its annual Scholarship and Creativity Day on April 22, showcasing diverse research from oral presentations to film screenings (topics included AI and athletic nutrition).

Faculty and students celebrated robust learning and community building at the event.

Eastbound drivers using the Ararat Street bridge face a detour from repairs that reduce the bridge to one lane from May 1 until the end of August (DOT instructions direct them onto Frontage Road South, Shore Drive, then Frontage Road North).

Westbound drivers and pedestrians continue access.

Gov. Healey announced an expansion of the homebuyer assistance program that offers first-time buyers up to $25,000 in 0% loans if they secure a MassHousing mortgage between April 27 and July 31, potentially doubling help for 1,000 buyers.

Repayment is due when the home is sold or refinanced.

Developers of multiple Polar Views properties in Worcester have filed for bankruptcy as their stalled housing projects remain dormant—raising concerns about future local development plans.

Worcester Red Sox manager Chad Tracy was promoted mid-game on Saturday to lead the Boston Red Sox after five coaches were fired, and Iggy Suarez will replace him in Worcester.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Concert

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — $ — Experience an energetic performance by the three-time BMA nominees.

Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders vs. Worcester Red Sox

6:05-7:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting Minor League Baseball action as the RailRiders take on the Red Sox.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating ballet performance featuring imaginative choreography and diverse music.

Kreator Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary metal band Kreator and their evolving sound live on stage.

Wage War Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience Wage War's dynamic blend of heavy technicality and memorable melodies live.