Good morning, Worcester.

America’s Most Wanted aired a segment on April 28 that detailed the 2023 murder of Breanne Pennington in Gardner, where her husband Aaron Pennington—charged with her murder—had faced depression, marital problems, and financial stress after she sought a restraining order days before her death.

On April 27, a Yom HaShoah service at Congregation Agudat Achim in Leominster remembered Holocaust victims and honored survivors along with the 1,195 people killed in the Oct 7 Hamas attack—featuring a recitation by Elie Wiesel and community prayers.

Speakers shared personal memories and lit candles—showing a firm promise to keep these hard lessons alive.

Preservation Worcester will host Jane Week from May 5 to 9 with walks, talks and tours that celebrate the city's neighborhoods and honor urban activist Jane Jacobs—registration is required.

This year marks the final week for executive director Deborah Packard, who will retire in July.

On April 30, 1965, the Rolling Stones performed their first Worcester show at the Worcester Memorial Auditorium in Lincoln Square—drawing a large crowd with $4 tickets and sparking a wave of youthful excitement that still marks a key moment in the city’s rock history.

Central Mass will celebrate Star Wars Day this week with themed events for fans.

Worcester Public Library will host activities for kids on May 2 (3:30 to 5 p.m.), while local sports teams and community groups prepare additional events across the area.

The Worcester School Committee will meet at 6 p.m. today to discuss replacing Superintendent Dr. Rachel H.

Monárrez, who announced she will step down in June, with proposals for a full or interim hire—Mayor Joseph Petty said the committee could appoint a new superintendent as soon as today while several members favored selecting an internal candidate.

On April 29, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced a multiyear strategy to integrate artificial intelligence in K-12 schools.

The plan uses input from educators, school leaders and technology experts to develop AI resources—like teacher training and updated privacy policies—to help students build skills for the future.

According to a report by the Institute for Policy Studies, the number of millionaires in Massachusetts grew from about 440,000 in 2022 to over 612,000 in 2024 after a 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million was passed in November 2022—ultrarich numbers also increased from 1,954 to 2,642 as the state collected $2.2 billion from the tax. The extra revenue is funding higher education, MBTA initiatives, and rail projects while wealthy residents remained in the state.

The 15-year Central Mass.

Regional Public Health Alliance, made up of Worcester, West Boylston, Grafton and Shrewsbury, will disband on June 30 to let each community address local health needs independently—Worcester will pursue a state funding opportunity while the other towns seek their own.

Toledo Mud Hens at Worcester Red Sox

4:05-8:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting showdown between the Toledo Mud Hens and Worcester Red Sox.

Through the Listening Glass

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Museum of Worcester — Cost info not provided — Escape with the ethereal, other-worldly sound of the Glass Armonica.

Judy Collins Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the stunning voice of Grammy award-winner Judy Collins as she performs timeless folk classics.

Lunch & Learn: HR Essentials for Startups

12:00 – 1:30 PM — WorcLab Incubator & Coworking space — Free — Gain essential HR insights tailored for startups in an interactive session.

Northeast Section IFT Food Industry Expo

Various times — DCU Center — Entry ticket fees apply — Check out the latest innovations in the food industry at this major expo.

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long

4-6 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience a lively Broadway-style production featuring favorite sing-along songs from CoComelon.

Conservatory Spring Reflection 2025

1-2:30 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty of spring in an engaging performance reflecting nature's renewal.

Nekrogoblikon Concert

6-10 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sound of Nekrogoblikon as they bring their high-energy performance to Worcester.

Monthly Craft, Color, and Chat

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Morse Institute Library — Free entry — Enjoy crafts and connect with an accepting community for socializing and support.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

3:30 a.m. — The Mercantile — Cheap tickets available — Experience the stunning artistry of Van Gogh in an immersive setting.