Good morning, Worcester.

Eight puppies, including seven Labradors and one German Shepherd, practiced exploring Worcester Regional Airport on Friday as they trained with Guiding Eyes for the Blind to become guide dogs for the blind— they navigated terminals and security checkpoints to learn the airport layout.

A Brazilian national accused of a 2023 murder in Brazil by allegedly stabbing a victim over 30 times was taken into custody in Milford on May 1 by police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI—marking the second arrest in 45 days of a fugitive wanted for murder in Brazil.

Brian Allen was named the next superintendent of Worcester Public Schools when the School Committee voted 8 to 1 on May 1; his appointment is pending contract negotiations and will take effect on July 1 for a three-year term.

He has worked at WPS for 32 years and currently serves as deputy superintendent and CFO — his long tenure and teaching at Worcester State University underline his experience for the role.

Rev. James Fitton opened Mount Saint James Seminary on Pakachoag Hill in 1836 as a boarding school where students farmed the land with help from contractor Tobias Boland (the site is tied to Nipmuc history and early missionary work).

In February 1843, Fitton sold the property to Bishop Benedict Joseph Fenwick, who renamed the school after his Boston church and set the stage for its evolving legacy on College Hill.

At a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a DOJ report on the police and delays in playground projects at Blithewood and Elm Park (two popular parks) while rescheduling a public safety meeting (to avoid scheduling conflicts) as they prepared for upcoming budget talks.

Leaders defended parts of the report and promised policy changes amid calls for more oversight.

Vince Forte began his role as head pro at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge in March—he secured Saturdays off so he can watch his sons play hockey and now looks forward to teaching at the club’s new Acorn course.

The Holy Cross baseball team won the Patriot League regular season championship, their first since 2013, and earned the top playoff seed with home field advantage for the semi-finals and championship series at Fitton Field starting May 10—11.

Corey Rosier and Vaughn Grissolm each drove in two runs to lift the Worcester Red Sox to a 5 to 2 win over the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday, with Cooper Criswell pitching six shutout innings+ Worcester will face Toledo in the fifth game of their series today at 4:05 p.m.

Worcester State University's baseball team won five games in a row for a 23-11 record and will begin the MASCAC playoffs next Thursday.

Head Coach Phil Price said the team's strong chemistry and competitive spirit have driven their success.

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.

Informed Investor Mastermind Conference

5-9 p.m. — Off The Rails — $35 entry — Network, learn, and connect with real estate pros and industry experts in a collaborative environment.