Good morning, Worcester.

Fifteen college entrepreneurs from Holy Cross, Clark University, WPI, and Nichols College will pitch startup ideas today at 5 p.m. at Off The Rails in downtown Worcester—competing in the second annual WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown—while local business leaders Stephanie Ramey, Evan Cox, and Kevin Anderson offer mentorship and potential investments.

Cornerstone Bank opened a new branch in Tatnuck Square at 1125 Pleasant St + it offers private lending and investment consultations and drive-up lanes with ATM and live tellers, and it will host a public ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration on May 10 at 125 Pleasant St +.

Two Central Mass. restaurant groups are using community contributions to fund their expansions.

Nan's Kitchen raised $1.2 million from 45 investors for equity while Worcester's Cordella’s, using NuMarket—raising $24,513 from 209 contributors and extending its campaign until May 7—plans to begin remodeling in May and start construction by June 1.

Worcester Public Schools ended DOJ oversight of its English as a Second Language program last month after meeting the requirements of a 2016 agreement—superintendent Dr. Rachel H.

Monárrez credited educators for improving the program, and the district reported a notable increase in former English Learner students, especially in middle school.

Twelve international students at Clark and four at WPI had their legal statuses reinstated so they could continue studying—however, questions about their visa statuses remain unanswered.

On April 30, the Justice Department notified Worcester Public Schools that it had ended monitoring of its English-language learner program because the district had substantially complied with its 2016 legal agreement—resulting from over 15 years of federal oversight.

The school system reported that the percentage of former English learners increased from 9.4% in 2021-22 to 10.9% in 2024-25, showing improved student proficiency in English.

SMC Management Corp is building the six-story Residences at Madison on a long-vacant parcel on Madison Street between Main and Southbridge near the old Boys Club and David Burwick Furniture buildings, with 102 market rate apartments.

The mixed-use complex will include a community center, gym, yoga studio plus two commercial spaces and a parking garage and is slated for completion in February.

Local sports reporter Rich Garven gathered 24 top baseball performances from local coaches for readers to vote on last week.

Worcester Tech’s Robert Kniskern won Baseball Player of the Week with 5,373 votes—defeating rivals from Bromfield and Oakmont.

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.

May Fiesta: Boodle Fight!

4-9 p.m. — Loft 266 — Tickets required — Experience a Filipino cultural celebration with delicious food and vibrant entertainment.