Good morning, Worcester.

A Northbridge man, Christopher Lacour (31), was arraigned at Uxbridge District Court on May 22 on charges of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon linked to a fatal shooting on May 21; bail was set at $10,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 23.

Quinsigamond Community College held its 60th graduation on May 22 at the DCU Center where graduates marched under balloon arches and listened to speeches on hard work (leaders called it a momentous occasion).

Officials said 420 graduates received state aid (covering tuition and fees) and urged them to build on their success.

Lenore Rust said her 14-year-old son Oliver will lose his long-time special education program at SWCEC when it closes at the end of the school year due to low enrollment and staffing issues—this change leaves his future care unclear as Leicester Public Schools must find another placement for him.

Holy Cross held its 179th commencement ceremony on May 23 at the DCU Center—with 733 graduates earning their degrees—and graduates said the Jesuit mission of helping others shaped their time at the college as Linda LeMura urged them to hold fast to their dreams.

The state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to use a weighted lottery for vocational school admissions that will start in the 2026-2027 school year — critics including the president of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce say the system may lower standards for hardworking students. State Representative Frank Moran has filed legislation to pause the program and form a task force to study voc-tech admissions practices — a move aimed at protecting quality in technical education.

On May 22, Worcester Superintendent of Schools Rachel Monárrez (PhD) and Mayor Joe Petty (chair of the School Committee) praised a Boston judge’s ruling that halted DOE layoffs affecting about half of its staff.

The decision followed a federal plan announced on March 11 to cut 2,183 jobs and aims to protect key education programs.

Worcester’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience has launched the Smart Energy Advice program to help residents and small businesses upgrade buildings with rebates from Mass Save and federal tax credits.

The program offers home energy assessments, guidance on new heat pump installations, and access to discounted utility rates so that residents can lower energy bills and improve comfort.

The City of Worcester is facing another lawsuit after the Boston Globe filed suit for not providing police records on confidential informants — a new legal action following previous cases where delays in releasing internal police documents cost hundreds of thousands in taxpayer funds. The Globe said it requested basic, anonymized data from police departments, and many agencies in Massachusetts did not reply.

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.

Tesla Concert

1-5 p.m. — Indian Ranch — General Admission — Experience the electrifying sounds of Tesla at the Summer Kickoff Concert with a rich history of rock music.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Concert

5-8 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy psychedelic funk of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong live.

Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' Concert

7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of roots music from iconic blues artists Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'.

Gin Blossoms Concert in Charlton

7 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic alternative rock band as they perform their hits live.

Worcester Women's Leadership Conference 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — DCU Center — Registration required — The largest women’s leadership conference in Central Massachusetts, showcasing innovative female leaders.

Cole Swindell Concert

1-5 p.m. — Indian Ranch — Limited on-site parking available — Experience the country music sounds of Cole Swindell featuring hits from his upcoming album.

Speed Dating for Singles Aged 50-65

6-8 p.m. — Courthouse Brew Co — Ticket includes one drink — Meet new people in a relaxed environment and strengthen local connections.