Good morning, Worcester.

Volunteers from St. George Orthodox Cathedral are preparing Worcester's Middle Eastern Festival, which will run from June 6-8 and is expected to welcome thousands by streamlining food orders with QR menus.

Festival organizers will also feature live music with a well-known singer from Canada and family entertainment — including a kid zone and dancing — with limited parking available.

Governor Healey announced the 'Massachusetts Means Business' initiative that will cut a quarter of regulations overseen by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations to save businesses time and money.

The changes will affect industries such as cosmetology, financial services, and grocery stores — a move supported by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce that believes the cut in red tape will help local companies thrive.

WPI has laid off 24 employees to stabilize its finances amid rising healthcare costs and federal policy uncertainty — the school said the cuts will help reduce expenses and assist affected staff with severance packages.

Career development directors at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State University say the Class of 2025 will enter a job market with a 7.3% rise in hiring compared to last year and nearly 90% of employers planning to hire while urging students to gain skills and work experience early—indicating a positive outlook despite some market uncertainty.

On May 29, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School honored top student scientists for outstanding research and leadership.

Dean Mary Ellen Lane presented the Dean’s Award to Qiu Yu Judy Huang and Janneke Icso—while Chancellor Michael F. Collins gave the Chancellor’s Award to PhD candidate Xuhang Li—recognizing their significant achievements.

Worcester Regional Airport is planning a 44-acre, 20-megawatt solar farm that will be one of the largest at an airport—officials say it will boost the airport's services.

American Eagle flights have returned to the Philadelphia hub to offer more connecting options for travelers.

The Worcester Bravehearts will celebrate their 12th season on Friday night at Fitton Field, marking them as the city’s longest running sports franchise and breaking the record once held by the IceCats.

The team held only two practices to build chemistry and will kick off the game at 6:30 p.m. (the first 500 fans will get commemorative T-shirts).

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.

Bandana Marbling Experience

4-6 p.m. — Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Float paint on water and create your own wearable art while enjoying a variety of beers.

WLL&S Annual Night at the WooSox

6:45-9:30 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling WooSox game followed by vibrant fireworks powered by Unibank.

Corey McLane Acoustic Performance

6-10 p.m. — Quarter Keg Pub — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of acoustic rock covers spanning classic to grunge genres.