Good morning, Worcester.

Communities in Lunenburg and Leominster honor 7-year-old Haddie Boucher, who lost her battle with a rare brain tumor, by displaying green bows and lights today — funeral services are set for Friday, June 5 and local schools hold a half day.

Startup advisor Anna Welland explained how early-stage founders can boost company runway by using non-dilutive funding (grants) and smart fractional hiring in a talk with Auxilium's Executive Director, Zak Dutton in Worcester.

She noted female founders face capital challenges and need a strong infrastructure to manage grants.

Sports bar chain Yard House will open on June 15 at the Shops at Blackstone Valley in Millbury.

The chain will occupy a 7,500 sqft building + a 1,500 sqft patio as part of the mall’s expanding lineup.

Minneapolis alt-rock band Soul Asylum will perform at Off the Rails in Worcester on July 29 as part of their tour promoting the live album MPLS Unplugged (recorded in Minneapolis), with tickets available on June 5.

Clark University announced plans for the world’s first professional doctorate in geospatial technology, set to begin in the summer of 2027.

The low-residency program will require experienced professionals to visit campus in Worcester three times — one for orientation and two for week-long residencies.

Worcester residents propose renaming Great Brook Valley Playground Park as Arries Ann Ward Playground rather than honoring Roberto Clemente.

The proposal moves to the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 11 — council members urge more research of past commitments.

The Rundown panel discussed Rutland's cancellation of Fourth of July festivities following a failed tax override vote + Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis offered community assistance.

Panelists also reviewed a new Inspector General report on sheriff operations and debated how media headlines shape public perception.

Worcester’s Main South CDC opened six affordable lease-to-own commercial condos (807-815 Main St.) earlier this week to give local business owners a path to generational wealth; a ribbon-cutting was held on Tuesday with support from MassDevelopment and Bay State Bank in a $2.4M project.

2026 Spring SNCA BJJ In-House Kids Championship

Time TBA — Worcester Massachusetts — Entry fees may apply — Experience exciting Gi divisions for kids of all ages and skill levels in a safe, competitive environment.

Healthcare and Human Services Job Fair

10 AM – 12 PM — MassHire Worcester Career Center — Free entry — Connect with top employers hiring in the healthcare and human services sectors.

The Deloreans Concert at Firefly's BBQ

9-11 p.m. — Firefly's BBQ — $5 Cover — Enjoy a night of brass-kickin' Rock and Soul from the 70s and 80s with The Deloreans.

The 26th Miss Massachusetts Teen Competition

7-10 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — $59 — Celebrate the talent and ambition of young women competing for the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Teen.

Massachusetts Cheese Festival 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — Stone Cow Brewery — VIP ticket available — Celebrate local cheese with tastings, music, and educational sessions.

Worcester Caribbean American Heritage Festival

12-7 p.m. — Institute Park — Free entry — Celebrate diverse cultures with music, food, and entertainment honoring Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Worcester Bravehearts vs. Norwich Sea Unicorns Baseball

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Fitton Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as local teams battle it out on the diamond.

Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Polar Park — Tickets from $15 — Catch a thrilling baseball game between the Mud Hens and the Red Sox in Worcester.

Kittie Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Palladium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful sound of Kittie as they rock the stage with fan favorites and new songs.

Ash & Eric: ValleyCAST Free Summer Concert Series

5-9 p.m. — Open Sky Alternatives' Whitin Mill — Free entry — Enjoy a live performance by Ash & Eric, bringing gritty tunes from Worcester's heart.