Good morning, Worcester.

Thrive Support and Advocacy will host its 4th annual A Prom for All Ages to honor individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — CEO Sean Rose noted that the event offers a meaningful experience while stressing the urgent need to support the food pantry amid rising demand. The organization will seek donations to help keep the pantry well-stocked as it prepares for the upcoming event.

Today on Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino and Mark Henderson discussed the Natale Consenza settlement—an ICE arrest of a Milford student sparked protests and layoffs were announced at Clark University affecting faculty.

They offered local insight into these ongoing issues.

Checkers, a popular burger chain from Tampa, will open its first New England location in Worcester at 99 Gold Star Boulevard within three to six months.

The restaurant—run by local operators who also own other quick-serve locations—will feature indoor seating with a fenced patio.

Worcester city councilor Etel Haxhiaj was charged with misdemeanor assault on a police officer on Wednesday—she is accused of pushing an officer during an ICE raid protest on May 8 at Eureka Street while claiming the police used excessive force.

Kathy Gagne retires after 30 years at Mechanics Hall—7 of those as executive director—and her legacy will be celebrated on June 13 with Encore, a Night of Music and Celebration that will feature musical performances and help raise funds for the historic venue.

Worcester hosted filming for key scenes of 'The Walking Dead: Dead City' along Norwich—Main and Belmont Streets that brought local flavor to its zombie apocalypse storyline.

The June 1 episode may be the last to feature our city, potentially ending its role as Wormtown in the series.

WPI has been awarded $6.3 million by DARPA to launch Rubble to Rockets—an initiative that uses AI and 3D printing to turn scrap metal into durable components in resource-limited settings.

The team will soon test a proof-of-concept sounding rocket to ensure the performance and reliability of these parts.

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.

Lets Sing Taylor - A Live Band Experience

1-2:30 p.m. — Indian Ranch — General Admission — Experience the ultimate tribute to Taylor Swift's music with a lively live band performance.

Learn how to sing 4 part harmony for free this summer!

Ladies, come join Women of Note for 6 weeks of singing. Mondays, June 23-August 4th. You will learn to sing 2 songs and hopefully have some fun along the way. No singing experience necessary, although we love to welcome women who have experience in acapella harmonies. RSVP on our website please.

VentureMeets Business Networking Night

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Courthouse Brew Co — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and explore new ideas in a relaxed brewery setting.

Worcester County Amateur Championship

36-hole tournament — Jun 28-29 — Wachusett Country Club — Registration required — Compete in a thrilling amateur golf showcase in the heart of Worcester County.