Good morning, Worcester.

Four central Massachusetts manufacturers have received $1.06 million from the state's Center for Advanced Manufacturing today for equipment upgrades under the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program.

The funds support improvements at firms in Leominster, Webster, Hudson, and Boylston out of $4.8 million allocated statewide.

State and local leaders are urged to identify strong Opportunity Zone redevelopment candidates so that Central Massachusetts can maximize benefits from the federal program—if supported, the initiative may boost local economic growth.

UMass Chan Medical School PhD candidate Rebekka Anderson received a three-year fellowship from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases—supporting her study of calcium waves in C. elegans that may explain gout symptoms in Mark Alkema's lab.

Massachusetts lawmakers approved a $10M pilot scholarship program for UMass Chan medical students entering family medicine to ease student debt and boost local access to primary care.

The program runs through 2033 and awards aid based on financial need.

UMass Chan Medical School PhD candidate Jonathan Valeros was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to further his research on a novel electron carrier that may support cell function during low oxygen and help improve organ transplant procedures.

Worcester firefighter recruits practiced vital skills at the academy, including breathing techniques, ladder drills and live burns from March through May.

The series highlights the rigorous training needed for certification and underscores teamwork and safety to prepare them for emergency calls.

Bars confused patrons when alcohol was served until 3 a.m. during the June 12-14 extension while TVs, music, and games shut off at 2 a.m. The License Commission will vote on extending entertainment licenses on Thursday, June 18 (to allow later World Cup screenings) in Worcester.

After recent student losses, WPI parents sent a letter urging the college to invest $100 million in mental health research and require a mandatory first-year mental health course, and WPI is arranging a meeting with the families to discuss the proposals.

Epidemiologist Sam Telford of Central Mass advises that tick bites don't require ER visits — residents should remove ticks immediately, use repellents, and seek urgent care only if symptoms occur after 24 hours.

El Punto Latino won Best Food Truck 2026 at Spencer Fairgrounds on May 16 and now serves hamburgers + Puerto Rican-style hot dogs at a Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot at Lincoln Plaza; the cart operates from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Phoebe Carroll and Mia Casey, seniors at Hopedale High, nearly secured a historic three-sport state championship run during their final year when they lost 4-2 in the Division 5 softball state final at Worcester State’s Rockwood Field on June 13; they already claimed state titles in volleyball and basketball.

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.

Comedy Night with Tony V

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — Tickets required — Experience a night of laughter with comedy legend Tony V and special guest Emily Ruskowski.

Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox

4:05-8:05 p.m. — Polar Park — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an exciting minor league baseball showdown with local flair.

Jewish Heritage Day at the WooSox

1:05 – 2:05 PM — Polar Park — Tickets from $17 — Celebrate Jewish culture while enjoying a thrilling match between the Worcester Red Sox and Toledo Mud Hens.