Good morning, Worcester.

A Worcester man is offering a $1,000 reward (Isabel has been his pet for more than 20 years) after his tortoise disappeared from its fenced porch on Father's Day weekend.

He searched nearby neighborhoods and distributed flyers on Monday as cooler weather raises health concerns for the pet.

Hundreds gathered at Worcester Common on Tuesday, June 23 to watch Ghana play in a World Cup match on a large screen amid rain.

The crowd enjoyed traditional drumming (and West African cuisine) while celebrating their team’s draw with England.

Worcester’s Vivienne Coastal Mediterranean now offers Thursdays-only lunch service as a test pilot at 446 Main.

The upscale restaurant, owned by Niche Hospitality Group, may expand hours after Labor Day if it attracts enough business.

The Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers of scam risks on Prime Day using fake websites & phishing emails.

Consumers are advised to verify website addresses, avoid unsolicited links, and use secure payment methods to protect personal information.

Five patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence are interred in historic graveyards open to visitors; John Adams rests in Quincy while Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine lie at Granary Burying Ground, and Elbridge Gerry is buried in Washington (D.C.).

America’s 250th anniversary is celebrated with local fireworks in Worcester (Cristoforo Colombo Park, 180 Shrewsbury St.) on Saturday, June 27 from 4–10 p.m.; the display begins at 9:30 p.m. and joins similar statewide events.

Local residents are urging the city to rescue an injured swan near Institute Park after Father's Day efforts (June 21) failed to remove a fishing hook from its wing.

The city has created a work order and is coordinating with Mass Wildlife for guidance.

The 261-acre Anna Maria College campus in Paxton is now for sale after the school closed due to financial woes.

The Trustees of Clark University in Worcester sold two 19th-century residences (which were used as offices) for $1.8 million.

The sale marks the university's shift in repurposing its space.

Four top Red Sox prospects, Franklin Arias, Anthony Eyanson, Johanfran Garcia and Hayden Mullins, could join Triple A Worcester soon based on their strong play in Portland.

They are looking for more playing time as the season continues.

Worcester’s WooSox returned home on Tuesday to Polar Park with Red Sox rehabbers Romy Gonzalez + Patrick Sandoval, while pitcher Brayan Bello is set to debut on Thursday.

The team will hold night games at 6:45 p.m. and showcase new alternate jerseys on Saturday.

Southborough native Alex Karaban (UConn star) was picked 29th overall in the NBA Draft Tuesday and traded to the Sacramento Kings, with news delivered to him in Worcester.

He becomes the first Central Mass. athlete drafted since Michael Bradley in 2001.

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.

Milford's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

8 p.m. — Plains Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food vendors, and a stunning fireworks finale.

Worcester Fourth of July Fireworks

9:30 PM — East Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display and community festivities.

WooSox Town Takeover Night

6:45-9:45 p.m. — Polar Park — Every ticket purchased supports a local organization — Experience Shrewsbury’s Town Takeover while cheering on the WooSox.

Summer Event Series: Insect Day

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — EcoTarium — Admission included — Celebrate Insect Day with hands-on activities, educational programs, and encounters with local caterpillar species.

Nashua Silver Knights vs. Worcester Bravehearts

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Fitton Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup featuring local teams in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Perreoland Live Show

8-11 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets start at $90 — Experience an unforgettable live performance from Perreoland in Worcester.