Good morning, Worcester.

Thrive Support & Advocacy celebrated a year of growth by recognizing staff awards and expanding community programs that support people with disabilities in central Massachusetts.

The nonprofit is also hiring several positions as it launches a new greenhouse initiative to boost food security.

Studio Theater Worcester stages Superhero, a play about a mother and son coping with loss and finding hope with help from a mysterious stranger.

The show runs at the Flanagan Theatre at Southgate in Shrewsbury on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Millbury teen Dylan Jumper (13) finds comfort playing the organ at Polar Park, home of the Red Sox.

He performed live 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' on June 23 with family and mascots and returned Friday to showcase his talent on his 13th birthday.

The Worcester School Committee approved a $623.6 million school budget on June 25, marking a $34.8 million increase over last year.

The new plan allocates more funds for inflation costs & local contributions while avoiding teacher layoffs.

Anna Maria College filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after closing at the end of the spring semester amid declining enrollment, with the Board of Trustees saying teach-out and transfer partnerships will continue.

The college plans to reorganize its financial affairs.

City officials said a male swan at Institute Park with a fishing hook is handling the situation by removing the hook itself, so residents are urged not to interfere.

They have consulted state agencies + Boston Animal Rescue and advised against boating near Salisbury Pond.

Panelists on Radio Worcester said that the vote against statewide rent control leaves Worcester’s housing shortage unresolved, as household growth has outpaced new units (City Manager Eric Batista urged policymakers to expand the housing supply while praising the city’s modernized government).

The City of Worcester launched a Legacy Businesses Program to honor 24 longtime local businesses (averaging 70 years in operation) by inviting residents to celebrate historic diners, shops and community meeting spots.

City officials said the program will become an annual tradition with plans for expanded recognition afterward.

Senior Connection is launching a $20-million capital campaign to support a Worcester grandfamily housing project that advanced with a $765K purchase boosted by $3 million in federal funds.

Construction will begin in summer or fall 2027.

Local baseball games on Thursday and Friday saw wins by Shrewsbury (13-6 over Vernon Hill) and Tatnuck over Douglas, while Sturbridge edged South Side and American Legion teams secured wins.

Friday's schedule features six games at various local fields (weather may affect play).

Sean Magarian will defend his title at the Worcester County Amateur held today at Kettle Brook Golf Club in Paxton after past pressure hindered his performance.

He plans to ease his game and focus on fun as he prepares for rounds at Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston tomorrow.

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.

The Warped Tour Band Tribute

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Off The Rails — $ — Experience a night of nostalgia with tributes to Green Day and Blink 182.

Miss Fairchild Concert

8-11 p.m. — Off The Rails — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of live music with Miss Fairchild in Worcester.