Good morning, Worcester.

Celebrations for America's 250th anniversary begin today with Auburn's family day at Pappas Recreation Complex and Worcester's festive event at Cristoforo Colombo Park on July 2, followed by free concerts, parades, and fireworks in Webster, Fitchburg, and at Polar Park throughout early July.

Construction of WuXi Biologics at The Reactory life sciences park off Belmont Street resumed following a 2024 delay, and the 189,500 sqft facility will open in 2028 with 250 jobs.

The project expanded from a 107,000 sqft plan (capacity grew from 24,000 to 36,000 liters) and costs $300 million.

Silver Scream Con V will run Oct.

2-4 at the DCU Center (50 Foster St) in Worcester, with confirmed celebrity guests like Linda Blair and Juliette Lewis set to delight horror fans.

Anna Maria, a local school facing declining enrollment and four years of operating losses, filed for bankruptcy as it plans to sell assets to offset lost COVID grants and weaker investment returns.

WPI hosted a national symposium on project-based learning and its 12th annual Institute, where over 80 educators exchanged hands-on strategies to boost creativity and prepare students for an AI-driven economy in Worcester today.

The events underscored the growing value of real-world skills in higher education.

UMass Memorial Medical Center warned on June 29 about a steep rise in e-bike and scooter injuries, reporting three to five trauma cases weekly compared to one per week last year.

Doctors said safety improvements are needed to curb more serious injuries.

UMass Chan researchers are studying acupuncture as part of integrative medicine for chronic pain relief today, using advanced imaging (showing changes in brain activity and inflammation) that may reduce reliance on opioids; their work could soon offer a safer alternative to traditional pain medications.

Dr. George Abraham of Saint Vincent advises travelers to eat cooked foods, peel fruits, and skip ice in drinks to avoid germs abroad.

He recommends a doctor visit before leaving to get vaccines and malaria tablets (and practice hand washing) for a safe trip.

Worcester investor Michael Ermani bought the 72-unit Flats at Merrills Pond for $15 million, expanding his local multifamily housing portfolio.

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.