Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of July.
Good morning, Worcester.
🏘️ Community
The Boys & Girls Clubs announced that president Chris Duane will retire after 30 years of service.
The nonprofit will honor her legacy with a fundraising gala on Oct. 23 at the Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center and is collecting testimonials from club members.
💼 Business
Carrier Global Corp announced that it will sell Westborough-based NORESCO to California-based OPTERRA Energy Services (a subsidiary of LS Power) with the deal expected to close soon.
Carrier bought NORESCO in 2008 and the firm worked on major contracts for the FBI and Army.
Café Reyes in Worcester received a $250K Social Enterprise Capital Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development to upgrade its kitchen and purchase equipment for expanded production and training space—benefiting graduates of LAHA’s Hector Reyes House.
LAHA is one of two nonprofits to receive funding in this round.
🎭 Culture
Femme Bar in Worcester was named one of USA Today’s 2026 Bars of the Year on July 29, marking it as one of the few surviving lesbian bars since its early 2023 opening.
The venue on Green Street offers live music, drag brunches and signature cocktails.
📰 Economy
A CNBC report shows that Massachusetts ranked 15th for overall business while it still ranks 49th for cost of doing business.
Lawmakers and business groups are working on policies to improve career education and lower costs so more people stay in the state.
🎓 Education
Massachusetts officials have proposed replacing the old MCAS requirement with new end-of-course tests in English, math, and science and adding a MassCore curriculum (including a capstone project) for high school graduation.
Students entering ninth grade in fall 2027 will be the first affected as the plan awaits legislative review.
Seven Hills Foundation merged with Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities (MassEdCO) on July 1 to continue aiding disadvantaged students with college and career support in Worcester; the merger keeps programs like TRIO and GEAR-UP running.
Today, WPI received $1.5M in federal funding to build a continuous-flow reactor that destroys PFAS (forever chemicals) in contaminated soil, and Congressman McGovern will visit campus to officially announce the grant advancing the technology toward real-world use.
🎉 Worcester Events
Submit an event →
Comedy Night with Christine Hurley
Doors 6:30 PM — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians Christine Hurley and James Dorsey.
Ekoh Concert
7-10 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets from $47 — Experience the electrifying live performance of hip-hop artist Ekoh.
Worcester Red Sox vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs
12:05-1:05 p.m. — Polar Park — $40-$50 — Reserve your parking now for a thrilling game between rivals at Polar Park.
Summer Dance Intensive Week
Various times — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Cost information not specified — A week-long immersive program for young dancers to explore various dance styles and techniques.
Sonoma at the Beechwood: 5-Course Beer Dinner
Join Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood Hotel on Thursday, August 13, for an exclusive Five-Course Summer Beer Dinner featuring chef-crafted cuisine expertly paired with premium craft beers from some of New England's finest breweries. Tickets are $85 per person; reservations are required by calling 508-453-1174.
🏠 Worcester Real Estate
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💼 Worcester Job Board
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📣 Worcester Announcements
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