Good morning, Worcester.

Fitchburg resident Luis Mejia, 63, was fatally shot on Sunday, Aug.

3 near Mechanic Street—police later arrested Jonathan Reyes-Contreras from New Jersey who pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Tracy Kraus, co-founder of Worcester Chamber Music Society and celebrated flautist, will receive the 43rd Annual ArtsWorcester Award on Sept.

10 at 5 p.m. at the Printers Building. The ceremony will have a performance by the Society and a free public reception at 6 p.m. — honoring her long work and contributions to local arts.

Readers voted Old Sturbridge Village as the top summer spot in Worcester County.

The living history museum—opened in 1946 and visited by more than 230,000 people a year—hosts the CowParade public art exhibit through September.

WPI was named 39th on the first LinkedIn Top Colleges list—using alumni job results to judge career readiness.

President Grace Wang said over 95% of graduates felt ready for a job because the school uses a learning by doing model.

On August 12, Worcester Public Schools announced that summer improvements were completed at Worcester East Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary, Worcester Technical High School and the Fanning Building—upgrading ventilation, parking, and accessibility before the new school year.

Smaller projects will finish in August while elevator installations at Thorndyke Road and Lincoln Street Schools will begin in summer 2026.

This week's Worcester Walks column returns to the central part of Douglas State Forest between Webster and Southwest Main streets for a 2-mile hike to Bad Luck Pond that passes streams, wetlands and rocky hills.

Visitors can park at a lot on Webster Street to access the Schmidt Trail—one of several routes that reveal the area’s long history from Nipmuc roots to Civilian Conservation Corps efforts.

The Gates Foundation awarded $3 million in grants to UMass Chan to study gut health in pregnant women from low- and middle-income countries.

The funds supported research by Dr. Bucci and Dr. Maldonado-Contreras to test beneficial bacteria treatments and targeted dietary supplements to lower the risk of preterm birth—aiming to improve outcomes.

Eight Massachusetts food brands are moving on in a USA TODAY Network reader poll that invites locals to vote on top grocery store items in four categories, including matchups between Friendly's Ice Cream and Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies as well as Cape Cod Potato Chips and Ocean Spray Cranberries. Voting closes on Aug. 17 with new polls set to open on Aug. 19 at 4 a.m.—readers can help decide the state’s favorite food brands.

Courtney Wilson dreamed of a wedding with a corgi and posted online for help just days before her ceremony; she got a response from Sydney Marcelle, owner of Neville Long Body (a mixed-breed corgi and Australian shepherd) who brought his pet for a drive-by visit, making the day unforgettable.

August Book Club - Demon Copperhead

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Gardner Ale House — Free entry — Gather with fellow readers to discuss 'Demon Copperhead' while enjoying food and friendship.

Terry Lee Goffee's Johnny Cash Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Stadium Theatre — Tickets from $21 — Experience the iconic music of Johnny Cash through an unforgettable tribute performance.

Grace Tyler Concert

7-11 p.m. — Indian Ranch — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening with Texas singer/songwriter Grace Tyler as she performs her music in a scenic venue.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Stadium Theatre — $31, $36, $41 — Experience the classic sounds of the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra, still captivating audiences worldwide.

Toad The Wet Sprocket Concert

6:30 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music at the Summer Stage in Charlton.

Summer Concerts on the Plaza featuring Holdin’ Back the 60’s

11:30 a.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Experience the groovy sounds of the 60s as Holdin’ Back the 60’s brings nostalgia to life.

Old Goat Track Club XC Classic

10 AM - 12 PM — Waters Farm — $35-$40 entry — Experience the excitement of a 5k XC race as part of the USATF New England All Terrain Series.

Andy Grammer Live Concert

7-11 PM — Tree House Brewing Company — Tickets required — Experience multiplatinum artist Andy Grammer as he energizes the crowd with his pop anthems.

VentureMeets Networking Event

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Courthouse Brew Co — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and expand your professional network in Worcester.

Dawes Concert

7 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music at a popular local brewery.