Good morning, Worcester.

Goose, the escaped water monitor lizard, will appear at Gladys E.

Kelly Library in Webster on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon for an educational program after gaining local fame last summer. Tickets are required with 67 of 100 seats already reserved.

Worcester State University held its 13th annual convocation for the Class of 2030 on September 1 at the DeFeudis Wellness Center, where university leaders and students promoted campus involvement and personal growth, including awarding an honorary degree to alumnus Jerome Hewlett '87.

Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton named Melissa Mazan as interim dean after Alastair Cribb begins his retirement process.

Mazan will lead the school’s Strategic Vision 2030 (which includes curriculum overhaul and facility upgrades) as Cribb continues research until next summer.

Worcester State will host Homecoming and Family Weekend from Sept.

25–26, featuring a talk by Pulitzer-winning Megan Marshall at the Blue Lounge and a football game against Westfield State at John Coughlin Memorial Field, plus brunch and a flower workshop to reconnect students, families+ alumni.

Local students will speak live with an astronaut via amateur radio during the week of Oct.

12 – 17 at EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature at 222 Harrington Way, with a public celebration planned on Oct. 17 that features hands-on space and radio activities in collaboration with CMARA and North High School.

Worcester resident Michael Douglas filed a petition urging the School Committee to restrict flags at public schools to the U.S., state, city, and National League of Families POW/MIA banners & military flags in a bid to ensure symbolic uniformity.

The measure will be considered Thursday, Sept. 3.

UMass Chan Medical School starts its 2026 academic year with Convocation Week from Sept.

11 to Sept. 17 in Worcester. Highlights include the white coat ceremony on Sept. 11, nursing pinning on Sept. 14, and a Chancellor’s Medal event on Sept. 17—tickets are free at the Office of Student Life.

BBB of Central New England CEO Lisa Swanson said investment + cryptocurrency scams led to the greatest financial risk in 2025 with a median loss of $5,000, while employment and online purchase scams ranked next; nearly 15% of reported victims lost money three or more times.

Biomere Biomedical Research Models at 57 Union St. received a USDA warning in July for alleged handling issues with 16 monkeys noted in an April inspection, and a routine check in June showed no further problems.

Associate professor Shari Harding of UMass Chan Medical School explains how to choose online mental health services by detailing steps for checking clinician fit, insurance policies, and session privacy + warns that upcoming telehealth regulation changes may affect access to controlled substance prescriptions.

Dr. Uruj Kamal Haider explained that postpartum psychosis is a rare but treatable condition that can show early warning signs such as irritability and confusion, so families and caregivers are urged to seek help promptly if these signs appear.

Worcester State University will induct five former student-athletes, one honorary contributor, and the 2007 women’s soccer team (covering sports such as field hockey, football, and volleyball) into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept.

25 at the Wellness Center during Homecoming Weekend.