Good morning, Worcester.

A Purple Heart awarded to World War I hero Sergeant Thomas Flynn was returned to his grandson after being recovered from a safe deposit box by the State Treasury’s unclaimed property division—honoring Flynn’s bravery in combat and his long service as a Worcester firefighter.

Vivienne Coastal Mediterranean, a new restaurant in The Glass Tower on Main St., closed after an electrical fire early Tuesday that was quickly contained by the Fire Department — no injuries were reported and the owners say they plan to repair and reopen soon.

Since Chief Paul Saucier took office, the Worcester Police Department sustained its first use of force violations since 2015—one controversial officer left and two officers were disciplined for extra force and skipping required video reviews.

Two brothers were arrested on Monday, Sept.

8 after a car chase lasting nearly an hour through Worcester streets and Interstate 290 and Interstate 190 before being taken at 2 Hitchcock Road (a search of the home found ammunition, unnumbered firearms, a gun conversion kit, cocaine, and pills) and are facing multiple charges including gun offenses and drug trafficking.

NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal performed as DJ Diesel on Saturday, Sept 6 at the Breakaway Music Festival 2025 in downtown Worcester—he delivered an explosive EDM set with pyrotechnics and supported the Worcester Police by posing with a WPD SWAT hat.

UMass Chan Medical School's Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing held a pinning ceremony on Sept.

8 to honor 35 new nurses who changed careers and began paths toward advanced healthcare roles. The event recognized their achievements with awards for clinical and academic excellence.

Four candidates are in Worcester's mayor race after the withdrawal deadline ended on Sept.

9—incumbent Josheph M. Petty, Councilor Khrystian E. King, Edson Montero, and Owura Kwaku-Sarkodieh are set to run on Nov. 4. Voters will decide among them to choose the city's next leader.

Mosquitoes in the Burncoat neighborhood tested positive for West Nile virus, and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will spray pesticide on several streets after 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

11, weather permitting. Residents may opt out by following state instructions and are advised to close windows and keep pets indoors during and 15 to 20 minutes after the spraying.

Central Mass. boys' soccer season has begun with teams earning wins and standout players making an impact.

Tommy Cassell selected top candidates — including Abby Kelley with five goals and two assists and Gavin Bayer with five saves — for fans to vote on the Hometeam Boys’ Soccer Player of the Week.

Wachusett Brew Yard 0.0 Road Race

2-6 p.m. — Wachusett Brewing Company — Registration fee benefits charity — A fun non-race event supporting Boston Children's Hospital with food, drinks, and music.

Family Day at Free Play Bar & Arcade

11 AM – 5 PM — Freeplay Bar Arcade — $12 admission — Enjoy a day filled with arcade games, skee ball, air hockey, and pinball with the whole family.

Trombone Shorty Live

7-11 p.m. — Tree House Brewing Company — Entry details not specified — Enjoy an electrifying performance from the renowned Trombone Shorty.

Social Friday - Urbano & Bachata Night

7-11 p.m. — 961 Restaurant — Limited tickets available — Enjoy live performances and electrifying music at Worcester's hottest Urbano & Bachata night.

Varials Live Concert

12:30-4:30 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets available — Experience a powerful performance from Varials and dive into their intense sound with live music.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience world-class Irish music and dance that brings the spirit of Ireland alive on stage.

The Best Little Food Truck Festival in Milford

12-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Milford — Free entry — Enjoy delicious food trucks and live music while supporting a good cause.

22nd Annual Home Run 5K Road Race/Walk

10 AM — Jewish Healthcare Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community health with a fun-filled 5K run and walk.

Bonsai Workshop at Dirigible Brewing

7-9 p.m. — Dirigible Brewing Company — Registration required — Create your own bonsai tree while enjoying handcrafted beers and a cozy atmosphere.

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and Foghat

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience the legendary voices of Mickey Thomas and the rock sounds of Foghat.