Good morning, Worcester.

Worcester Animal Rescue League has named Aimee Contois as its new executive director starting Sept 29 — she is an Auburn official with over a decade of experience as an animal control officer and will rebuild the nonprofit as it finalizes a new contract with the City.

Traffic has backed up on Grafton Street outside Roosevelt Elementary School because a local business owner placed orange cones that block customers from parking—Luis Suarez said drivers face nearly half-mile delays and safety risks, while city officials said an expanded parking lot with over 40 spaces is under construction to ease the flow.

The Brazilian Festival of Worcester will take place at Institute Park on Sept.

14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—the event celebrates Minas Gerais with live music, dance, food, and activities for children while drawing about 2,000 attendees. Organizers hope the festival reinforces community ties through vibrant Brazilian cultural traditions.

Today, Worcester features a series of cultural events including the political comedy 'The Minutes' at the Warner Academy Performance Center at 7:30 p.m., a rock R&B set by The Metrons at FRONTROOM on Sept.

13, and a guitar party by Midnight Riders and the 413s at Electric Haze on Sept. 13. Poet Hanif Abdurraqib will speak at Luth Concert Hall on Sept. 16 and The Australian Pink Floyd Show will perform at The Hanover Theatre on Sept. 19 (ticket prices vary) (advance registration is needed for some events).

David Howard Thornton, who plays Art the Clown in Terrifier, will attend Silver Scream Con IV starting today at the DCU Center — he will hold photo ops and meet fans during the event which runs until Sept 14.

Nafisa Tanjeem from Worcester State earned the 2025 Public Scholarship Award from the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement for her work helping communities with big challenges—she accepted the award in Durban, South Africa with travel support from the university.

On Sept. 10, UMass Chan Medical School honored 74 PhD and MD/PhD candidates who passed their qualifying exam and received laser pointers and business cards—Chancellor Collins urged them to continue their research amid tight federal support.

Today, WPI announced that David LaMarco will serve as associate vice president for facilities and campus planning on Oct.

6 — he brings more than 20 years of experience from managing campus buildings and projects at Wheaton College. He will lead a team of about 110 professionals and oversee projects with a budget of over $40 million — ensuring the campus grows safely with green practices.

Spotted lanternflies were seen in over 50 cities across nine counties including Worcester this summer and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources said the insect endangers grape vines and young trees even though it is not harmful to people or pets—residents are encouraged to use management guides to decide on traps or pesticide treatment. Homeowners frustrated by sticky honeydew are monitoring their properties for signs of infestation.

Governor Healey visited UMass Memorial Medical Center's Cancer Center on Wednesday to promote the DRIVE Initiative— a $400M state funding plan to boost medical research and job creation in Massachusetts— as federal cuts continue to impact funding.

Worcester filed an application with the Supreme Judicial Court on Sept.

8 to review a lower court ruling ordering the city to pay Holden over $26.5M plus interest and costs—city officials said the payments were set by a contract with the Commonwealth, not a direct agreement with Holden. The appeal now awaits a decision.

After two close road losses, Holy Cross will host its home opener on Sept.

13 at 2 p.m. at Fitton Field against No. 5/6 ranked Rhode Island. The Rams visit for the first time since 1988—while the Crusaders aim to overcome missed field goals and red-zone struggles from previous games.

Tommy Cassell released his predictions for every local high school football game in Central Mass & Worcester area for Week 2 starting Thursday, noting key matchups, new coaches, and standout players.

His detailed picks offer local fans insight into which teams are expected to perform well this fall.

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.