Good morning, Worcester.

Boston Scientific announced that Joseph Fitzgerald will become chief operating officer effective Jan.

1, 2027 to manage global operations and three reportable segments, Interventional Therapies, Rhythm Solutions + MedSurg. The reorganization will speed decision-making and improve investment allocation.

Business owners can now use a new state Technical Assistance Stipend Program that covers 50% of costs for feasibility studies, valuations and legal services for employee ownership transitions.

Firms can apply on a rolling basis to receive up to $25,000 for ESOP projects + $12,500 for worker cooperatives.

Altus Dental has served 400,000+ members by providing tailored dental and vision benefit plans to small businesses in Worcester for 25 years.

The company (focusing on personalized support) remains committed to helping employers navigate complex benefit choices.

MassCEO launched a program on Tuesday that covers 50% of approved consulting costs for Massachusetts businesses exploring employee ownership, with up to $25,000 for ESOPs and $12,500 for worker co-ops (eligible work includes feasibility, valuation, legal, and structuring) while applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Today the Worcester School Committee will consider banning smart glasses in schools as Vice Chair Molly McCullough recommends a change after staff raised concerns about cheating and secret recording, with exceptions for medical needs while some parents support the cautious approach.

City officials will share the road improvement plan for Chandler and May Streets, including roundabout designs, at a public meeting on Thursday, Oct.

15 at 6 p.m. at the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School auditorium (525 Chandler St.).

At Tuesday’s council meeting, officials asked the city manager to assess how WPI’s new mandate for first-year students living on campus will affect local landlords, restaurants and the hotels that WPI still operates commercially.

The report will be delivered soon (the university is not converting hotels).

Massachusetts ranked first for women’s and children’s health in the 2026 America’s Health Rankings report, showing the lowest teen suicide rate and highest pediatrician concentration.

Gov. Healey said the state will aim to improve teen drug use & cervical cancer screening.

A study of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts shows spending rose nearly 12% in fiscal 2025 (with GLP-1 drug costs up 84%), highlighting growing healthcare challenges.

CEO Sarah Iselin will address these rising pressures at a forum today at the State House with Harvard’s Michael Chernew.