Good morning, Worcester.

The Worcester Police Department has a new comfort dog—given by Julie Dillow in memory of her brother—and is asking the public to vote on his name after third graders offered ideas including Sprinkles, Oreo, Biscuit, Coco, Dogman, Cuff, Gubby and Chamomile.

Officer Michael Higgins will care for the pup off duty, and the school with the winning name will receive his first visit, with voting open until Sunday, Oct. 19th at 11 p.m.—the community is invited to take part.

A wild turkey nicknamed Kevin—also known as Officer Gobbles—has been disrupting traffic, scratching lawns and chasing residents in Sterling.

Wildlife experts warn that feeding wild turkeys can make them lose fear of people and become aggressive.

On Oct. 17, 1970, Leonard Cohen performed at Clark University in Atwood Hall before about 800 people, marking his only show in Worcester.

His set mixed sad, funny and hopeful songs—and he even invited the audience on stage—which has made the event a lasting memory in the city's music history.

Worcester County artists received nominations for the Boston Music Awards, with Grammy-nominated Joyner Lucas named for Artist of the Year and Album/EP of the Year and local talents like Evelynroze and Carlos Odria also in the running.

The awards ceremony will be held on Dec. 17 at Big Night Live — near TD Garden.

Nancy Vickery-Taylor, who has spent nearly 30 years as a paraeducator at Flagg Street School, is finishing her bachelor's in elementary education at Worcester State through the Paraprofessional Educator to Bachelor's Program—a donor-supported path that helps ease the teacher shortage. She will begin student teaching in the spring as she celebrates a full-circle moment with her granddaughter also graduating college that same week.

Massachusetts households earned a median income of $104,828 in 2024, the highest among all states and $23,224 above the national median of $81,604.

Visual Capitalist ranked coastal states high while many southern states recorded lower figures.

At Thursday night's public hearing, Oakham residents strongly opposed a proposed battery storage facility on Coldbrook Road—citing concerns over public safety and the Quabbin Reservoir watershed.

Speakers—including a state representative and the fire chief—warned that the project violated a town bylaw and urged regulators to deny the application.

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester could receive up to $18 million from the Department of Defense to lead a nationwide clinical study testing if metformin can treat a form of chronic, progressive lung disease—this study may open new treatment options.

The Worcester Railers open their season today with a pre-game block party from 4 to 6 p.m.—international beatboxer NaPoM will entertain families on Saturday while Bluey makes a special appearance on Sunday.

Adirondack Thunder vs Worcester Railers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting match as the Worcester Railers take on the Adirondack Thunder in their eighth season of ECHL action.

Get the Led Out Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Stadium Theatre — $34, $39, $44 — Experience the epic sounds of Led Zeppelin performed live with authentic energy and artistry.

Long Subaru 15th Annual Love-A-Pet Event

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Long Subaru — Free entry — Celebrate furry friends with adoptable pets and a cutest pet contest.

Live Music Featuring Josh Kerwin

11 AM – 3 PM — Tangerini's Spring Street Farm — Free entry — Experience self-taught artistry with Josh Kerwin's unique piano and vocal performance.

Worcester Bitcoin Meetup

6-9 p.m. — The Boynton Restaurant & Spirits — Free entry — Connect with local bitcoin enthusiasts to share insights and deepen your understanding of Bitcoin.

Hallelujah Night Celebration

7-10 p.m. — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets required ($1) — Experience an inspiring evening of worship and community with uplifting performances.

Born of Osiris with The Browning

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — Tickets available — Experience high-energy performances from progressive metal innovators as part of the Through Shadows USA Tour.

Kyung-Wha Chung: Violin Recital

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Mechanics Hall — $15-$84 — Experience acclaimed violinist Kyung-Wha Chung showcasing masterful sonatas alongside pianist Kevin Kenner.

Colorful Cocktails: A Pen and Watercolor Workshop

5-7 p.m. — The White Eagle — $55 for one, $100 for two — Unleash your creativity while painting seasonal cocktails in this beginner-friendly watercolor workshop.

An Evening of Authors at Worcester Public Library

5:45-9 p.m. — Worcester Public Library — Fundraiser event — Celebrate literature with Chris Bohjalian, Wally Lamb, and Kristina Forest over drinks and food.