Good morning, Worcester.

The Friends of the Worcester Public Library donated $50,000 for the new Great Brook Valley Branch (scheduled to open in 2027) at a new Economic Opportunity Center on Tacoma Street, marking their 70th anniversary celebrated during National Friends of Libraries Week.

Worcester State University President Barry Maloney has been selected as Grand Marshal for the 2027 Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade on March 14.

He will lead families along Park Avenue during the celebration of Irish heritage — a community tradition that highlights his local ties.

Worcester Regional Airport set a record with 231,000 passengers in fiscal 2026, and Massport is aiming to boost figures to over 500,000 by 2035 (a new Research Bureau brief outlines route challenges and growth plans).

State grants totaling $1 million were announced Oct.

22 to help 22 Worcester County high schools expand career pathways, with Worcester Public Schools receiving ($45,915) to support programs in health care and clean energy for nearly 9,000 students next school year.

Assumption University announced the Larry Lucchino Institute today through a gift from the Lucchino Family trust, naming WooSox President Charles Steinberg as founding director.

The institute will offer courses and events where students from all majors can explore sports and receive renewable $4,000 scholarships for Lucchino Scholars.

MassDOT sent a letter to Amazon on Oct.

22 restricting its drone delivery plans from its Westborough facility until it obtains a certificate of approval (addressing local concerns about safety, privacy and the environment). The decision will be reviewed at a public hearing.

Worcester officials announced a record $5.5M HUD grant on Monday, Oct.

19 to remove lead hazards from 160 homes for low- and very low-income families with young children. Eligible property owners are urged to contact the city for more details.

State investigators declared that RegalCare at Worcester (25 Oriol Drive) poses imminent jeopardy to residents after a dementia patient wandered off the property, and new admissions are currently barred until care standards improve.

The state is reviewing the operator’s compliance as it proceeds with further appeals.

Quabbin Regional High School football team (the Panthers) has canceled its next two games due to a shortage of healthy players; the team will not play today at Tyngsborough or next Friday at Groton-Dunstable.