Good morning, Worcester.

Councilor Etel Haxhiaj called for more education on safe heating practices as many residents risk using ovens and space heaters amid fuel assistance cuts during the federal shutdown.

Auburn Fire Department Lt. Skylar Stafford warned that systems unused in summer could fail when restarted—residents should check their detectors and heating equipment regularly—to prevent home fires.

Eleven Central Mass manufacturers received $1.83 million in funding to upgrade equipment and boost production.

The awards were announced Tuesday at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium — the funding is set to create 153 jobs and upskill 164 workers with support from nonprofits including Worcester's Venture Forum.

The Worcester License Commission approved a new Checkers fast food restaurant at 99 Gold Star Blvd yesterday - it will replace the closed Honey Dew Donuts location and may open as early as the second week of December, according to franchise owner Mouhamad Saleem and operations manager Natasha Javaid.

Nephesh Theatre will present its production Without An Evil Eye at 7 p.m. on Oct 26 at Congregation B'nai Shalom in Westborough where actor Asaf Ben Shimon tells his story of losing vision and following his dreams—this English-language version comes after strong audience requests following its U.S. debut in Worcester.

Professional figure skater Cassandra Ablack brings Moana’s magic to life as she plays Matangi from Moana 2 in the New England premiere of Disney on Ice presents Jump In at the DCU Center.

The performance runs through Sunday — it includes scenes from Inside Out 2 and Zootopia that offer a fun, family-friendly experience.

Today at 7 p.m. FRONTROOM at WCUW shows the film 'The Mastermind'—a heist movie inspired by a 1972 art theft—with additional screenings on Oct.

25 and 26. Other events this week include RioFlow’s Latin music show at FRONTROOM and 'The Phantom of the Opera' screening at Jean McDonough Arts Center on Oct. 25, a free Halloween concert at the College of the Holy Cross on Oct. 28, a Halloween party at Electric Haze on Oct. 31, and an Edgar Allan Poe double header at BrickBox Theater from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

Quinsigamond Community College has hired Rocky Knight as director of its new Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship in downtown Worcester, owned by Beverly-based Rucker Investments—also known for managing the Worcester Railers and Worcester Palladium.

Worcester Academy recently opened the Capozzoli Athletic Center at New Balance Performance Park—this 72,000 square-foot facility includes basketball courts, a weight room, pool, locker rooms, and a training room for student athletes while honoring the legacy of alumni donors.

On October 23, Attorney General Andrea Campbell gave opening remarks as part of Worcester's celebration marking 175 years since the first National Women’s Rights Convention.

She received two standing ovations at Mechanics Hall (321 Main St.) near the original site (Brinley Hall, 340 Main St.) and urged continued progress for equal rights while recounting her personal challenges.

Postdoctoral fellow Nikita Bhalerao at UMass Chan Medical School received the 2025 Rising Star Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and a fellowship from the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance for her research on pancreatic cancer and cancer cachexia—she will accept the award at the upcoming Courage for a Cure Awards Celebration.

On October 22, Mickey Mouse visited UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center to meet young patients and their families.

He will perform in Disney on Ice shows at the DCU Center—running through October 26—to entertain local audiences.

At Holy Cross, junior linebacker Adam Due stripped a receiver in the win against Richmond on Oct.

18 — sparking a strong defensive play with key contributions from junior running back Jayden Clerveaux and sophomore quarterback Braden Graham. Coach Curran praised the team and said they will carry the momentum into their Colgate game at 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Fitton Field.

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.

Niagara Purple Eagles at Holy Cross Crusaders Hockey

6-8 p.m. — Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex — Tickets required — Experience intense college hockey action as the Crusaders face off against the Purple Eagles.

Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers

3:05 – 4:35 PM — DCU Center — Tickets required — Catch the Worcester Railers take on the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.