Good morning, Worcester.

Lady, a small brown dog, was reunited with her family after she had been missing for 46 days following her escape at Thousand Trails Campground in Sturbridge—volunteers with Missing Dogs Massachusetts tracked her using trail cameras and local tips and she was caught and returned on October 27. The family, returning from a trip in Maine, is set to drive back to Ohio with their beloved pet.

A retired Worcester firefighter ran into a burning home on John Ushinski’s Street to rescue a trapped woman without any protective gear+ both are now in hospital after suffering smoke inhalation, and neighbors reported the dramatic rescue as local firefighters arrived soon after.

Planet Fitness will open a new 18,000 square-foot gym at 366 Southbridge St. in Auburn in November— the club will offer free weights, 51 pieces of cardio equipment, 56 strength machines and specialty features like massage chairs and cryotherapy units.

Several Worcester clubs are hosting Halloween events from Oct.

30 to Nov. 1 that include a fancy ball at Salisbury House on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. and music shows at Brookyln, Husky’s Pub, Greendale’s Pub, and parties at Rascals bar, Freeplay Bar Arcade, Bay State Brewary & Tap Room, Electric Haze, and The White Eagle. Ticket prices range from $10 to $135 and some events offer costume contests and prizes—organizers plan a fun, spooky weekend—inviting the community to join in.

Worcester Magazine’s Digital Battle of the Bands enters its penultimate round as Big Nate Allstar faces Gracie Day and Evil Felipe contends with Michael Kane and the Morning Afters plus strong online fan support.

Voting ends Nov. 6 and the final round begins at 5 a.m. on Nov. 10.

Crew and cast from The Walking Dead: Dead City filmed season three scenes downtown near the Great Wall Chinese restaurant by Jean McDonough Arts Center on Oct.

23 and Oct. 24—continuing work from last month.

Caroline Bigelow, a cemetery tour guide and board officer for the Friends of Hope Cemetery, says visitors must follow posted rules and stay on marked paths—ensuring respect for the graves of historic figures like Abby Kelley Foster, Robert Goddard, and Peter Slater.

She will lead a tour at Hope Cemetery in November to help locals learn how to visit these sacred sites properly.

Renowned microbiome expert Andrew T.

Gewirtz, PhD, will deliver the keynote address at the Fredric Fay Memorial Symposium on Nov. 4 at UMass Chan Medical School in the Albert Sherman Center auditorium — his talk 'Gut Microbiota, Innate Immunity and Viral Infection' is part of a program with presentations from faculty and trainees and will be followed by a reception.

Political journalist Jonathan Martin visited Worcester State University on October 22 to discuss American politics with faculty and students.

He stressed that clear, accountable news is needed and urged everyone to get involved in journalism and politics—organizers included the university office and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Local nonprofits and United Way of Central Mass are preparing to help 80,000 SNAP users if federal benefits end on Nov.

1 due to the government shutdown—officials plan a rally today at noon at the State House urging the USDA to use its contingency funds. The United Way has set up an emergency fund, raising nearly $1 million to buy $100 food gift cards for SNAP recipients while state leaders stress Massachusetts cannot fill the gap from its rainy day fund.

UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester selected an English physician as its new chief of cardiac surgery—his appointment aims to strengthen the hospital's heart team.

Leominster quarterback Osiris Lopez passed 10,000 total yards with three touchdown passes in a 44-6 win over Westborough, joining a small group of Massachusetts quarterbacks on that milestone.

Other teams, including Bay Path and Uxbridge, posted strong performances in Week 8 as standout players set the stage for key matchups this Friday—like Doherty hosting Tantasqua on its new turf field—with playoff ambitions on the line.

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.

Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting hockey matchup.

Trois-Rivières Lions vs Worcester Railers

6:05-7:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Trois-Rivières Lions in an exciting ECHL matchup.