Good morning, Worcester.

Gardner-based Precision Optics has secured a $723K order to produce AR headset sub-assemblies for U.S. Air Force fighter pilot training.

The order comes as the aviation AR market is set to grow over 20% by 2030 + the firm plans to move its headquarters to Littleton after a $1.29M state tax credit.

Flexcon named a new CEO after three top executives left the Spencer-based film and adhesive manufacturer.

The leadership change is expected to drive the company in a new direction.

Big Nate Allstar and Evil Felipe will compete in Worcester Magazine's Digital Battle of the Bands finale as votes close at 6 p.m. on November 14, and voters have backed each band through three rounds of musical matches + thousands of votes to decide the winner.

Fit For A King will perform at The Palladium in Worcester at 7 p.m. Nov.

21 with Make Them Suffer, Spite, and 156/Silence; the band will showcase songs from its new album 'Lonely God' that mix heavy metal sounds with softer ballads—general admission tickets cost $41 and reserved seating is sold out.

WPI received a $1 million grant to create a new hydrogen jobs training program in partnership with community colleges and Western New England University—13 students will train, receive stipends, and secure internships as part of the project.

The program will build skills for roles in fuel cell and electrolyzer technology before the end of the year.

Worcester State University's Communication Department received a $184,000 grant from the Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet to upgrade its equipment — it will buy professional photography, video, and audio gear to expand training programs.

The department will use the funds to give students hands-on experience and help them prepare for growing jobs in media.

The reporter recaps Week 10 high school football playoff action across Central Mass where Hudson and Leominster posted key wins with standout plays from their junior quarterbacks and runners.

The teams will face more quarterfinal matchups this Friday — including local Division 7 showdowns — as Week 11 begins and the postseason heats up.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said he felt following Tom Brady's legacy was a blessing rather than a burden during an interview at Gillette Stadium on November 9.

He said he watched Brady's plays for ideas—he believes this inspires him to set his own path with coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

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.

Maine Mariners at Worcester Railers

10:00-11:35 a.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill as the Worcester Railers skate into action against the Maine Mariners in an exciting ECHL matchup.

Macbeth

7:30 p.m. — Worcester State University — $7-$15 — Experience Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of power.

Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — DCU Center — Tickets available — Catch the Worcester Railers in action as they battle their rivals on home ice.

Atreyu Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palladium — $54+ — Experience an electrifying performance by Atreyu at one of Worcester's premier venues.

Blind Guardian Somewhere Far Beyond Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticketed event — Celebrate 30 years of German speed metal with Blind Guardian as they bring their classic album to life.

Yacht Lobsters Concert

7-8 p.m. — Off The Rails — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the nostalgic sounds of 70's and early 80's Soft Rock with the Yacht Lobsters.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

3:00-4:30 p.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic holiday rock opera with an all-new production from TSO.

2025 Trot With Ted 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run

9:30 a.m. — Tantasqua Regional High School — $30 registration fee — Run for a good cause to fund educational grants for local teachers while enjoying family-friendly competition.