Good morning, Worcester.

Nearly 300 donors and students gathered at Worcester State University’s Scholarship Brunch, where record support raised $1.8 million to fund 397 scholarships and create 32 new funds — officials say the milestone will ease financial burdens and open doors for students.

Speakers highlighted that the generous contributions will transform opportunities for many aspiring scholars.

The Massachusetts state auditor has questioned UMass Memorial Health’s use of $6.2M in COVID relief funds — asking for clearer accountability — as part of an ongoing audit.

MassDOT is asking Massachusetts students to submit creative names for a snowplow in its fourth annual contest—entries are due by 5 p.m. on Dec.

5. Twelve winners from two grade groups in each of the state's six Highway Divisions will receive a $100 gift card and a school visit when winners are announced on Dec. 22.

UMass Memorial Health signed a three-year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to keep nearly 200,000 members covered as the previous agreement was set to expire Dec.

31 — the deal came after months of tough negotiations.

Wilbraham and Monson Academy girls volleyball advanced to the NEPSAC Class C semifinals after beating Marianapolis Prep in a 3-1 win at Greenhalgh Gymnasium— they will host Hamden Hall Country Day in the semifinals on Saturday.

Minnechaug senior wide receiver Max Baroni has tied the Western Mass record with 22 career touchdowns and will have a chance to break it later today when his team faces Chicopee Comp at 6 p.m.—a touchdown will set a new record.

This opportunity could make his name a permanent part of local high school sports history.

Tommy Cassell, a local sports expert, predicted all the winners for Week 11 high school football games in Central Mass—his forecast covers playoff and non-playoff matchups while building on his 19-2 record from last week.

The Holy Cross football team's special teams have been strong this season as they rank in the top two in many Patriot League categories by blocking punts and returning them for touchdowns.

They will play Bucknell this Saturday at noon.

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.

Handel's Messiah Performance

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket purchase required — Experience the Worcester Chorus as they perform the timeless holiday classic, Handel's Messiah.