Good morning, Worcester.

A friendly diner contest in Central Massachusetts moves into round 2 as local voters choose between matchups like Yankee Diner (Charlton) vs. Lou Roc's and others, with voting open until noon November 25.

Eight diners were eliminated in round 1, and the winners of the four matchups will advance to determine the best diner in the contest.

Athol-based L.S. Starrett Co. has partnered with Ohio-based H.

Gerstner and Sons to offer 120 limited edition wooden tool chests that replicate a classic 1950s design; orders run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 19 with delivery expected in March 2026. Each chest is individually numbered and comes with a history booklet, a certificate of authenticity, and a vintage logo plate—celebrating a long-standing tradition of American craftsmanship.

Auxilium announced its first group of Innovation Studio participants, with five startups set to receive up to $100,000 in milestone funding under a new partnership with Venture Forum.

Worcester singer Brendan Keenan released his album Across the Atlantic on Nov.

3, which blends Irish folk songs with modern tunes and features family collaborations, and he will hold an album release show tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Fiddler's Green. Local folk trio Big League Collective also released new autumn tracks, Fortunes and Blue Mountain Mistress, which are available on streaming services.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform two shows on Nov.

29 at the DCU Center at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. — the band will play 'The Ghosts of Christmas Eve' and mark 25 years of 'Beethoven's Last Night' — with tickets starting at $55.

Emmy-winning journalist Mo Rocca will speak at Worcester State University on December 3 (in partnership with the Museum of Worcester) where he will share stories and sign books at the Sullivan Auditorium at 6 p.m. (registration required).

Today, the state Department of Secondary Education released staff attendance figures for Worcester County school districts for the 2024-2025 school year, showing Milford Public Schools had the highest teacher attendance at 99.3% while Grafton Public Schools had the lowest at 90%.

The data found no clear link between staff attendance rates and MCAS scores as larger districts like Worcester reported figures near the state average.

Clark University will host the inaugural Games for Good Conference on Saturday, Nov.

22 and Sunday, Nov. 23 at its Center for Media Arts, Computing & Design (7 Hawthorne Street) where experts will explore how serious games can aid education, therapy and mental health.

Federal agencies are set to raid churches serving Spanish speakers between Thanksgiving and Christmas—test runs in Charlotte have already taken place and the plan is unfolding, officials said.

Local leaders in Worcester are calling for clear guidance on law enforcement response and community safety before the holidays.

Deputy Chief William Mosley joined the Worcester Fire Department in 2010 after 15 years in law enforcement and now leads an operations group while serving as the department’s diversity officer—he said he works to show young people of color that firefighting can be a rewarding career. He added that his role involves advising on emergencies and honoring the sacrifices of past firefighters.

A new H3N2 flu strain is spreading in the United Kingdom and Japan, and experts say a similar trend will likely bring a tough flu season to the U.S. Dr. Sandeep Jubbal at UMass Memorial Health urged everyone to get the CDC flu shot—especially kids and older adults—for better protection against severe illness—since the vaccine may not fully cover the new variant.

Holy Cross football will finish their season at Fenway Park when they face Georgetown on November 22 at 4 p.m.—a rare chance to play at the historic ballpark.

Coach Dan Curran and his players are ready to build on their recent win—hoping to turn a tough season into a memorable homecoming.

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.

Sans Souci Tribute to JGB

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Electric Haze Llc — Tickets starting at $15.44 — Enjoy a night of alternative rock with a tribute to JGB.

New England Winter Market

9 AM-6 PM — DCU Center — Check Official Website — Experience a festive market filled with local artisans, gourmet foods, and holiday cheer.

Saves The Day and Glassjaw Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — $TBA — Experience an electrifying evening with indie rock legends in a vibrant venue.