Edward Augustus Jr.

With Worcester’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate now in effect, the city’s 7,300 employees are required to show proof of vaccination or undergo weekly testing. Under the mandate, city employees who refuse to provide proof of vaccination or get tested will be charged their vacation time and then put on unpaid leave for up to 30 days. “There’s just layers and...

Worcester city workers could lose their jobs if they are not vaccinated or do not agree to weekly COVID-19 testing.

A citywide mask mandate went into effect in Worcester Monday, where the number of COVID cases has been climbing for 10 weeks.

Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a new mandate takes effect Monday due to a spike in COVID cases.

Masks are required in all indoor public spaces in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a new mandate took effect Monday due to a spike in COVID cases. Officials in Worcester announced the citywide mask mandate Friday. “I think it’s a huge bummer — only because I am so tired of all of this, but I think it’s absolutely essential and until...

Officials in Worcester, Massachusetts, announced Friday that they are issuing a citywide mask mandate that will take effect on Monday, Sept. 20. Masks will be required indoors at all private businesses in the city, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said. City employees will also be required to be vaccinated or be tested weekly effective Nov. 1. The mask mandate applies…

The second-largest city in Massachusetts is sticking with the Oct. 31 date for Halloween celebrations this year. The Worcester City Council made the decision Tuesday.

Residents and city leaders are discussing whether Halloween should take place on a different date.

Worcester is considering permanently moving Halloween to the last Saturday of October instead of Oct. 31 to avoid problems with midweek trick-or-treating. Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. hopes to discuss the move with local police and school leaders, as well as community, neighborhood and faith-based groups, The Telegram & Gazette reports.

After luring the Pawtucket Red Sox out of Rhode Island, city officials in Worcester, Massachusetts, hope to do the same with the Boston Celtics’ affiliate in Maine. Worcester officials have been discussing an effort to bring the Maine Red Claws, the Portland-based G League team, to the Heart of the Commonwealth.

Another step has been made as the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate prepares to move to Worcester, Massachusetts. Demolition began Wednesday morning of the first building in the city’s Canal District to be taken down to make way for Polar Park.

The City of Worcester has stepped up targeting the illegal dumping of trash.

The city of Worcester, Massachusetts’ legal fight to defend its ban on panhandling has cost an additional $475,000.