When a would-be restaurateur approaches Worcester city officials with a plan to open a new eatery, not so much stands in the way procedurally – at least compared to most Massachusetts cities and towns.

A lively restaurant scene is vital to the economies of Central Massachusetts communities like Worcester, Marlborough and Sturbridge. As shown in WBJ’s “No Limits” story on page 8 – our latest collaboration with the Worcester Regional Research Bureau – these communities have helped build this buzzy industry thanks in part to their eschewing of the traditional Massachusetts law capping liquor licenses.

WORCESTER, Mass. — The City of Worcester is wading into a battle over broadband service after years of what residents say has been spotty service, with internet deserts making school and work a daily struggle.

It’s a tale of two connectivity perspectives in Worcester.

In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.

As coronavirus limits Worcester students to remote learning, internet has dominated much of the conversation surrounding the difficulties of creating an equitable and accessible remote learning experience for all students.

George Russell’s internet connection was not cooperating. And that was a challenge for the Worcester City Councilor during a recent public meeting.

In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.

Charter Communications has announced that it is relaunching its Remote Education Offer, which provides free Spectrum internet and WiFi services for 60 days to new customers in households with educators or students from kindergarten to college.

WORCESTER — The Worcester Regional Transit Authority will remain fare free at least until the end of the year, as advisory board members worried that reinstituting fares may be premature if COVID-19 surges in the fall.