A fatal shooting on Southbridge St, new school realignment proposal & plans to overhaul snow removal led a busy week. Also: Peppercorn’s changes hands after nearly 30 years. The Railers are back & there's a half marathon coming. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w… #WorcesterMA #LocalNews

🏒 @OTRWoosta are back and there are questions heading into Worcester's ninth @ECHL season. A familiar coaching staff, returning veterans, a new AHL affiliate and a major milestone within reach: The city's next pro hockey victory will be its 1,000th. theworcesterguardian.org/f/r…

More plows, more brining trucks and better tracking of missed streets. Worcester says it's preparing for a better winter, but councilors want to see results when the snow starts falling. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…

Would an earlier city council meeting make it easier — or harder — for Worcester residents to participate? Councilors are divided over a proposed 5:30 p.m. start time. theworcesterguardian.org/f/e…

BREAKING: One man is dead and another was critically injured following a shooting early Sunday at 350 Southbridge St. in Worcester, the address of Hurricane Betty's. More details as they become available. theworcesterguardian.org/f/o…

🌊 Ollie, 11, once struggled to make himself heard in traditional sports. Five seasons after discovering adaptive #surfing, he's the overall champion of Little Legends Wave Fest. Now he wants to help other kids catch their first wave. 🌊🏄‍♂️ theworcesterguardian.org/f/a… #neurodivergent

Worcester's Italian Heritage Parade returns Sunday! The procession steps off at noon, traveling down Shrewsbury Street from Belmont Street to Washington Square. Plus: live music, food trucks, vendors and free family activities at East Park. theworcesterguardian.org/f/s…

What will it take to graduate from a MA high school in the coming years? The Worcester School Committee reviewed the state's proposed new graduation requirements Thursday, with district officials saying WPS is already well positioned to meet the standards. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…

From artisan sourdough and health insurance for freelance artists to transportation for veterans and new technology ventures, 10 Central Massachusetts entrepreneurs are getting a boost. Meet the founders: theworcesterguardian.org/f/1…

For nearly 50 years, Bill Wallace helped tell Worcester's stories. Thursday, the longtime @Museum of Worcester executive director will receive the Harvey Ball Award — the museum's highest honor and, fittingly, an award he helped create in 2001. theworcesterguardian.org/f/a…

Where should Worcester go with public restrooms? Councilors debated locations, maintenance and porta-potties before sending the proposal to the city manager for a closer look. theworcesterguardian.org/f/p…

Worcester needs more police officers. Could a second academy class help? Councilors want the city to find out whether adding another class in 2027 is feasible — and what it would cost. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…

Some council business is back on tap: public bathrooms, a possible charter overhaul & questions over Optiline's work on a tax-supported development. Also Amazon delivery drones, homelessness outreach, an earlier start for council & an OML complaint. theworcesterguardian.org/f/p…

☕🐕🏠 A new Tatnuck Square cafe, the city’s first commercial dog training facility and 2 housing projects cleared zoning hurdles. New owners revive Greendale’s Pub, Bri’s Sweet Treats is celebrating 5 years and CMHA has a new downtown home. theworcesterguardian.org/f/b…

🪩👻🐶 Stayin’ Alive brings the Bee Gees to The Hanover, Silver Scream Con V is at the DCU, the Irish Cultural Festival takes over Polar Park, Mistakes Were Made brings “Candy & Chaos” to the Vernon. @Petrockfestival heads to the Lancaster Fairgrounds. theworcesterguardian.org/f/d…

The @RailersHC wanted experience. Worcester opened training camp Friday with 3,054 games of pro experience on the ice. With familiar faces, a veteran core and Parker Gahagen back, the focus turns to something that has eluded Worcester: a fast start. theworcesterguardian.org/f/e…

Executive Director Jason Homer is leaving Worcester after six years to take the top job at Baltimore County Public Library, where he'll oversee 19 branches, four mobile libraries, 500 employees and a $50 million budget. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…

A sweeping state investigation found decades of child sexual abuse & institutional failures within the Worcester Diocese, documenting 216 survivors & allegations involving 90 clergy. The diocese says reforms have changed its response to abuse allegations. theworcesterguardian.org/f/a…

🚒 Worcester has more than 6,000 fire hydrants — but 39 are currently out of service. Fire officials say backup plans are in place, though in some cases they don’t know a hydrant isn’t working until firefighters try to use it. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…

How many police officers does Worcester need — and what happens when a fire hydrant doesn't work? Public safety dominated Tuesday's City Council meeting, with Police Chief Paul Saucier calling for the department to grow from 478 to at least 538 officers. theworcesterguardian.org/f/w…