Northbridge

Former WBJ Editorial Intern Devina Bhalla and News Editor Grant Welker discuss Bhalla's two-month deep-dive into slavery's history and legacy into the Central Massachusetts economy in this episode of the WBJ Podcast.

People are on the move at Blackstone Valley Education Hub, bankHometown, College of the Holy Cross and more.

The modern Massachusetts economy has been growing for 400 years, since settlers first landed in Plymouth in 1620. And for 245 of those 400 years – more than 60% – the Massachusetts economy was tied to the legal institution of slavery.

If debates about the Affordable Care Act and proposed universal health care haven’t already made it clear, the idealized version of access isn’t the norm for many Americans, especially not for those who belong to vulnerable population groups who struggle with mental health challenges.

An unusually large share of coronavirus deaths in Worcester County — nearly four out of five — have taken place in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, according to state data.

Stephen Murphy, the director of training at Worcester human services nonprofit Open Sky Community Services, retired after 38 years on June 30, the Worcester organization announced on Tuesday.

Companies with new hires and promotions include UniBank, Vision Advertising, Westfield State University and Bay State Savings Bank, among others.

Companies with new hires and promotions include ERA Key Realty Services, bankHometown, Clinton Savings Bank, The Junior League of Worcester, AdCare Hospital in Worcester and more.

Before COVID-19, 2020 seemed to be a year like any other. Sneakerama owners Steve and Lisa Genatossio stocked up on inventory, preparing their Lake Avenue shop for the busy months ahead.

Milford Regional Medical Center has announced shifts to the patients its urgent care locations will serve, with the Hopkinton location focusing on respiratory patients and those with COVID-19 symptoms.