[Now that things are progressing to a “new normal” and more non-COVID-19 news, events and “need to know” information becomes available, we will continue this feature five days a week.]
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.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Tuesday, June 2 – speed humps are being called for across each district in Worcester, a City Councilor wants to rename the Worcester County District Courthouse, the feasibility of an election held completely by “vote-by-mail” is being asked to be explored, a report that shows that 73.5 million people will look for a more “pandemic-proof” job, and the FBI wants to know who’s inciting violence during peaceful protests.
Speed Humps Being Considered Across City
In response to a resolution from Councilors Bergman, Rosen, Wally, Colorio, Mero-Carlson and King, the City Council Committee on Traffic and Parking is seeking to establish a pilot program to temporarily install speed humps from June 1 to Nov. 15 in two locations in each district.
The committee aims for the pilot program to be launched this year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch has been delayed.
The committee has also requested a report on the cost of the pilot program, as well as what’s more cost effective: speed humps or police speeding enforcement.
Bergman Wants to Rename the Worcester Courthouse After Sarah E. Wall
City Councilor At-Large Moe Bergman is asking the City Council to urge state leaders to rename the Worcester District Courthouse this year to the Sarah E. Wall Courthouse.
Wall was a Worcester resident and a prominent figure the Women’s Suffrage Movement during the mid-19th century.
During her time, Wall famously protested taxation without representation, working to give a voice to women across the country.
Sarai Rivera Asks for Feasibility of All Mail-In-Voting Election
At the forefront of this fall’s upcoming elections are safety measures being put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera is asking the City Council to request the Board of Election Commissioners to hold a hearing to explore preparation for the upcoming 2020 elections in September and November, including the feasibility of an all vote-by-mail election.
Rivera is also requesting representatives from the Secretary of State’s office, the Worcester Elections Department, other relevant State and City departments, voting advocacy organizations, and members of the public be invited to testify in support of a vote-by-mail election.
The FBI Wants to Know Who’s Inciting Violence During Protests
As protests continue across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd, in some instances in major cities, violence has become a problem.
In a released statement on Monday, June 1, the FBI said, “…we are committed to apprehending and charging violent instigators who are exploiting legitimate, peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law. The continued violence, potential threat to life, and destruction of property across the United States interferes with the rights and safety of First Amendment-protected peaceful demonstrators, as well as all other citizens.”
The FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters surrounding the civil unrest that is happening throughout the country. If you would like to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to the case at fbi.gov/violence. You may also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) to verbally report tips and/or information related to this investigation.
Report: 73.5 Million People Will Seek ‘Pandemic-Proof’ Job
A nation-wide survey from the data experts at WalletHub shows that about 73.5 million Americans now plan to look for a job that is more pandemic-proof.
This survey examined what Americans think about the future of the economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including how comfortable people are with traveling and shopping in person, as well as how soon they think the U.S. will recover financially.
