Southbridge

Environment

Southbridge landfill fined $85K

A Southbridge recycling and disposal park will pay more than $85,000 in state penalties after several environmental violations were found after six recent inspections.

Health Care

More than $1M in grants awarded for 15 Central Mass. health projects

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support a range of health-related projects throughout the region.

Real Estate

Sears in Natick Mall only Mass. store to close in bankruptcy

The Sears store in the Natick Mall is the only of the troubled retail giant's stores to close in Massachusetts after it filed for bankruptcy Monday.

Real Estate

Sears, with 11 Central Mass. stores, files for bankruptcy; CEO resigns

Sears Holdings, the troubled department stores with 11 Sears and Kmart locations in Central Massachusetts, filed for bankruptcy Monday.

Government & Politics

Labor vs. Administration: Ballot pits nurses against hospitals

Labor-versus-management fights usually take place in a meeting room, or maybe on the picket lines. This one will take place at the polls.

Government & Politics

Nurse staffing opponents ahead in new poll

The poll showed 51 percent of likely voters opposed nurse staffing requirements outlined in Question 1 while 43 percent support the measure.

Government & Politics

State: Mandated nurse ratios would add up to $949M to annual hospital costs

If a statewide ballot question passes in November mandating certain nurse-to-patient ratios, annual costs would rise by up to $949 million a year, a state board reported Wednesday.

News

Polar Beverages’ early entry into seltzers gives it an advantage in a booming market

Consumers are ditching soda in droves, and overwhelmingly are turning instead to seltzer, where Polar Beverages has long been a mainstay, especially in New England.

Manufacturing

Hardline Heat Treating to double facilities with $3M upgrade

Thanks to tax financing agreement with Southbridge worth more than $100,000, Hardline Heat Treating is moving forward with plans to expand its facility.

Education