Greater Worcester

Applications for the first grants from a new fund meant to support cannabis entrepreneurs in communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs are due next month, with $2.3 million available to help qualified business licensees with urgent financial needs.

All four metropolitan areas of Central Massachusetts saw significant jumps in their unemployment rates in December.

Overall, Central Massachusetts LEED-certified buildings contributed 1.4 million square feet to Massachusetts’ total, amounting to 6% of the state’s green building square footage. 

Amenities will include an artisan’s market, incubator studios, and event space for up to 200 people.

The legislation (H 4172), which Healey dubbed the HERO Act, calls for 17 different spending and policy changes with a combined goal of expanding benefits, modernizing services, and ensuring that veterans of all backgrounds are included and represented.

Sen. Cindy Friedman, Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, acknowledged that lawmakers always need to pick their battles when asked about the Legislature's ability to tackle health care disparities alongside other crises, including financial challenges at Steward Health Care that could lead to more facility closures across Massachusetts.

The first-term executive team described alcohol licensing reform as one of several key features in a wide-ranging "Municipal Empowerment Act" they rolled out Friday, pitching it as a way to remove the existing hurdle of securing state approval.

Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien's challenge of her suspension is now headed to the Appeals Court.

The Worcester nonprofit Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts is under new leadership.

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts awarded four grants totaling $1 million to area nonprofits in order to improve child mental health, access for children to affordable health care, food delivery for people in need, and child care businesses.