Greater Worcester

On the same day the U.S. House approved a sweeping package of tax relief and funding cuts that could impact state finances, the Massachusetts Senate approved an annual state budget that presses ahead with a sizable spending increase.

DPH’s request comes after the state agency deemed Framingham Union’s NICU an essential service following the hospital’s April announcement that it planned to shutter its 12-bassinet unit by June 10.

After nearly 90 minutes of debate about financial burdens on patients, pharmaceutical industry lobbying, and legislative process, the Senate voted 34-5 to attach to the budget policy reforms authored by Health Care Financing Committee Co-chair Sen. Cindy Friedman.

"We are thrilled to be part of writing the next chapter for this marquee property here in the city and to further our investment, literally and figuratively, in Worcester with this acquisition,” Dave Fontaine Jr. said in a press release issued Monday.

The board of education voted 8-1 on Tuesday to approve new interim regulations overhauling the state's competency determination (CD) requirements for high school graduation — a temporary move to create uniform graduation standards after use of the MCAS exam was struck down by voters in the fall.

After biotech firm Akoya Biosciences previously announced it would be acquired by Quanterix, the company is now considering an unsolicited, all-cash buyout offer it received from an anonymous third party.

Greater Worcester’s unemployment rate continued to dip in April, further reversing the region’s six-month trend of steadily climbing rates. 

Central Massachusetts saw an increase in the number of single-family homes sold in April, as sales prices continue to climb unabated. 

The state will close its remaining motel and hotel shelters this summer, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday, as the governor and lawmakers have imposed restrictions on the emergency housing system over the past year and family enrollment has declined.

Ashland saw the largest estimated percentage growth of any Central Massachusetts community.