Greater Worcester

With venture capitalists largely ignoring Central Massachusetts, the startup industry hopes new services keep companies local.

James A. Valis and Gregg R. Manis, advisors from Blackstone Valley Wealth Management in Hopkinton, were recognized for the third time in three years with the 2017 Five Star Wealth Manager Award in the February edition of Boston Magazine.

With more than 110 craft breweries in Massachusetts providing nearly 3,400 jobs between brewing and distributing, the industry in our state is burgeoning.

Entercom Communications Corp. – the Pennsylvania-based operator of more than 100 radio stations including WVEI 1440AM in Worcester – will merge with CBS Radio to create a company with 244 stations in 47 markets, according to an announcement from the two companies Thursday.

The Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester announced late Thursday it had a $13.5-million loss in the fourth quarter, and for year the company had half the annual profits of 2015.

The state's number two Republican officeholder unequivocally opposed President Donald Trump's immigration and refugee order in remarks Wednesday.

Rickman Realty of West Boylston said Wednesday it has purchased a 10-unit Worcester apartment complex for $550,000.

A proposal put forth by a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority committee would add stops on the evening express train from Boston's South Station to Worcester.

In advance of Tuesday's City Council vote defeating a proposal to declare Worcester not a sanctuary city, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce called immigrants vital to the Central Massachusetts economy.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced Tuesday it has assessed a $21,410 penalty against Rutland AD for violating air pollution regulations at its Jordan Farms Organics Recyclery.