Fitchburg

Neighborhoods in 11 Central Massachusetts communities are in line to be designated as areas encouraging new investment.

Twin Cities Plaza, anchored by a Hannaford supermarket and straddling the Fitchburg-Leominister line, is undergoing an overhaul for a more modern look and landscaping.

The Baker administration and municipal officials across Massachusetts expect to hear from the federal government within 30 days about their newly-submitted request for approval of 138 zones where new federal tax incentives could be used to spark investment in rural and low-income communities.

IC Federal Credit Union has opened its seventh Central Massachusetts location at Marlborough's Apex Center of New England development.

Some doctors are questioning the Massachusetts Medical Society's recent decision to drop opposition to physician-assisted death as lawmakers mull legislation.

Reliant Medical Group is now officially part of the international health care company Optum, with the deal receiving necessary state approvals in Massachusetts.

The quickly changing retail landscape took a new hit with the closure of a Sam's Club in Worcester in January and the impending closure of Toys “R” Us in Auburn, Leominster, Northborough, Millbury and Framingham.

Despite a 2.4 percent increase in net sales, Fitchburg contract manufacturer Micron Solutions saw its net loss nearly double to nearly $1.4 million last year.

Dr. Karen Munkacy writes about her battle with cancer and how it inspired her to make medical marijuana available to patients.

Chances are now very high daily community news coming out of Central Massachusetts will be from a publication owned by a large media corporation, with a strong commitment to the bottom line.