North County

The Massachusetts biopharmaceutical industry raised far more investment than ever before in 2020, coinciding with the coronavirus pandemic that shifted an emphasis to potential lifesaving drugs, according to a report released Thursday.

Fidelity Bank, headquartered in Leominster, as well as its former president, John Merrill, have agreed to a $22.5-million settlement as part of a larger class action lawsuit related to the TelexFREE Ponzi scheme, although a significant portion of those costs will be covered by the bank's insurance.

A Cambridge firm developing fusion energy said Wednesday it'll build a 47-acre site in Devens in the latest boost for the community's development efforts.

Nearly $7 million in state funding announced Tuesday will go toward neighborhood and housing improvements in 10 Central Massachusetts cities and towns.

The same Fitchburg entity that's bought most of the former Weetabix manufacturing site in Clinton and proposed a cannabis operation there has now bought the remainder for $1.35 million.

As long as current plans stay on track, D’Errico’s Market in Worcester will expand out of Worcester and into Leominster this summer, Owner Rodrigo DeOliveira said on Thursday. 

Four Central Massachusetts cities have secured nearly $9.8 million in federal housing aid, including for programs providing affordable housing and community development.

Atlantic Union College will have to make utility improvements to its Lancaster campus as part of a sale agreement for the 135-acre site, an executive for the affiliated local church office said Friday.

Atlantic Union College in Lancaster has found a buyer for its 135-acre campus three years after the school officially closed permanently.

Three Central Massachusetts hospitals are part of a new state initiative announced Wednesday targeting COVID-19 vaccine distribution in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.