North County

The local, national and global economies will likely see accelerated growth in 2017, assuming they work through the uncertainties created by shifting federal policies, according to an economist speaking at an event in Worcester.

Fitchburg bank Workers Credit Union paid out $3.3 million its its members last year, the fourth straight year it made such a payout.

Robert Johnson, president of Becker College in Worcester, is one of three finalists for the UMass Dartmouth chancellor position, the system announced Wednesday.

A total of 1,465 people died of unintentional opioid overdoses in 2016, with another 469 to 562 suspected opioid-related deaths, according to new state data.

Ten professionals got hired or promoted at places including Fallon Health, JM Coull and Fidelity Bank.

Volunteers from Leominster Credit Union participated in one of the largest meal-packing events for United Way of North Central Mass. More than 100,000 meals were packaged by 400 volunteers for 20 local food pantries at the Double Tree by Hilton in Leominster. Benefitting pantries are in Athol, Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner, Devens, Pepperell, Templeton, Winchendon and Westminster. Pictured (from left, front row) are Nancy Daigle, Ann Younie, Meghan Thomas and Susan Landry; (middle row) Cindy Holder and Stephanie and Lucas Hyles; and (back row) Stan Hyles.

The average Worcester resident has a car loan equal to half of his or her annual salary, according to a new survey.

Framingham State University and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner have received a share of $39 million in life science funding from the state announced Thursday.

Steward Health Care, which recently moved into Central Massachusetts with the planned takeover of a physicians network, has roughly doubled its overall size by buying eight hospitals outside the region.

Massachusetts has reached a "tipping point" in the fight against homelessness, service providers told state legislators Thursday.