North County

UMass Memorial Medical Center "failed miserably" in its plan to maintain access to maternal care after the proposed closure of a Leominster birthing center, the city's mayor contended Tuesday in a plea for state regulators to take a more forceful approach.

The City of Gardner received $1.65 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for projects and social service programs in the city.

In order to preserve access to care for patients as it intends to move forward in closing its maternity ward in Leominster, UMass Memorial Health in Worcester has released its plan, relying on other health centers, public transit, and ambulances.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce in Fitchburg on Tuesday announced the 19 graduates of its nine-month Community Leadership Institute program.

Unemployment rates rose slightly in July, but remained low across Central Massachusetts, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Tuesday by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

Allied Flooring, Paint, and Design of Agawam acquired locally-owned Leominster Floor Covering in Leominster.

Thousands of diabetics in Massachusetts are paying less for their insulin this year, and U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan's office this week detailed exactly how much residents of the Third Congressional District are saving thanks to provisions in two new federal laws.

A number of local companies have announced new hires and promotions, including bankHometown in Oxford, SALMON Health and Retirement in Milford, NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs in Worcester, and Rollstone Bank & Trust in Fitchburg

The saga over the proposed closure of the Leominster maternity center is part of a national struggle beset by doctor shortages, rising maternal morbidity, and money-losing operations.

Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner are among the 15 schools in line to offer students over age 25 free associate degrees and professional certificates, beginning in the fall.