Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, the charity arm of Natick-based Middlesex Savings Bank, marked its 25th anniversary by awarding $5,000 grants to 50 nonprofits.

In addition to considering mergers, local beer firms have begun to explore expanding their offerings to stay competitive.

The museum at Framingham State University has received its largest-ever donation as the Danforth Art Museum and School has been gifted $4.66 million from a long-standing supporter.

After three months of steady decline, business confidence in Massachusetts began to recuperate in May, yet stayed in pessimistic territory for the fourth consecutive month.