The difference between Worcester succeeding in the economic development game and the city Becoming a leading contender for business innovation may lie in retaining the bright minds that annually emerge from the halls of academia throughout Central Massachusetts.

WORCESTER — With a re-configured downtown and with a slew of ongoing "brick-and-mortar" projects, city officials confidently believe that Worcester is poised to become a regional mecca for development.

Worcester possesses many of the ingredients that could help it emerge as a nationally-known research and entrepreneurship hub, including research universities and access to Boston's venture capital market, said Mark Rice, dean of Worcester Polytechnic's business school.

It’s the creature that consumed Central Falls, the stalker that slew Stockton. And as surely as baby boomers are retiring, and retirees are living longer, this financial fiend is wending its wily way to Worcester, as well.

It’s not too late to nip in the bud the latest attempt to bring big-time gambling to Worcester. It should be done without delay and in no uncertain terms.

Worcester now knows the who, what and where. The question is, why?

WORCESTER — An army of one-armed bandits will rob us of more than just pocket change.

BOSTON — The CEO of the Chicago-based gaming company considering a slot machine casino in Worcester has run into delays in kicking off a formal review of the proposal, while local officials and some opponents are gearing up to debate the plans.

WORCESTER — Four municipal employees were honored Wednesday night with Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards at La Maison Francaise Salon at Assumption College.

WORCESTER — Four municipal employees were honored Wednesday night, March 20, 2013, with a Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards. The event, held annually at Assumption College, is sponsored by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.