Greater Worcester

Worcester's economy grew in the third quarter of 2016 at a 3.5 percent annualized rate, but is expected to cool off slightly in the coming quarters, according to the quarterly Worcester Economic Index (WEI).

Income for the Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester jumped more than $10 million in the third quarter of the year, the company announced Thursday.

Nick Bold is a warrior in the 21st century gig economy and one of his greatest weapons is wow factor.

If Simon Properties Group has its way, the Auburn Mall could soon be home to a new 62,940-square-foot medical facility, replacing previous plans for a movie theater.

Worcester County's foreclosure starts fell by 24.7 percent in September, beating the state-wide decline of 18.7 percent in starts, while finalized foreclosures continued to rise in Worcester and statewide.

Providence and Worcester Railroad Co. has been purchased by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. for approximately $126 million.

Hospitals in Worcester, Southbridge, Gardner and Ayer led Central Massachusetts in hospital safety grades.

West Boylston precision cutting tool manufacturer Emuge Corp. opened a new 21,000-square-foot technology center in October, so companies can test out concepts for cutting tools without having to invest in new machinery.

Completion of parking renovations at Worcester's Mercantile Center are roughly a year away as the effort moves into Phase 6.

The former owner and three managers of Westminster-based Rite Way LLC have all plead not guilty in Worcester court on charges relating to an alleged $19-million MassHealth scheme.