New York foresters are expected to arrive in Worcester next month to offer some big-city muscle in the battle to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle. Best of all: the feds are picking up at least that part of the tab. +3

On the other hand, the city and state still might have to pay half of the overall price, estimated at up to $24 million for the first year alone. -4

Select musical and performing acts that are about to play Worcester in the next month, or were announced for dates in the past weeks: Aretha Franklin, The Eagles, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Jackie Mason, Frankie Vallie, and Lily Tomlin. Good: Downtown is going to love it. Bad: The kids aren’t. +0

Summer reruns finally ending. The Office returns! Heroes! Some awkward game show from the guys who brought you Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! (Though can anyone truly get excited until Lost comes back?) +1

Lincoln Square has major electrical outages for two days in a row, resulting in non-functioning traffic lights at important times, and screwing up morning and afternoon commutes. -2

Suspected serial rapist, possible murderer Alex Scesny is acquitted on rape and attempted murder charges dating from a 2007 incident after three days of jury deliberations; only assault and battery charges stick. -2

Three hours later, District Attorney officials say “we’re not done yet,” open up secret indictments, and charge Scesny with murder and rape from a 1996 case. +3

Miami debacle makes New England look like they should be playing against the Surge, and proves Patriots really are that bad without Tom Brady. And what the hell happened to the defense? -3

Worcester gets its first permanent mechanical bull as the long awaited Salty Dog opens in Kelley Square. +2

It’s operated on opening night by a little person. Who sometimes rides the girls riding the bull. +3

THIS WEEK: Despite a mechanical bull and some good work by the DA’s office, Worcester still finishes at only +1 point for the week.