Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

The Worcester Red Sox are closing out their season with Fan Appreciation Week, running Tuesday, September 15th through Sunday, September 20th. Team president Dr. Charles Steinberg and vice president of marketing Steve Oliveira discuss a packed schedule of events designed to celebrate a strong season that has surpassed attendance records from the previous year.  "It's easily our biggest week every season, fan appreciation week. It's the last one of the season, so try to go big." said Oliveira.  Steinberg adds "We are so grateful to people for packing the park more this year as of this time than last year. And last year we had more people than the year before." He notes that having Roman Anthony on rehab assignment really helped push them over the top.

New England Donor Services (NEDS), a nonprofit organization coordinating organ and tissue donation across the New England region, is hosting its ninth annual Massachusetts Blue and Green Walk 5K on Saturday, September 19th at Polar Park. The event brings together donor families, transplant recipients, patients awaiting transplants, and healthcare providers for a day of community, remembrance, and celebration. Activities include a 5K walk and run, a one-mile walk and run, a Circle of Life garden, a Butterfly Memorial Garden, a kids area, and raffle opportunities. Gates open at 8:00 AM, with an opening ceremony at 9:30 AM and the walk and run beginning at 10:00 AM. Over a thousand attendees are expected.

Massachusetts State Senator Robyn Kennedy joined the Talk of the Commonwealth on radioworcester.com to discuss a range of pressing legislative and local issues. On artificial intelligence, Kennedy acknowledged the difficulty of legislating a rapidly evolving technology, noting the lack of federal-state partnership on the issue. She highlighted efforts to protect children from AI-driven social media harms and emphasized the importance of public education, particularly for young people and elderly residents vulnerable to AI-generated misinformation and scams. Kennedy also raised concerns about AI's use in political campaigns, including the generation of fake candidate images and voice impersonation.

Lisa Swanson, CEO of the BBB of Central NE, reminds us to be on the look for back-to-school scams. She tells the Talk of the Commonwealth on Radio Worcester back-to-school season brings a lot of activity online: first-day photos, new accounts and apps, college students looking for jobs, students searching for tutors and test prep, and scholarship opportunities.

This week on The Rundown, Randy Feldman stops by to talk about the controversial vote to file the Civilian Review Board proposal for oversight of the Worcester Police Department. A verbal brawl then breaks out between Hank and Mark Henderson of the016.com and Randy, "Big" Ben and Tom Marino of thisweekinworcester.com. 

This week's Political Roundtable looks at America twenty-five years after 9/11.

“Still Becoming…”; The Podcast of Girls Inc. with Board Chair Pam Daly. In this episode we look at Pam Daly’s personal journey as a Girls Club alumna, her role as board chair, the evolution of Girls Inc. over decades, and the organization’s future direction.

Robert Amorello, from the Radio Worcester Political Roundtable is in Texas at Trump-A-Palooza with the MA delegation. He brings us a first hand look at what people are saying, Republican up and comers and reaction to President Trump's Wednesday night speech.

Congressman Jim McGovern discusses a range of pressing issues in this interview, beginning with growing concerns about the rapid and potentially dangerous advancement of artificial intelligence. McGovern calls for a national moratorium on data centers and congressional oversight hearings, warning that AI models are producing disturbing outputs and that researchers within the industry are resigning over ethical concerns. He highlights his Big Tech Accountability Act, which aims to hold large technology companies responsible for knowingly advancing harmful technologies in pursuit of profit.

Robert Amorello has arrived in Dallas ahead of the Republican Mid-Term Convention and gives us this inside view.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty appeared on Radio Worcester to address a racially charge incident in the city and the controversial filing of the Citizen Review Board for police oversight.

Bill Wanless of the Worcester Red Sox (Pawtucket Red Sox) reflects on one the great mangers and character's of the Boston Red Sox, "Walpole" Joe Morgan.

The Radio Roundtable responds to the racist harassment of two Black artists working on Worcester’s Wall of Women mural and debates whether Massachusetts’ primary results reflected ideology, organization or the power of incumbency.

Comedian and actor Dustin Ybarra joined Hank on Talk of the Commonwealth ahead of his upcoming performance at the Brick Box Theater at the JMAC on Thursday the 10th.

This season will see approximately 30 theme nights across 36 home games. The Railers will wear six specialty jerseys on eight different nights, including throwback uniforms honoring the Worcester IceCats and Worcester Sharks, along with cause-driven jerseys for Pink in the Rink, Military Appreciation, and Railers Fights Cancer nights. The team's newly released Heart of the Commonwealth jerseys, designed with Worcester-specific color references including Blackstone Blue, Route Nine Red, and Tuckerman Tan, will be worn most Sundays throughout the season and are currently available for purchase at the Railers online shop.

Toby Leary, founder of the Civil Rights Coalition, discusses the organization's grassroots campaign to repeal Massachusetts Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, a sweeping gun legislation bill signed into law by Governor Maura Healy. 

McGovern responds to a Gallup poll showing nearly 90% of Americans believe there is widespread corruption, expressing agreement and pointing to what he describes as the Trump family's financial dealings, stock trading, and sweetheart arrangements as examples of those in power enriching themselves while ordinary Americans struggle with rising costs and housing insecurity. He states that if Democrats retake the House, he expects committee investigations into these matters.

Rebecca Perry, Director of the WISE Program, stopped by The Talk of the Commonwealth on Radio Worcester, to tell Hank about the long running program and that "It is never too late. As a matter of fact, we have folks as old as 90 in our program." The Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE) is a lifelong learning program based at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, designed primarily for retirees and older adults seeking continued intellectual and social engagement.

Every year, BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust analyzes reports submitted by consumers and businesses through BBB Scam Tracker to identify which scams are posing the greatest risk.  The 2025 report looked at more than 146,000 published scam reports. Lisa Swanson, CEO BBB of Central NE, ran the scams down for us.   Investment and cryptocurrency scams remained the number one riskiest scam. Employment scams remained number two. Online purchase scams moved up to number three.

This episode of the Radio Roundtable, hosted by Hank and Ben, features political commentator George Russell and immigration attorney Randy Feldman discussing two main topics on Primary Election Day.

Clark University Political Science Professor Robert Boatright, author of "The Problem with Primary Voters" and co-editor of "Reforming Primary Elections," joined Hank on Massachusetts Primary Day to examine the structural challenges facing American primary elections. Professor Boatright draws on years of research using national voter file data to explain why primary electorates consistently fail to represent the broader population.

Radio Worcester presented the 15th Worcester Debate between incumbent Rep. Mary Keefe (D) and challenger Ron Waddell (D). The Democratic Primary is September 1st. The debate was moderated by Hank Stolz and featured questions from Adam Bass of MassLIve, Ben White from Radio Worcester, Mark Henderson of the 016.com and Kate McEvoy of Pulse Magazine. It was held at the East  Side Post of the American Legion and streamed live at radioworcester.com.  Key debate topics included affordable housing supply and demand, state funding equity for Worcester, police accountability and civilian oversight, homelessness services, downtown revitalization, data center regulation, the audit and representation of the district's majority-minority population. The candidates diverge on legislative experience, constituent engagement frequency, and approaches to criminal justice reform, with Waddell emphasizing results-oriented outcomes and Keefe stressing the complexity of legislative work and coalition-building within the delegation.

This episode examines the critical role of precise language in journalism and law enforcement communication. Why certain language had to be used in regards to Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon. Mark Henderson, the016.com, explains how journalists and police departments must use carefully measured terminology to report only confirmed facts, avoiding speculation that can fuel misinformation on social media.

Petty highlighted the success of a recent downtown DJ event that drew over 10,000 people to the Palladium with no incidents, noting the event may be outgrowing its current venue. The conversation expanded to broader questions about Worcester's nightlife and street festival culture, drawing comparisons to Boston's post-World Cup discussions about extended bar hours and open-air entertainment zones. The mayor expressed support for regular street closures and outdoor events, pointing to existing successes on Shrewsbury Street, Water Street, and the city common, as well as the work of the Worcester BID.

Congressman Jim McGovern talks about the midterms, trade war with Canada and more.

Dr Barur Raj Rajeshkumar is running for State Rep. for the 14th Worcester District. Hear why he is running.

State Representative Mary Keefe (D) discusses her 12-year tenure representing the 15th Worcester District and why she is running for reelection. Asked about her time in the legislature, she points to major accomplishments including the Student Opportunity Act, which brought $100 million to Worcester over seven years, and criminal justice reform that reduced the Massachusetts' prison population. Keefe addresses Worcester's transformation, particularly downtown development and housing challenges, advocating for fair wages and neighborhood-level housing improvements

Colin Novick is just back from Japan where he hiked the Northern Alps. He tells us how he was out on a trail for 11 days in a Japanese national park with a backpack and had an incredible trip. Colin stopped by Radio Worcester to promote Hike Worcester Week. Indeed, it is time once again for Hike Worcester Week, running September 11-20. This annual initiative by the Greater Worcester Land Trust is designed to showcase Worcester's extensive trail system while raising funds for trail maintenance and improvements

Crocodile River Music and Worcester BID’s Lisa Malo discuss African music, downtown Worcester’s transformation.

Batista Discusses Immigration Policy, Police Oversight and Public Safety

Congressman Jim McGovern discusses constituent concerns during a district visit, highlighting affordability as the primary issue facing Americans, with rising costs for groceries, gas, and housing affecting voters across party lines. Regarding the Senate debate between Ed Markey and Seth Moulton, McGovern emphasizes that voters should focus on candidates' policy positions and advocacy rather than tenure or age, while criticizing current debate formats that limit substantive discussion to brief soundbites.

The Radio Roundtable, Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell and Randy Feldman looks at Worcester's charter review process and police oversight.

More than 140 cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in Massachusetts. Dr. George Abraham, an infectious disease expert at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, discusses the current cyclosporiasis and salmonella outbreaks affecting over 50% of the United States. As he tells us the symptoms are not pleasant

Dean Lou Leonard of Clark University's School of Climate, Environment and Society tells Radio Worcester's Talk of the Commonwealth, how urban tree canopy serves as free air conditioning, with data showing that neighborhoods with adequate tree cover experience significantly lower summer temperatures than those without. "Trees. Listen, that may seem like something very simple, but it's going to have a giant impact... that is just a common sense."

Amanda Safford, Marketing Director, Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, stops by Radio Worcester to tell us Cyprian's Restaurant is re-opening Friday August 21st after having some work done. The restaurant will provide daily service from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM and live weekend music through mid-September. 

The U.S. Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the Worcester Police Department. City Manager Eric Batista appears on the Talk of the Commonwealth on Radio Worcester to discuss the department's comprehensive reform initiatives undertaken over the past year, including strengthened policies on sexual harassment and use of force, mandatory body camera requirements for all officers, and enhanced investigative oversight. "We've strengthened our policy. We've strengthened our sexual harassment policy. We've strengthened our policy on this level of work... And again, one of the biggest components of that now is body cameras." Batista emphasized, "We've strengthened our use of force policies as well and made sure there's more oversight of leadership in that department." He acknowledges that the 2024 DOJ report's findings continue to impact the community, "We know that the fact remains that our community has been tremendously impacted by the findings issued in 2024. And we know that that will never change, that impact will never change." He added "Building trust with community is not just implementing one tool and hoping that that tool is going to be the piece that's going to help build community trust. What's going to help build community trust is consistency and leadership, integrity and leadership between the chief and myself and the intention of always improving." "Culture change in different organizations takes time. And so we're committed to that." 

A discussion on the likelihood of speed camera legislation passing in Massachusetts explores the technology's potential to enhance road safety while addressing long standing privacy concerns. Proponents argue that modern speed cameras—which capture only rear license plates and destroy images after ticket payment—represent a practical solution to dangerous driving in cities like Worcester, where accident rates significantly exceed national averages.

MA State Senator Michael Moore explains the Protect Act, which provides enhanced protections against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions by restricting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses, while maintaining law enforcement's ability to pursue criminal investigations. He addresses a controversial bill establishing a permanent commission on the status of Muslim Americans to address discrimination concerns.

This episode examines two major Worcester issues: the ongoing debate over establishing a civilian review board for the police department and community concerns about traffic calming measures including roundabouts. Hear what Hank and Ben and Tom Marino of thisweekinworcester.com and Mark Henderson of the016.com have to say on the biggest stories of the week

Troy Siebels has been named the interim executive director of The Worcester Guardian. Siebels spent twenty-two years at the Hanover Theatre, twenty as President and CEO.

State Senator Robyn Kennedy discusses the conclusion of Massachusetts' formal legislative session on July 31st and ongoing work through January. Senator Kennedy highlights the passage of a comprehensive child welfare omnibus bill.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton joins Hank Stolz to discuss his reaction to the Democratic primary debate between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton. "I got sickened to be honest with you, because all I saw was two career politicians arguing over which one was more corrupt." 

A Worcester-area radio roundtable discussion covering multiple civic issues.  Panelists debated the Cambridge City Council's decision to reactivate the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system in Cambridge following a city employee's death, examining both its crime-fighting benefits and community concerns about over-policing and racial targeting. ShotSpotter is in use in Worcester.

Worcester Restaurant Week runs from August 3-16, 2026, marking its 17th year and largest year with nearly 50 participating restaurants across Worcester and surrounding towns. Participating restaurants offer curated three-course menus featuring appetizers, entrees, and desserts at $29.26 (or $34.26 for premium options), providing significant savings on signature dishes. 

The Worcester Red Sox Show features Hank Stolz with Bill Wandless and Bill Ballou discussing the third annual WooSox Hall of Fame ceremony and current team performance. The WooSox are off to a great start in the second half, especially Kristian Campbell, Ballou said you can't give up on these young players figuring it out.

Ron Waddell, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 15th Worcester District, discusses his campaign priorities and vision for the district.

This episode of the Radio Roundtable examines Worcester City Manager Eric Batista's decision not to recommend a civilian review board for police oversight . Panelists Hank Stolz, Ben White, George Russell, and Randy Feldman, look at the politics surrounding the decision and ponder what the board would look like if it did go ahead. "This is a city council that does not want to have a citizen review board for the Worcester Police Department. The votes aren't there, so it's not going to happen." said Stolz in arguing that regardless of what the City Manager put forward you're not going to see a Civilian Review Board. George Russell noted "This council is a very conservative council. It made a real move to the right." He also noted that "The reason why this was held was so that they could talk about it for a month... the progressives that want to use it as an issue to try and turn that council around."  The discussion addresses the role of independent oversight in police accountability, and recent police misconduct settlements. With Randy Feldman noting a recent settlement by the city to twelve individuals who had brought suit in the wake of a George Floyd protest in Worcester,  "You don't give away $825,000 as go away money. You give that away when you believe that there is going to be evidence that there was misconduct"   The panel also examines the political composition of the current city council, the tactics used by both supporters and opponents of the review board, and whether existing city administration oversight provides adequate checks on police conduct. 

This episode of the ClearPath Financial Partners podcast deals with flexibility. How retirees can optimize their tax situation through strategic planning and income management. Rather than simply minimizing taxes in any given year, Ryan Kittredge, President, Financial Planner, ClearPath Financial Partners emphasizes the importance of coordinating multiple income sources—including Social Security, pensions, pre-tax retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and taxable investments—to manage tax brackets effectively throughout retirement.  "By paying less today, you may be sort of snowballing up the future tax liability" says Kittredge in challenging the conventional wisdom on tax deferral.  Key strategies include building a diversified mix of tax-deferred, tax-free, and taxable accounts during working years; timing Roth conversions during favorable tax environments; coordinating large withdrawals to avoid bracket jumps; and selecting tax-efficient investments such as municipal bonds and index funds. The conversation highlights that tax planning should begin three to five years before retirement and continue throughout retirement, requiring coordination between financial advisors and tax professionals to minimize lifetime tax liability rather than focusing solely on reducing taxes in a single year. "We want to minimize lifetime income taxes, which doesn't always equate to minimizing this year's taxes as much as possible," says Kittredge. 

Worcester Red Sox President Dr. Charles Steinberg reacts to the the news he is going into the WooSox Hall of Fame. The Boston Herald's Gabrielle Starr who is at spring training with the Red Sox. Starr describes the atmosphere at spring training as interesting due to significant roster turnover. She feels the team has the opportunity to surprise people.

Bill Moore tells us about the work of Project New Hope with our veterans.