Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

State Senator Michael Moore joined the Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss key legislative issues in Massachusetts. A bill Senator Moore introduced would ban PFAS chemicals in artificial turf fields.

Tim Murray speaks with the Talk of the Commonwealth about the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce's involvement in the Worcester Food Hub, a partnership that provides commercial kitchen space and resources for food businesses. It also highlights the Chamber's role in the Worcester Green Corps, a collaborative effort to clean up and beautify the city.

Ryan Kittredge, ClearPath Financial Partners, discusses the key differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, and when it may be beneficial to consider a Roth conversion.

The Rundown looks at top stories in the news with Tom Marino of Thisweekinworcester.com and Mark Henderson of the016.com.

The Worcester Green Corps is actively engaged in cleaning up litter and conducting recycling audits in various neighborhoods around Worcester. Amelia speaks with Hank about how they help educate the public on proper recycling practices, as improper "wish cycling" can contaminate the recycling stream.

Every Friday at 8 on the Talk of the Commonwealth the Political Roundtable looks at the top National stories. 

Worcester District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj is vowing to continue serving her constituents while fighting charges stemming from her involvement in a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Eureka Street earlier this year.

The conversation covers several topics related to the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, including the redesign of Mill Street, the city's commitment to Vision Zero and making the city more walkable, the development around the Worcester Red Sox stadium, and the city's efforts to address homelessness.

The Rundown, Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com, and Mark Henderson, the016.com, look at the stories everyone is talking about. Both express surprise that the charges against District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj stemming from the protest against the ICE action on Eureka St. had not been dropped.

Mill St. is back as a topic in Worcester. The street has a long history as a throughfare for speeding and accidents. City Councilor Moe Bergman is questioning how much of an impact the redesign of the street has had on safety. Many residents have expressed their unhappiness with the city's redesign and that has led to questions of what future street configurations will look like.

There is ongoing debate around the city's "Vision Zero" plan to make Mill Street safer for pedestrians and cyclists, with some residents disputing the city's data on reduced accidents and speeding. City Manager Eric Batista stops by the Talk of the Commonwealth to set things straight. He is clear the city is committed to making streets safer

Mark Henderson, the016.com, and Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com, join Hank and Ben is looking at the biggest stories of the week. A lot of discussion in Worcester right now over petitions coming before the city council and if they should go through a councilor or not. 

Congressman Jim McGovern says Trump and his allies have been pushing conspiracy theories for years when it comes to Jeffery Epstein and that has come back to bite them. He is also highly critical of the Big, Beautiful Bill and argues that it provides unnecessary tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting important social programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

In a wide-ranging interview, Worcester Mayor Joe Petty discusses the proposed changes to the petition process, housing priorities, and the city's future cultural programming—including hopes for the return of the Latin American Festival.

The popular kids character "Bluey" will make an appearance Sunday during the WooSox game at Polar Park. Dr. Charles Steinberg also tells us that the WooSox want to do what they can to make a hotel or office building a reality next to the park. 

State Senator Michael Moore runs down the money flowing back to Central MA from the state budget.

Following up the tremendous success of The Van Gough Immersive Experience in Worcester, Craig Morrison of Exhibition Hub, announced the company will be bringing The Monet Immersive Experience to Worcester in September. Morrison appeared on The Podcast of Discover Central MA along with Don Porcaro of The Worcester Bravehearts talking about the upcoming All-Star game.

Dr. Charles also said the team is actively working with developers to drive the progress of the projects around Polar Park, with the goal of creating a thriving community around the stadium. That includes working on having a hotel or other building being built in left field. Plus, alert the kids "Bluey" will be at the park on Sunday.

The Political Roundtable on the Talk of the Commonwealth features Robert Amorello and Randy Feldman looking at the top political stories from the right and the left. This week Birthright Citizenship, the Big Beautiful Bill and Biden's Doctor takes the fifth.

Lisa Swanson is the new President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England. She is no stranger to Central New England Businesses, having been with the Hanover Theatre since its start almost 18 years ago. Swanson discusses the BBB's mission, its accreditation standards for businesses and charities, and her plans to reinvigorate the organization's President's Club and more.

The Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, and Randy Feldman look at a plan put forward by Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on a tax incentive for local landlords to keep their rents below market rate. Wally applauds the idea but Creamer and Feldman are more skeptical on how much good it will due. Feldman questions the timing and wonders if it is just a feel-goo...

Worcester’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Matt Moore, discusses his role, how the city handles media and social media response, and the balancing act between speed and accuracy—especially in high-pressure situations like recent ICE activity on Eureka Street.

The Rundown with Mark Henderson, the016.com and Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com. A weekly look on the Talk of the Commonwealth on the top stories of the week. This week's conversation looks at the delayed opening of Crompton Park pool, a local restaurant owner's response to a negative online review, and a proposed ban on law enforcement wearing masks.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty talks about what federal grants being withheld could mean for Worcester schools. Why the city's pool was closed on the hottest day of the year and can we do something about all the dog poop.

Lisa Swanson is the new President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England. She is no stranger to Central New England Businesses, having been with the Hanover Theatre since its start almost 18 years ago. Swanson discusses the BBB's mission, its accreditation standards for businesses and charities, and her plans to reinvigorate the organization's President's Club and host an ope...