Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

Luis Pedraja - President - Quinsigamond Community College speaks with the Talk of the Commonwealth about the importance of education in upholding the ideals of democracy. Dr. Pedraja says "Education enables us to participate in democracy and in that way be a continuation of that promise that was made a long time ago on the 4th of July in 1776."

Insight on the first American Pope from Ambassador Francis Rooney . Rooney is a former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, appointed by President George W. Bush. He is also the author of a book titled "The Global Vatican" about diplomacy and the U.S.-Holy See relationship. Rooney has a personal relationship with the new Pope, having known him when he was Father Bob and served on the board of an Augus...

Jonathan Godbout , a 20-year-old ninja warrior from Sterling, talks to Hank about his upcoming TV appearance, his love for the sport and how he trains. He has been a fan of American Ninja Warrior since he was a young kid , he even built his own obstacle courses in his living room, and started training at a local ninja gym when he was 12 years old. His next appearance on the show is Monday July 21s...

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Tim Murray continues to be critical of the state's Board of Education to implement a lottery system for admission to vocational and technical school programs, arguing that it will reduce the number of graduates.

Proposed $40M Fairgrounds in Leominster Sparks Debate Over Jobs, Traffic, and Community Impact Local developer James Whitney outlines plans for a multi-use facility featuring horse racing, a sports bar, and year-round public events on a long-capped landfill.

Leominster Residents Push Back on Fairgrounds Proposal Citing Landfill Risks and Animal Welfare Concerns Grassroots opposition to a proposed $40 million racing and simulcasting venue grows as environmental and ethical questions mount.

Mayor Petty and Councilor Mero-Carlson Propose Local Property Tax Incentive to Preserve Affordable Housing in Worcester. On his weekly visit to the Talk of the Commonwealth, Petty outlines the plan.

Every Wednesday Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com and Mark Henderson, the016.com, join Hank and "Big" Ben to run down the top stories of the week and add their comments. This week they look at the news from WPI that based on market conditions the Hampton Inn, purchased by WPI to convert to student housing will remain a hotel and on the city tax rolls for the foreseeable future. A story from the...

Eric Butler, Broadway in Worcester, announces 2025-2026 season. Three Shows. Three Tony Award Winners. One Unforgettable Season. Broadway in Worcester is back for another knockout season with some of Broadway’s biggest stars. We kick off the year with James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton, Wonderful World) with the spontaneous Seth Rudetsky, followed by Matt Doyle (Company, The Book of Mormon),...

On this edition of the Worcester Red Sox Show Dr. Charles Steinberg gives us everything we need to know about the WooSox vs Syracuse Mets on July 3rd with a Cowboy Hat giveaway to the first five thousand fans and a special pre-fireworks performance by Bob Cowsill of the Cowsills. Family Fest is Friday at Polar Park with fun events for the whole family, then a showing of the movie Angels in the Out...

Monique Messier Joseph President at Discover Central Massachusetts stops by the Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us EVERYTHING we need to know about Worcester's Independence Day celebration at Cristoforo Colombo Park Worcester.

The Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer and Randy Feldman look at the city council's review of the Worcester City Manager. They were not surprised that he received a good review but were a little surprised that some councilors did not push back harder in some areas. The Roundtable also looks at the leading blogs on Facebook and what influence they can have on voters or are they just a...

Auxilium Worcester has launched its first cohort of three companies, selected from over 50 applicants, that are participating in a 3-month accelerator program. Auxilium Worcester is focused on supporting scalable businesses and entrepreneurs in the Worcester area. The three companies in the inaugural cohort are: Akeyna, a medical device company developing “smart needle” technology for aesthetic de...

"Big" Ben with Tom Marino of thisweekinworcester.com and Mark Henderson of the016.com look at the top stories of the week including WPD Chief Saucier answering questions from the Human Rights Commission and the City Council review of the City Manager.

The Radio Roundtable, Guillermo Creamer, Randy Feldman, John Keough along with Hank and "Big" Ben talk about Chief Paul Saucier's appearance before the Human Rights Commission. The Roundtable gives its evaluation of the City Manager ahead of the City Council.

Lauren Piehl, Bay State Bank, on Financial Empowerment. Lauren gives us tips for managing finances during the summer months. Including: Review your financial goals and budget from the start of the year, and make adjustments as needed Plan ahead for summer expenses like travel and activities to avoid overspending

Everything you need to know for the Annual Food Truck, Beer and Bev Fest on this week's edition of The Worcester Red Sox Show.

City Manager Eric Batista: Worcester Must Stay Safe Without Shutting Out the Public In a wide-ranging interview, Batista details new City Hall security upgrades, explains protest policy, and defends the city’s responsiveness to activists’ concerns.

Tom Marino, thisweekinworcester.com, and Mark Henderson, the016.com, comment on the recent protests in Worcester, No Kings, as well as protests that shut down City Council. Debate breaks out over the rift the protests have exposed when it comes to city councilor's calling each other out. With some councilor's saying other councilor's are helping push the protests. In light of the threats councilor...

The Radio Roundtable, Matt Wally, Guillermo Creamer, Randy Feldman and Keith Linhares talk about how recent protests have stopped the City Council from carrying out there business, actually bringing meetings to a halt. A vigorous debate on what is allowable in society when it comes to protest, when does it work against the protestors, what are they trying to accomplish and a conversation over whet...

Billboard-charting alt-folk-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rachael Sage will perform at Electric Haze on Sunday, June 22nd where she will play songs from her forthcoming full-length studio album, Canopy. Rachael will be accompanied by long-time members of her band The Sequins - drummer Andy Mac (Kindred Souls) and harmonica player Trina Hamlim (Susan Werner). The show is a co-bill...

On this edition of The ClearPath Financial Partners podcast, Ryan Kittredge, President and Financial Advisor, discussed strategies for homebuyers who want to purchase a new home before selling their current home.

A short film, shot entirely in Worcester for the Dead of Winter Film Festival, recently won and won big at “The Top Shorts Film Festival.” Solus Writer/Director/Actor Tommy Jay Dwyer, John Keough, and HollyWoot Film Group stopped by the Talk of the Commonwealth. 

 As her tenure comes to a close, Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez sat down for a candid conversation reflecting on her three-year leadership of the state’s second-largest school district.  

On this episode of The Worcester Red Sox Show Dr. Charles Steinberg talks about the Roman Anthony being called up to the Boston Red Sox, joining Marcello Mayer. How that call up didn't slow down the WooSox, who have a 9 game winning streak and hot young stars, like "The Password," and Blaze Jordan. Dr. Charles encourages fans to come out for the upcoming homestand. "These are the days. Here they a...