Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

Dr. George Abraham, Chief of Medicine at St. Vincent Hospital, discusses the early and severe start to the 2026-2027 flu season, with hospitalization rates already exceeding typical October levels. The current vaccine protects against three strains: two influenza A and one influenza B, with influenza A being most prevalent. Dr. Abraham explains that flu poses serious risks beyond cold-like symptoms, particularly for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions, as it can lead to pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections like staph. Prevention strategies include hand washing, avoiding handshakes, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing masks when symptomatic, staying home when ill, sanitizing surfaces, and most importantly, receiving the flu vaccine. The vaccine is safe for all individuals, including those with egg allergies, and creates herd immunity when widely adopted. Dr. Abraham notes that COVID-19 mitigation measures dramatically reduced flu transmission, demonstrating the effectiveness of masking and hygiene practices. He advises seeking medical care when experiencing shortness of breath, persistent high fever, or productive cough, as these may indicate secondary pneumonia requiring treatment.

Congressman Jim McGovern discusses the Democratic Party's sweeping midterm election victories. McGovern emphasizes that voters prioritized affordability and corruption concerns, and outlines key legislative priorities including reducing healthcare costs, reversing Medicaid and SNAP cuts, ending the war in Iran through defunding efforts, and putting a stop to what he feels are illegal tariffs.
McGovern wants a crackdown on presidential corruption. "We also need to get serious about cracking down on corruption. I mean, I'm looking at the polling from those who voted, and the economy is number one, but corruption is number two. People don't like the fact that the president and his family have made billions of dollars off the presidency, getting handouts from foreign governments, all these crypto investments."
 
 

On today's broadcast continued analysis of the fallout from the Blue Tsunami. A look at how different Republicans lawmakers are reacting including Senator Ted Cruz. Does President Donald Trump work with Democrats, veto everything, threaten the power of the veto? Congressman James McGovern (D-Worcester) calls in with his take. 
We also hear about the inaugural Homeowner Summit, Nov. 7th from 9-2 at the DCU Center. 

November Is Thank a Business Month: Let's Celebrate What's Going Right! Lisa Swanson, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England stops into the Radio Worcester diner. 
November is BBB's Thank a Business Month, and this year's theme is "Return the Favor." Think about the last time you needed a reliable contractor, mechanic, restaurant, or other service provider. Chances are, you looked at online reviews before making your decision. But when we have a wonderful experience ourselves, how often do we actually take a few minutes to share it? Maybe a local business went above and beyond, an employee provided exceptional service, or someone helped you solve a difficult problem. This month, BBB is encouraging everyone to recognize at least one business that made a positive difference in their life.
Visit BBB.org/thanks, find that business, and leave an honest review.
 
We often hear about what goes wrong in the marketplace. This month, we're making a point of celebrating what goes right!

Voice of Business is presented by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and on this episode on Radio Worcester they talk coffee.
Tall Pines Coffee founder Ian shares his journey from home roasting hobbyist to business owner with the support of the Worcester Regional Food Hub. Starting with a frying pan experiment that filled his kitchen with smoke, Ian developed his online coffee roasting business through Food Hub resources, including food safety certification and shared commercial kitchen space. Named for the pine forest surrounding his Leicester home where the idea took root, Tall Pines Coffee now operates via tallpinescoffee.com. Kim Gordon highlights how the Food Hub enables food entrepreneurs to scale affordably without major infrastructure investments, while also announcing vendor expansions at Quinsigamond Community College and the Fitchburg Public Market.

The Veterans Inc. Holiday Harvest provides Thanksgiving meal supplies to over 700 Veterans families including turkeys, trimmings, stuffing, and fresh produce.
DATE: 24 November 2026
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Address: 69 Grove St. Worcester, MA
Open to all current and former members of the armed services in need of food for their household. Please bring DD-214 or VA Card as proof of Veterans Status! Product donations are also welcome and needed.
For more information contact (800) 482-2565, or holidayharvest@veteransinc.org

On this episode of The Rundown on Radio Worcester, Hank and "Big" Ben along with Mark Henderson of the016.com and Tom Marino of thisweekinworcester.com look at the surprising national election results as well as the state ballot questions.
They also look at Amazon backing off for now from their drone delivery plans out of their Marlborough Warehouse.

The day after a historic Democrat win. Fifty-four seats to retake the Senate and the possibility of adding Alaska and Mississippi. Hank and Ben break it down, talk about the future of the Republican Party, and look at the statewide ballot questions. 
Mark Henderson of the 016.com and Tom Marino of This Week in Worcester join in the conversation and Ryan Kittredge of ClearPath Financial Partners comes on to talk about the election effect on the market.

Worcester's Director of Veterans Benefits Bruce Mendelsohn came by the Radio Worcester diner to give us the details of the annual Veterans Day Parade down Grove Street on November 11th and talk about what the city is doing for veterans. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. after Veterans Inc. Pancake Breakfast at the Armory from 8:30 to 10:30.

Rachel's Table is Worcester's volunteer-driven food rescue nonprofit. Executive Director, Alissa Schimmel, came on Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us about Dine for Good.
Rachel's Table rescues more than 500,000 pounds of surplus food a year for shelters, pantries and meal programs, and 93% of their partner agencies rely on them for 90 to 100% of their weekly milk. 
From Nov. 12 to 14, six local restaurants (American Flatbread Worcester, The Fix, The Broadway, Trackside Tavern, Gardner Ale House and Rushford & Sons in Upton) plus two bakers are donating part of their sales through the first Dine for Good Weekend.