Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

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.