Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

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 Augustinian school in Tulsa.

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 21st.

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 Worcester Guardian looks at safety concerns in the main branch of the Worcester Public Library. 

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), then Lindsay Mendez (Merrily We Roll Along, Carousel, Dogfight), both with Emmy and Grammy Award winner John McDaniel on piano.Performances at the JMAC Brick Box theater. Eric with a special offer to save when you subscribe to the season.Tickets through The Hanover Theatre. More information at Broadwayinworcester.com.

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 Outfield before Fourth of July fireworks around 8:45.

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.