Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth

Toby Leary, founder of the Civil Rights Coalition, discusses the organization's grassroots campaign to repeal Massachusetts Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, a sweeping gun legislation bill signed into law by Governor Maura Healy. 

McGovern responds to a Gallup poll showing nearly 90% of Americans believe there is widespread corruption, expressing agreement and pointing to what he describes as the Trump family's financial dealings, stock trading, and sweetheart arrangements as examples of those in power enriching themselves while ordinary Americans struggle with rising costs and housing insecurity. He states that if Democrats retake the House, he expects committee investigations into these matters.

Rebecca Perry, Director of the WISE Program, stopped by The Talk of the Commonwealth on Radio Worcester, to tell Hank about the long running program and that "It is never too late. As a matter of fact, we have folks as old as 90 in our program."
The Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE) is a lifelong learning program based at Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, designed primarily for retirees and older adults seeking continued intellectual and social engagement.

Every year, BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust analyzes reports submitted by consumers and businesses through BBB Scam Tracker to identify which scams are posing the greatest risk. 
The 2025 report looked at more than 146,000 published scam reports. Lisa Swanson, CEO BBB of Central NE, ran the scams down for us.
 
Investment and cryptocurrency scams remained the number one riskiest scam. Employment scams remained number two. Online purchase scams moved up to number three.

This episode of the Radio Roundtable, hosted by Hank and Ben, features political commentator George Russell and immigration attorney Randy Feldman discussing two main topics on Primary Election Day.

Clark University Political Science Professor Robert Boatright, author of "The Problem with Primary Voters" and co-editor of "Reforming Primary Elections," joined Hank on Massachusetts Primary Day to examine the structural challenges facing American primary elections. Professor Boatright draws on years of research using national voter file data to explain why primary electorates consistently fail to represent the broader population.

Radio Worcester presented the 15th Worcester Debate between incumbent Rep. Mary Keefe (D) and challenger Ron Waddell (D). The Democratic Primary is September 1st.
The debate was moderated by Hank Stolz and featured questions from Adam Bass of MassLIve, Ben White from Radio Worcester, Mark Henderson of the 016.com and Kate McEvoy of Pulse Magazine. It was held at the East  Side Post of the American Legion and streamed live at radioworcester.com. 
Key debate topics included affordable housing supply and demand, state funding equity for Worcester, police accountability and civilian oversight, homelessness services, downtown revitalization, data center regulation, the audit and representation of the district's majority-minority population. The candidates diverge on legislative experience, constituent engagement frequency, and approaches to criminal justice reform, with Waddell emphasizing results-oriented outcomes and Keefe stressing the complexity of legislative work and coalition-building within the delegation.

This episode examines the critical role of precise language in journalism and law enforcement communication. Why certain language had to be used in regards to Worcester Police Officer Kurt Solomon. Mark Henderson, the016.com, explains how journalists and police departments must use carefully measured terminology to report only confirmed facts, avoiding speculation that can fuel misinformation on social media.

Petty highlighted the success of a recent downtown DJ event that drew over 10,000 people to the Palladium with no incidents, noting the event may be outgrowing its current venue. The conversation expanded to broader questions about Worcester's nightlife and street festival culture, drawing comparisons to Boston's post-World Cup discussions about extended bar hours and open-air entertainment zones. The mayor expressed support for regular street closures and outdoor events, pointing to existing successes on Shrewsbury Street, Water Street, and the city common, as well as the work of the Worcester BID.

Congressman Jim McGovern talks about the midterms, trade war with Canada and more.