Talk of the Commonwealth

We talk about the new Stigma Free Worcester App that consolidates information on all resources related to addiction and recovery and puts them in a directory. We have on HHS Commissioner Dr. Mattie Castiel, Kelsey Hopkins of DPH, and WPI App developer Walker Christie to tell us all about it.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stigma-free-worcester/id1458295607?mt=8

Chamber Radio Blast 4/30/19: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Murray joined the show this morning to talk about how Boston Mayor Marty Walsh visited Worcester Tech to find out what makes it so successful and why Worcester has one of the best Technical High Schools in the country.

Worcester Police Chief Steve Sargent sat down with Hank to talk about the newly released crime stats that make Worcester the safest city of its size in the Northeast, and the implementation of a 20 officer body camera pilot program.

Photo Credit to Elizabeth Brooks

On Easter Sunday religious terrorists set off a series of coordinated bombings of three Christian churches across Sri Lanka, leaving hundreds dead and countless more injured & traumatized.

Holy Cross Religious Studies Professor Mathew Schmalz spent time living and studying Christianity in Sri Lanka, even attending services at one of the churches that was targeted.

He gave us more context & helped us understand Sri Lankan Christians.

https://theconversation.com/who-are-sri-lankas-christians-115799

Aaron Perna, President of Ride the Woo, joined the show to talk about his push to bring a free Trolley system to Downtown Worcester that would connect a number of hotspots including; bars, restaurants, music venues, hotels, museums, historic landmarks, & more.

The only way to make this happen is to prove that there is a demand for it, that people want it. To help make this a reality DOWNLOAD & REGISTER for the Ride the Woo FREE app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ride-the-woo/id1455858125?ls=1&mt=

Good Chemistry is set to make Worcester history on Wednesday, May 1st, when they become the first ever adult-use recreational Cannabis facility in the City's long history.

Matt Huron, the Founder and CEO of Good Chemistry, joined us to talk about the historic day and what it's going to look like.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty joined us this morning at 7:00am, like he does every Wednesday morning, for our weekly #WorcesterWednesday chat.

We talk about a packed City Council meeting on Tuesday that saw discussions on Police Body Cameras, Homelessness, and more. We also touched on Superintendent Maureen Binienda's contract situation and how he sees it as head of the School Committee.

Adam Haddad, the owner of Accurate Collision on Millbury St. in Worcester, called into the show to give his side of the story when it came to allegations made by clients, insurers, and now Attorney General Maura Healey detailing fraud.

His call was in response to this piece in the Telegram by Elaine Thompson: https://www.telegram.com/news/20190420/drivers-insurers-allegedly-bilked-by-worcester-auto-repair-shops-run-by-father-sons

Photo Credit to The Telegram & Gazette

Grant Welker says that the WooSox stadium project is already falling behind schedule. Property acquisitions, and the possibility or eminent domain, is on the horizon. So we ask him about the timeline and what's going on with Polar Park.

http://www.wbjournal.com/article/20190411/NEWS01/190419984

Student Leaders from the Youth Civics Union joined us this morning, the day after they, along with 3 other WPS student groups, called a press conference outside Worcester City Hall to double down on their call for Superintendent Maureen Binienda’s contract to not be renewed.

Context Reading: https://www.worcestermag.com/news/20190416/watch-students-at-press-conference-call-for-non-renewal-of-worcester-superintendent-contract