Rich Rubino Analyzes Trump’s Approval Ratings, 2026 Midterms, and Foreign Policy Challenges
By-Hank Stolz
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WORCESTER, MA-Political analyst and author Rich Rubino looks back at President Trump’s past year in office. President Trump’s approval ratings in 2025 dropped into the mid-to-late 30s, a trend Rubino identified as typical for a second-term president who overreached their mandate. “The president comes in on all cylinders and tries to kind of overreach, if you will, kind of overinterpret the mandate. And what generally happens is that president’s job approval tends to dissipate…” The economy is the driving factor as many Americans do not “perceive” the economy as being better under Trump than it was under Joe Biden, which contributed to a sense of “buyer’s remorse” among centrist voters.
Worcester Railers COO Mike Myers on ECHL Labor Strike, Team Outlook, and Community Role
Worcester Railers leadership says games impacted by the recent ECHL labor strike were postponed—not canceled—and highlights new player additions, upcoming promotions, and a continued focus on community engagement.
Pediatric Flu Cases Surge in Worcester ERs, Doctors Urge Vaccination
Doctors at UMass Medical Center are reporting a significant surge in pediatric flu cases, with unusually high fevers sending concerned parents to emergency rooms across Worcester.
Radio Roundtable: Elections, Leadership Struggles, and Housing Dominate the Year
Panelists on Radio Worcester’s Political Roundtable debate the defining political stories of the year, from City Council elections and leadership struggles to housing, governance, and voter dissatisfaction.
Downtown Worcester Momentum Continues With New Restaurants, Retail, and Nightlife
Downtown Worcester continues to gain momentum as new restaurants, retail shops, and hospitality concepts open across the neighborhood, adding energy and variety to the city center.
City Manager Eric Batista Explains Worcester’s Tax Strategy, Infrastructure Challenges, and Winter Shelter Response
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista joined Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss tax policy, infrastructure challenges, recent water main breaks, and the city’s winter shelter response.
Angel Investor Tom Medrek Breaks Down the Deal Terms Every Founder Must Understand
Angel investor Tom Medrek joins AuxTalk to explain the investment terms founders must understand — from valuation and vesting to liquidation preferences and choosing the right investors.
Worcester Red Sox Holiday Care-A-Van Spreads Cheer Across Central Massachusetts
The Worcester Red Sox wrapped up their annual Holiday Care-A-Van with three days of visits to nonprofits, hospitals, schools, and community organizations — bringing gifts, meals, and time to those who need it most.
Bay State Bank Warns of Increased Financial Scams During the Holiday Season
Lauren Piehl, Financial Empowerment Officer at Bay State Bank, warns consumers about increased holiday scams and explains how to avoid phishing, fake delivery texts, and financial fraud.
Dr. Michael Hirsch on Worcester’s “Guns to Gardens” Program
Dr. Michael Hirsch joined Talk of the Commonwealth to discuss the 24-year evolution of Worcester’s Guns to Gardens program, a voluntary, non-confrontational gun buyback effort aimed at reducing accidental deaths, suicides, and domestic violence by removing unsecured firearms from local homes. With nearly 5,000 weapons collected since 2002, the program pairs safe disposal with a symbolic transformation: surrendered guns are forged into garden tools for community spaces, turning instruments of harm into tools of nourishment. Worcester residents can drop off firearms this Saturday from 9–1 at Police Headquarters or City Welding & Fabrication on Ararat Street.
Molly McCullough, Planting the Seed Foundation’s 2025 Toy Drive
Planting the Seed Foundation brings back its Annual Holiday Toy Drive — over 50 years strong — providing gifts to thousands of Worcester children. Join the celebration and help ensure teens aren’t forgotten this holiday season.
How Jess Lynch Is Empowering AI-Native Founders Through FoundersEdge VC
Jess Lynch, co-founder of Founders Edge, shares her unconventional career journey from forensic accountant to startup founder to venture capitalist — and how she’s helping experienced entrepreneurs build AI-native companies with the power of community and financial optionality.
Nick Lazzaro Announces Run for 7th Worcester District State Rep Seat
Millbury Selectman, School Committee member, and business owner Nick Lazzaro has launched his campaign for State Representative in the 7th Worcester District. He emphasizes affordability, small business support, and government transparency as key issues driving his challenge to longtime incumbent Paul Frost.
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