The Rundown: Bodycam Footage, AI in Journalism, and the Shifting Shape of Local News
By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester
Photo- Radio Worcester
WORCESTER, MASS.- On this week’s episode of The Rundown, Hank Stolz was joined by Tom Marino of ThisWeekinWorcester.com, Mark Henderson of The016.com, and “Big” Ben to take a closer look at two major topics shaping local news: the fallout from newly released bodycam footage of the Eureka Street ICE arrest, and the increasing role of AI in journalism.
Eureka Street Bodycam Footage: More Fuel or More Fatigue?
The release of bodycam footage from the May ICE protest on Eureka Street brought renewed attention to the controversial incident. But the panel largely agreed—it’s unlikely to move the needle.
“People have already formed their opinions,” said Marino. Henderson added a critical point: the public—and the press—should be asking why certain footage is being released when it is. “There’s a sequence to these releases,” he said. “We need to pay attention to that. Is there intent behind the order?”
AI in the Newsroom: Disruptor or Democratizer?
The conversation then turned to artificial intelligence. Is it a job-killer or a way to inform underserved communities?
The panel acknowledged valid concerns. AI could displace reporters, especially in small markets like Worcester, where local outlets already operate on thin margins. But it could also help cover “news deserts” that otherwise receive little to no media attention.
Hank even asked AI to summarize the discussion—and its response was tellingly close to what a human might write. The AI highlighted both the opportunities and dangers: job loss, quality concerns, and the hope of broader access to timely, localized information.
The Local News Landscape: Who Tells the Story?
Finally, the group looked at how journalism in Worcester is changing. From advocacy outlets to platforms focused on straight reporting, the city’s media scene reflects national tensions around objectivity, bias, and editorial mission.
Charter Reform, Snowstorm Response, and Spencer Shooting | The Rundown
On this episode of The Rundown, Hank and Ben are joined by Tom Marino and Mark Henderson for a wide-ranging discussion on Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen’s push to review the city charter, the city’s handling of a major snowstorm, and a developing fatal shooting in the town of Spencer.
The Rundown Examines Etel Haxhiaj Case, Mayor Petty Criticism, and Police Accountability in Worcester
The Rundown focused on the pending legal case involving former Worcester city councilor Etel Haxhiaj, including criticism of Mayor Joe Petty’s refusal to comment publicly and a broader discussion of police accountability, past DOJ findings, and the ongoing debate over civilian oversight.
Mark Henderson and Tom Marino Discuss Worcester Veterans Affairs Lawsuit Questions
Mark Henderson of the016.com and Tom Marino of thisweekinworcester.com discuss the growing controversy surrounding Worcester’s former Veterans’ Services director, including unanswered questions about his departure, credentials, and the potential for a lawsuit.
Tom Marino Defamation Lawsuit Sparks Debate Over Press Freedom in Worcester
Tom Marino of This Week in Worcester addressed the defamation lawsuit filed by the Worcester Patrolmen’s Union president and defended his reporting as the Rundown also covered police oversight issues in Worcester.
Worcester’s Dual Tax Rate and the Supermarket Debate: What’s Really Driving Business Away?
Is Worcester’s dual tax rate pushing supermarkets and other businesses away, or is the issue more complex? A Radio Worcester panel weighs in on taxes, economic health, and corporate decision-making.
Worcester At-Large Race Comes Down to 23 Votes; ICE Arrest Sparks Debate
Mark and Tom joined Hank and Ben to discuss the tight 23-vote margin in the Worcester City Council at-large race and the controversy over a potential recount. The group also examined the national attention surrounding a Fitchburg woman’s ICE arrest and the broader debate over immigration enforcement in Massachusetts.
The Rundown: Polar Park Payment Shortfall and Controversy Over Heather Prunier Story
The Rundown with Mark Henderson and Tom Marino examines Worcester’s ongoing Polar Park bond shortfall and the controversy surrounding Marino’s article about Heather Prunier’s abuse allegations — a discussion blending accountability, politics, and the role of local journalism.
Worcester Report Calls for Civilian Oversight Amid Skepticism Over Implementation
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau’s latest report recommends creating a civilian police oversight board. In this week’s Radio Worcester Roundtable, Tom Marino, Mark Henderson, Ben White, and Hank Stolz weigh in on whether the city will act—or if the plan will be diluted by politics.
Tom Marino and Mark Henderson Raise Concerns Over Worcester Police Drone Expansion
In this week’s Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino (This Week in Worcester) and Mark Henderson (The016.com) tackled the question: does Worcester need more police drones? Both expressed skepticism, pointing to the cost and effectiveness of existing technology like ShotSpotter, which lacks independent, peer-reviewed research proving its success. Marino cited Chula Vista, California, where a drone pilot ballooned from $2,500 to a $1.5 million annual expense within three years. The pair also raised concerns about expanded surveillance and potential civil liberties issues. As longtime “City Hall Watchers,” they believe this proposal may signal the early stages of a larger, pre-planned rollout.
Worcester Council’s ICE Vote and Drone Proposal Raise Questions on Policy, Politics, and Privacy
On Talk of the Commonwealth, Tom Marino of ThisWeekInWorcester.com and Mark Henderson of The016.com examined two major issues before the Worcester City Council. The council voted 8–2 to bar police from entering a task force agreement with ICE, sparking debate over whether it was a principled, preemptive policy decision or election-year theater. They also discussed a proposal to use drones as “first responders” for 911 calls, raising concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and high costs. Marino argued that Worcester’s costly experience with ShotSpotter should guide caution with new policing technologies, stressing the need for independent data and accountability.
Spike in Worcester Citizen Petition Denials Raises Concerns Over Accessibility and Transparency
On The Rundown, Tom Marino revealed that Worcester denied 133 citizen petitions in just eight months of 2024—more than double the total from the prior two-and-a-half years. Marino argued the city solicitor is using weak legal justifications to shield the City Council from politically uncomfortable issues. Mark Henderson countered that the City Clerk was following council directives, while also noting that increased citizen activism has complicated petition rules. Both agreed controversial past petitions, including one tied to Israel and Gaza, set precedents that now shape the process.
Political Roundtable Tackles First Amendment Questions After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
On the Political Roundtable, Hank and Ben were joined by Randy Feldman and Robert Amorello to examine the First Amendment issues raised by the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. The panel discussed comments from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who suggested Kimmel’s case could be just the beginning, as well as the President’s assertion that the federal government should be able to revoke broadcast licenses of networks deemed “unfair.” Callers also weighed in, offering their perspectives on the limits of free speech and government oversight of the media.
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