Mark Henderson
@hendersonma.bsky.social
Founder, The016.com, news- and civic-focused social media for Worcester. Proud husband, father & Holden townie. I post about media, tech & Worcester.
Back in the '90s this would likely have started a war in the T&G newsroom, but here it is.
Regardless of whether I was editing the story, I would have loudly said to the Page 1 editor, " 'Jury finds Etel guilty' is a bull--it, lazy headline. It should be 'Jury delivers split verdict'." #WordsMatter
Regardless of whether I was editing the story, I would have loudly said to the Page 1 editor, " 'Jury finds Etel guilty' is a bull--it, lazy headline. It should be 'Jury delivers split verdict'." #WordsMatter
February 12, 2026 at 12:06 AM
Back in the '90s this would likely have started a war in the T&G newsroom, but here it is.
Regardless of whether I was editing the story, I would have loudly said to the Page 1 editor, " 'Jury finds Etel guilty' is a bull--it, lazy headline. It should be 'Jury delivers split verdict'." #WordsMatter
Regardless of whether I was editing the story, I would have loudly said to the Page 1 editor, " 'Jury finds Etel guilty' is a bull--it, lazy headline. It should be 'Jury delivers split verdict'." #WordsMatter
My last thought: It is worth noting that if the Worcester police had acted in accordance with the protocols they established AFTER the Eureka Street fiasco, none of this would have ever happened to @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social. An apology is owed here, but most certainly not to the police.
February 11, 2026 at 10:37 PM
My last thought: It is worth noting that if the Worcester police had acted in accordance with the protocols they established AFTER the Eureka Street fiasco, none of this would have ever happened to @etelhaxhiaj.bsky.social. An apology is owed here, but most certainly not to the police.
The reason I thought it would be a split verdict at worst was if the jury blamed both sides. As I've said since the beginning, there's enough evidence to conclude the police were totally unprepared to deal with this professionally, and blame needs to be assessed for that. In that way, it just was.
I'd love to read the instructions given to the jury. I honestly don't understand how you get here.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
Assault and battery on a public employee: guilty
February 11, 2026 at 9:25 PM
The reason I thought it would be a split verdict at worst was if the jury blamed both sides. As I've said since the beginning, there's enough evidence to conclude the police were totally unprepared to deal with this professionally, and blame needs to be assessed for that. In that way, it just was.
I'd love to read the instructions given to the jury. I honestly don't understand how you get here.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
Assault and battery on a public employee: guilty
February 11, 2026 at 9:07 PM
I'd love to read the instructions given to the jury. I honestly don't understand how you get here.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
I thought it would be not guilty on both charges. At worst, I thought it would be a split verdict but the other way around.
Reposted by Mark Henderson
Looking ahead ➡️ #TheRundown at 8:00 with @masspolwatch.bsky.social and @hendersonma.bsky.social
How to listen ⬇️
On the radio: AM-830 (WCRN)
Online: radioworcester.com
Thoughts or questions? Text in @ 774-364-8255
How to listen ⬇️
On the radio: AM-830 (WCRN)
Online: radioworcester.com
Thoughts or questions? Text in @ 774-364-8255
February 11, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Looking ahead ➡️ #TheRundown at 8:00 with @masspolwatch.bsky.social and @hendersonma.bsky.social
How to listen ⬇️
On the radio: AM-830 (WCRN)
Online: radioworcester.com
Thoughts or questions? Text in @ 774-364-8255
How to listen ⬇️
On the radio: AM-830 (WCRN)
Online: radioworcester.com
Thoughts or questions? Text in @ 774-364-8255
Had the pleasure of speaking to a college class this week.
I asked, "Who has seen something factually wrong on social media?" All hands went up.
"Who has seen it in the past 24 hours?" All hands stayed up.
Unavoidable digital abuse: This is where we are.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
I asked, "Who has seen something factually wrong on social media?" All hands went up.
"Who has seen it in the past 24 hours?" All hands stayed up.
Unavoidable digital abuse: This is where we are.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Millions creating deepfake nudes on Telegram as AI tools drive global wave of digital abuse
Analysis finds at least 150 channels on messaging app that are distributing AI-generated images and video
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Had the pleasure of speaking to a college class this week.
I asked, "Who has seen something factually wrong on social media?" All hands went up.
"Who has seen it in the past 24 hours?" All hands stayed up.
Unavoidable digital abuse: This is where we are.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
I asked, "Who has seen something factually wrong on social media?" All hands went up.
"Who has seen it in the past 24 hours?" All hands stayed up.
Unavoidable digital abuse: This is where we are.
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Ready for some hot talk on this cold winter morning? Join us on @totcshow.bsky.social at 8:05 for the Rundown!
January 21, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Ready for some hot talk on this cold winter morning? Join us on @totcshow.bsky.social at 8:05 for the Rundown!
Reposted by Mark Henderson
We are LIVE this morning talking about the important issues of the day. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
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7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
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📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
HOME
Listen to the latest news and talk on Radio Worcester. Get local, state, and national news as well as talk radio shows.
radioworcester.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:07 AM
We are LIVE this morning talking about the important issues of the day. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
And you thought there would be no good news this morning ...
OpenAI might be dying.
Meanwhile, the low-profile, low-drama Google and Anthropic rejoice with every new court filing against OpenAI and quietly hope for its death by a thousand cuts.
My article below:
Meanwhile, the low-profile, low-drama Google and Anthropic rejoice with every new court filing against OpenAI and quietly hope for its death by a thousand cuts.
My article below:
January 21, 2026 at 12:25 PM
And you thought there would be no good news this morning ...
Spice up this pleasant, springlike morning by joining us at 8:05 for The Rundown on @totcshow.bsky.social!
January 14, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Spice up this pleasant, springlike morning by joining us at 8:05 for The Rundown on @totcshow.bsky.social!
Reposted by Mark Henderson
We are LIVE this morning from 6-10 talking about the top local & national stories of the day. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7 Mayor Joe Petty
8 #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:47 Lili Barkow, CASA
radioworcester.com
AM-830
7 Mayor Joe Petty
8 #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:47 Lili Barkow, CASA
radioworcester.com
AM-830
HOME
Listen to the latest news and talk on Radio Worcester. Get local, state, and national news as well as talk radio shows.
radioworcester.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:53 AM
We are LIVE this morning from 6-10 talking about the top local & national stories of the day. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7 Mayor Joe Petty
8 #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:47 Lili Barkow, CASA
radioworcester.com
AM-830
7 Mayor Joe Petty
8 #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:47 Lili Barkow, CASA
radioworcester.com
AM-830
May be tough to see, but in the long run the city is much better off. Here's why:
1. If they really lost $350M over 20 years running a major metro, they're idiots and shouldn't be running even a lemonade stand;
2. As we've seen across the country ...
1. If they really lost $350M over 20 years running a major metro, they're idiots and shouldn't be running even a lemonade stand;
2. As we've seen across the country ...
What a wild and deeply depressing outcome. Striking journalists had recently won in the courts and the Block family will kill @post-gazette.com rather than adhere to the ruling. The newspaper (the city's largest) has been in print for more than 230 years.
NEW: Publishers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announce they are shutting down the newspaper on May 3, 2026.
Hours ago, the Supreme Court of the US declined to extend a stay on a court order for the paper to pay its journalists following the end of a 3-year strike.
Hours ago, the Supreme Court of the US declined to extend a stay on a court order for the paper to pay its journalists following the end of a 3-year strike.
January 9, 2026 at 3:40 PM
May be tough to see, but in the long run the city is much better off. Here's why:
1. If they really lost $350M over 20 years running a major metro, they're idiots and shouldn't be running even a lemonade stand;
2. As we've seen across the country ...
1. If they really lost $350M over 20 years running a major metro, they're idiots and shouldn't be running even a lemonade stand;
2. As we've seen across the country ...
"Blanket bothsidesism does not demonstrate editorial judgment; it displays a complete lack of editorial judgment."
January 7, 2026 at 4:13 PM
"Blanket bothsidesism does not demonstrate editorial judgment; it displays a complete lack of editorial judgment."
I'm very excited to be a part of this! I can't wait to hear from the other panelists. And, as is my wont, I'll drop some nonpublic Worcester data that will have you thinking just a bit differently about social media's role in news. Hope to see you there!
www.facebook.com/events/25766...
www.facebook.com/events/25766...
The 'How Journalism Works' Panel Discussion Series No. 4: 'Navigating News and Social Media'
Event in Worcester, MA by Victor Infante and 2 others on Saturday, January 3 2026
www.facebook.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I'm very excited to be a part of this! I can't wait to hear from the other panelists. And, as is my wont, I'll drop some nonpublic Worcester data that will have you thinking just a bit differently about social media's role in news. Hope to see you there!
www.facebook.com/events/25766...
www.facebook.com/events/25766...
You could make the case for Hartford or Portland first. But "expanding our presence across New England" means sooner or later the Henrys will address their Worcester problem, and it will be interesting to see how they handle it.
New at Media Nation: Linda Henry aims to deepen The Boston Globe's neighborhood coverage and expand in New England. dankennedy.net/2025/12/28/l...
Linda Henry aims to deepen the Globe’s neighborhood coverage and expand in New England
You can count on one hand the number of independently owned large metro newspapers that are doing reasonably well and continuing to grow. Among them is The Boston Globe. Today’s print edition…
dankennedy.net
December 28, 2025 at 11:23 PM
You could make the case for Hartford or Portland first. But "expanding our presence across New England" means sooner or later the Henrys will address their Worcester problem, and it will be interesting to see how they handle it.
Sounds like Gov. Healey has a ticket on the Scare Tactic Express when it comes to rent control.
Let's be clear: The first thing rent control does is stop wild speculation of multifamilies that drives high sales prices, which translate to higher rents.
www.masslive.com/politics/202...
Let's be clear: The first thing rent control does is stop wild speculation of multifamilies that drives high sales prices, which translate to higher rents.
www.masslive.com/politics/202...
Mass. Gov. Healey: I’m a ‘no’ on rent control ballot initiative for 2026
"I’m a ‘no’ because, if you look at the studies, you effectively halt [housing] production," Gov. Maura Healey said Tuesday.
www.masslive.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Sounds like Gov. Healey has a ticket on the Scare Tactic Express when it comes to rent control.
Let's be clear: The first thing rent control does is stop wild speculation of multifamilies that drives high sales prices, which translate to higher rents.
www.masslive.com/politics/202...
Let's be clear: The first thing rent control does is stop wild speculation of multifamilies that drives high sales prices, which translate to higher rents.
www.masslive.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mark Henderson
We are LIVE this morning until 10am talking about the important issues of the day from Worcester to Washington. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Tim Power of DCM
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Tim Power of DCM
December 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We are LIVE this morning until 10am talking about the important issues of the day from Worcester to Washington. To join the conversation just call or text us @ 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Tim Power of DCM
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
8:45 - Tim Power of DCM
There are a number of reasons I'm hopeful about the state of local journalism. This is one, from @damon.kiesow.net. Local knowledge, boots on the ground and tech can combine to make a formidable foe against the platforms.
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/publ...
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/publ...
Publishers fight Big Tech with small local language models
"The platforms own the pipes, but publishers can own the intelligence that matters most to our communities."
www.niemanlab.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:49 PM
There are a number of reasons I'm hopeful about the state of local journalism. This is one, from @damon.kiesow.net. Local knowledge, boots on the ground and tech can combine to make a formidable foe against the platforms.
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/publ...
www.niemanlab.org/2025/12/publ...
Maybe it's just me, but I'm really getting tired of DCF saying, effectively, "Oops, our bad" and "We need more funding" when a child dies and the state could have prevented it.
www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/... cc @totcshow.bsky.social
www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/... cc @totcshow.bsky.social
DCF changes recommended after investigation into death of 4-year-old girl in Worcester, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families failed to properly recognize warning signs or intervene before the death of a girl in Worcester, according to the investigation.
www.cbsnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Maybe it's just me, but I'm really getting tired of DCF saying, effectively, "Oops, our bad" and "We need more funding" when a child dies and the state could have prevented it.
www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/... cc @totcshow.bsky.social
www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/... cc @totcshow.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Henderson
Big show this morning! And as always our phone and text lines are open for you at 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
7:35 - Dr. Michael Hirsh (Gun Buyback)
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
9:47 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
7:35 - Dr. Michael Hirsh (Gun Buyback)
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
9:47 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
HOME
Listen to the latest news and talk on Radio Worcester. Get local, state, and national news as well as talk radio shows.
radioworcester.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Big show this morning! And as always our phone and text lines are open for you at 774-364-8255
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
7:35 - Dr. Michael Hirsh (Gun Buyback)
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
9:47 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
7:05 - Mayor Joe Petty
7:35 - Dr. Michael Hirsh (Gun Buyback)
8:05 - #TheRundown with @hendersonma.bsky.social & @masspolwatch.bsky.social
9:47 - Voice of Business
📻 830-AM, WCRN
💻 radioworcester.com
Even the notoriously corrupt IOC be, like, "Dammmnnnnn ...."
December 5, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Even the notoriously corrupt IOC be, like, "Dammmnnnnn ...."
I've been saying this for over a decade: It's never been about what the platforms allow. It's always been about what the algorithms boost.
www.platformer.news/stanford-pol...
www.platformer.news/stanford-pol...
How researchers reversed polarization on X with a simple change to the algorithm
A new study offers evidence for what we’ve long suspected: rage bait is distorting our politics. PLUS: The David Sacks discourse, and Claude Opus 4.5 debuts
www.platformer.news
December 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I've been saying this for over a decade: It's never been about what the platforms allow. It's always been about what the algorithms boost.
www.platformer.news/stanford-pol...
www.platformer.news/stanford-pol...
Interesting listen on media from Outdoor Cats with @billshaner.bsky.social. I agree with the problem and the root cause. But, while we're not where we want to be, we do know where the solution lies. Hint: It has something to do with Martin Scorsese.
www.worcestersucks.email/p/episode-47...
www.worcestersucks.email/p/episode-47...
Episode 47: Never Promised You A Knausgården
Some ambient thoughts on technology and local media and control of our own destinies
www.worcestersucks.email
December 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Interesting listen on media from Outdoor Cats with @billshaner.bsky.social. I agree with the problem and the root cause. But, while we're not where we want to be, we do know where the solution lies. Hint: It has something to do with Martin Scorsese.
www.worcestersucks.email/p/episode-47...
www.worcestersucks.email/p/episode-47...
I'm fortunate to call Peter a friend, so I wish him well on his retirement. But believe me when I tell you that he's been the most important person in #Worcester Media for over a decade and he will be greatly missed.
wbjournal.com/article/pass... via @wbjournal.bsky.social cc: @totcshow.bsky.social
wbjournal.com/article/pass... via @wbjournal.bsky.social cc: @totcshow.bsky.social
Passing the baton at WBJ
After 46 years in the publishing industry in Central MA, I will retire at the end of January.
wbjournal.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I'm fortunate to call Peter a friend, so I wish him well on his retirement. But believe me when I tell you that he's been the most important person in #Worcester Media for over a decade and he will be greatly missed.
wbjournal.com/article/pass... via @wbjournal.bsky.social cc: @totcshow.bsky.social
wbjournal.com/article/pass... via @wbjournal.bsky.social cc: @totcshow.bsky.social