Nightside With Dan Rea

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a New York state law requiring applicants for a license to carry a gun outside of their homes to have a “proper cause” to do so. The Court ruled that the law violated the Second Amendment. The 6 conservative leaning justices voted 6-3 to invalidate NY's law which has been in existence since 1911. Dan heard your reaction to this big win for gun rights advocates.

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a New York state law requiring applicants for a license to carry a gun outside of their homes to have a “proper cause” to do so. The Court ruled that the law violated the Second Amendment. The 6 conservative leaning justices voted 6-3 to invalidate NY's law which has been in existence since 1911. Dan heard your reaction to this big win for gun rights advocates.

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a New York state law requiring applicants for a license to carry a gun outside of their homes to have a “proper cause” to do so. The Court ruled that the law violated the Second Amendment. The 6 conservative leaning justices voted 6-3 to invalidate NY's law which has been in existence since 1911. Dan heard your reaction to this big win for gun rights advocates.

A new survey conducted by MassINC Polling Group found that 56% of residents surveyed support offering low-income fares and passes on public transit. In addition the majority of participants support just outright eliminating fares all together. Is this really a surprise to anyone? Gov. Baker vetoed a bill back in 2020 that included a low-income fare mandate, citing that reducing costs cut into the fare revenue the T collects at a time when ridership remains low. Do you support low-income fares or eliminating fares all together?

The U.S. Navy is using a new training video that aims to cultivate a “safe space” for everyone by teaching about the proper use of correct pronouns. A spokesperson for the Navy said, “When you are inclusive and can see through other people's lenses and perspectives, you are better able to communicate, connect and work together harmoniously to build the best work-force and team.” Dan heard your reaction to the Navy's new training.

President Biden made a public announcement calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax for 3 months. If the President's proposal is approved by Congress, it would suspend the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax on gas. Biden also urged gas stations and oil companies to “bring down the price you are charging at the pump to reflect the cost you are paying for the product”. Dan heard your thoughts on Biden's federal gas tax holiday proposal.

President Biden made a public announcement calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax for 3 months. If the President's proposal is approved by Congress, it would suspend the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax on gas. Biden also urged gas stations and oil companies to “bring down the price you are charging at the pump to reflect the cost you are paying for the product”. Dan heard your thoughts on Biden's federal gas tax holiday proposal.

There is an effort afoot in Massachusetts to raise taxes on the state's wealthiest residents. The proposal, which is called the Fair Share Amendment, would amend the state Constitution to create a 9% income tax rate on annual earnings above $1 million. Proponents of a “millionaires tax” are pushing the measure to a vote this November. Efforts to rewrite the summary of the ballot measure were rejected this week by the state's high court. Are you in favor or opposed to a “millionaires tax” in MA? Christopher Anderson, President of the Massachusetts High Technology Council joins Dan to discuss.

With 71% approval the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has voted to approve a new policy that restricts transgender athletes from competing in elite women's aquatics competitions. The policy says that a male to female transgender athlete will only be eligible to compete if they transition before the age of 12 or before they reach stage two on the puberty Tanner Scale. Dan hears listeners' reaction to the new rule change.

During a time with the highest gas prices the country has ever seen, President Biden says he is considering a gas tax holiday. The federal gas tax is 18 cents a gallon so a gas tax holiday could save the average driver about $3 each time they fill up. Dan breaks down the pros and cons of a potential gas tax holiday.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that the state of Maine cannot exclude religious schools from a tuition assistance program that allows parents to use vouchers to send their children to public or private schools. As part of the majority vote, Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Maine's nonsectarian requirement for its otherwise generally available tuition assistance payments violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Dan heard listeners' reaction to the Court's decision.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that the state of Maine cannot exclude religious schools from a tuition assistance program that allows parents to use vouchers to send their children to public or private schools. As part of the majority vote, Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Maine's nonsectarian requirement for its otherwise generally available tuition assistance payments violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Dan heard listeners' reactions to the Court's decision.

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:Governor Charlie Baker had vetoed a new law that would grant undocumented immigrants a standard state driver's license beginning in July of 2023, but the state Senate joined the House in overriding the veto. The new law will also prohibit the RMV from asking about or keeping documents related to immigration status. Was enough thought put into creating these new rules? *In addition, Jordan takes calls on other topics.*

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:FINA, the world's governing body for swimming, has barred transgender women who have gone through puberty from competing at the elite level. FINA outlined that if a transgender woman wants to compete, they must have begun medical treatments to suppress the production of testosterone prior to the early stages of puberty, or by age 12. How do you feel about this new rule? *In addition Jordan takes calls on other topics.*

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:President Joe Biden took a tumble recently while biking in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with the First Lady. He had stopped to talk with a group of reporters and subsequently fell from his bike. The President has also been seen tripping up the stairs of Air Force One and walking with a slow gait. Given the recurrence of trips and falls like this, should we be concerned about the health and well-being of our president? *In addition, Jordan takes calls on other topics.*

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:Juneteenth, also known as “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day”, commemorates the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to spread the word that enslaved African Americans were free, more than two years after the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In 1980, Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas, and in 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday. Did you know Juneteenth is also celebrated outside the U.S.? Jordan talks about the meaning and history of Juneteenth.

Kari Young is a renowned medium who has the ability to not only communicate with the other side but also communicate with living pets. While Kari has done readings for many celebrities through her iHeartRadio podcast Go Beyond Here, she particularly loves doing readings for radio listeners! Last Friday evening for hour two, Kari helped listeners “Go Beyond Here” to communicate with loved ones from the other side. Take a listen!

Kari Young is a renowned medium who has the ability to not only communicate with the other side but also communicate with living pets. While Kari has done readings for many celebrities through her iHeartRadio podcast Go Beyond Here, she particularly loves doing readings for radio listeners! Last Friday night, for hour one Kari helped listeners “Go Beyond Here” and communicate with pets (passed and living). Take a listen!

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed into law a bill that allows school employees to be armed. The law, as enacted requires 24 hours of training before an employee can go armed, and up to eight hours of annual training. This new law is not required, just optional. Do you think this law is a good option for school employees? Would you want armed employees at your child's school?

The Nativity School of Worcester can no longer call themselves Catholic. Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester has prohibited the school from identifying itself as “Catholic” for refusing to remove their Pride and Black Lives Matter flags at his request. The Bishop argues the flying of these flags, “sends a mixed, confusing and scandalous message to the public about the Church's stance on these important moral and social issues.” Dan hears your reaction.

How much can you get from selling your old vinyl collection? You might think your old vinyl records are worthless now in today's world of advanced audio technology but think again... Vinyl records are a hot commodity! Owning a record player and vinyl has become trendy and very popular with Millennials and Gen Z. Mighty John The Record Guy is here to tell you just how much your old records are really worth. Get your questions ready!

Today's third hearing of the January 6th Committee's investigation into the riot at Capitol Hill focused on former President Donald Trump's pressure that he put on former Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electoral vote. Dan brings you the highlights of today's public hearing and wants to hear your reaction! Is the Committee setting the stage to indict Trump?

Today's third hearing of the January 6th Committee's investigation into the riot at Capitol Hill focused on former President Donald Trump's pressure that he put on former Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electoral vote. Tonight, Dan brings you the highlights of today's public hearing and wants to hear your reaction! Is the Committee setting the stage to indict Trump?

Entrepreneur and GOP candidate for Massachusetts Governor, Chris Doughty joins Dan on NightSide to discuss his campaign. Doughty is running on a platform that believes in a more affordable Massachusetts that offers more jobs, better wages, and safer communities among other things. Take a listen as Chris Doughty unveils his plans if elected governor.

Sports Illustrated is now under fire for a featured piece slamming the Washington high school football coach who was fired for praying alone on the field after games. SI accused Coach Joe Kennedy of “eroding democracy” saying a Supreme Court win for Kennedy would “further erode the separation of church and state” in America. Tonight, your reaction to the Sports Illustrated piece on Coach Kennedy and the impending Supreme Court decision.

The U.S. House has voted 396-27 in favor of passing a bill that would extend security protections for Supreme Court Justices and their immediate family. Of the 27 Democrats who voted against the bill was Massachusetts' own Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Why the opposition? Pressley made it a point to note that Justices already have security protections but “abortion care providers and patients, who face threats of violence… do not”. Do you support or oppose this new security measure for Justices?

Today the Boston City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution apologizing for Boston's role in the slave trade. As part of the resolution, the Council has vowed to “dedicate policies and efforts to repair past and present harm done to Black Americans via systemic racism.” We discuss the resolution's benefits and welcome your calls!

Today the Boston City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution apologizing for Boston's role in the slave trade. As part of the resolution, the Council has vowed to “dedicate policies and efforts to repair past and present harm done to Black Americans via systemic racism.” Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson joins Dan to discuss.

This past weekend, a bipartisan group of senators came to an agreement on new gun safety legislation. The agreement has the support of 10 Republican senators. Included in the framework is enhanced backgrounds checks for people under 21, support of “red flag” laws, and expanded investment in mental health and telehealth among other things. Tonight, your thoughts on the Senate's bipartisan gun deal.

This past weekend, a bipartisan group of senators came to an agreement on new gun safety legislation. The agreement has the support of 10 Republican senators. Included in the framework is enhanced backgrounds checks for people under 21, support of “red flag” laws, and expanded investment in mental health and telehealth among other things. Tonight, your thoughts on the Senate's bipartisan gun deal.

The Massachusetts House voted to override Governor Baker's veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act, which enables all state residents to apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Now, state Republicans are spearheading an effort to undo the new law by beginning the process of putting a question on November's ballot that would ask voters to repeal the measure. Leading GOP candidate for governor, Geoff Diehl and Maureen Maloney, chairwoman for the new committee Fair and Secure Massachusetts join Dan to discuss.

The Cambridge City Council passed the Cycling Safety Ordinance which requires the construction and installation of miles of separated bike lanes. A group of local restaurants, medical offices, and retail owners, called Cambridge Streets For All has decided to sue the city of Cambridge over the ordinance. The group believes the ordinance is causing them to miss out on business. Local bakery owner and Board Chair for Cambridge Streets For All, Lee Jenkins, joins Dan to discuss. We welcome proponents and opponents of Cambridge's ordinance to call in with your thoughts!

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine over 3 months ago, there have been more and more boycotts of not just the Russian government but of Russian culture. Several orchestras have cut legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from their lineups and this includes the classic 1812 Overture. Russian musicians, artists, and athletes have been banned from various events, lost work, or had their shows cancelled. In addition there have been countless boycotts on Russian goods such as vodka. Is it fair to punish all Russians for the sins of their dictator?*In addition Jordan takes calls on other topics as well*

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine over 3 months ago, there have been more and more boycotts of not just the Russian government but of Russian culture. Several orchestras have cut legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from their lineups and this includes the classic 1812 Overture. Russian musicians, artists, and athletes have been banned from various events, lost work, or had their shows cancelled. In addition there have been countless boycotts on Russian goods such as vodka. Is it fair to punish all Russians for the sins of their dictator?*In addition Jordan takes phone calls on other topics*

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide:Today the January 6th House Select Committee held their second hearing on the investigation into the Jan. 6th attack on Capitol Hill. The committee focused its second public hearing on those closest to former President Donald Trump who told him it was too premature to declare victory, trying to make the point that Trump used his early declaration to push claims that the election was stolen. Jordan wants to hear your reaction to the Jan. 6th Committee's second hearing.

Jordan Rich fills in on NightSide with Dan Rea:The MBTA is asking an outside company to oversee their Ambassador division which is comprised of 200 employees. These T Ambassadors greet commuters, assist with Charlie Cards, and report any maintenance issues. A Tennessee company has offered to pick up the contract but for $102 million. MyDatt Services, said TN company, has already been overseeing the MBTA customer service workers since 2017 but through yearly contracts. Is $102 million too much to ask for?

For NightSide's last hour of the week Dan wants to reflect and remember the life of longtime WBZ anchor and reporter Shelby Scott who passed away at the age of 86. Dan takes your calls and hears your remarks about the beloved local TV personality.

Last evening the January 6th House Select Committee held their first public hearing in prime time. During the hearing, members of the panel tried to link former President Donald Trump to two extreme right groups, The Proud Boys, and the Oath Keepers, both who played a part in breaching the Capitol Building on Jan. 6th. After the first hearing, do you think Trump has too much going against him to even consider rerunning for president? Dan wants to hear your thoughts on what last night's first public hearing revealed to you.

Last evening the January 6th House Select Committee held their first public hearing in prime time. During the hearing, members of the panel tried to link former President Donald Trump to two extreme right groups, The Proud Boys, and the Oath Keepers, both who played a part in breaching the Capitol Building on Jan. 6th. After the first hearing, do you think Trump has too much going against him to even consider rerunning for president? Dan wants to hear your thoughts on what last night's first public hearing revealed to you.

The Boston City Council has sent Mayor Michelle Wu an amended roughly $4 billion operating budget that included just over a $13 million cut in police spending. Most of the money cut came out of the police overtime budget. Tonight, Dan breaks down the amended budget and wants to know your feedback! Do you approve or oppose the City Council's amended operating budget? Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy joins Dan to discuss.

After hearing the House select committee's first public hearing on the investigation into the January 6th insurrection, what was your big take away? Will you watch more of the upcoming hearings? What are your thoughts on the committee's portrayal of former President Donald Trump? Are you more or less likely to believe Trump was responsible for any abuse of power that nearly upended U.S. democracy? Dan wants to hear your reaction!

After hearing the House select committee's first public hearing on the investigation into the January 6th insurrection, what was your big take away? Will you watch more of the upcoming hearings? What are your thoughts on the committee's portrayal of former President Donald Trump? Are you more or less likely to believe Trump was responsible for any abuse of power that nearly upended U.S. democracy? Dan wants to hear your reaction!

An armed man was arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's D.C. home early this morning for threatening to kill Justice Kavanaugh. According to a police official the man was armed with a knife and gun and told law enforcement he wanted to kill Kavanaugh. The armed man was supposedly upset about the Supreme Court leaked draft opinion suggesting the reversal of Roe vs. Wade as well as the recent string of mass shootings. Dan discusses the incident.

An armed man was arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's D.C. home early this morning for threatening to kill Justice Kavanaugh. According to a police official the man was armed with a knife and gun and told law enforcement he wanted to kill Kavanaugh. The armed man was supposedly upset about the Supreme Court leaked draft opinion suggesting the reversal of Roe vs. Wade as well as the recent string of mass shootings. Dan discusses the incident.

A new 10-day pilot program in Boston called “Copley Connect” is underway. The program will block off traffic on Dartmouth Street between Boylston Street and St. James Ave. The sectioned off area will be for pedestrian foot traffic only. The closure will allow more outdoor activities and events to take place. Would you be in favor of the program becoming a permanent fixture in Boston?

Three months ahead of the State Primaries, Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin is calling for “urgent action” on the passage of “permanent no-excuse voting by mail”. In the 2020 State Primaries, 47% of the ballots cast were by mail. The Secretary believes any delays in the passage of election reform bills would have a negative impact on voters. Should no-excuse voting by mail be made permanent here in the Commonwealth?

The city of Boston is testing out a 10-day pilot program that starts today called “Copley Connect”. A block of Dartmouth Street between Boylston Street and St. James Ave will be closed to vehicles. The goal of “Copley Connect” is to examine the positive and negative impacts of closing this block and becoming more pedestrian friendly. The city hopes the project will promote a stronger sense of community. Dan wants to hear your opinion on “Copley Connect”. Would you be in favor of the program becoming a permanent fixture in Boston?

*For a Half Time guest we speak to former Red Sox player Mike Timlin about the Sharon Timlin Memorial Race to Cure ALS*Today the average price of gasoline in Massachusetts hit $5 a gallon. Despite the staggering record high price, State House leaders refuse to suspend the gas tax. Why? MA Senate President Karen Spilka said, “there's nothing they can do to mandate that if they suspend the gas tax that it actually goes into the pockets of those at the pump.” What would you like your elected officials to do to provide some relief at the pump?

Today the average price of gasoline in Massachusetts hit $5 a gallon. Despite the staggering record high price, State House leaders refuse to suspend the gas tax. Why? MA Senate President Karen Spilka said, “there's nothing they can do to mandate that if they suspend the gas tax that it actually goes into the pockets of those at the pump.” What would you like your elected officials to do to provide some relief at the pump?

After a series of troubling incidents involving guns, violence, and harassment at various Boston Public Schools, a local community movement made up of parents, clergy, community leaders, and residents called Boston S.O.S (Safety of our Schools) is calling on Mayor Wu to make school safety a top priority. S.O.S says, “every week there is additional evidence that we have a school safety crisis throughout the entire Boston school system.” S.O.S. founding member Rev. David Searles of Central Assembly of God Church in East Boston joins Dan to discuss what safety measures need to be implemented in BPS.

In 1981, John Hinckley shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan, the President's Press Secretary James Brady, Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy, and D.C. Police Officer Thomas Delahanty. On June 15th, Hinckley will be released as a free man, unencumbered by any parole supervision. The Federal Judge in charge of this case wrote “This is the time to let John Hinckley move on with his life, so we will”. Should any potential Presidential assassin ever be allowed to rejoin society without any supervision from authorities?