Nightside With Dan Rea

Bradley opened the phone lines for discussion of music and whatever else was on the minds of the listeners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent road rage fight on I-70 in Colorado highlights how police are using new technology to quickly identify suspects. After two drivers stopped in the middle of the highway and fought, authorities used a drone and automated license plate reader technology to track down the vehicles involved. Police say these tools help solve crimes more efficiently, while critics continue to raise concerns about privacy and surveillance. Bradley spoke with David Benowitz, VP of Strategy & Marketing Communications for BRINC Drones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best known for his book Walden and his essay Civil Disobedience, Henry David Thoreau was a writer, philosopher, naturalist, and abolitionist, and was closely associated with Concord and Walden Pond in Massachusetts. In 1845, he moved to a small cabin near Walden Pond, where he lived simply for two years while observing nature and reflecting on society. Those experiences became the basis for Walden, a classic work on self-reliance and simple living. Bradley talked with Richard Smith, a longtime first-person interpreter of Henry David Thoreau, about the writer's life and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people were free, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Bradley was joined by Joel Mackall, co-founder of the Hidden History of Black Boston Tours, to discuss the history of Juneteenth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump's 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran has been released. The interim agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and gradual sanctions relief and expanded economic activity for Iran. Dan broke down the agreement and explained its key elements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has removed a proposed income tax cut from the November ballot, ruling that a summary of the measure issued by Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office was misleading. The initiative would have lowered the state's flat income tax rate from 5% to 4%, but the court found that voters were not properly informed that the change would also affect taxes on long-term capital gains. Should the proposed tax cut have remained on the ballot for voters to decide?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has removed a proposed income tax cut from the November ballot, ruling that a summary of the measure issued by Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office was misleading. The initiative would have lowered the state's flat income tax rate from 5% to 4%, but the court found that voters were not properly informed that the change would also affect taxes on long-term capital gains. Should the proposed tax cut have remained on the ballot for voters to decide?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trial attorney John Deaton's Senate campaign is built around the idea that Massachusetts needs an independent voice and a break from career politicians. He argues that Washington was "never meant to be a career." Deaton often highlights his working-class background and says his goal is to help people who feel ignored by the political system. Massachusetts Republican Senate candidate John Deaton joined Dan for a discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing the discussion about how things Americans consider ordinary and routine can be surprisingly fascinating to international visitors, Dan asked listeners what they like best about America!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal authorities say they disrupted a planned mass-casualty attack targeting the UFC event at the White House, arresting five suspects before the plot could be carried out. Investigators allege the multi-stage assault would have involved explosive-laden drones and snipers. The FBI learned of the scheme after the mother of one of the suspects alerted authorities to concerns about his behavior and online activity. Dan discussed the latest developments in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Americans consider ordinary and routine can seem surprisingly fascinating to international visitors. Everyday conveniences we often take for granted—such as ice makers and sprawling supermarkets—can be eye-opening for many travelers. World Cup visitors are going viral for their takes on ordinary American life, and Dan shared some of their favorite discoveries as he talked with Dr. Rachel Fu, Professor of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at the University of Florida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Efforts are underway to make AI literacy accessible to all K–12 students, regardless of background. Schools, nonprofits, universities, and technology companies are investing in AI literacy programs, teacher training, open educational resources, and free software to help ensure that students in public schools have access to the same opportunities as their private-school peers. Dan was joined by Jeff Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of Day of AI, and Katie Everett, Executive Director of the Lynch Foundation, to discuss the AI education gap and efforts to close it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan began the hour with a tribute to Eddie Andelman, then opened the phone lines for discussion of other topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which candidate impressed you most? Dan recapped the John Deaton–Seth Moulton pre-primary debate and opened the phone lines for your reaction. Did either candidate change your mind?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican John Deaton and Democrat Seth Moulton squared off in a pre-primary Massachusetts Senate debate, hosted by WBZ-TV's Jon Keller. Absent from the debate was incumbent Democratic Senator Ed Markey, who is seeking a third full term. Listen in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's driving people out of Massachusetts? A new Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll found that nearly half of respondents cited the high cost of living and taxes. Among the 500 voters surveyed, about one in four said they have seriously considered leaving the state, even though roughly 70% reported having enough money to live comfortably right now. David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, joined Dan to discuss the findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about the U.S. and Iran framework agreement designed to ease tensions and begin a 60-day period of negotiations. As part of the deal, both sides are expected to work toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and restoring maritime traffic, while the U.S. is expected to lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Some of the biggest issues, including Iran's nuclear program, have been left for future talks and will likely be a major focus as negotiations continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about the U.S. and Iran framework agreement designed to ease tensions and begin a 60-day period of negotiations. As part of the deal, both sides are expected to work toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and restoring maritime traffic, while the U.S. is expected to lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Some of the biggest issues, including Iran's nuclear program, have been left for future talks and will likely be a major focus as negotiations continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. and Iran have announced a framework agreement designed to ease tensions and begin a 60-day period of negotiations. As part of the deal, both sides are expected to work toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and restoring maritime traffic, while the U.S. is expected to lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Some of the biggest issues, including Iran's nuclear program, have been left for future talks and will likely be a major focus as negotiations continue. Dan shared the details of this deal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we discussed a story out of Ipswich High School in which six lacrosse players were suspended from their final game after a photo circulated showing them possibly “smoking” cigars following graduation. The players’ parents challenged the suspension, stating that the cigars did not contain tobacco and providing evidence that they were made from chamomile and English breakfast tea. However, new developments have emerged indicating that a receipt submitted to support that claim had its date and time stamp obscured. A reprinted version of the receipt reportedly shows that the tea was purchased approximately 20 minutes after the families had been notified of the alleged violation. Dan revisited this story in light of the new developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills In On NightSide with Dan Rea:Bradley threw open the phone lines and invited listeners to chime in with the topic of their choice! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills In On NightSide with Dan Rea:Continued conversation about the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution as Bradley spoke with Bob Allison, professor of history at Suffolk University, about the Battle of Gloucester and a unique effort to recreate the U.S. Constitution in Boston. At the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, printers are producing a faithful reproduction of the historic Boston broadside of the Constitution using period presses and hand-set type. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills In On NightSide with Dan Rea:As Boston commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Bradley spoke with Bob Allison, professor of history at Suffolk University, about the Battle of Gloucester and a unique effort to recreate the U.S. Constitution in Boston. At the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, printers are producing a faithful reproduction of the historic Boston broadside of the Constitution using period presses and hand-set type. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley Jay Fills In On NightSide with Dan Rea:With the World Cup in full swing, America’s 250th anniversary being celebrated, and the Tall Ships coming to Boston in July, Massachusetts is experiencing record-setting visitor numbers. Bradley welcomed Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, to discuss upcoming events, including Sail Boston, where roughly 60 international tall ships and military vessels will arrive in Boston Harbor from July 11–16 for public ship tours and other festivities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan opened the phone lines for discussion of any topic. He asked what the listeners would like to hear on "NightSide!" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how the New Hampshire Supreme Court has overturned Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction in the death of his daughter, Harmony Montgomery, whose remains have never been found. The court upheld his convictions on several other charges, including second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. The court ruled that the second-degree assault charge should have been separated from the murder case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has overturned Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction in the death of his daughter, Harmony Montgomery, whose remains have never been found. The court upheld his convictions on several other charges, including second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. The court ruled that the second-degree assault charge should have been separated from the murder case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking and unacceptable incident occurred yesterday in South Boston when two masked juvenile suspects robbed an 11-year-old and 12-year-old's lemonade stand at gunpoint. According to the victims, the pair initially approached the stand and asked if they could use Apple Pay to purchase a drink before grabbing a cash box containing about $50. Boston police are still investigating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continued the Platner discussion, and Dan also believes that America's attitudes and overall mood can—and should—be improved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During his acceptance speech last night, Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner told a packed room of supporters that “people can change.” Acknowledging past mistakes, he said he continues to learn from them and understands that earning the trust and support of his constituents is his responsibility. With the primary now behind him, Platner turns his attention to building support within his own party as he prepares to challenge Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Dan reacted to Platner’s victory, campaign, and personal record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bill signed by Gov. Maura Healey will allow bars in Massachusetts to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. through July 31. The measure is intended to support the greater Boston economy by capitalizing on increased tourism associated with the FIFA World Cup and Tall Ships events. Do you believe an additional hour of bar service will significantly boost the economy? Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, checked in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Ipswich High School, smoking a cigar after graduation has long been a traditional rite of passage. Because the use of tobacco products violates the rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, members of the school’s boys lacrosse team celebrated with homemade imitation cigars instead. Despite the cigars being fake, several players were suspended, leaving the team without enough eligible participants and forcing a forfeit in the Division 4 state semifinal. John Gianakakis, father of one of the Ipswich players, joined Dan to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night, a U.S. Apache helicopter was shot down by Iranian forces while conducting a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, both crew members were rescued and are reported to have escaped injury. President Trump said today that the U.S. needs to respond to the attack, while Iran’s parliamentary speaker cautioned that the Islamic Republic would match whatever actions Washington takes next. Stay tuned to WBZ NewsRadio 1030 for the latest information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continued conversation about how a 31-year-old man is facing criminal charges following a fatal road rage confrontation. Authorities say Timothy Scalisi has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly lifting a 23-year-old man and forcefully throwing him to the ground during an altercation. Responding officers found the victim disoriented and vomiting at the scene. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. When tempers flare on the road, where should we draw the line before things go too far?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 31-year-old man is facing criminal charges following a fatal road rage confrontation. Authorities say Timothy Scalisi has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly lifting a 23-year-old man and forcefully throwing him to the ground during an altercation. Responding officers found the victim disoriented and vomiting at the scene. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. When tempers flare on the road, where should we draw the line before things go too far?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the high level of excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Massachusetts, demand for short-term rentals remains low. Many property owners listing on Airbnb were expecting instant bookings, even for properties listed at more than $30,000 per week. The reality is that international travelers appear to be seeking stays of fewer than three nights at rates below $300 per night. David Cutler, Real Estate Agent at William Raveis, joined Dan to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan had a bad day when his cell phone stopped working. With so much of our lives on our phones, Dan asked if you've ever had your phone destroyed or broken beyond repair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oyster farmer and combat veteran Graham Platner remains the front-runner in the Maine Democratic primary, despite allegations of misconduct toward women and controversy surrounding a tattoo associated with a Nazi symbol. Maine voters' opinions are mixed, with some saying that Platner's personal life has no bearing on his policies, while others argue that his political mission is sincere and that is why they are supporting him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump walked out of an NBC "Meet the Press" interview with Kristen Welker after she questioned him about compensation for alleged victims of government "weaponization" and challenged his claims that the California primaries and the 2020 election were "dirty" and "rigged." After a tense back-and-forth exchange, Trump said, "Let's call it quits because I've had enough," and left the set. Welker later said Trump agreed to sit down for another interview at an undisclosed time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Shortsleeve is on a mission to fix what’s broken in Massachusetts. The former head of the MBTA is running for governor of Massachusetts and is focused on fiscal reform and government efficiency. At a recent press conference, Shortsleeve said that, if elected, he would block funding for the Legislature in an effort to force compliance with Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s probe, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2024. Shortsleeve checked in with Nightside. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were trapped on a deserted Island, what item would you bring with you to help you get by until you’re rescued?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Red Sox demoted Brayan Bello, a starting pitcher after a series of recent struggles, including the final straw Thursday when the pitcher gave up 6 runs in the first inning alone against the Orioles. Bello is being sent down to Worcester's Triple A. The pitcher has been defensive when asked about his struggles and told reporters that he is not interested in working through his struggles in Triple-A Worcester saying, "I’m thinking about making my adjustments in the big leagues…I have a big-league contract, that doesn’t mean the bosses will take a position or not, taking that into consideration, but I’m a big leaguer...and I’ll make my adjustments here.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.