Nightside With Dan Rea

What's the line between giving your growing children the independence they crave and need and what Massachusetts considers “child neglect”? Assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University School of Law Andrew Haile says MA's murky laws are hindering parents from providing children with vital learning experiences. We also discussed a multitude of different topics as well.  

What's the line between giving your growing children the independence they crave and need and what Massachusetts considers “child neglect”? Assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University School of Law Andrew Haile says MA's murky laws are hindering parents from providing children with vital learning experiences. Andrew joined us this evening to discuss his own story as a parent to growing children and the various MA child laws he's discovered. We welcomed parents to call in and share how they have granted their kids independence.

Across Massachusetts 40 hybrid traffic lights, or “pedestrian hybrid beacons” have been installed to help people safety crossroads. The lights aim to balance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow; however, many residents are still a bit confused about how the lights work. According to researchers at UMass Amherst 24% of drivers ran solid red lights during the "walk" phase and 65% drove through flashing red lights regardless of pedestrian presence. Most drivers either rolled through without stopping or remained stopped unnecessarily. Axios Boston reporter Mike Deehan covered this story about the hybrid beacons and joined us to discuss.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! For one of our segments this evening, we talked about lithium-ion battery fires, how unpredictable and dangerous they can be and why.New Rules Will Make Robocalls Impossible to Stop. Proposed FCC rule would eliminate the right to tell robocallers to stop calling.Guest: Patrick Crotty - Senior Attorney with the National Consumer Law CenterLost in Time: Our Forgotten and Vanishing Knowledge, a Fascinating Exploration of More Than 300 Compelling Examples of Missing Historical Information That Humanity Can Learn From Today.Guest: Jack Bialik – Author - background in electrical engineering, his professional journey took him from working for the U.S. Air Force to a long, impactful career at Motorola, and eventually to contributions in White House technology initiatives and humanitarian efforts in Haiti.I Am The Other: Debating the Role of Islam in a Divided AmericaGuest: Bob Gary – Co-Author of the bookLithium-ion battery fires, how unpredictable and dangerous they can be and why…recent examples the Air China flight fire & dog chewing on a battery…Guest: Dr. Louis Gritzo - chief science officer and staff senior vice president for commercial property insurer FM Global, a leader in property loss prevention and business continuity

We continued our conversation on wild animals you've seen in your yard and or property and discussed President Trump's recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where they talked trade. 

This week Producer Lightning (Marita) had an unexpected guest pop by her house…a black bear! The fairly large sized bear was seen roaming around her suburban neighborhood in Southern NH. What's the wildest thing you've seen in your yard, on your property, or came across unexpectedly? Lightning joined us on NightSide to share her story and take calls!

A group of Medford residents are challenging the Medford City Council over proposed zoning changes in the city. Some of those residents are now running to serve on the Medford City Council because they fear the proposed zoning changes would impact the character of Medford. We invited community members to join the conversation.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! For one of our segments this evening, we talked about the impact that Hurricane Melissa made in Jamaica and the Caribbean as it makes landfall in Cuba.Massachusetts landowners face excessive zoning and permitting restrictions that limit their property rights.Guest: MA state Rep. John Gaskey (2nd Plymouth)Seasonal Depression/Affective Disorder & how it impacts people this time of year when daylight is minimized.Guest: Dr. Varsha Radhakrishnan – Psychiatrist at Tufts Medical CenterHow Hurricane Melissa has impacted Jamaica as it makes its way up the Caribbean and makes landfall in Cuba…Guest: Ken Mahan – Meteorologist for the Boston GlobeTrump predicts $2 gas prices 'pretty soon'Guest: Rey "R.T." Trevino – Oil & Gas Expert - runs Pecos Country Energy, a privately owned oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Fort Worth.

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits, that roughly a little over a million people in Massachusetts rely on, has been suspended by the U.S. Agriculture Department effective Nov. 4th. The state of MA is among a group of two dozen states that have sued the Trump Admin over this suspension. How can we best help and provide for those who rely on SNAP benefits? Dan has an idea that could at least temporarily help those in MA who rely on SNAP benefits, why not use the roughly over $8 billion rainy day fund to help residents in MA who need assistance?

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits, that roughly a little over a million people in Massachusetts rely on, has been suspended by the U.S. Agriculture Department effective Nov. 4th. The state of MA is among a group of two dozen states that have sued the Trump Admin over this suspension. How can we best help and provide for those who rely on SNAP benefits? Dan has an idea that could at least temporarily help those in MA who rely on SNAP benefits, why not use the roughly over $8 billion rainy day fund to help residents in MA who need assistance? 

There is a new bill introduced in Massachusetts that if passed would limit the number of self-checkout stations at grocery stores. State Senator Paul Feeney introduced a bill limiting grocery stores to eight self-checkout stations and requiring a staffed lane for every two self-checkout machines open. When shopping, how often do you use self-checkout? How would you feel if this bill were passed and the number of stations was capped at 8 per grocery store? Sen. Feeney joined us to discuss!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! For one of our segments this evening, we talked about the unique story behind All Saints Way in Boston's North End!Stephanie Brinley steps into new role as Zoo New England's President & CEO, now overseeing both Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham.Guest: Stephanie Brinley – President & CEO of Zoo New England"AIxiety" in Massachusetts: State Ranks 3rd in U.S. for AI Job Security Fears, according to new study.Guest: Dr. Jasmine Escalera - PhD -career expert with Zety(a pro career site)The story of All Saints Way in the North End. Part of the cleanup/renovation efforts includes an upcoming service & dedication Saturday Nov. 1st at 4pm lead by Father Michael of St. Leonards.Guest: Gary Rizzuto – painter by trade, who took on the task of cleaning up and overseeing All Saints Way in the North EndCeltics fail to rebound from early-season struggles and lose again, to the Jalen Duren-powered Pistons.Guest: Gary Washburn – Boston Globe Celtics reporter

Online ordering is commonplace nowadays. It's the way many of us shop and purchase items. It's convenient with the busy lives many of us live and Dan is no different. When ordering something online this past weekend, Dan had an experience he never had before and shared his story with the audience and gave some consumer advice. Do you prefer online shopping or in person shopping? We talked about the ways that society shops today compared to the past.

Online ordering is commonplace nowadays. It's the way many of us shop and purchase items. It's convenient with the busy lives many of us live and Dan is no different. When ordering something online this past weekend, Dan had an experience he never had before and shared his story with the audience and gave some consumer advice. Do you prefer online shopping or in person shopping? We talked about the ways that society shops today compared to the past.

Former U.S. Senator John Sununu is back and he's looking to be the next U.S. Senator representing New Hampshire as the former senator launched his election campaign last week. Sununu previously served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009. What made him decide to enter the Senate race up in New Hampshire? John Sununu joined us on NightSide to talk about his campaign!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about! For one of our segments this evening, we talked about the rare black and orange lobster caught off the coast of Massachusetts! The odds of catching one are believed to be only one in 30 million! October is National Pizza Month. Here are 17 standout slices around Boston.Guest: Kara Baskin – Boston Globe ReporterDiscovery Museum in Massachusetts launched a Grandparent Ambassador Program and is trying to bring their museum on the road to even more schools in Massachusetts.Guest: Marie Beam - CEO of Discovery Museum in MassachusettsA New study finds traffic congestion reached unprecedented levels in 2024 with the average American losing 63 hours per year sitting in traffic when trying to get to their destinations!Guest: Dan Mazella – Operations Director for the Boston Division of Total Traffic & Weather Network & Traffic reporterA very rare black and orange lobster (calico) was found off the coast of MA! Odds of catching one are believed to be only one in 30 million! Lobster is now at the Marine Science Center in Nahant.Guest: Sierra Munoz – Outreach Program Coordinator at the Marine Science Center & The Coastal Sustainability Institute at Northeastern University

October is National Pizza Month! The observance began in October of 1984 and was initiated by Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today magazine. In honor of national pizza month, we asked the audience what their favorite pizza shop is and why!

Trump has been criticized for a number of his controversial actions while in office. For example, some actions include, ICE enforcements, attacks on Venezuelan boats allegedly carrying drugs, proposed tariffs and yet none of those actions seem to stick. Is Trump a Teflon president?

Today's inflation is lower than expected for the month of September, which is good news for the economy. The inflation rate is holding steady at 3%. What does that mean exactly for consumers? Dan broke down the numbers and discussed why the Consumer Price Index Report is good news.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!The Boston Dragons Senior Pro Pickleball Team – Upcoming event at Eleveno Pickleball at Patriots Place this Weekend. Guest: Michael Tow – Owner of the Boston Dragons Pickleball Team 'Nobody's spending $17 on an egg sandwich': Restaurant owners say inflation forcing tough menu choices. Guest: Nick Neonakis – franchise expert - heads up The Franchise Consulting Company and The Great American Franchise EXPO. He's the author of “The Franchise MBA” City of Boston Launches 2026 Swim Safe Boston Grant - $400,000 in funding available to help nonprofits expand free swim lessons to youth across the city. Guest: Jose Masso - Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston The government shutdown has created uncertainty and is entering the third-longest funding lapse in modern history. How does the shutdown impact the general public? Guest: David Shapiro – Financial planner, Regional Director of Wealth at Johnson Brunetti

The FBI unearthed a historic illegal sports betting scheme and rigged poker games Thursday, involving 4 NBA teams and 4 Mafia crime families that reportedly made $7 million over a 2-year period. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones are among those caught up in the scheme, who have been indicted. We discussed all the details involving this bombshell gambling bust!

The FBI unearthed a historic illegal sports betting scheme and rigged poker games Thursday, involving 4 NBA teams and 4 Mafia crime families that reportedly made $7 million over a 2-year period. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones are among those caught up in the scheme, who have been indicted. We will discuss all the details involving this bombshell gambling bust! Dan Shaughnessy, sportswriter for the Boston Globe, joined us to discuss!

Former U.S. Senator Scott Brown now has a more competitive Senate race up in New Hampshire after former U.S. Senator John Sununu decided to enter the race! Brown served as a senator representing Massachusetts before he went on to serve as the United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa during President Trump's first term in office. Scott Brown checked in to discuss his campaign and share his reaction to John Sununu entering the race!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!The unsolved murder of Jean Lampron. Guest: Emily Sweeney – Cold Case Files Reporter for the Boston Globe Stand up Comedian Adam Carolla talks about his upcoming comedy show at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston on November 6th! Guest: Adam Carolla – Standup Comedian, actor & radio personality The Boston Globe and NESN will be launching a weekly sports show dedicated to covering it all! The Boston Globe Sports Report is launching on October 27, hosted by Ben Volin. Guest: Ben Volin – Boston Globe Sports Reporter Eye injuries are rising among pickleball players… Guest: Marisa Tieger, MD, Ophthalmologist at Tufts Medical Center – did a recent study on this very topic.  

Former Republican U.S. Senator announced he's entering the race for U.S. Senate to represent New Hampshire again in D.C. Sununu served the Granite State in the Senate until he lost a reelection bid to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in 2008. What made Sununu enter what is already a competitive primary race with another former U.S. Senator, Scott Brown? We discussed how things are heating up in New Hampshire ahead of an open battleground race next November.We also discussed the continued conflict in Ukraine.

Former Republican U.S. Senator announced he's entering the race for U.S. Senate to represent New Hampshire again in D.C. Sununu served the Granite State in the Senate until he lost a reelection bid to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in 2008. What made Sununu enter what is already a competitive primary race with another former U.S. Senator, Scott Brown? We discussed how things are heating up in New Hampshire ahead of an open battleground race next November.

This week, the Cambridge City Council voted to raise the city's commercial property tax rate by 22%. The move concerns many small local businesses, who are concerned about how they would absorb the higher tax load and stay afloat. How might Cambridge's business landscape change because of this tax hike? We discussed this challenge for Cambridge businesses with Kari Kuezler, owner of Grendel's Den and The Sea Hag, and we invited not just businesses to call in and share their thoughts but residents as well!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!Pawtriots Pet Adoption “TailGate” that was hosted last Sunday by the Krafts at Patriots Place. It was a success with 30 dogs finding forever homes! Guest: Dr. Dana Blumberg Kraft – Ophthalmologist and philanthropist Boston Arts Academy Foundation's 2025 Honors Celebrates Visionary Leaders in Visual Arts, Design, Film, Fashion, Music and Civic Responsibility. Guest: Denella Clark – Boston Arts Academy Foundation President & CEO Jack Thomas Book & Upcoming Luncheon on Friday the 24th.Guest: Geri Denterlein – wife of the late Jack Thomas On Monday, Amazon Web Services (AWS) went down in the US causing a ripple effect, from governments to small businesses. Cybercriminals & hackers can easily take advantage of outages to deploy array of social engineering attacks. We'll discuss “cyber-hygiene” & how to stay protected against cyber-attacks.Guest: Stefanie Schappert, MSCY, CC, Senior Journalist at Cybernews, is an accomplished writer with an M.S. in cybersecurity

Gasoline prices are down in Massachusetts and nationwide as AAA reports prices have currently hit a 4-year low. According to a report by GasBuddy, the nationwide average for gasoline has dropped to $2.98 per gallon. What gasoline prices are you seeing in your area? Are you surprised they've hit a low at this time of year as we're heading into the colder months?

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio continues her fight to audit the state legislature, a voter backed action that received 72% voter approval last November. DiZoglio has run into continuous roadblocks to get the job done and her office has confirmed that they are “actively pursuing the filing of a lawsuit” against the Legislature.

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio continues her fight to audit the state legislature, a voter backed action that received 72% voter approval last November. DiZoglio has run into continuous roadblocks to get the job done and her office has confirmed that they are “actively pursuing the filing of a lawsuit” against the Legislature. Diana DiZoglio checked in with us to discuss some of the roadblocks her office has encountered.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!RUNNING DEEP: Bravery, Survival, and the True Story of the Deadliest Submarine of World War II. Guest: Tom Clavin – NY Times best-selling author Red Sox vs. Right Whales vs. the Cape: Which specialty MA license plate is most popular? Guest: Margie Cullen – USA Today New England Connect Reporter National Disability Employment Awareness Month. How the Northeast Arc supports, trains and coaches people with disabilities so they are able to find work. Guest: Michael Blunt - Employment Program Manager at the Northeast Arc Kids need more independence. If only Massachusetts law would allow it…Addressing how parents can allow kids independence without fear of child neglect laws. Guest: Andrew Haile - assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University School of Law

The Lululemon store on Newbury Street in Boston was hit twice in one week by shoplifters. The thieves made off with over $6K in the first hit and reportedly $700 in the second hit. Police are still looking for the suspects. Retail theft has been on the rise nationwide with Lululemon being a popular target. The 2024 Retail Theft & Violence report by the National Retail Federation shows a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared to 2019. This trend is accompanied by a 90% increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting over the same period. We talked about how Boston is tackling shoplifting crimes as Dan has some ideas of his own for how to tackle it.

The Lululemon store on Newbury Street in Boston was hit twice in one week by shoplifters. The thieves made off with over $6K in the first hit and reportedly $700 in the second hit. Police are still looking for the suspects. Retail theft has been on the rise nationwide with Lululemon being a popular target. The 2024 Retail Theft & Violence report by the National Retail Federation shows a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared to 2019. This trend is accompanied by a 90% increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting over the same period. We talked about how Boston is tackling shoplifting crimes as Dan has some ideas of his own for how to tackle it.

The Lululemon store on Newbury Street in Boston was hit twice in one week by shoplifters. The thieves made off with over $6K in the first hit and reportedly $700 in the second hit. Police are still looking for the suspects. Retail theft has been on the rise nationwide with Lululemon being a popular target. The 2024 Retail Theft & Violence report by the National Retail Federation shows a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared to 2019. This trend is accompanied by a 90% increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting over the same period. Boston City Council member Ed Flynn talked about how Boston is tackling shoplifting crimes as Dan has some ideas of his own for how to tackle it.

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!The Orionids meteor shower visible tonight & tomorrow in New England. Guest: Jim J. Zebrowski - President Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc.   Halloween spending scares Americans as inflation forces many to skip the holiday… Guest: Bill Dendy - CPA and money manager with Raymond James   With a storm blowing through the area, it was a rough day for traffic. Guest: Dan Mazella - Operations Director for the Boston Hub of Total Traffic and Weather Network & traffic reporter   The buy-rent gap is widening – should you buy now or keep renting forever? Modern America's housing history is being rewritten: Renting is now cheaper than buying a house in all major metropolitan areas. Guest: Sam Bourgi - researcher and financial analyst at Investors Observer

For NightSide's last hour of the week we like to keep it light and have fun. This week is a simple question: Are you an optimist, or a pessimist? 

The U.S. has conducted multiple military strikes against boats accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, raising legal and political concerns. Does the strike violate U.S. & international law? We discussed the details of what's going on with the Trump Administration's targeted attack against Venezuelan boats suspected of carrying drugs.

Electricity bills are expected to go up this Winter. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts an average electricity bill rise of approximately 4% from November until March 2026, reaching about $1,130 nationally. What are you doing, if anything, to mitigate the impact of those increased energy rates? 

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!House of Possibilities is a nonprofit that provides programs for children & adults with developmental disabilities. Located on the Stonehill College Campus, they frequently partner with the Best Buddies chapter there, one of the largest chapters in the state. They will be at Saturday's Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Charlestown. Guest: Katie Terino, President & CEO of House of Possibilities Some very rare baseball cards are now up for auction after they were found in an unlikely place… Guest: Logan Hall – WBZ-TV Reporter Greater Boston Weekend Forecast for the Head of the Charles Regatta.Guest: Matt Benz - AccuWeather Meteorologist The 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta. Guest: John Powers – Boston Globe reporter

The Young Republicans, an organized political youth organization in the U.S. is under fire for a leaked Telegram chat group that contained antisemitic, racist, and homophobic text messages. Among the group chat are leaders of the organization who some prominent Republican leaders and others are calling on to resign or step down from their positions. Dan discussed the serious nature of these remarks and how there is no place in politics, whether the Republican Party or other, for such hateful and offensive speech.

The Young Republicans, an organized political youth organization in the U.S. is under fire for a leaked Telegram chat group that contained antisemitic, racist, and homophobic text messages. Among the group chat are leaders of the organization who some prominent Republican leaders and others are calling on to resign or step down from their positions. Dan discussed the serious nature of these remarks and how there is no place in politics, whether the Republican Party or other, for such hateful and offensive speech.