AGRICULTURE

We find out how the state is planning to combat the housing crisis in Massachusetts with Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus, visit Sawmill Herb Farm and get nerdy with wordster Emily Brewster.

We talk to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra about their new program, find sweetness at the Shattuck Sugarhouse and McGovern with Rep. Jim McGovern.

We kick off maple season at Ioka Valley Farm and explore the cosmos with Mr. Universe.

Massachusetts state Rep. Natalie Blais of Deerfield was named to co-lead the Legislature's Agriculture Committee.

We check out the fresh produce at the Holyoke Winter Farmers' Market, find out about the east coast premiere of an entirely Chickasaw opera and, like, chat with the Word Nerd.

We talk about the local agricultural impacts of federal funding cuts, talk about a reparations-focused holiday in the latest Power of History segment, learn about doctor shortages in western Mass. and talk astronomy with Mr. Universe.

We activate our inner children at the Holyoke Children's Museum, take the latest CISA Local Hero Spotlight to Protocol Amherst and get scared with the Word Nerd.

We learn about Holyoke High School's upcoming production of "Lord of the Flies," preview another story that will be featured at CISA's Field Notes storytelling event and learn about Berkshire Cider Project's upcoming wassailing event.

Although there are no human cases of avian flu in Massachusetts, officials this week advised poultry farmers and people with backyard flocks to keep their birds inside. They suggested people and their pets avoid contact with wildlife, including dead birds — and cats should be kept inside.

Our latest CISA Local Hero Spotlight brings in Lincoln Fishman, director of Momentum Ag and future featured story teller for CISA's Field Notes. We also chat with State Senator Jake Oliveira and discover the programming of Valley Artist Mentors.