WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

We check out the Berkshire Opera Festival, speak with playwright and director Erica Terpening-Romeo about her one-woman show "The Songbook," and chat with Rep. Jim McGovern.

Incumbent Richard Neal wants to shore up the Affordable Care Act while newcomer Jeromie Whalen wants to replace it with a single payer system. Neal touts his experience; Whalen says he wants less corporate influence.

We see how Kiblio Community & Farm will collaborate with SUSU CommUNITY, explore a new look on the play "Yellow Wallpaer" at the Great Barrington Public Theater, and talk poetry with the interim Word Nerd.

Western Mass. towns that manage the Quabbin want more representation on the board, and more money from the state for maintaining a water resource they don't receive.

Gov. Maura Healey was in western Massachusetts recently to meet with local officials and community leaders.

We speak to U.S. House candidate for the Mass. 1st congressional disctrict Jeromie Whalen and visit the Old Creamery Co-op for the latest CISA Local Hero Spotlight.

We discuss the surveyed impacts of legalized marijuana with researcher Faith English, check out the Chester Theater's final play of the season "Dear Alien," and chat with Mr. Universe about a newly discovered super earth.

We check out the Meyer Sound Constellation system at Studio 9 in collaboration with Tanglewood, see Transformance 36 to raise funds for Northampton arts programs, and visit Tip Top Wine Shop for the latest Wine Thunderdome.

We check out Gardening the Community to see initiatives to increase access to social services for people in need, see how Hampshire Next is seeking to preserve some of the mission of Hampshire College ahead of its closure, and McGovern with Rep. Jim McGovern.

We speak to August's Mayor of the Month William Reichelt of West Springfield, check out what's in store for Northampton's Arts Night Out, and have our latest Word Nerd chat.