MASSACHUSETTS

We speak to the highly accomplished author Jesmyn Ward before her lecture at Smith College and talk to Mr. Universe about the science in the movie, "Project Hail Mary."

Former Holyoke, Mass., City Councilor David Bartley is facing charges he was in violation of the state's conflict of interest law between 2023 and 2025, according to the Massachusetts Ethics Commission.

House Speaker Ron Mariano expects voters to pass an income tax cut this year. He warns that if it passes, the state may have to hike other taxes or slash spending.

The Dream Eaters perform for Live Music Friday, we talk with the leadership at Tapestry Health about their programs and upcoming gala fundraiser, and a women-produced sparkling Wine Thunderdome at Tip Top Wine Shop with Lauren Clark.

We get a live music performance from Indë to celebrate their debut album, get an overview of the family friendly Platform Festival at the Community Music School, and have our weekly check-in with Rep. Jim MCGovern.

Boston quartet High Horse stops by for Live Music Wednesday, a visit to Meadowsweet Farm, and Word Nerd Emily Brewster takes a look at the word "dream"

We speak with Joe Kennedy III about his time in northern Ireland, get a snapshot of the Irish music and culture at the upcoming Rosie Caine and the Wild Irish Shenanigans show, and talk about some of our favorite Irish Bands.

Author Anne Fadiman on her latest collection "Frog", Brooklyn-based band The Dream Eaters, and Mr Universe talks Oscars and changes in Pluto's status

This week, Springfield rail car maker CRRC had necessary parts from China released by the federal government, which were under a regulatory hold. That had led to about a third of its more than 400 person workforce being furloughed.

This week, The Rundown discusses furloughs at a Springfield rail car maker, contracts awarded by ICE to a Pittsfield armored car company, and a multimillion dollar windfall for the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.