Nightside With Dan Rea

The Senate voted to approve a debt ceiling deal that will raise the debt ceiling averting an economically disastrous default. The deal raises the debt ceiling until early 2025. WBZ NewsRadio brought you live coverage of President Biden’s primetime address from the Oval Office on this deal he signed. Dan heard listeners' take on the deal.

When and where is the right time to protest or express your First Amendment right to express your views? Is it during a commencement? BU students apparently thought so when they booed, chanted, and waved signs at their graduation’s keynote speaker, CEO of Warner Bros. David Zaslav over the ongoing writer’s strike. BU President Robert A. Brown condemned the students’ actions. When do you think it’s appropriate to protest?*The second half of the hour, Dan opened up the lines for caller's choice.*

When and where is the right time to protest or express your First Amendment right to express your views? Is it during a commencement? BU students apparently thought so when they booed, chanted, and waved signs at their graduation’s keynote speaker, CEO of Warner Bros. David Zaslav over the ongoing writer’s strike. BU President Robert A. Brown condemned the students’ actions. When do you think it’s appropriate to protest?

The U.S. Supreme Court just ruled in favor of a Minnesota woman who had her property seized due to unpaid taxes. SCOTUS ruled it was unconstitutional for the local government to take all the money it received, including the owner’s equity, when selling the seized property. Attorney Jim Manley of the Pacific Legal Foundation joined us on how this ruling has potentially far-reaching implications in MA for municipalities and companies that sometimes purchase their tax liens.

There is a legislative effort afoot to revive happy hour in MA. The state has had a ban on happy hour since 1984. Sen. Julian Cyr says his bill would give cities and towns the option to opt into the happy hour program. An additional bill being pushed is a bill to make cocktails to go permanent; a pandemic era practice that helped restaurants. Are you in favor of reviving happy hour? What about making cocktails to go permanent?

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found that more than 110,900 people left the state between April 2020 and July 2022. That’s the highest rate of outmigration that the state has seen in the last three decades. Congestion, cost of living, transportation reliability among other things is the leading cause. People aged 26-35 and high wage residents are leading the outflow of residents and talent. Does this concern you?

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found that more than 110,900 people left the state between April 2020 and July 2022. That’s the highest rate of outmigration that the state has seen in the last three decades. Congestion, cost of living, transportation reliability among other things is the leading cause. People aged 26-35 and high wage residents are leading the outflow of residents and talent. Does this concern you?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Boston Public Schools spends more per student than any other large school district in the country. BPS spends roughly $31k per student. Despite the amount of money being spent, many parents, students and educators are pointing out how little the district has to show for it. Rundown buildings that need many upgrades and continuous late school buses are just some of the problems BPS has. For the investment made being made, are you satisfied with the results?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Boston Public Schools spends more per student than any other large school district in the country. BPS spends roughly $31k per student. Despite the amount of money being spent, many parents, students and educators are pointing out how little the district has to show for it. Rundown buildings that need many upgrades and continuous late school buses are just some of the problems BPS has. For the investment made being made, are you satisfied with the results?

The nation saw more than just warm weather this past Memorial Day weekend, it also saw a spike in beach going violence. Revere Beach, MA reported two shootings. A video of a mob of teens attacking three Marines on a California beach drew national attention as did the reports out of Chicago of a group of roughly 80-100 teens gathering at a city beach when a fight broke out where gun shots ensued. What sparks this unruly behavior? What can be done about it?

The Celtics season ended after Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. The Celtics got blown out 103-84. Were the Celtics doomed from the start of their playoff run? What do you think contributed to this painful end?

Nahant, Massachusetts has been tackling the issue of an aggressive coyote population for months now. There have been a handful of incidents involving coyotes attacking residents’ pets. Last weekend a dog was attacked and killed by a coyote while on a walk with its owner. Towards the end of 2022 town officials voted to bring in sharpshooters to eliminate some of the habituated coyotes. Has any progress been made? Nahant resident Chris Del Dotto, who lost his pet dog to a coyote attack, joined Dan to discuss.

Nahant, Massachusetts has been tackling the issue of an aggressive coyote population for months now. There have been a handful of incidents involving coyotes attacking residents’ pets. Last weekend a dog was attacked and killed by a coyote while on a walk with its owner. Towards the end of 2022 town officials voted to bring in sharpshooters to eliminate some of the habituated coyotes. Has any progress been made? Nahant Town Administrator Antonio Barletta joined Dan to discuss.

In our quest for relaxation, travel, and plans for family fun, we often lose sight of the origin of the holidays we are observing. Memorial Day was designed to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. America’s service members put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and protected. Dan invited listeners to call in to reflect on those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

In our quest for relaxation, travel, and plans for family fun, we often lose sight of the origin of the holidays we are observing. Memorial Day was designed to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. America’s service members put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and protected. Dan invited listeners to call in to reflect on those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

Dan had an interesting experience at his favorite coffee shop which sparked the question, “Why do our favorite products seem to disappear for no reason at all?” When a product is no longer carried or available, there usually isn’t a memo of explanation that goes out to consumers. We usually just wind up being surprised and disappointed that the item is no longer available. What are some of your favorites that have come to an end?

Recent data shows the most serious violence tends to occur in the Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury neighborhoods. Nobody is more familiar with these statistics than Reverend Kevin Peterson who fights daily to bring about change in these communities. Reverend Peterson joined Dan to discuss his continuous fight to end gun violence and the need for more policing in these communities.

Morgan White Jr. filled in on NightSide:Continued conversation with Mel Simons who has been a staple on WBZ Radio for decades and entertains at reunions, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and is an experienced accordionist, author, humorist, disc jockey, and MC. This time around, Simons talked about being a veteran and his initial thoughts after donning his uniform.

Morgan White Jr. filled in on NightSide:Known for his nostalgic trivia shows, Mel Simons has been a staple on WBZ Radio for decades and entertains at reunions, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more! Simons is also an experienced accordionist, author, humorist, disc jockey, and MC. But did you know Mel is also a veteran? Simons joined Morgan to chat about his initial feelings after donning his uniform.

Morgan White Jr. filled in on NightSide:Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14, 2023, and secure your spot to view this year’s annular solar eclipse! The Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun creating a "ring of fire" given the Moon is slightly smaller than the Sun. Astronomer Dave McDonald talked with Morgan about this October occurrence and tips for catching a glimpse!