Every now and then, we throw open the gate to North America's Back Porch and invite callers to bring up whatever topic they want to bring up for discussion!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The day after a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages over child exploitation and user safety claims, an L.A. jury found Meta and YouTube liable for failure to warn users of the dangers associated with using their platforms. A young woman accused the social media giants of being responsible for her childhood addiction to technology and thus leading to her mental health struggles later in life. The companies were ordered to pay a total of $3 million in damages. Do you agree with the verdict? Do you question parental responsibilities in all of this? Tech writer and reporter for the Boston Globe, Hiawatha Bray, checked in with Dan to discuss this landmark case!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancer treatment advocates are asking lawmakers to support legislation (House Bill 4339/Senate Bill 809) that would ensure insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. This legislation has passed in 23 other states so far and Massachusetts appears to be falling behind on this... The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers, including survivors and patients from across Massachusetts, gathered on Beacon Hill to meet with lawmakers as part of its annual Cancer Action Day to urge them to support proposals that address the needs of cancer patients and reduce health disparities. Marc Hymovitz with the American Cancer Society discussed the MA legislation, what it includes, how it would help cancer patients, and why there is a need for this legislation in MA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We kicked off the program with four stories and guests on topics we thought you might like to learn more about! 

8:05PM: Lobster rolls approach $50, but Bostonians appear happy to shell that out! How much is too much for a lobster roll?

Guest: Kara Baskin – Boston Globe Correspondent 

8:15PM: The Kraft-Group owned New England Revolution is backing Boston’s $325 million public-private rebuild of White Stadium despite Josh Kraft’s public opposition to the project.

Guest: Josh Kraft

8:30PM: U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Nationwide Fall 11% in First Half of 2025, According to New GHSA Research. However, MA saw a 12% increase in the number of pedestrian deaths from 2024-2025…What can be done to improve pedestrian safety?

Guest: Adam Snider – Spokesperson for the Governors Highway Safety Association 

8:45PM: Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in bid to free up the flow of oil to US ports.

Guest:  Kent Strang - Managing Director for Americans for Prosperity. Kent oversees AFP’s federal strategies and manages a team focused on policy reforms that empower citizens to pursue their American Dream.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump and his Administration find themselves in a complicated position trying to negotiate an end to the ongoing war with Iran when leaders in the previous regime were wiped out earlier in the war…This week Trump said they were having productive talks with a top person in Iran but wouldn’t say who that was for fear of their safety. Does the U.S. know exactly who they’re speaking with in Iran? Has the U.S. put themselves in a bad position here with this ongoing war?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has filed legislation to do away with a current blue law in the state that prohibits hunting on Sundays. Additionally, the governor is looking to legalize the use of crossbows. MassWildlife agrees with the governor saying, hunters are needed to help manage an exploding deer population in MA. The MSPCA opposes efforts to lift the Sunday ban, arguing that hunting interferes with activities such as hiking, climbing, birdwatching, horseback riding, trail running, and mountain biking. Where do you come down on allowing hunting in the state, 7 days a week?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has filed legislation to do away with a current blue law in the state that prohibits hunting on Sundays. Additionally, the governor is looking to legalize the use of crossbows. MassWildlife agrees with the governor saying, hunters are needed to help manage an exploding deer population in MA. The MSPCA opposes efforts to lift the Sunday ban, arguing that hunting interferes with activities such as hiking, climbing, birdwatching, horseback riding, trail running, and mountain biking. Where do you come down on allowing hunting in the state, 7 days a week?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of our continuing news coverage, we will discuss what you need to know about Alpha-gal syndrome, a growing threat from tick bites and how the syndrome can cause a red meat allergy.

8:05PM: Massachusetts to track Alpha-gal syndrome, a growing threat from tick bites. The syndrome can cause a red meat allergy…Here’s what to know.

Guest: Sam Telford - Professor, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University 


8:15PM: Former Bruins player Chris Nilan is being inducted into the MA Hockey Hall of Fame.

Guest: Chris Nilan – former NHL player 


8:30PM: The top 10 states where Americans trade the least workdays for rent, food, and a used car.

Guest: Sam Bourgi - finance analyst and researcher at InvestorsObserver


8:45PM: The Red Sox’ Opening Day is coming up this Thursday and the roster is set. Did the front office do enough to add power?

Guest: Peter Abraham – Boston Globe sports reporter and MLB columnist

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump and the U.S. postpones strikes on Iranian power plants after what Trump calls "productive" talks on ending the war. The stock market responded to Trump's comments with the Dow surging as a result. However, Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations or discussions have taken place. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf put out a statement today on X saying, "No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped." We discussed this along with any new developments in the war with Iran.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump and the U.S. postpones strikes on Iranian power plants after what Trump calls "productive" talks on ending the war. The stock market responded to Trump's comments with the Dow surging as a result. However, Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations or discussions have taken place. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf put out a statement today on X saying, "No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped." We discussed this along with any new developments in the war with Iran.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.