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The agreement comes after a year of negotiations and the threat of a strike from union nurses. https://bit.ly/4hBsrkA

Nurses at Baystate Franklin Medical Center reach tentative contract agreement with hospital system

The agreement comes after a year of negotiations and the threat of a strike from union nurses

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The report from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's office stops short of issuing any indictments. https://bit.ly/3TCXULc

Report: Catholic clerics abused nearly 1,000 children in Springfield, Worcester, Fall River dioceses

The report from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell's office stops short of issuing any indictments.

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Elizabeth Román knows The Big E. A “born and raised Springfield girl,” NEPM’s executive editor for news has been going every year since before she was born; and has even lived at the fairgrounds. Elizabeth shares everything you need to know to get the most out of your day at the fair.

This is your chance to hobnob with public radio legend Ira Glass. Get tickets to our meet-and-greet before his show at the Academy of Music on Saturday, Oct. 3: https://bit.ly/meet-ira

From laws requiring every town have a tavern.... to prohibition. "Brewing Massachusetts," an exhibit created by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and the Memorial Hall Museum, is open until Oct. 11. https://bit.ly/4xp7Zcw

400 years of beer in Massachusetts: Deerfield exhibit tracks the role of brewing in state's growth

From laws requiring every town have a tavern.... to prohibition. "Brewing Massachusetts," an exhibit created by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and the Memorial Hall Museum, is open until Oc...

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The invasive insect has infested much of Massachusetts, and it's unlikely the state can get rid of it. https://bit.ly/4rduYG3

Spotted lanternfly is here to stay, Mass. officials say

The invasive insect has infested much of Massachusetts, and it's unlikely the state can get rid of it.

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A small but growing number of public libraries across Massachusetts are reaching residents by bringing books directly to readers in a truck. These mobile libraries are attempting to bridge accessibility needs for library patrons who can’t easily go to a branch. https://bit.ly/4ysK90o

‘It’s like an ice cream truck, but with books!’: Mobile libraries deliver books across MA

A small but growing number of public libraries across Massachusetts are reaching residents by bringing books directly to readers in a truck. These mobile libraries — known as bookmobiles — are attempt...

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Join NEPM for a free open house celebrating the unveiling of our new public art collection. Meet the artists and curators behind the collection, take a behind-the-scenes tour, and help create a collaborative artwork that will become part of the collection itself! RSVP at nepm.org/artopening.

Cannabis sales in the state have grossed more than $10B since first dispensaries opened in 2018. https://bit.ly/4xNpzYX

Massachusetts marijuana sales top $10B as regulators prepare for social consumption

Cannabis sales in the state have grossed more than $10B since first dispensaries opened in 2018.

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Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno would not give details on the incident but called it a "Level 4," or severe cyber attack. https://bit.ly/4zXwQqF

With NEPM Passport, get extended access to your favorite PBS shows — anytime, anywhere! Stream, catch up, and rewatch your favorites. Learn more: nepm.org/passport 📺📱💻

In this divided moment, one of the few things everyone agrees on is Dolly Parton — but why? That simple question leads to a rethinking of one of America’s great icons. Celebrate Dolly’s enduring influence with a special broadcast of Dolly Parton's America Saturday morning on 88.5 NEPM.

All WMass incumbents retained their seats in the 2026 primary election. https://bit.ly/4gFgw4U

Incumbents in WMass take the lead in 2026 primary election

All western Massachusetts incumbents retained their seats in the 2026 primary election.

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U.S. Rep. Richard Neal has retained his seat as the congressman for the 1st Hampden District. He beat out school teacher Jeromie Whalen. https://bit.ly/4x68Izs

Neal, longtime incumbent, beats Whalen, an educator, political newcomer

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal has retained his seat as the congressman for the 1st Hampden District. He beat out school teacher Jeromie Whalen.

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Federal fraud indictments for a sitting state representative, Beacon Hill accountability, and EBT card skimming safeguards shape the week ahead in Mass. politics. https://bit.ly/4yaWhD4

From federal fraud charges to Primary Day: How public trust is shaping up across Massachusetts

Federal fraud indictments for a sitting state representative, Beacon Hill accountability, and EBT card skimming safeguards shape the week ahead in Mass. politics.

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It's Election Day in Massachusetts. If you haven't made your choice yet the NEPM newsroom has a look at all of the candidates running for contested seats in WMass. For more visit nepm.org 📝 Editing: NEPM News Intern Olivia Bodden

With primary elections only a few days away, voters in the 11th Hampden District will get to decide who they want to best represent them on Beacon Hill. https://bit.ly/3UdsNpP

Williams, McKnight, Coakley square off in the race for Hampden’s 11th district seat

With primary elections only a few days away, voters in the 11th Hampden District will get to decide who they want to best represent them on Beacon Hill.

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Among the primary races in Mass. Sept. 1, voters will pick the Democratic state representative candidate for the 5th Hampden District. Political consultant Dori Dean is running to unseat the incumbent, State Representative Pat Duffy. https://bit.ly/3SGpgj4

In 2026 Mass. Democratic primary, it's Dean v. Duffy, for 5th Hampden District

Among the primary races in Massachusetts Sept. 1, voters will pick the Democratic state representative candidate for the 5th Hampden District (the city of Holyoke and one ward in the city of Chicopee)...

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The 1st Berkshire district represents the northern part of Berkshire County, including the towns of North Adams, Williamstown, and Lanesborough. https://bit.ly/4wWaEKC

1st Berkshire race pits incumbent rep against North Adams city councilor

The 1st Berkshire district represents the northern part of Berkshire County, including the towns of North Adams, Williamstown, and Lanesborough.

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Go deep into the friendship of two Black women who meet at a small western Mass. college, and learn what happens when tragedy puts their relationship in peril. Kai Alonté’s debut novel “Somewhere Soft to Land” is the next pick for the NEPM Book Club. Join us for our next meeting: nepm.org/bookclub

Longtime U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, is facing a primary challenger in Jeromie Whalen, an educator in Northampton. https://bit.ly/3UVPHC7

Voters will decide between experience, new energy in Neal, Whalen race

Longtime U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, is facing a primary challenger in Jeromie Whalen, an educator in Northampton.

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The 1st Franklin district includes multiple cities and towns across Franklin County, including Deerfield, Shelburne, and parts of Greenfield.https://bit.ly/466FXaR

Greenfield City Councilor, former chief of staff face off to fill 1st Franklin District seat

The 1st Franklin district includes multiple cities and towns across Franklin County, including Deerfield, Shelburne, and parts of Greenfield.

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From immediate primary matchups in Western Mass. to sweeping November ballot initiatives, state voters face critical choices that highlight the dynamic between local representation and direct policy fights. https://bit.ly/4wI0xcp

Primary realities versus policy fights: How are the ballots in Massachusetts shaping up?

From immediate primary matchups in Western Mass. to sweeping November ballot initiatives, state voters face critical choices that highlight the dynamic between local representation and direct policy f...

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The Sept. 1 Massachusetts Democratic Primary contest for the Governor's Council seat representing WMass., is a rematch between incumbent Tara Jacobs, a social psychologist and community organizer, and her challenger, Michael Fenton an attorney and Springfield City Councilor. https://bit.ly/4wQgUUn

WMass voters to decide on Governor's Council seat in upcoming primary

The September 1st Massachusetts Democratic Primary contest for the Governor's Council seat representing western Mass., is a rematch between incumbent Tara Jacobs, a social psychologist and community o...

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Did you know you can find dinosaur tracks and amazing dino history all along the Pioneer Valley? Join NEPM and Tumble Science Podcast for Kids LIVE as we explore so much of what scientists have discovered here — and so much left for YOU to discover along with us! Find a tour stop: nepm.org/dinotour

Dino Map Adventure Live!

Join Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and NEPM for a series of events at each of the stops on the Dino Map Adventure! Each site will feature a meet and greet, scientist Q&A, and a guided presentation o...

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NEPM's Smart & Funny People brings Jad Abumrad, creator of public radio favorite Radiolab, to the Academy of Music on Saturday, Feb. 6. His live show "Words Fail Me" is a deeply personal meditation on what it feels like to live inside information overload. Get tickets: nepm.org/smartandfunny

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. https://bit.ly/3SpCtg5

Preserve healthcare or upend the system? Democratic congressional candidates differ on approach

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 corp...

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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. https://bit.ly/4qsaf0V

MA officials advocating for Quabbin towns

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.

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Gov. Maura Healey was in western Massachusetts recently to meet with local officials and community leaders ahead of the September primary. https://bit.ly/45I0hPt

Healey visits Springfield ahead of September primary

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

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