In her ongoing efforts to audit the state legislature, an effort State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has been at for quite a while, DiZoglio has now hired an outside law firm to bring the challenge to court. Last Fall, voters approved a measure, giving DiZoglio the authority to audit the MA House and Senate. However, state lawmakers have pushed back against the audit efforts saying an audit could violate the constitutional separation of powers between the branches. 

In her ongoing efforts to audit the state legislature, an effort State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has been at for quite a while, DiZoglio has now hired an outside law firm to bring the challenge to court. Last Fall, voters approved a measure, giving DiZoglio the authority to audit the MA House and Senate. However, state lawmakers have pushed back against the audit efforts saying an audit could violate the constitutional separation of powers between the branches. Diana DiZoglio joined us on NightSide to discuss!

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!

Mass Lottery Produces Estimated $1.065 Billion In Net Profit For The Commonwealth In Fiscal Year 2025 - Record-setting sales for Keno and highest prize payout percentage to date for players!
Guest: State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission


1 in 3 children in Massachusetts experiences clothing insecurity. Serious and often overlooked crisis: underwear insecurity. Cocotree Kids, a MA nonprofit, launched $10K fundraising campaign with hopes of providing 2,800 underserved children across Massachusetts with a weeks’ worth of underwear. Campaign kicked off August 5th & they already hit their goal!
Guest: Catherine Maloy, Founder and Executive Director of Cocotree Kids


Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship. More than 70% of teens have used AI companions and half use them regularly, according to a new study from Common Sense Media, a group that studies and advocates for using screens and digital media sensibly.
Guest: Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research at Common Sense Media


How Goose the water monitor lizard was captured after two weeks on the loose!
Guest: Captain Scott Amati – MA Environmental Police  

Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee issued a flurry of subpoenas seeking files from the Justice Department and testimony from ex-government and law enforcement officials. Jeffery Epstein is a former financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of serial sex trafficking of women and underage girls, giving access to high profile figures. We discussed the latest into this investigation.

On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee issued a flurry of subpoenas seeking files from the Justice Department and testimony from ex-government and law enforcement officials. Jeffery Epstein is a former financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of serial sex trafficking of women and underage girls, giving access to high profile figures. We discussed the latest into this investigation.

UNITE HERE Local 26, the union representing hundreds of Fenway Park concession workers, warns a second strike could occur after failing to reach a satisfactory agreement with Aramark. Union workers are pushing for higher wages and other workplace protections. How could a second-strike impact fans going to a future game at Fenway? Union President, Carlos Aramayo joined us on NightSide to discuss the latest in the ongoing negotiations between Fenway Park concession workers and their employer.


*Aramark has been invited to join the conversation & has not responded to our request*

We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!

Update on the Cape Cod Bridges Project – What’s the latest?
Guest: Luisa Paiewonsky - Executive Director of MassDOT's Mega Projects Delivery Office


Though we shouldn’t be nervous every time we go for a walk or a hike, we should certainly be aware and prepared to meet wildlife. How can you survive, or more importantly avoid, an animal attack?
Guest: John Griffin, Senior Director of Urban Wildlife Programs at Humane World for Animals (formerly known as The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International)


Those pesky mosquitoes go beyond just delivering itchy bites! They can carry potentially deadly diseases, and many people have misconceptions about this pest that could put them at risk! Fredericks shares common myths and actualities about mosquitoes.
Guest: Jim Fredericks, Board-Certified Entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association


We’re in the heart of Hurricane Season, and we already saw the devastation of flooding in Texas…It’s a good reminder that we all need to be prepared for ANY kind of weather disaster. MEMA shares some tips!
Guest: Dawn Brantley – MEMA Director

Are Israel and Hamas any closer to reaching a ceasefire? A U.S. backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire involving hostage exchanges and aid access collapsed. Israel is now considering expanding its military offensive in Gaza, while Hamas has rejected demands to disarm. The discussion continued.

Are Israel and Hamas any closer to reaching a ceasefire? A U.S. backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire involving hostage exchanges and aid access collapsed. Israel is now considering expanding its military offensive in Gaza, while Hamas has rejected demands to disarm. Jeff Robbins, former Chairman of the New England Board of the Anti-Defamation League joined Dan to talk about peace initiatives in the Middle East and the difficulties in bringing the Israel-Hamas war to an end.