WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

We learn about the local inspirations behind Radiotopia's podcast, "We're Doing The Wiz," with hosts Ian Coss and Sakin Ibrahim and take our latest Local Hero Spotlight to Ruffled Feathers Farm.

An inside look at NEPM's new series, "High Stakes: Gambling Addiction, Beyond Borders." Reporter Karen Brown traveled to Norway and the United Kingdom to learn how other countries are balancing the excessive spread of legal betting with the risk of gambling disorders — and looked at similar efforts within the United States.

As sports betting expands across the U.S., states are on their own to make the rules. A growing movement of U.S. health leaders and legislators want to strengthen and standardize the way gambling is regulated. But they are facing opposition from the betting industry.

We talk with folx from the Center for New Americans about their upcoming naturalization ceremony for our newest neighbors, chat with author David Daley about the state of democracy and picture space with Mr. Universe.

In 2005, the U.K. passed a law that liberalized the gambling industry, which had previously been merely tolerated. Public health leaders across the Atlantic say the U.S. should take note of the challenges the U.K. has faced since gambling spread to almost every city.

For the first time in six years, Beacon Hill rewrites its rule book — promising transparency, but leaving plenty of room to operate in the dark.

We visit the lawn of Westhampton Public Library for their "Lounging for Literacy" event, revisit our pop-up with Leyla McCalla from the Green River Festival and try wines at State Street Fruit Store.

When it comes to gambling, Norway is one of the most regulated countries in the world. What can Massachusetts and the U.S. learn from its public health approach to betting addiction?

Norway's highly controlled approach to gambling includes reaching out to players who appear headed for trouble. At Norse Rikstoto, the government-run company that oversees horse racing, staff make personal calls to people who show an uptick in time or money spent on betting.

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition known as MIRA said Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court decision to limit nationwide injunctions in President Donald Trump's birthright citizenship order is "disgraceful."