New England Weekend

Over the years, the Boston Public Library has had all kinds of designs for their cards, but now, they're looking to add a few more. These designs, however, will be coming directly from the public (and that could include you)! 🎨

The BPL is running a contest, asking patrons to submit art that showcases what "Free to All", the mission of the , means to you. Bailey Watroba, Senior Public Relations Associate at the BPL, returns to the show with details on this contest, which is underway through June 15. 📚

Listen to the for all the details. You can find the episode at the link in our bio - be sure to like and subscribe to get every new interview directly to your device! 📲

There's more interest in train travel these days, thanks to higher gas prices, but the efforts to expand access to passenger rail around the Commonwealth have been going on for many years now. 🚆

Several improvement and expansion projects are already underway through MassDOT's "Compass Rail" initiative, with a significant focus on Central and Western Massachusetts! 🛤

Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT's Rail and Transit Administrator, joins Nichole this week to talk about their expansion efforts and the benefits of access to passenger rail services. Listen to the at the link in our bio, or find it on your preferred streaming service, including the app.

For years, Merrimack Valley residents haven't been able to go to LeLacheur Field in Lowell and cheer on their beloved Spinners - until now!

The team's under new ownership and in a new league, the Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England, but there's a lot that hasn't changed: the family fun, food, and everything else that makes up the Lowell Spinners experience.

Nichole recently spoke with Principal Owner/CBO Marc Deschenes and Chairman/CEO John Croteau to learn about what they have in store for this next season and beyond. Listen to the at the link in our bio, and be sure to subscribe to get new episodes directly to your device!

Here in Massachusetts, members of the team at Samaritans Southcoast in Westport are often the ones you connect with when you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline.

They recently secured a major contract from the state to provide those services for not just southeastern Massachusetts, but the entire Commonwealth 24/7 by the end of the year! It's a challenge Executive Director Darcy Lee says they're ready for.

She talks with Nichole on this week's show about how they're preparing for this new responsibility. Listen to the at the link in our bio or on your favorite streaming service, including the app!

Looking for a new car? Get ready to pay up. 💸

We're seeing record high prices for new vehicles around the country, including here in New England. It's rare to find one that comes in under $30,000, with more luxury vehicles, SUV's, and pickup trucks on the lots than affordable sedans. Why the change, especially when so many Americans are struggling to get by?

Nichole spoke with John Marthinsen, Professor of Economics and International Business at Babson College in Wellesley, to get insight and answers. Listen to the on your preferred streaming service - you can always find it on the app!