Unbound Pages: Will Massachusetts be the next state to pass ‘freedom to read’ legislation?
Lawmakers around the country are proposing and passing bills to protect books, students and librarians from book bans.
More from Under the Radar
-
Poet Tiana Clark pairs gut-wrenching imagery with accessible language in ‘Scorched Earth’
Tiana Clark's latest release focuses on processing grief and finding beauty in the ruins. -
‘I’ve seen poetry save lives’: Local and Grammy-winning poets celebrate their art
Three decorated spoken word artists share their passionate for the art form in celebration of National Poetry Month. -
From the pitch to the scrum, women’s pro sports are in high demand
Interest in women's professional sports in Boston and beyond is skyrocketing -
Boston Comedy Festival celebrates 25 years of laughter and competition
The festival features national headlining comedians and also a comedy competition.
Under the Radar podcast
-
Black Catholics create connection between ancient Christian practice and today’s Black culture
Of the 50 million Catholics in America, only about 3 million are African American. The history of Black Catholics in the United States spans from colonization and enslavement to Black parishes founded by the church during the Jim Crow era. And throughout that history, Black Catholic communities have found ways to make the oldest form of Christianity their own. In honor of Easter, we examine Black Catholicism in Boston and beyond. -
Unbound Pages: Will Massachusetts be the next state to pass 'freedom to read' legislation?
Book bans have been on the rise across the country in recent years prompting lawmakers to pass legislation to protect libraries and librarians. “Freedom to read” legislation has been adopted in four states, aiming to safeguard access to diverse materials in public and school libraries, and some lawmakers are hoping to make Massachusetts the fifth state on that list. This is the latest installment of Unbound Pages, our year-long series on the anti-book-banning movement in America. -
New children’s book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the first presidential Passover Seder
Each year, thousands of Greater Bostonians observe Passover through Seder, the ceremonial meal of prayers, blessings and wine retelling the story of the Jews' exodus from ancient Egypt. It’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation all over the world, but it didn’t reach the White House until 2009. Author Richard Michelson wrote about this unique seder in his new children’s picture book, “Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder.” -
Paul Revere House and Old North Church reexamine its history in preparation of 250th anniversary of Revere’s ride
He’s known as a silversmith, a messenger and a patriot. But Paul Revere's role and contribution to the American Revolution was much more than a midnight ride.We take a walk through Revere’s neighborhood and visit two pivotal locations – the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church – to learn more about the revolutionary and the world in which he lived in honor of the 250th anniversary of his famous ride. -
‘I’ve seen poetry save lives’: Local and Grammy-winning spoken-word poets celebrate their art
April is National Poetry Month! Enthusiasm for spoken-word poetry has skyrocketed in recent years, helping to increase the popularity of all poetry. We’re diving into the art form and the poets who use their voices and bodies in staged performances. Who are the lyrical wordsmiths at the top of their game, including here in Massachusetts? We speak with Boston-based award-winning poet Amanda Shea, 2025 Poetry Out Loud Massachusetts champion Abigail Drumm and Grammy Award-winning spoken-word artist J. Ivy.
