In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Dr. Bruce Moore, Professor Emeritus at the New England College of Optometry and Co-Chair of the Children's Vision Massachusetts Coalition, to discuss an issue affecting thousands of children across the Commonwealth: undiagnosed vision problems.

Dr. Moore explains how untreated vision issues can significantly impact a child's ability to learn, often being mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Together, they explore why early vision screening matters, how improving access to eye care can help close the achievement gap, and why Massachusetts is becoming a national leader in children's vision policy.

The conversation also highlights recently passed Senate legislation aimed at improving follow-up care after school vision screenings, collecting better statewide data, and ensuring children—especially those in foster care and underserved communities—receive the eye care they need to succeed.

Topics include:

-How vision problems affect learning and reading

-Why some children are mistakenly identified as having learning disabilities

-The importance of early childhood vision screenings

-The connection between vision, education, and long-term success

-Improving access to eye care across Massachusetts

-Senate legislation to address disparities in children's vision

-Why Massachusetts is leading the nation in children's vision policy

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable insight into how something as simple as better vision can transform a child's future.

This is more than politics. It's about giving every child the opportunity to learn, succeed, and reach their full potential.

In this thought-provoking episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore welcomes Cesar Fernandez, Head of U.S. State and Local Government Relations at Anthropic, one of the world's leading artificial intelligence research companies and the creator of Claude AI. Together, they explore the extraordinary opportunities—and very real challenges—presented by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

The conversation breaks down complex AI concepts into plain language, explaining generative AI, agentic AI, frontier models, and how these technologies are already transforming businesses, scientific research, healthcare, and government. Fernandez also discusses Anthropic's unique approach to AI safety, transparency, and responsible innovation, emphasizing the importance of building safeguards alongside technological progress.

Topics include:

-What generative AI and agentic AI really mean

-How Claude AI is changing business and research

-Why AI safety and independent oversight matter

-Massachusetts' leadership in AI policy and innovation

-The future of AI regulation and frontier AI models

-Cybersecurity, transparency, and responsible AI development

-The global race for artificial intelligence leadership

-How AI could transform medicine, education, and everyday life

Whether you're an AI enthusiast, business owner, policymaker, or simply curious about the technology reshaping our future, this episode offers an informative and balanced discussion about one of the most important innovations of our time.

This is more than politics. It's about understanding the future—and ensuring artificial intelligence serves the public good.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore visits Spicy Water Distillery in Millbury, Massachusetts, to sit down with founder Barry and explore the journey of turning a passion for craft spirits into a thriving local business.

Barry shares how he transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the challenges of launching a craft distillery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the art and science behind producing premium bourbon, vodka, agave spirits, limoncello, rum, and other handcrafted spirits. The conversation also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, building community partnerships, and creating a welcoming destination where people can gather and celebrate together.

Topics include: Starting a craft distillery in Massachusetts The bourbon aging and distillation process How limoncello and agave spirits are handcrafted The challenges and rewards of small business ownership Entrepreneurship after corporate life Supporting local businesses and the Millbury community

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, craft distilling, or discovering unique local businesses across the Commonwealth, this episode offers an inside look at one of Central Massachusetts' growing success stories.

This is more than politics. It's about supporting local entrepreneurs, strengthening our communities, and celebrating the businesses that make Massachusetts unique.