U.S.BBN USA

Massachusetts voters to decide on forcing smaller, cheaper homes

Massachusetts voters will decide whether cities and towns must allow smaller homes on smaller lots, part of a growing state push to ease the housing shortage; shed not included.

On air: Chip Darnell and Dr. Nina Byte on Wake Up, America
Published 5:19 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Chip Darnell and Dr. Nina Byte on this story, from Wake Up, America at 5:19 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are NPR's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Massachusetts — Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by NPR: “Should states force cities to build cheaper houses? Voters here will decide”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:19 AM ET on Wake Up, America, by Chip Darnell and Dr. Nina Byte.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

NPRShould states force cities to build cheaper houses? Voters here will decide

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMassachusetts voters will decide whether cities and towns must allow smaller homes on smaller lots, and NPR says a growing number of states are doing the same to ease the housing shortage.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSo the state tells your town to let the neighbor build a house on a lot the size of a parking space.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentI have three PhDs and I still can't park in one.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt's a starter home, Nina, a cozy one with a front yard you can mow with scissors!
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentScissors.

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