The Common

Don't be spooked by this election's BOO-llot questions Oct 31, 2024

Happy Halloween! We wish you safe and spooky celebrations this week. That said, Tuesday, November 5th is the 2024 general election. And there is nothing scarier than getting to the polls unprepared.

Five statewide ballot questions are before voters this November, and frighteningly, there are quite a few misconceptions about them.

Evan Horowitz, director of The Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, joins us in breaking down each question and outlines what is being asked of voters on Election Day.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

An up-close look at Mass' first offshore wind project Oct 24, 2024

Offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind are set to be a huge part of our state’s energy future.

But for such a huge infrastructure project, it’s not that easy to get out and see for yourself. For one thing, you need to charter a boat to take you out to look at the Vineyard Wind turbines located miles offshore.

This is exactly what a group of New England reporters did in September – including WBUR’s own senior climate reporter, Miriam Wasser. She joins The Common to tell us about the experience.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How Black Out performances promote inclusion in Boston theater Oct 17, 2024

Boston's theater-goers are overwhelmingly white: 89%, according to a report by the nonprofit ArtsBoston. At the same time, more than half of the city's residents are people of color.

Some theater companies are fostering inclusion with Black Out nights. Performances are taken off sale to the general public and made accessible with a code distributed to Black organizations and social media groups.

Maurice Emmanuel Parent is an actor, educator and co-founder and co-producing artistic director of Front Porch Arts Collective, a Black theatre company promoting racial equity in Boston. He speaks with us about the history and intention of Black Out experiences.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Meet three artists from this year's "Makers" cohort Oct 10, 2024

Each year, WBUR highlights a group of artists of color in Greater Boston. These "Makers" are spreading joy and building community while practicing their craft. We meet three of the artists from this year's cohort.

Dancer Beth Mochizuki is helping dancers bring more of themselves to the stage with her company, the Asian American Ballet Project. Saxophonist Jonathan Suazo is combining his Puerto Rican identity with his Dominican heritage through jazz. Musician Pranav Swaroop is fusing classical Indian traditions with rock and electronics as part of the band, Project MishraM.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mass. coastal chemical sites lack basic safeguard against hurricanes Oct 03, 2024

Experts say climate change is increasing the risk of a “double disaster” — a large-scale chemical spill caused by extreme weather. Massachusetts is especially vulnerable, as a coastal state with industrial ports.

WBUR's senior investigative reporter Patrick Madden took a closer look at this risk in New Bedford, a city with a high concentration of warehouses that use chemicals for cold storage in the fishing industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Stop and Shop wants you to stay and shop Sep 26, 2024

On this episode of The Common, Boston Globe Reporter Diti Kohli breaks down the evolution of Stop and Shop, and where the grocery store is headed. Then, listen to an excerpt from host Darryl C. Murphy's WBUR CitySpace interview with Chef and TikTok influencer Jon Kung.

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Stop and Shop opened a swanky upgraded location in Allston Yards this summer. A couple of weeks later, the company announced that it would be closing more than 30 of its stores in New England, including 15 in Massachusetts. Both moves are part of a strategy that Stop and Shop hopes will keep it in the game. The Boston Globe's business reporter Diti Kohli recently did a deep dive into Stop and Shop's legacy, and what it shows about the current grocery industry in the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A vibe check on Boston nightlife Sep 19, 2024

Last spring, the City of Boston welcomed its inaugural Director of Nightlife Economy, Corean Reynolds. You might have heard some people refer to her as the “night czar,” though that’s not her official title. Now that she’s been in her position for a year, we wanted to catch up with her about some of the initiatives her office is working on, as well as challenges to improving nightlife in the city.

You'll also hear producer Frannie Monahan hit the streets to ask Bostonians about their thoughts on the city's nightlife scene, and their suggestions for improving it for everyone.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The fight for equal education before busing Sep 12, 2024

On September 12, 1974, Boston Public Schools bused the first students across town as a part of a highly controversial school integration program. The program was a result of Judge W. Arthur Garrity's federal court order that mandated that both black and white students be bused to schools outside of their neighborhoods. What followed was a series of protests and riots that helped cement Boston's reputation as an exceptionally racist city.

While this moment is a major flashpoint in Boston's history, it is not the whole story. Busing was the culmination of a years-long fight between a Black community that wanted a better education for its children and a white community resistant to change. Today on The Common, Boston journalist, lecturer, and historian Dart Adams, joins us to break down this history.

If you want to learn more about the history of busing in Boston, check out WBUR's series “Busing’s Legacy in Boston, 50 Years Later,” which was done in collaboration with The Emancipator.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A president's impact on Mass. climate goals, plus music in September Sep 05, 2024

On this episode of The Common, WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins the show to discuss what impacts the presidential candidates would have on Massachusetts' climate goals if they get elected. Then, we get suggestions for how to spend the month of September in Greater Boston.

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Classes might be back in session now that it's September, but that doesn't mean you can't still get out there and enjoy some culture this month. Here are WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer's picks for September:

Out and About in Boston

Gabe Gibbs at Laugh Boston

Emerson College alum Gabe Gibbs returns to Boston with a comedic musical extravaganza, featuring spoofs of popular numbers as well as original songs. Bostonians will be treated to this performance just once on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at the local comedy club Laugh Boston.

Fiesta en la plaza

Boston City Hall Plaza is at it again with another fabulous free community celebration. This time, it's Fiesta en la plaza, which celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with hours of programming including musical performances, art and film screenings topped off with a salsa dance party. Happening at Boston City Hall Plaza Sept. 15-27.

Cirque de la Symphonie: Cirque goes to the Cinema

This one is for lovers of the symphony, cinema and the circus alike. Join the Boston Pops and Cirque de la Symphonie for a night of stunning acrobatics set to classic movie scores at Symphony Hall on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

This Month at WBUR CitySpace

Curated Cuisine: Nini Nguyen

Nini Nguyen is a New Orleans-based chef who has developed her own version of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. She recently released a new cookbook, "Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook." Join Nguyen and The Common host Darryl C. Murphy on Monday, Sept. 9 for a discussion and an on-stage cooking demonstration.

Sound On: Axel & Lolo

Axel & Lolo were chosen as WBUR's favorite local submission to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Come see the best friend duo perform a set live at WBUR CitySpace on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Moving in? Know your rights Aug 29, 2024

On this episode of The Common, tenant association leader and volunteer with City Life/Vida Urbana Selena Eutsay joins the show to discuss renters rights ahead of Boston's unofficial move-in day on the first of September. Then, producer Frannie Monahan hits the streets to talk to Boston residents about their greatest challenges renting in the city.

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Sept. 1 is fast approaching. On that day, about 70% of Boston leases turn over, according to the city of Boston. In preparation for the big move-in day, we sat down with Selena Eutsay, a tenant association leader and volunteer with City Life/Vida Urbana to discuss what renters in Boston should know about their rights, her experience as a life-long resident of Boston, as well as other major issues plaguing renters in the area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A side dish with WBUR's Deborah Becker Aug 22, 2024

On this episode of The Common, Boston Globe Climate Reporter Erin Douglas joins the show to discuss how many Boston neighborhoods are built on artificial land, putting them at risk of flooding due climate change. Then, Team Common takes over the WBUR kitchen with senior correspondent Deborah Becker.

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If you listen to WBUR, you are probably familiar with Deb Becker’s voice. You might have heard any number of her reports as a senior correspondent on issues like mental health, addiction and the criminal legal system. Or, maybe you’re more familiar with her as a host on many WBUR Programs.

But, we learned when she has some time away from her work Deb loves to cook. So, a little while back, Team Common took over the WBUR kitchen so Deb could show us how to make one of her signature summer side dishes, while also dishing about her love of food, and her long journalism career.

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Deborah Becker’s vegan summer orzo salad

Ingredients:

Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumbers, peeled, seeds removed and diced
Scallions, roughly chopped One jar pitted calamari olives
One can of garbanzo beans
Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (lots of it!)
A good olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Orzo
Salt and pepper to season

Instructions

Bring a pot of water to boil, season boiling water with salt. Add orzo.
While orzo cooks, prepare vegetables and herbs, combine in a large bowl.
When orzo is cooked, strain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Coat lightly with olive oil to keep pasta from sticking together.
Combine balsamic, olive oil and sugar in a small bowl to create a dressing
Combine strained and cooled orzo with vegetables in bowl. Mix together with dressing and season with and salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The many sharks of Massachusetts Aug 15, 2024

On this episode of The Common, WBUR associate producer for digital Katie Cole joins the show to discuss Massachusetts' various shark species and the important role they play in our ocean ecosystem. Then, we sit down with author and podcast host Mark Cecil to talk about the value of deep conversations among men and why it is difficult for some men to open up with one another.

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Sharks get a bad rap, especially around these parts where great white sightings are a normal part of Massachusetts' summer. But great whites are far from the only shark species cruising through Bay State waters, and for the most part, they're all just minding their own business.

After the episode, take our quiz to test your shark knowledge!

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What Mass. lawmakers got done, and all the things they didn't Aug 08, 2024

On this episode of The Common, WBUR State House reporter Walter Wuthmann joins host Darryl C. Murphy to recap the end of the state's legislative session. He tells us about the few bills that did get passed, and more importantly all the ones that didn't, and why. Then, Team Common hikes the Boston Walking City Trail with with founder, Boston-based journalist and trail builder Miles Howard. Listen to the podcast to hear the full episode.

Looking to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city? The Boston Walking City Trail might be the perfect thing. Established in 2022 by Miles Howard (a journalist and urban trail builder based in Boston), the Walking City Trail is a community project connecting many of the city's most immersive green spaces into a continuous 27-mile route.

The Common's team hiked the Franklin Park section with the trail-builder to learn more about how it came to be, as well as the benefits of urban hiking as an accessible entry into the outdoors for city residents.

Here are some of our favorite things along the route:

The Wizard of Franklin Park: Miles Howard claims that there's a hollowed out tree trunk in which someone painted a depiction of a Gandalf-like wizard. (We couldn't get through the brush to see it in person, though. But maybe you can! Send us a picture if you do.)
Roxbury puddingstone: There's a lot of this in Franklin Park, and even around the neighborhood. It's a natural conglomerate, with small rocks and pebbles embedded inside. Fun fact: it's Massachusetts' official state rock.
Bear dens: When the Franklin Park Zoo was built back in the late 1800s, it housed bears in these circular, caged-in dens, with spikes along the top to keep bears from climbing out. The abandoned cages are still there, all overgrown with plants, and all creatures are free to pass in and out these days.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Look, ma! No CharlieCard! Aug 01, 2024

The Common is back. Thank you to the listeners who stuck around while we planned for our new weekly format, and if you're new here, welcome to the party!

Today, WBUR transportation reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins host Darryl C. Murphy to give us the full download on the MBTA's new contactless fare system.

Then, to kick off August, WBUR CitySpace assistant director Candice Springer gives us suggestions for how to spend the final hazy days of summer.

Candice recommends...

The Queen of Versailles Musical

Bostonians have the opportunity to see this brand new, Broadway-bound musical adaptation of the 2012 documentary of the same name until Aug. 25. "The Queen of Versailles," starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, is being staged at the Emerson Colonial Theater in Boston.

Independent Film Festival Boston's Hot Summer Nights

IFFBoston, inspired by the series on the podcast You Must Remember This about erotic films from the '80s and '90s, presents a month-long retrospective into steamy movies from that era. You can catch classics like "Showgirls" (1995) and "Cruel Intentions" (1999) until Aug. 31 at the Somerville Theatre.

Archery Games Boston

Speaking of steam, maybe you need to let off a little with this unconventional athletic activity. Archery Games Boston lets you play out your wildest Katniss Everdeen dreams with competitive combat archery. Join a communal game or reserve a private one with friends, family or coworkers or at the Chelsea location. Don't worry, all projectiles are foam-tipped so no one will be taking an arrow to the knee here any time soon. (Please note that you have to be 7 years or older to join in a communal game.)

The Moth StorySLAM: HOT MESS

The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition, open to anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. The theme of this month's StorySLAM on Aug. 13 is "HOT MESS." Participants should prepare a five-minute story about spectacular chaos. Disheveled dramas and situations so tangled there is no hope of straightening things out. Come tell a story...or just enjoy the show!

Field Trip: Board Game Night

Back by popular demand, WBUR CitySpace is hosting another game night on Aug. 14. Free to all, come with friends or meet new ones playing a variety of games provided by Knight Moves Board Game Cafe. Snacks will be provided, grog available for purchase.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Could ‘Pee-Cycling’ Help Clean Cape Cod’s Water? Jul 19, 2024

Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American.

The past two days we’ve been sharing Barb’s in-depth reporting on Cape Cod’s water, and the pollution that has been increasingly threatening its safety. We also heard about some of the costly solutions the community is considering to help prevent further wastewater pollution.

But what if there was a way to clean up the Cape’s waters without spending hundreds of millions of dollars? Some of you may have heard of it before on The Common…it’s called urine diversion, or “pee-cycling.”

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cape Cod Weighs Big-Ticket Pollution Solutions Jul 18, 2024

Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American.

In today's episode, Barb looks at some of the big-ticket solutions that could help solve the Cape’s water problems — for a price.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cape Cod Has a Big Septic Tank Problem Jul 17, 2024

Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American.

If you’re a regular listener of The Common, you might remember our episode with Barb on something taking place on Cape Cod called pee-cycling. Well, this series is a three-part deeper dive that looks into water pollution on Cape Cod, what’s causing it and how the Cape community is scrambling to fix it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: 60 is the new 50, and other thoughts on finding yourself at any age Jul 11, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Seniors are healthier, better educated and living longer than in generations past. In his series "The Third Act," WBUR Senior Political Reporter Anthony Brooks tells the stories of people who have embraced these years of late and mid-life to improve and re-invented themselves.

Today, Anthony joins The Common with more on these stories, and what we can all take away from watching others age with purpose, regardless of our own life stage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: A piece of home in Dorchester's Little Saigon Jul 10, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Boston Little Saigon is one of the city’s four official cultural districts as designated by the state. Located in Fields Corner in Dorchester, the district was officially designated in 2021, but to its residents, Little Saigon has been an anchor for Vietnamese culture in the region for decades.

To learn more about the district's food and experiences, and its place in the New England Vietnamese community, The Common toured Little Saigon with Annie Le, board president of Boston Little Saigon. This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

Take a look at the team's trip around the district here:

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Boston's untold Black history Jul 09, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Boston is known for its host of historic landmarks, such as the Boston Tea Party and the USS Constitution, but there are also many historical stories and sites in the city that too often go unheard and unseen. Researcher and educator Joel Mackall seeks to change this through his Hidden History of Black Boston tours — a series of driving and walking tours that highlight the city's often untold Black history.

WBUR reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common to discuss Mackall's Hidden History of Black Boston tour in the North End, which took her from the Rose Kennedy Greenway to the Copp's Hill Burying Ground.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: That application fee your landlord charged you might be illegal Jul 08, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Massachusetts is one of only two states where it's illegal for landlords to charge an application fee to perspective renters. Even so, advocates say that these fees are on the rise as rental options in the region remain tight.

WBUR Senior Reporter Simón Rios joins The Common to explain how landlord application fees differ from other legal fees you may face as a renter, and what these fees can tell us about the reality of being a landlord or renter in Massachusetts today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: The Common's adventure with Jed Jul 04, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

We're big fans of trains here at The Common. And so is (formerly) Boston-based TikTok creator @jeddeo1, known for his deadpanned MBTA review series Adventures with Jed. In this episode, the team takes a trip down the Green Line E branch for their very own adventure with Jed.

Watch the Jed's adventure to Heath street here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: America's gun industry has roots in Massachusetts Jul 04, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

America was, and continues to be, forged by the gun industry. The Gun Machine, a new podcast from WBUR and The Trace looks at this intertwined history — from the founding of the nation, to the gun industry's roots here in Massachusetts, to the country's very present gun violence crisis in an eight-part series.

Producer for The Gun Machine Grace Tatter joins The Common with a preview of this new project.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: A different approach to supporting loved ones with addiction Jul 03, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Almost one-third of adults in the U.S. say they, or someone in their family, have been addicted to opioids. Often, families have been encouraged to use a "tough love" approach with their loved ones, but a growing number of health care professionals are starting to rethink this. Instead, they want to more intentionally include families and friends in the recovery process.

WBUR's Deborah Becker joins The Common to share the story of Ken Feldstein, an addiction councilor who said he "landed on love" in supporting his own son, Brendan, through his addiction recovery. Also, a look at training programs run through Boston Medical Center, which teach clinicians and families how to support people struggling with addiction.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: What's up with Mass.'s liquor laws? Jul 02, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

New Englanders are known for having a buttoned up rule or two, including around alcohol (we're looking at you, happy hour ban). And it's not uncommon to hear some of our region’ s founding colonizers, the Puritans, getting blame for that. But how involved were the Puritans in shaping our current rules around liquor, really?

WBUR reporter Simón Rios looked into this as part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston series. He joins The Common with more on Massachusetts liquor laws, and how the traditions of the Puritans may or may not inform how they exist today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Plant care pro tips with Emerald City Plant Shop Jul 01, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Boston's moving season on the horizon, and settling into a new space isn't always a walk in the park. But one great way to make any house (or apartment, or studio... we know how it is) feel like home, is to add plants.

Today on The Common, we visit Emerald City Plant Shop, New England's first Black-owned specialty plant store, to learn how best to care for green life indoors, and to learn more about owner Quontay Turner's journey opening this Norwood-based business.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter on growing up Springfield Jun 28, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Ruth E. Carter is a two-time Oscar-winning costume designer who has dressed characters in hit movies and TV series for more than three decades. Her designs can be seen in works such as Do The Right Thing, The Five Heartbeats, both Marvel Black Panther movies, Yellowstone and Seinfeld. She's also a native of Springfield, Mass. In 2023, she was honored with the Coolidge Award at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, an honor that celebrates one outstanding film artist whose body of work is recognized as consistently original and challenging.

On today's episode, Ruth E. Carter joins The Common to talk about how her upbringing in Springfield continues to inspire her work today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: It's hard out here for a beech Jun 27, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Beech trees are native to the Northeast and make up about 10% of forests in Massachusetts.

The tree, which is identifiable by its smooth trunk and wide canopy, is a crucial habitat and food source for many animal species in the region. But in recent years, a microscopic worm-caused disease has been targeting beech leaves, causing many trees to starve to death over time. The disease is spreading, and fast.

WBUR climate and environment reporter Paula Moura joins The Common to tell us more about this disease, how to identify it and the race to find a cure to save Massachusetts' beech trees.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: A taste of Mattapan Jun 26, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Today, we're heading to Mattapan, looking for food. This culinary quest is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston — a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

WBUR arts reporter and Mattapan native Arielle Gray joins us as a local guide on this episode of The Common, and takes us to three of her can't-miss spots for top-tier food in the neighborhood.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Boston's expensive, and Gen Z is feeling the heat Jun 25, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

People in their twenties make up one-fifth of Boston's population, but some of these young people are struggling to make it in the city as the cost of living soars.

Boston Globe Reporter Diti Kohli talked to more than two dozen Gen Z residents living in Boston to learn what financial concerns are making them question their future in the city. Today, she joins The Common to walk through the impact of debt, economic uncertainty and other money woes that are top of mind for Boston's under-25 crowd.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Running while Black in Boston Jun 24, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Black Men Run Boston is the local chapter of the national Black Men Run organization, which aims to create a safe and health-centered space for Black men to run and walk in community. Today, founder Jeff Davis shares his experience running while Black in Boston, and discusses what he believes can be done to make running more inclusive in the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Boston emcee Edo.G on 50 years of hip-hop Jun 21, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

August 11, 2023 marked 50 years of hip-hop, one of the most impactful cultural contributions of the last century. And while hip-hop was born in New York City, Boston's scene has been around since the early days, and continues strong today.

Edo.G has been part of the Boston hip-hop scene since the '80s, when he came on first as a dancer, and then as an emcee. He popped in the early '90s with an album he did with Da Bulldogs called “Life of a Kid in the Ghetto," and has released more than a dozen albums and collaborations in the years since.

In this episode, Boston hip-hop legend Edo.G joins the show for a look back at 50 years of Boston hip-hop, and a look ahead to what's next for the scene.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Rethinking home ownership in Chinatown Jun 20, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Housing prices in Boston's Chinatown have been surging for decades, resulting in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the city. That's why housing advocates with the Chinatown Community Land Trust have turned to an alternative model for home ownership that helps working-class and immigrant residents stay in the neighborhood. WBUR reporter Simon Rios joins The Common to break it down.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Bigger, faster, more toxic — Poison ivy is thriving Jun 19, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Poison ivy seems to be booming, and researchers think climate change could be to blame. As carbon dioxide levels increase and temperatures warm, this toxic vine is not only getting bigger and growing faster, but the plant's oil, which causes allergic reactions in about 80% of the population, is becoming more plentiful and increasingly potent.

In this episode, WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common to discuss the troubling tie between human-caused climate change and the rise of poison ivy.

Think you know poison ivy? Test your knowledge with Gabrielle's poison ivy quiz!

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Elizabeth Amador decodes government bureaucracy, one post at a time Jun 18, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

This is a story about how social media can be used for good.

Elizabeth Amador is an activist and community leader who uses Instagram to help Spanish-speaking residents navigate local government bureaucracy to get the help they need.

In her posts and live streams, she answers questions about everything from obtaining rental and food assistance to getting a driver’s license for her audience of nearly 17,000 followers. And she does it all in her free time.

Amador sits down with host Darryl C. Murphy to talk about her experience running her Instagram account, and the persistent information gap that necessitates its existence.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Fighting a loneliness epidemic, one connection at a time Jun 17, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory sounding the alarm on what he calls the “devastating impact of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States.”

A growing body of research ties loneliness to an increased risk of health conditions including heart disease, stroke, dementia and even premature death, making it, by many measures, a public health concern.

In this episode, WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to talk about two Boston-area-based programs that aim to combat loneliness through fostering friendships and human connection.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: The TikTok creator searching for Boston's best take-away Jun 13, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Boston-based content creator Keonte Henson, also known as @atstayathomedad, has built a following on TikTok and Instagram with his humorous, real-talk approach to local restaurant reviews. Often recording from the driver's seat of his parked car, Henson reviews Greater Boston food options with a focus on casual eateries, take-away spots and budget-friendly options.

Keonte Henson joins The Common to talk about how creating food-related content has helped him connect with Boston since his 2022 move to the area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: MassDOT's new voice for accessibility Jun 13, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Earlier this month Governor Maura Healey appointed four new members to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation board of directors. One appointee is researcher, writer and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, who will represent the "consumer voice" for MassDOT.

Dr. Iezzoni is the first member of the disability community to serve on the department's board, despite the fact that that about one in four of American adults have some kind of disability.

Dr. Iezzoni joins The Common to discuss accessibility across the state's transit systems, a well as her goals for this new position.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Venezuelan migrants find home again in Massachusetts Jun 12, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Over the summer, 50 Venezuelan migrants were dropped off on Martha's Vineyard in a political stunt made by Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. The new arrivals were met with national media attention, and an outpouring of aid. However, as WBUR's Cristela Guerra reports, migrants from Venezuela have been finding their way to Massachusetts for years, finding the help they need among the Venezuelan community that is already here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Sorry, your gas stove really is bad for you Jun 11, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

No, the government is not coming for your gas stove. At least not this second. But your stove could have implications for the health of your household (gas stoves are the top trigger for pediatric asthma in the state, for example), as well as our environment. WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common to discuss alternatives, as well as safety tips, for cooking with gas.

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Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Reducing poverty without displacement in Upham's Corner Jun 10, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

A study from Common Good Labs, a data science firm based out of Pittsburg, and the Brookings Institution has identified nearly 200 neighborhoods across the country that have done the seemingly impossible: Increase neighborhood wealth, without pushing out the original residents. One of those neighborhoods is Boston's very own Upham's Corner in Dorchester.

Common Good Labs partner Rohit Acharya joins The Common to break down how Upham's Corner did it, and how the neighborhood can be used as a model for other communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: A poet and a saxophonist walk into a lounge Jun 07, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Tucked underneath the bustling Cambridge Common restaurant near Porter Square is the Lizard Lounge, a longtime gathering place for Greater Boston's poetry scene. Since 1998, the venue has hosted a weekly event that combines curated poetry performance with live, improvisational jazz. The venue celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and the retirement of Jeff Robinson, the leader behind the musical stylings that accompany this iconic poetry night.

WBUR's Cristela Guerra joins The Common for more on Robinson's legacy, and what's next for the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: The bees and butterflies need our help Jun 06, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Insects are disappearing at a concerning rate — from 1% to 2% in many places, and up to 10% in others. Some of those insects are pollinators, which are key players in supporting 35% of our food supply. Today, those pollinators, like bees and butterflies, need our help.

WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common with more on the importance of pollinators, and a guide to what you can do to support pollinators in your own yard, garden or even from your apartment fire escape.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Boston Public Library branches help you check out more than books. Here's a breakdown of services Jun 05, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

Public libraries have evolved over the decades to connect people with far more than books on shelves. Many libraries, including those within the Boston Public Library system, often fill gaps in social services.

Boston Public Libraries' Michael Colford, director of library services, joined The Common to discuss how the robust resources of the city's libraries can help you out in unexpected ways.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Here's what a growing Black population looks like Jun 04, 2024

Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives.

The Black population in Greater Boston continues to grow, especially in communities outside of the city, and it's becoming one of the most diverse Black populations of any metro area in the nation. This is according to a new report from Boston Indicators and Embrace Boston titled, Great Migration to Global Immigration: A Profile of Black Boston.

Report co-author James Jennings joins The Common for a deeper look at how the region's Black population continues to grow and change.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: José Massó on 48 years of “¡Con Salsa!” Jun 03, 2024

Today’s episode is another from the vault. It’s our conversation with WBUR’s José Massó, host of ¡Con Salsa!, which has been on the air for nearly 50 years.

Jose stopped by the studio last year after he made Amplify Latinx’s inaugural ALX100 list, which recognizes leaders from the Massachusetts Latinx community. We discussed the ALX100 honor and ¡Con Salsa's! impact on Greater Boston over the decades.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: The Common's official theme music May 31, 2024

Team Common is hard at work preparing for our new weekly schedule starting soon. But in the meantime, we’re bringing you some episodes from our archives to help you get your local news fix.

In this episode, first published about a year ago, we talk to HEESU, the singer-songwriter behind our theme song, ME. HEESU, who originally hails from Seoul, was WBUR’s 2021 Tiny Desk Contest favorite and is a Berklee College of Music alum.

HEESU joined us to talk about her music, her influences and her experiences studying music in Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: A cafe for broken belongings May 30, 2024

It's another show from our archives, today with WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger.

You know that broken thing you have sitting in your closet that you just don't have the heart to throw away? It could be a broken lamp, a dead watch or a pair of scissors that's a little dull. Well, chances are there's a helpful neighbor nearby who would love to fix it up for you at one of the region's Repair Cafes. Martha joins The Common with more on the Repair Cafe movement and the folks behind it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: How the dumpling is Mei Mei-d May 28, 2024

Today’s episode is another from our archives. Last year, we took a trip to Mei Mei Dumpling Factory and Cafe following the grand re-opening of its first brick-and-mortar location since the pandemic. We met up with Mei Mei co-founder and James Beard Leadership Award-winning chef Irene Li for a tour of the facility, a discussion on the changing restaurant landscape of Boston and of course, some delicious dumplings.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Huntington’s 'Toni Stone' brings a trailblazing female baseball player to life May 27, 2024

The Common team is taking a beat to rest and recharge this Memorial Day weekend. But to keep your podcast feeds fresh, we’re getting a little help from our friends in the WBUR newsroom with a feature.

It’s by WBUR Arts and Culture correspondent Andrea Shea. Andrea recently visited the Huntington Theatre for a sneak peek at its newest production ‘Toni Stone,’ which tells the true story of the first female baseball player to ever join a professional men’s baseball team in the 1950s.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Allergy season sucks, and climate change is making it worse May 24, 2024

Team Common announced a few weeks back that the show will transition to a once-a-week podcast this summer as part of some larger changes happening at WBUR. We are hard at work on this transition now. So, for the next few weeks we will be featuring some episodes from The Common's archive, while we focus on bringing the newest iteration of the show into the world and your podcast feeds very soon.

With allergy season's vengful return, we take a look back at our discussion with Dr. Gaurab Basu, a primary care physician and director of education and policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment. We talked with Dr. Basu about the connection between climate change and allergies, and what you can do to mitigate your symptoms as the season continues.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A people's history through Boston Urban Archive May 23, 2024

The Instagram account Boston Urban Archive offers a look at the history of the city's communities of color. Ebony Gill created the page in December of 2023, while she was a student at University of Massachusetts Boston. Since then, the account has garnered more than 30,000 followers with images that take viewers down Boston's memory lane.

WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray visited UMass Boston's Healey Library to document Ebony at work for our Field Guide to Boston. She joins The Common to talk to us about the experience, and what is gained when we shine a light on these parts of the city's history.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

To Rome and back: Mayor Wu and Gov. Healey tout climate policies at the Vatican May 22, 2024

Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu traveled to Rome last week to present their plans for de-carbonization and climate resiliency at a multi-day summit hosted by the Vatican and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

The Wu administration aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint via a suite of initiatives, including new rules on Boston buildings, which are responsible for over 70% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Wu's goal is for city buildings, old and new, to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Meanwhile, Gov. Healey is pushing her own climate reforms in the state legislature.

For more on their trip to Italy, Darryl C. Murphy speaks with Boston Globe politics reporter Samantha J. Gross, who traveled with Wu and Healey last week.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Unpacking the official response to the pro-Gaza student movement May 21, 2024

As school years wind down at colleges and universities around the state, the last student encampments protesting the war in Gaza have been dismantled.

At some schools, student protestors packed up the tents of their own free will. At others -- including Emerson, Northeastern and MIT -- they were forcibly disbanded by police.

With summer fast approaching, questions remain about the tactics employed by universities to disperse student protesters. The Common's Darryl C. Murphy speaks with WBUR senior political reporter Anthony Brooks about what happened and what comes next.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The pilot program bringing English classes to emergency shelters May 20, 2024

The state is hoping a new pilot program providing ESL classes to newly arrived immigrants staying in Massachusetts emergency shelters will help them achieve self sufficiency faster. The pilot is lead by the nonprofit English for New Bostonians, which has been teaching occupationally-focused language classes with the goal of providing students the skills and confidence to find employment, and continue improving their English in other settings.

Claudia Green, English for New Bostonians executive director, and Thaís Lobo, who heads the English Works Program for English for New Bostonians, join The Common to discuss the importance of language instruction for newly arrived immigrants and the future of the pilot program.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Looking back on 20 years of marriage equality in Mass May 17, 2024

Today is the 20th anniversary of gay marriage becoming legal in Massachusetts. The right for same sex couples to marry was brought about by the Goodridge Decision, which made Massachusetts the first state in the country to secure marriage equality. Back in 2004, Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts GLBTQ Political Caucus (formerly known as the Mass Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus), was one of the advocates who worked to secure marriage equality in the Commonwealth.

Arline joins The Common to reflect on this anniversary, and discuss the ongoing efforts to improve the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Mass. today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A cannabis 'pipe dream' May 16, 2024

When the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission launched its Social Equity Program, it promised a pathway for groups disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs into the newly legalized cannabis market. But today, social equity operators are finding that getting into the cannabis business is a far cry from the lucrative opportunity it once was, sometimes leaving them worse off than when they started the process.

"CommonWealth Beacon" reporter Bhaamati Borkhetaria spoke with cannabis operators in the region who graduated from the state’s Social Equity Program, she joins The Common to discuss their experiences, and the barriers they continue to face getting established in the cannabis industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

As encampments are dismantled, campuses prepare for graduation May 15, 2024

Colleges and universities across the country are gearing up for graduation, including here in Boston. Commencement comes at a very tense time on many campuses though, as student protest encampments in support of Palestinian people and school divestment from Israel have been dismantled by police at numerous schools, notably MIT and Emerson College. Tufts and Harvard Universities also had encampments that were recently disbanded by student protestors themselves.

WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common to discuss the mood among students as this tumultuous year comes to a close, and whether disruptions can be expected at graduation ceremonies over the next weeks.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Last Seen's 'Postmortem' podcast asks: How should we treat the dead? May 14, 2024

Death of a loved one can bring with it a deep sense of loss. We miss that person's personality, their energy, and we honor that with our grief. But how do we as a society, respect their remains, the bodies they leave behind?

That question is at the center of the latest season of WBUR’s podcast Last Seen - which came out this month: “Postmortem: The Stolen Bodies of Harvard.”

The podcast follows a scandal at Harvard Medical School that made headlines last year, when a manager at the medical school morgue was accused of selling body parts donated to the school for scientific study.

Today on The Common, Darryl C. Murphy speaks with host and reporter Ally Jarmanning about her experience diving into the apparently flourishing underground market for human remains and her quest to answer the question: How should we treat the dead?

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Lawmakers react to WBUR investigation into police handling of rape cases May 13, 2024

Several weeks ago, WBUR published an investigation examining how police in Massachusetts handle reports of sexual assault and rape. The piece, which focused on alleged serial rapist Alvin Campbell (brother of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell), has garnered the attention of state lawmakers who wish to make changes to the Commonwealth's systems and protocols around such cases.

WBUR Statehouse Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common once more to discuss reactions to the piece, and several potential solutions to this pressing issue that lawmakers are considering.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Psychedelics in Massachusetts: The future of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD May 10, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, which could become the first psychedelic-assisted therapy as early as August.

Today, The Common presents the final episode of our three-part series looking at the past, present and future of psychedelics in Massachusetts as a potential ballot question that could lead to the decriminalization of natural psychedelic substances in Massachusetts.

Rick Doblin, founder and president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is featured in today's conversation. He has led efforts to bring psychedelics back into mainstream medicine, in part by organizing clinical drug trials to get MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD approved by the FDA.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Psychedelics in Massachusetts: The ballot question on decriminalization May 09, 2024

A proposed ballot measure to decriminalize certain plant-based psychedelics in Massachusetts is now in progress, with activists gathering another 12,429 signatures by July 3 to secure ballot placement in the November election.

Today, The Common is continuing our three-part series looking at the past, present and future of psychedelics in Massachusetts and what decriminalization could mean for the state.

In this episode, we’ll examine the current status with Sam Drysdale, a Statehouse News Service reporter closely following the ballot measure.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Psychedelics in Massachusetts: The legacy of Timothy Leary May 08, 2024

Advocates behind a proposed ballot question that could potentially decriminalize certain plant-based hallucinogens, a.k.a. psychedelics, are gathering signatures to put the question in front of voters on election day in November. If successful, people over 21 can use a limited amount of substances like magic mushrooms without worry of criminal penalties from the state.

This week, The Common will present a three-part series that explores the past, present and future of psychedelics and what their decriminalization could mean for Massachusetts.

Today, we’ll delve into the past with Andrew Green Hannon, an adjunct lecturer at Emerson College who holds a Ph.d from Yale University’s American Studies Program. His research focuses on the American counterculture and the New Left, and he is a local expert on psychedelics.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts considers 'Ebony Alert' to help find missing Black women and girls May 07, 2024

Black women and girls make up a disproportionate number of the nation’s missing people, almost one in five. Here in Massachusetts, there are few protocols on tracking these cases, and that number is harder to determine. Now, a new bill on Beacon Hill seeks to shine a light on how missing persons cases involving Black women and girls are handled, including instituting an "Ebony Alert" system, which would provide public alerts when Black women or girls are reported missing under suspicious circumstances.

Tiana Woodard of The Boston Globe joins The Common to discuss.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What humanitarian parole means for Boston's Haitian community May 06, 2024

Early last year, the Biden administration issued a policy to allow temporary entry for up to 30,000 people a month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela — countries facing extreme unrest and violence. People in the program, called humanitarian parole, are allowed to live and work in the United States for two years.

The Common speaks with WBUR reporter Simón Rios about what humanitarian parole has meant for Boston's Haitian community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: A night at the theater May 03, 2024

It's a great time to hit the theater. Today on The Common, Assistant Director of WBUR CitySpace Candice Springer is back with some top musical happenings to get you out and about this month.

Candice recommends...

The Drowsy Chaperone: Now - May 12, Lyric Stage Company, Boston
A Strange Loop: Now - May 25, Speakeasy Stage at the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, Boston
“Song Exploder” Live featuring Fenne Lily: May 20, WBUR CitySpace
Field Trip: Plant Night with Emerald City Plant Shop: May 22, WBUR CitySpace
Gatsby: An American Myth: May 23 - August 3, American Repertory Theater at the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Funding runs out for state programs housing former Mass. and Cass inhabitants May 02, 2024

When the city removed a tent encampment in the area known as Mass. and Cass back in November, officials offered to help people find housing as part of a plan to help keep them off the streets. Now, two state run housing programs that were part of the effort are slated to close.

WBUR reporter Deborah Becker joins The Common to talk about why these programs are closing, and how the closures will affect the people they serve.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Caribbean coalition launches to unite communities May 01, 2024

Boston is a cultural hub for Caribbean communities, with people originally from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad, and other Caribbean countries, comprising nearly 9% of the city's population. The new Boston Caribbean American Association in Dorchester aims to unite these communities and promote year-round political and civic engagement.

Kwame Elias of the Boston Caribbean American Association joins The Common to discuss the coalition's goals and mission, and their strategies for engaging with local Caribbean communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

State legislature imposes a nine-month shelter stay limit Apr 30, 2024

Last Thursday, the Massachusetts House and Senate voted to pass a supplementary budget that will provide an additional $251 million to the family shelter system. It also imposed a maximum of nine months stay limit for current families living in the state's emergency shelters, with certain people eligible for an extension waiver. Now, the bill awaits Governor Maura Healey’s signature.

Today, The Boston Globe's political reporter Samantha J. Gross joins The Common to discuss the reasons behind the nine-month stay limit and how the state plans to spend the additional money on the family shelter system.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR will cut up to 14% of staff with buyouts and layoffs Apr 29, 2024

We're going to be upfront with you.

Last week was a hard one at WBUR.

On Wednesday it was announced that the station would be cutting up to 14% of its staff through buyouts and layoffs in an attempt to reduce the station’s expenses by $4 million. This comes after a significant drop in underwriting revenue in recent years, adding to the trend of personnel cuts at public radio stations across the country in recent months.

WBUR Investigative Correspondent Todd Wallack has been covering WBUR's financial struggles. He joins The Common to discuss what is behind the cuts, and what lies ahead for the station. Also, host Darryl C. Murphy makes an announcement about upcoming changes to the show.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What's going on with the student protest encampments Apr 26, 2024

Late Wednesday night, a protest encampment created by students at Emerson College was forcibly removed by police. Over 100 protesters were arrested in the clearing, and multiple injuries have been reported. Meanwhile, other encampments have been erected on campuses across the city as students call for, among other things, a ceasefire in Gaza, that schools cut ties with Israeli funding and support of pro-Palestinian student groups that have been suspended from campuses like Harvard.

WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common to discuss the students' demands and how the city and campus communities are responding to this latest phase of protest.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A conversation with Leslie Jonas, Indigenous land and water conservationist Apr 25, 2024

April is Earth Month, which is a time to reflect on the one planet we have and for a lot of us that’s an opportunity to discuss climate change, and how it’s affecting our communities.

Throughout the month we featured weekly conversations with some of the people in Greater Boston working to build our region’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Our final guest for these Earth Month discussions is Leslie Jonas, an Indigenous land and water conservationist and an elder eel clan member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

More EVs are hitting our streets, but not fast enough Apr 24, 2024

More electric vehicles are hitting the streets in Boston, making it one of the biggest EV markets in the country. However, adoption still lags behind similar metro areas across the country and experts worry that the growing number of EVs is still not enough to help the state reach its emission goals.

WBUR Senior Business Reporter Zeninjor Enwemeka joins The Common to explain the barriers to more EV ownership in Massachusetts, and what the state is doing about it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A tale of two transit agencies Apr 23, 2024

In late March, the MBTA announced it would be paying an additional $148 million to the Chinese locomotive manufacturer CRRC, in hopes of pushing the company to complete its order for desperately needed T cars by 2027. The order, which was made in 2014, was for 404 new T cars to be delivered by September 2023. To date, the MBTA has only received around 130 of those cars and with this latest payout, the total deal between the agency and CRRC is now valued at over $1 billion.

Just last week, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, canceled its $185 million dollar contract to buy passenger rail cars from the same manufacturer, CRRC. The railway cars were expected by last year. So far, SEPTA hasn’t received a single one.

Today on The Common, we look at these two very different approaches to a similar problem with transportation reporters from Boston and Philadelphia: Tom Fitzgerald from The Philadelphia Inquirer and Taylor Dolven from The Boston Globe.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The case against alleged 'serial rapist' Alvin Campbell Apr 22, 2024

Alvin Campbell, an alleged serial rapist, was arrested in 2020 on sexual assault charges. A new investigation by WBUR finds that at the time of his arrest, Campbell had already been reported for multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault dating back to 2016.

He is the brother of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. Her office said the attorney general recused herself from any involvement in the case. In a statement, Andrea Campbell said the prosecution has her “unreserved support.”

For the past year and a half, WBUR reporter Walter Wuthmann has been investigating the case against Alvin Campbell, and why he was not arrested earlier as allegations and DNA evidence against him surfaced.

Wuthmann joins The Common to discuss how the culture of our criminal justice system and Massachusetts' secrecy laws obscure cases of sexual assault from the public in ways that often ends up protecting perpetrators instead of victims.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Buying weed at Boston's first Black woman-owned dispensary Apr 19, 2024

Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis in 2016. According to the state, the industry here has grossed nearly $6 billion from hundreds of dispensaries across the state.

As part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a series aimed at helping folks better connect with the region, and in honor of the unofficial cannabis holiday on 4/20, we want to offer a quick guide for those who are curious about cannabis in Massachusetts.

So The Common team took a trip to Heritage Club in Charlestown, Boston's first recreational dispensary owned by a Black woman, Nike John. She walks us through her experience working in the cannabis industry as well as the dos and don'ts of buying weed responsibly.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

This Chelsea teen is organizing her peers for a greener future Apr 18, 2024

April is Earth Month, so all month long we are featuring weekly conversations with people in Greater Boston working to build our region’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Arianna Perdomo is a 17-year-old high school senior living in Chelsea. She's a member of Gov. Maura Healey and Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer's Youth Climate Council and part of the Environmental Chelsea Organizers youth crew through GreenRoots. Today, Arianna joins The Common to discuss her work organizing other young people around climate concerns in Chelsea, and her interest in using her voice to advocate for climate justice on Beacon Hill.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council weighs potential for a rat-focused city department Apr 17, 2024

Last week, the Boston City Council met to discuss one of the top, pressing issues facing our city: The rat population causing a nuisance to residents citywide.

For the second year in a row, Councilor Ed Flynn has proposed a measure to create a city department solely devoted to pest-related concerns, arguing that a specialized department would streamline efforts to tackle rat issues and allow for more coordinated innovation.

Today, Boston Globe City Hall Reporter Niki Griswold joins The Common for more on Councilor Flynn's proposal, and other potential solutions discussed at last week's meeting.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Slow runner? Join the club! Apr 16, 2024

With the 2024 Boston Marathon now in the rearview, you may be feeling inspired to hit the road after seeing thousands of athletes crushing 26.2 miles. Or perhaps you’re at the very beginning of your running journey and you’re still trying to find where you fit in the sport. That’s why we bring you this conversation taped at WBUR’s CitySpace featuring Martinus Evans, a runner and founder of the Slow AF Run Club, a community for slow runners and walkers.

Host Darryl C. Murphy talked to Evans about his journey as a runner and his work to make the sport of running more welcoming.

This conversation has been edited for time and clarity. You can check out the full discussion here and if you want to find out more about events at CitySpace, head to wbur.org/events.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: The Boston Marathon is every runner's dream, including mine Apr 15, 2024

Today, more than 30,000 runners will participate in the 128th Boston Marathon. Among those running are no less than five members of the WBUR staff, including Climate and Environment Correspondent, Barbara Moran.

Being the reporter she is, Barb documented the ups and downs of her training journey as part of an essay for WBUR’s Cognesanti. Today, in honor of the marathon and all who run it, we bring you Barb's story.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

EPA sets new nationwide restrictions on PFAS levels in drinking water Apr 12, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced a new drinking water standard to reduce exposure to PFAS, chemicals linked to health risks like cancer. Massachusetts is one of 11 states with existing PFAS limits, which are different from the new federal guideline. As a result, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection estimated that 95 water systems across the state will need to upgrade their water system to address PFAS for the first time under the new federal rules.

Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common with more on the new federal rule and its impact on the local water systems.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How climate change and LGBTQ rights intersect Apr 11, 2024

April is Earth Month, which is a time to reflect on the one planet we have and for a lot of us that brings up climate change, and how it’s affecting our communities.

James Comiskey is an activist with Extinction Rebellion, a global environmental movement that aims to use nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action on climate change. He’s also a co-leader of Boston’s Rainbow Rebellion, which is an offshoot of the group focused on the intersection of climate and LGBTQ issues. Comiskey joins The Common to discuss how climate change disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community, and the queer legacy of social activism.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Kids on Spectacle Island grade their first eclipse Apr 10, 2024

On Monday, almost 300 people, many of whom were families with kids, boarded a ferry and headed out to Spectacle Island in the Boston Harbor to take in the solar eclipse over the Boston skyline. The event, "[Not Quite] Total Eclipse of the Park" was hosted by Boston Harbor Now, a non-profit that works to make the Boston Harbor and Islands more accessible and climate resilient, in partnership with Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

Common Producer Katelyn Harrop joined the crowd heading out to Spectacle Island to talk with some of our youngest neighbors seeing their very first eclipse. Today on The Common, a solar eclipse through the eyes of six and eight-year-olds.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A gunshot detection system in Somerville Apr 09, 2024

Somerville is re-evaluating the use of ShotSpotter, a surveillance system that detects sounds indicative of gunfire. The devices have drawn scrutiny locally after leaked internal data revealed disproportionately high use in minority communities.

Proponents of the technology say it saves lives and helps police catch criminals. Critics, including civil liberties advocates, raise concerns about the technology's accuracy and the risk of over-policing low-income or communities of color.

Boston Globe Reporter Spencer Buell joins The Common with more on the controversy behind the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system and its future in Somerville and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Lawmakers look closely at Steward and private equity in healthcare Apr 08, 2024

Earlier this year, we learned that financial challenges at Steward Healthcare System, a for-profit company, were jeopardizing the company's ability to run its eight current Massachusetts hospitals.

This drew scrutiny from state and federal officials, and raised concerns about the role of private equity in the healthcare industry. Over the last couple of weeks, lawmakers, including U.S. Senators for Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, held hearings on Beacon Hill looking into private equity in healthcare and Steward’s financial problems.

WBUR Senior Correspondent Deborah Becker has been following the Steward case since it broke, she joins The Common to catch us up to speed on the latest developments.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Picnics, crafted beer and a racing adventure Apr 05, 2024

It may be gray outside, but never fear -- WBUR Assistant Director of CitySpace Candice Springer is back on The Common with a list of fun-filled happenings to get you out of your house and on the town this April.

Candice recommends...

Mystery Picnics – Anytime
The Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival – April 20, Boston Center for the Arts' Cyclorama
F1 Arcade Boston – April 22, Seaport in Boston
Slow AF Run Club: Martinus Evans on empowering anyone who wants to run – April 11, WBUR CitySpace
Earth Week: Reptile and amphibians night with Zoo New England – April 23, WBUR CitySpace

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Community as a tool for climate resilience Apr 04, 2024

April is Earth Month, so all month long we are featuring weekly conversations with people in Greater Boston working to build our region’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Kannan Thiruvengadam is the Executive Director of Eastie Farm — a community-based non-profit in East Boston, which focuses on food insecurity and climate justice through urban agriculture and education. Today, Kannan joins The Common to discuss how urban agriculture can be used as a tool for climate resiliency and community building, and what keeps him motivated and inspired to do this work, even in the most challenging times.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your competitive electric supplier could be costing you Apr 03, 2024

Have you ever answered a knock on your door to find someone asking to see your electric bill? Perhaps with the promise of getting you a better deal? If so, you might've come face-to-face with a representative from a competitive electric supplier -- an industry that has been tied to high rates, and at times, illegal activity, targeting some of the states' most vulnerable residents.

While some savvy individuals are able to use these suppliers to get a better, or greener deal, State data show that this often isn't the case. In fact, the State Attorney General's office reports that between 2015 and 2021, ratepayers in Massachusetts who used a competitive electric supplier collectively paid $525 million more than if they had kept their utility as their supplier.

Boston Globe Climate Reporter Sabrina Shankman has been looking into this industry in collaboration with WBUR's Miriam Wasser. Today, she joins The Common with more on how competitive suppliers are impacting residents, and what's being done at the state-level to curtail or reform the industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Another step toward reduced-fare for low-income T riders Apr 02, 2024

Last week, the MBTA board of directors voted in favor of offering a reduced-fare program for low-income adults across the transit system, including for The Ride -- the MBTA's paratransit service. It's a huge victory for advocates who have been pushing for such a program for more than a decade.

Today, Boston Globe Transportation Reporter Taylor Dolven joins The Common for a transit news round-up. First, a look at what it will take to make a low-income fare program a reality. Then, Taylor tells us about the MBTA's decision to pay an additional $148 million to a company notably behind on their contracted promise to make new Red and Orange Line train cars for the system.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rats are turning Boston cars into buffets Apr 01, 2024

Chewed automobile wires? Gnawed car cables? That's what a Boston rat calls lunch!

Drawn in by the promise of a warm and cozy place to hang, rats are hoping out of dumpsters and taking up residence under the hoods of cars, bringing their trash and snacks with them, and causing damage to vehicles while they're at it.

Today, WBUR Investigative Reporter Willoughby Mariano joins The Common for a look at why Boston's rat problem is so significant, and what this could mean for the wellbeing of your ride.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Berklee and Harvard (Taylor's Version) Mar 29, 2024

This semester, both Berklee College of Music and Harvard University are offering classes themed around one of pop music's biggest names: Taylor Swift. The class at Berklee uses Swift's music to instruct students on songwriting, while the Swift-themed class at Harvard sits in the university's English department and looks at her music through a literary lens.

Today on The Common, WBUR Senior Arts and Culture Reporter Amelia Mason takes us into the classroom for a lesson on what students (and the rest of us) can take away from some of Taylor Swift's biggest hits.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's free lead pipes replacement program goes underused Mar 28, 2024

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission launched a free program to replace lead pipes on privately owned property early last year, but few property owners have taken advantage of it. A recent Boston Globe investigation found that a water line that services one Boston College dormitory is among thousands of lead pipes that deliver water to city residents. Lead can contaminate drinking water and ingesting lead poses some serious health risks.

Today, Boston Globe contributing reporter and Boston University professor David Abel and Boston University journalism student Taylor Brokesh join The Common to discuss why this free program has gone so underutilized.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Gov. Healey announces 30-day limit for families in overflow shelters Mar 27, 2024

On Monday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a 30-day limit on the length of time families can stay in certain overflow shelters while waiting to enter the state's emergency shelter system. Families must re-apply every 30 days proving they meet certain requirements to remain in overflow shelters and on the waitlist.

Meanwhile, state legislators have also been working on plans to limit the amount of time families can stay in the state's emergency shelter system, but have yet to agree on a final proposal.

Reporter for The Boston Globe Matt Stout joins The Common to outline the details of the different sets of restrictions, and what they say about this moment for the Mass. emergency shelter system.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Meet the Boston Public Library's first chef-in-residence Mar 26, 2024

The Boston Public Library's chef-in-residence program is a three year project aimed at helping community members get the most out of their food. The program provides instruction on basic cooking techniques and nutritious, and helps members of the community prepare culturally appropriate meals with everyday ingredients.

Glorya Fernandez is the library's inaugural chef-in-residence. Over the period of one year she will work with the community to create a culinary curriculum that can be used throughout the BPL system.

The Common took a trip to the BPL Roxbury Branch's Nutrition Lab to meet Glorya, as well as Stephanie Chace, BPL Nutrition Literacy Coordinator, and learn more about what they hope to accomplish during the first year of the chef-in-residence program.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A place for grief and community for students observing Ramadan Mar 25, 2024

Muslim students at MIT are holding nightly Iftar dinners on campus in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, which is celebrated by Muslim communities across the globe. The holiday is typically marked with fasting, prayer and community. It’s the first Ramadan since the war in Gaza broke out in October, so this month holds particular weight for those observing.

WBUR Morning Edition Field Producer Laney Ruckstuhl attended one of the MIT Iftar dinners. She joins The Common to tell us about how the students she spoke to are thinking about Ramadan this year, in the midst of on-campus tensions and grief over the lives lost in Gaza.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Five music residencies to check out in Greater Boston Mar 22, 2024

Music residencies - regularly scheduled performances from the same band or artist at a set venue - are a key part of a thriving local music scene. Today on The Common, WBUR Arts Contributor Noah Schaffer has recommendations for five can't-miss residencies you can check out in Boston, Somerville and Cambridge all year long.

Noah recommends...

The Fringe - Mondays at The Lilly Pad in Cambridge (featured song: "I Loved You Yesterday")
The Conscious Band - Sundays at West End Johnnies in Boston (featured song: "Oh What a Saturday Night" by lead singer, Errol Strength)
The Natural Wonders - Sundays at Sally O'Briens in Somerville (featured live recording, September 2021)
Bars Over Bars - First Sundays at The Junge in Somerville (featured live recording, March 2024)
Yoko Miwa Trio - Fridays at The Mad Monkfish in Cambridge (featured song: "Keep Talkin'")

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts patients are struggling to access primary care Mar 21, 2024

If you're having trouble getting in to see your doctor, you're not alone. Access to primary care providers in Massachusetts has been declining for three straight years, according to a recent survey from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners. This comes as factors including industry staffing challenges, salary discrepancies, and burnout, contribute to a shortage of PCPs nationwide.

Today, WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McClusky joins The Common with more on what's behind this concerning trend, locally and across the country.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mass. exodus: Why so many young people say they plan to leave Greater Boston Mar 20, 2024

A recent survey commissioned by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce finds that, while almost 90% of surveyed residents between the ages of 20 and 30 in Greater Boston say they're satisfied with their daily lives, one in four plan to leave the region in the next five years. Those surveyed cited the high cost of housing, concerns with public transportation and the availability of quality jobs among the reasons contributing to their possible exodus.

In today's episode, CEO and President of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Jim Rooney joins The Common to discuss these survey findings and what they can tell us about our region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

For many childcare providers, less state funding this spring Mar 19, 2024

More than half of the over 8,000 childcare providers in the state will see significant cuts to monthly grant payments they receive from the state for the months of May and June. These funds are part of the Commonwealth Cares for Children grant program, which is experience a budget shortfall as the 2024 fiscal year comes to a close.

Today WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common with more on how these cuts to the C3 grant program will impact childcare providers, many of whom already function on razor thin margins.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: A band, a bakery and creating community in Quincy, Mass. Mar 18, 2024

Today, we're taking you to Quincy, Massachusetts.

In the last several decades, the number of people in Quincy who identify as Asian has grown considerably. The latest census shows nearly 30% of the city's residents identify as Asian.

Part of this growth can be attributed to the city remaining an affordable, but accessible, alternative to Boston.

Meanwhile, Boston's Chinatown has seen a decrease in its Asian population, as housing prices have increased significantly in the neighborhood.

To illustrate this change, The Common producer Frannie Monahan spoke with Joyce Chan, a former high school teacher and musician, about her personal experience starting a Chinese bakery in Quincy after her band lost its practice space in Chinatown.

This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Gov. Maura Healey pardons all simple cannabis possession convictions Mar 15, 2024

This week Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made headlines when she announced that she would be pardoning all minor cannabis possession offenses in Massachusetts. The pardons apply to all convictions before March 13, 2024, and are thought to apply to hundreds of thousands of people. It’s a precedent-setting move as no other Governor has issued such a sweeping pardon on this issue to date.

WBUR State House Reporter Walter Wuthmann was on the story this week. He joins The Common to walk us through what these pardons mean for the folks affected, and for Governor Healey.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Blue Hill Avenue blues Mar 14, 2024

The city has long been working towards a revamp of Blue Hill Avenue, a major corridor in Dorchester and Mattapan. But due to a history of underinvestment and concerns about gentrification, many residents there are skeptical about the city's plan. Despite this, the city has decided to move ahead on certain parts of the plan anyway, including a center lane bus that will operate between Grove Hall and Mattapan Square.

Dorchester Reporter News Editor Seth Daniel has been following the story. He joins The Common to explain the history behind the community's skepticism and how the city hopes to build trust in the neighborhood.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your guide to the freshest art around Boston this spring Mar 13, 2024

Spring is upon us, and with it comes a whole new slate of recommendations from WBUR's Arts and Culture team as a part of their seasonal arts guides. From new albums, to visual arts, to movies, there's something for everyone in Boston's art scene this spring.

WBUR Senior Arts and Culture Editor Dianna Bell joins The Common with some of her favorite recommendations from this season's guides.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts still can't fill its public housing units Mar 12, 2024

Last fall WBUR Investigations Correspondent Todd Wallack joined The Common after he published an investigation into Massachusetts’ public housing waitlist system. In the investigation, he found that despite the state being in a record housing shortage, almost 2,300 state-funded units were sitting vacant across the Commonwealth, sometimes for years. In the aftermath of the investigation, the state announced it would make a 90-day push to significantly reduce the number of empty units.

Six months later, only 72 more units have been filled and more than 180,000 people remain on the waitlist.

Today on The Common Todd joins us again to provide a look into Massachusetts' public housing waitlist system, and how it is and isn't working for housing authorities and potential tenants alike.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A bill to ban legacy admissions in Mass. Mar 11, 2024

Almost a year after affirmative action was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, Massachusetts lawmakers are working to institute a ban on legacy preferences at colleges in the state. Legacy preference, or legacy admissions, is the practice of favoring college applicants who have familial connections to the school, and it often disproportionately benefits white and wealthier students.

Today on The Common WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin discusses the bill's background and how it's being received in Mass. education communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Common presents: "Beyond All Repair," a new WBUR podcast Mar 09, 2024

Introducing the trailer for ‘Beyond All Repair,’ a brand new WBUR podcast about an unsolved murder and a woman who wasn’t believed.

Note: This is the trailer for Beyond All Repair from WBUR and ZSP Media. Episodes 1 & 2 are already waiting for you: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Sound On: Western Mass. band Cloudbelly brings a new sound Mar 08, 2024

We're back with our second installment of Sound On: The series where WBUR Senior Arts and Culture Reporter and Critic Amelia Mason joins The Common to share a new album from a rising artist or band in Massachusetts.

Today, we're discussing "i know i know i know," an expansive new album from Western Massachusetts-based band, Cloudbelly.

Check out Amelia's full write-up on Cloudbelly here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

As migrant families wait for shelter, a day service center steps in Mar 07, 2024

Last year, Governor Maura Healey set a cap on the number of families served by the state family shelter system at 7500. Families beyond that number are put on a waitlist. Some have found temporary shelter in overflow sites set up by the state. The thing is, those shelters are not all open during the day, leaving day-side support options limited.

Enter La Colaborativa, a Chelsea-based immigrant services non-profit, which opened a day service center late last month. Today, La Colaborativa president Gladys Vega joins The Common to discuss the services the organization is offering to support recently arrived migrant families on the state family shelter waitlist.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

For some voters, a not-so-Super Tuesday Mar 06, 2024

Yesterday was Super Tuesday - the day voters in Massachusetts and 14 other states, plus one territory, cast their votes for the candidates they’d like to see face off in the general presidential election in November.

By the time you hear this episode, some results from Super Tuesday may already be known, but what we want to focus on in this episode is not who got the most votes, but how voters are thinking about the election cycle more broadly, and what that means for the future of our country.

Boston Globe Politics Reporter Matt Stout joins The Common with his insights from a day reporting at the polls.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

El Niño and the New England winter Mar 05, 2024

Our region is experiencing its first El Niño in five years, and, bolstered by climate change, we have an unusually warm winter to prove it.

Today, Tom Di Liberto, climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, joins The Common to discuss how El Niño impacts weather patterns in the region, and what other factors are contributing to our unseasonably warm winter.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The case for memorializing trailblazing figure, Maria W. Stewart Mar 04, 2024

The Massachusetts State Senate recently unveiled a new bust in their renovated chambers in the statehouse. It honors Frederick Douglass – a Black civil rights leader who worked to abolish slavery in the United States. The sculpture puts Douglass in the company of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Ben Franklin, and other historical figures. It's the first permanent bust added to the chamber in over 125 years, and it occupies one of two new spots. State Senate President Karen Spilka says the other spot will go to a woman.

Today, Boston Globe Senior Opinion Writer Kimberly Atkins Stohr joins The Common to discuss Maria W. Stewart, a groundbreaking Black Bostonian who she believes should be honored with a bust in the Senate chambers.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Craft your way into spring Mar 01, 2024

March is the month that brings us spring, at last! But it's also a long month, with no observed holidays to give us a break. To help motivate us all to get out and explore this March, WBUR Assistant Director of CitySpace Candice Springer joins The Common with three DIY craft classes that offer an opportunity to learn a new creative skill.

Candice recommends...

Bonsai Bar – multiple dates and locations
Tutu Land Boston – Open daily in Allston, reservations recommended
In House Baking School – Anytime, your very own kitchen
Celebrating accessibility in the arts – March 19, WBUR CitySpace
Field Trip: Karaoke Night – March 28, WBUR CitySpace

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Conservancy group and residents filed suit to halt White Stadium plan Feb 29, 2024

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and 16 area residents recently filed a lawsuit to stop a proposal to renovate White Stadium in Franklin Park. They say the plan is “unconstitutional,” fearing that this public facility will be privatized and made inaccessible to the public. The city said the claims are without merit and the renovation will expand the number of usable hours for student-athletes and the community.

Seth Daniel, news editor for the Dorchester Reporter, joins The Common to break down the controversy around the White Stadium renovation plan and its significance to the neighborhoods.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Brockton High School and the National Guard Feb 28, 2024

Earlier this month, four members of the Brockton School Committee called on Governor Healey to bring in the National Guard to calm campus violence amid understaffing at Brockton High School. The idea has split the school community, with many expressing the desire to not militarize the school, while others say the response is appropriate to help manage a situation, which includes fighting and open drug use among students, that has spiraled out of control.

Boston Globe Great Divide reporter Chris Huffaker has been following the story. He joins The Common to break down the situation inside Brockton High School, and what bringing in the National Guard could mean for students and teachers.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts' child welfare system is getting a change in leadership Feb 27, 2024

The Massachusetts child welfare system is looking at a huge leadership change across its ranks with several key leaders stepping down this year. Advocates and former foster kids in the state see it as an opportunity to overhaul the overburdened system that impacts the lives of more than 86,000 children and adults across the state.

Boston Globe Reporter Jason Laughlin joins The Common to break down the calls for change and what’s behind them.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Gov. Healey and her pick for the Supreme Judicial Court Feb 26, 2024

Governor Maura Healey’s pick to fill the vacant seat on the state's Supreme Judicial Court could be confirmed as soon as Wednesday. Judge Gabrielle Wolohojian has an impressive judicial record, having served as an appeals court justice for 16 years. However, one piece of her background has been a sticking point through the confirmation process – the fact that she was at one point a long-term romantic partner of Gov. Healey.

WBUR State House Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common to discuss Judge Wolohojian's background and if confirmed, what her ties to the governor mean for the state's highest court.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Pediatricians and the fight to prevent teen overdose deaths Feb 23, 2024

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering buprenorphine, a medication that can help curb opioid cravings, to teens addicted to opioids. However, only 6% of pediatricians currently offer the drug, in part because some believe that they do not have the right training or staffing to provide this care.

Today, WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger brings The Common to a pediatrician's office in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and discusses the role pediatricians can play in preventing drug overdose deaths among adolescents.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction and may be at risk of an overdose, you can call the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline at: 1-800-972-0590.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

New England's stone wall obsession Feb 22, 2024

There are the Patriots, the Red Sox, the Celtics... and the stone walls. That's right. Many New Englanders are absolutely enamored by the approximately 100,000 miles of stone walls, relics of early settlement, that dot the woods and roadsides of our region.

Today, Hanna Ali, WBUR associate producer for newsletters, joins The Common to tell us more about how these historic stone walls came to be, and why they've captured the hearts of so many in Massachusetts and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Milton votes "no" on multifamily rezoning plan Feb 21, 2024

Update: Ed Augustus, the state's housing secretary, sent a letter to Milton town officials Wednesday morning saying the town failed to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, and as a result, the Healey administration will immediately stop sending "significant grant funding" to the town. Read the full letter here.

Last week, residents of Milton voted down a plan that would have allowed for the development of more multifamily housing. The vote puts Milton at odds with the MBTA Communities Act -- a state law that aims to tackle the housing crisis by requiring communities with MBTA access to create new zoning plans allowing for higher density housing.

Today, Boston Globe Housing Reporter Andrew Brinker joins The Common for a look at what happened in Milton, and what this community's response can tell us about the appetite for tackling the state's housing crisis.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Immigration debate intensifies in Mass. politics Feb 20, 2024

Immigration and border security have long been hot-button issues in national politics. Now, with concerns mounting over the state's overstretched family shelter system, where nearly half of the people housed are migrants, asylum-seekers or refugees, immigration is becoming a firey point of conversation in state and local politics, too.

WBUR Senior Political Reporter Anthony Brooks joins The Common to discuss how the immigration debate is entering and informing political discourse on Beacon Hill and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Voices, not vinyl Feb 19, 2024

Team Common is off today, so we’re bringing you a story from our friends in the WBUR newsroom. We'll be back with our regular show tomorrow.

Today’s story comes from Arts Reporting Fellow, Solon Kelleher. It’s about a jukebox in Cambridge, redesigned by artist Elisa Hamilton to play stories from people in the community instead of music.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Ringing in the Year of the Dragon with Boston's lion dancers Feb 16, 2024

Chinatown's streets will come to life on Sunday with thunderous drums and the piercing clang of cymbals as nine lion dance troupes celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese New Year Parade.

WBUR Podcast Fellow Cici Yu joins The Common to preview this year's parade, and give us a window into the vibrant history and community surrounding lion dance in Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

With mobile sports betting, youth gambling is off to the races Feb 15, 2024

Online sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts just over a year ago. Since then, Bay State gamblers have wagered almost $5 billion dollars. Additionally, while it's illegal for people under the age of 21 to gamble in Massachusetts, mental health and addiction workers have noted an uptick in teens and young adults seeking help for compulsive gambling.

Today on The Common, Boston Globe Addiction Reporter Chris Serres breaks down the surge in youth gambling and how online gambling apps are fueling this growing problem.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The women of Boston's Black Panther Party Feb 14, 2024

Through June of this year, Boston's Museum of Fine Arts is displaying 27 images taken by Stephen Shames of the women at the heart of the Black Panther Party.

WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray set out to review the exhibit, titled Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party, and was struck by one photo in particular -- it shows a group of five unnamed teenage Black Panther volunteers, four girls and one boy, taken right here in Boston.

Today on The Common, Arielle tells us about how she managed find the young people in the photo and what she learned about their experiences with the Boston chapter of the Black Panther Party.

Note: A previous audio version of this episode stated that the Museum of Fine Arts is free on Wednesdays. This is no longer true. The MFA offers $5 minimum, pay what you wish tickets after 5 p.m. on certain dates, including upcoming dates on March 14 and May 16.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Reduce, reuse, pee-cycle Feb 13, 2024

The Cape has a dirty water problem. The main culprit? Pee. Over the years, waterways around Cape Cod have been increasingly impacted by peoples' septic tanks, which leach nitrogen and phosphorus -- from urine -- into the Cape's ground water. This, in turn, leads to unhealthy water quality and toxic algae blooms that are dangerous for humans and wildlife alike.

Municipalities around the Cape are now looking for solutions that will keep their tourist-attracting bodies of water clean and pee-free. Among them, as WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran tells us, is one innovative method known as pee-cycling.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How Haitian migrants are finding their way to Mass. Feb 12, 2024

Massachusetts’ strained shelter system has been struggling to keep up with an influx of families who are in need of housing. But where are these families coming from?

Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emmanuel set out to answer that question in a new story for WBUR. She found that roughly half of the families seeking help through the state family shelter system are newly arrived migrants, mostly from Haiti. Also, this is not the first time they’ve had to start over somewhere new.

Today Gabrielle joins The Common to tell us more about the journey these families have endured on their way from Haiti to Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

No Valentine's Day dinner reservation? No problem. Feb 09, 2024

This one's for all you last-minute romantics out there. While Boston is famously a reservation-first dining city, there are no shortage of walk-in-friendly restaurants available to accommodate your procrastinated Valentine's Day plans -- no matter what kind of vibe you're going for.

Today, Erika Adams, editor of Eater Boston joins The Common to walk us through six of her top reservation-free dining picks in Greater Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

These Mass. cities are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza Feb 08, 2024

As the devastating war in Gaza continues, dozens of cities across the U.S. have passed resolutions in support of a ceasefire. Those cities include Chicago, Seattle, and our very own Somerville, Cambridge and, as of this week, Medford.

Leila Farsakh, professor of political science at UMass Boston, joins The Common to discuss what can be drawn from the successes of these resolutions, and what they may tell us about changing public opinion regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's back to school following Newton teachers strike Feb 07, 2024

After two full weeks of canceled school, the Newton Teachers Association and Newton School Committee reached a deal on a new four-year teacher contract late last week. The final contract includes increased pay for paraprofessionals, a promise to staff additional social workers in the district and longer parental leave, among other measures.

WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common for a look at the longest teacher strike in recent memory, and for a breakdown of what made it, and didn't make it, into the final contract.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Grab your towel, we're hitting the City Hall Plaza sauna Feb 06, 2024

Have you ever dreamed of putting on your swimsuit, zipping up your winter coat, and heading downtown for a free sauna experience with friends and previously-unknown neighbors? If so, we've got the story for you.

Through March 3, Winter City Sauna, a free pop-up sauna, is posting up on Boston's City Hall Plaza and offering visitors the opportunity to warm up in community (up to six people at a time!) just steps away from City Hall. When we saw this headline, we knew we had to check it out - so Common Producer Katelyn Harrop hopped on the T, towel in hand, to learn more about this place-making effort lead by Somerville-based community organization CultureHouse in partnership with the city of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why it's so challenging to get a liquor license in Boston Feb 05, 2024

For those opening full-service restaurants, a liquor license can be a key part of creating a sustainable business. But in the city of Boston, getting your hands on such a license can cost anywhere from $400,000 to $600,000 on a private market. One that exists due to a shortage of licenses available through the city.

Today, Boston Globe Magazine contributor Erick Trickey joins The Common for a deeper look at why it can be so financially challenging to get a liquor license in the city, and how this system disproportionately impacts small businesses and Black entrepreneurs.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Survive Valentine's Day Feb 02, 2024

We can all take a collective sigh of relief that we survived January. Next up: Valentine's Day.

Whether you and your boo are looking for a cozy day at the movies, or you're looking to impress a new date with a wild night of Saltburn-inspired hijinks, or just for an opportunity to sing your heart out to Broadway tunes and revel in your own self-love, WBUR Assistant Director of City Space, Candice Springer, has you covered.

Candice recommends... The Before Trilogy (part of Destination Romance) – Saturday, Feb. 11 at The Coolidge Corner Theatre

https://coolidge.org/programs/destination-romance

Field Trip: Monogamous Speed Dating (25-35) – Monday, Feb. 12 at WBUR CitySpace

https://www.wbur.org/events/901979/field-trip-monogamous-speed-dating

An Evening at Saltburn – Wednesday, Feb. 14 at Rebel Rebel Wine Bar

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-at-saltburn-tickets-809497267117

Happily Ever After: A celebration of romance novels and the authors behind them – Thursday, Feb. 15 at WBUR CitySpace

https://www.wbur.org/events/902332/happily-ever-after-a-celebration-of-romance-novels-and-the-authors-behind-them

Broadway Rave – Friday, Feb. 16 at Brighton Music Hall

https://broadwayrave.com/

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What you need to know about the Steward Health Care debacle Feb 01, 2024

If you pay attention to the news, you've probably heard a lot about Steward Health Care System in the past couple weeks. It recently came to light that the for-profit company, which operates nine hospitals in Massachusetts, is in deep financial distress.

Long story short, it's a situation that could further exasperate health care access issues for the primarily low-income communities the company's hospitals serve, as well as jeopardize the jobs of thousands of hospital employees.

WBUR senior health reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to explain what's going on with Steward Health Care System, as well as what its financial struggles could mean for our already strained health care industry in the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The future of free rides on the MBTA Jan 31, 2024

The pilot program that allowed rides to be free on MBTA buses 23, 28 and 29 for the past two years ends on March 1. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has pledged to find more money to keep those routes free. Meanwhile, the MBTA and the state are marching forward with a plan to create a subsidized fare system for low-income riders.

The effort to continue the pilot program is a flashpoint in the debate in Massachusetts over whether it makes sense to charge transit riders, particularly those who are financially struggling. Boston Globe transportation reporter Taylor Dolven joins The Common to discuss the future of transit fares in the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mass. will close historic MCI-Concord prison, saving millions Jan 30, 2024

The Massachusetts Department of Correction announced last week that it will close the MCI-Concord, a medium-security facility that opened in 1878. The planned closure of MCI-Concord is expected to save $16 million every year and avoid spending $190 million on improving the facility. This decision aligns with the ongoing decline in state incarceration rates, marking MCI-Concord as the second prison closure following MCI-Cedar Junction in June 2023.

Today on The Common, WBUR senior correspondent Deborah Becker joins us to discuss the impact of closing MCI-Concord.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The housing assistance former foster kids in Mass. aren’t getting Jan 29, 2024

Vouchers intended for homeless youth are underutilized in Mass.

In 2019, the federal government launched a housing program to help young people, aged 18 to 24 who have lived in foster care or other residential placement, pay for housing through the use of vouchers. But while Massachusetts likely has more than 1,000 young people currently living in homelessness who would be eligible for the vouchers, only 88 have been issued since the program started – and not even all of those have been put to use.

Today on The Common, Jason Laughlin of The Boston Globe joins us to explain why this program has gone so under utilized.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Nearly 70 books have been challenged in Mass. public schools Jan 26, 2024

Nearly 70 different books were challenged in Massachusetts public schools by parents, residents and others over the last five years, according to reporting from Boston Globe. Frequently challenged books mostly involved gender, sexuality and race. Restrictions included removing books from the classroom curriculum, re-shelving books to sections of the library toward uppergraders and requiring parental permission.

Today, Boston Globe Reporter Chris Huffaker joins The Common for a look at the factors driving some of these book-banning movements and how Massachusetts school districts and legislature respond to these book challenges.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mass. hospitals will no longer ask doctors about their past mental health Jan 25, 2024

Hospitals and health insurance companies in Mass. have agreed to stop asking doctors about their addiction and mental health history. Instead, focus will be put on current, untreated medical issues. The goal is to reduce stigmas and barriers that may keep some physicians from seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment.

WBUR senior health reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to discuss the changing approach to mental health in the medical field.

Resources: If you or someone you care about is feeling suicidal or experiencing another mental health crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via phone call or text. You can also be connected with a lifeline call center by calling Massachusetts 211.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

For those on the state family shelter waitlist, options are limited Jan 24, 2024

In November, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the state family shelter system had reached capacity and instituted a waitlist. There are currently three state-run overflow shelter sites in operation, which aim to provide temporary shelter to those waiting. Advocates say, it's not nearly enough.

Today, WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common with an update on the state's at-capacity family shelter system and efforts to support families waiting for shelter.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why some Black churches are leaving Boston Jan 23, 2024

More than a dozen Black churches have left Boston, or shuttered completely over the last ten years, according to reporting from the Boston Globe. Issues including gentrification, the cost of real estate and declining membership are among the factors contributing to the migration of these churches from Boston proper to nearby municipalities including Brockton, Abington and Randolph.

Today, Boston Globe Reporter Tiana Woodard joins The Common for a look at the factors driving some Black churches out of the city, and how these moves are impacting faith communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Bonus: Undecided in New Hampshire | Part 3 Jan 22, 2024

Tomorrow is the New Hampshire primary, and developments have not slowed down in the last few days.

Just this weekend, Republican primary candidate Ron DeSantis decided to end his campaign, putting his endorsement behind the apparent frontrunner Donald Trump. This leaves New Hampshire Republican voters with two major options going into Tuesday's first-in-the-nation primary: Trump and Nikki Haley.

Today on The Common, we talk to Boston Globe politics reporter Emma Platoff for the final part of our bonus series with the Globe on undecided Republican voters in New Hampshire. In today's installment, Emma tells us where our voters have landed with their final decisions.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Enrollment at Mass. community colleges is on the rise Jan 22, 2024

Last fall, MassReconnect, a state program that helps Massachusetts residents 25 and older who do not already have a college degree attend community college for free, went into effect. The program has been popular, and all 15 state community colleges saw enrollment increase since the program started.

While community colleges report being pleased with the influx of students attending their institutions, administrators also report heavy workloads as they navigate an increasingly complex slew of state financial aid programs.

Carrie Jung, WBUR senior education reporter joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Gov. Healey's first State of the Commonwealth Jan 19, 2024

Gov. Maura Healey gave her first State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night. She reflected on her time in office so far and outlined her ambitious, and costly, agenda for the year to come. In the background though, the state has had to make a number of cuts to its budget because of a loss in tax income.

WBUR State House Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common to recap Healey's address and how her goals may square off with the state's financial reality.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's Black-owned crystal shop Jan 18, 2024

Body, Stone and Soul is a recently-opened Black and family-owned business in Jamaica Plain, selling crystals, candles, sage and other spiritual items. Spiritual practices like crystal healing and tarot have become increasingly popular in the last few years, particularly among the Black community.

Today on The Common, WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray tells us more about Body, Stone and Soul, its mother and son owner duo, and the connection between the Black community and new age spirituality.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When Walgreens leaves the neighborhood Jan 17, 2024

In December, Roxbury residents learned the Walgreens location on Warren Street would close its doors in January. It's the fourth Boston Walgreens to close in just over a year, all of which have been in predominately Black and Latino neighborhoods. For customers in those communities, the closures mean more than just losing a pharmacy -- it may also mean decreased access to groceries, hygiene products and certain essential healthcare services.

Today on The Common, Boston Globe Money, Power and Inequality Reporter Tiana Woodard explains how the closure of retail pharmacies further exacerbates healthcare disparities in the city and what options remain for impacted communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Three cheers for the three-decker Jan 16, 2024

Chances are you've lived in one, and if not you've definitely seen them all over the Greater Boston area: the iconic New England triple-decker (or three-decker) building.

So you might be surprised to learn that in late 2023, Somerville City Council voted to fully re-legalize the iconic housing stock that is almost ubiquitous to our local urban landscape.

CommonWealth Beacon Reporter and podcast host (and certified three-decker fanatic) Jennifer Smith joins The Common to talk about our favorite type of multifamily housing, why it was illegal in the first place and what its re-legalization could mean for the housing market.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Bonus: Undecided in New Hampshire | Part 2 Jan 15, 2024

Last week, Chris Christie suspended his campaign to become the Republican nominee for president. Christie's exit comes just weeks before the influential New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23.

Today, we bring you the second part of our bonus series in collaboration with the Boston Globe, talking with undecided Republican voters in New Hampshire to see what their priorities are ahead of their state's first in the nation primary.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Winter arts recommendations to warm up your season Jan 12, 2024

The winter months are a perfect time to take in some of the great art Boston (and beyond!) has to offer. That's why the WBUR Arts and Culture team has put together seven arts guides, ranging from dance to music to film, to guide you through the season.

WBUR Senior Arts and Culture Editor Dianna Bell joins The Common with some of her top picks for the season.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune lays out her priorities Jan 11, 2024

At-Large Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune was elected, by her peers, to be the new president of the Boston City Council. Her new leadership position follows her November re-election to her second term on the council. Councilor Louijeune takes over leadership of the council from former Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and she is the first Haitian-American to serve in the position.

Today, Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune joins The Common to discuss her top priorities as council president, and how she plans to foster civility and collaboration within the council.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Bonus: Undecided in New Hampshire | Part 1 Jan 10, 2024

The New Hampshire presidential primary often has an outsized impact on who will become a party's nominee. Through a collaboration with the Boston Globe, we check in with undecided Republican voters to see how they're thinking about their vote.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Getting a taste of dry January at Dray Jan 10, 2024

It's the first month of a new year, which means many folks are observing "dry January" by abstaining from alcohol.

To hear more about this popular seasonal pursuit, The Common visits Boston's first non-alcoholic bottle shop, Dray. We also gain a few tips on how to reduce alcohol intake, without sacrificing beverage options, with Dray owner, Pat Dooling.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The future of Boston Public Schools' buildings Jan 09, 2024

Last week, Boston Public Schools released a long-anticipated "master plan" for school facilities in the city. The plan aims to address well-documented issues with Boston's school buildings, many of which were build before World War II, and decreasing enrollment. But, as WBUR education reporter Max Larkin explains on this episode of The Common, the plan is light on details. Many questions remain regarding how this plan will impact each of Boston's 119 schools -- especially when it comes to closings and consolidations.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The push for a higher minimum wage continues Jan 08, 2024

Last year, minimum wage earners in Massachusetts gained a new $15 hourly pay floor -- the final increase in a five-year plan that aimed to increase pay for some of the states lowest earning workers. While Massachusetts' minimum wage is among the highest in the country, advocates say a $15 wage falls short of providing a livable income for workers in the state, considering the cost of living.

Today, WBUR Senior Business Reporter Zeninjor Enwemeka joins The Common to discuss a new push for a $20 minimum wage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Mass. movies and a whale of a puppet show Jan 05, 2024

If your New Year's Resolution is to see more live music, movies filmed in Massachusetts, or life-sized puppets acting out 19th century literary classics on stage – then boy, do we have the episode for you.

WBUR Assistant Director of CitySpace Candice Springer is back with her top picks for events and happenings around Boston this January.

Candice recommends...

Curated Cuisine: Cultivating a curious palate for kids with Cooking For Levi's Jack Zhang - Jan. 8, WBUR CitySpace

Candlelight Concerts in Boston - Multiple dates and locations

Made in Massachusetts: 100 Years of Filmmaking in the Bay State - Jan. 14, The Brattle Theatre

Moby Dick - Jan. 23 - 28, Emerson Paramount Center

Field Trip: Boxing Night - Jan. 29, WBUR CitySpace

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns Jan 03, 2024

Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black president, has resigned. Gay's six month tenure was the shortest in Harvard history. In the past months, she has endured controversy around the school’s handling of discourse over the war in Gaza, as well as alleged plagiarism in her own research. Gay’s decision to step down from her position also comes just three weeks after Harvard’s governing body cemented its support for her to remain in the role, as outside political pressures pushed for her resignation.

WBUR's Max Larkin joins The Common to discuss what this moment means for Harvard, and the precedent it sets for higher education more broadly.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: Pupusas, empanadas, and more in East Boston Jan 03, 2024

Today, we're taking you to East Boston to check out some of the great Latino-owned restaurants in the neighborhood.

East Boston is a neighborhood of immigrants, through and through. Latinos make up more than 50% of the neighborhood, and just shy of 65% of Eastie residents over the age of five speak a language other than English at home, according to 2020 census data.

Our local guide is Luz Gladys Oliveros. Gladys is the Latinx Advisor for Equity and Inclusion for the Mayor of Boston and has lived in Eastie for almost 30 years. This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What local wage gap data can tell us about pay equity in Boston Jan 02, 2024

A 2023 report from the Boston Women's Workforce Council shows that the gender wage gap in Greater Boston decreased by nine cents over the previous two years, while the racial wage gap increased by three cents since 2021.

Today, Boston Globe Workforce and Income Inequality Reporter Katie Johnston joins The Common to break down this report, and what it can tell us about pay equity in our community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Heat in the South End Dec 29, 2023

Team Common has been off this week, so in place of our regular show, we’re bringing you a special re-drop of our Earth Week series: Climate Now. Today’s episode published on April 20th, and brings us to Boston’s South End, where residents have already been feeling the intensifying effects of urban heat for years.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: The neighbors of Crane Ledge Woods Dec 28, 2023

Team Common is off today, but we’ve still got a great show in store for you. It’s the third episode of our Climate Now series from Earth Week 2023. It published on April 19th, and takes us to Hyde Park, where community members are fighting to protect a parcel of land called Crane Ledge Woods.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Erosion and the Boston Harbor Islands Dec 27, 2023

Team Common is off again today, so we’re bringing you the second episode of our Climate Now series from Earth Week 2023. Today’s episode originally published on April 18th and brings us to the Boston Harbor Islands, where rising sea levels and storms threaten to wash away the irreplaceable history and nature the islands hold.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rewind: Powering Chinatown's energy resilience Dec 26, 2023

Team Common is off this week so we’re re-sharing our Climate Now series from earlier in the year. Today’s episode originally published on April 17th and takes us to Boston’s Chinatown, where residents are taking climate resilience into their own hands.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A message from host, Darryl C. Murphy Dec 25, 2023

Team Common is taking the day to rest and recharge with friends and family, we hope you are too.

We’ll be in your feeds tomorrow with a special re-drop of our Climate Now series from Earth Week this year, which highlights the very real ways climate change is already impacting our communities here in Greater Boston.

In the meantime, have a very happy holiday. We’ll talk to you soon.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Noche Buena means 'Good Night' Dec 22, 2023

Noche Buena means “Good Night” in Spanish. In Latino communities, Noche Buena is a celebration that takes place between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, with friends, family, food, presents and dancing. Festivities usually go late into the night, or even all night long.

Today for The Common, WBUR Fellow Jacob Garcia took a trip to East Boston to ask folks about their favorite Noche Buena traditions.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A year in Boston food Dec 21, 2023

It was a big year for food in Boston. In 2023 the city saw major restaurant openings, some cool innovations and some heartbreaking closures.

Today, we're grabbing lunch with Erika Adams, editor for Eater Boston, to look back at a year of dining in the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mayor Wu's housing production goals Dec 20, 2023

Last week, Mayor Michelle Wu offered a first look at her housing production goal for the city of Boston during her first term. Her administration aims to produce about 13,000 new housing units, including 4,700 income-restricted units, between 2021 and 2025.

CommonWealth Beacon's Jennifer Smith joins The Common to further break down Mayor Wu's housing production goals, and what they could mean for the city's ongoing housing shortage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Sound On: Boston Rapper Pink Navel is playing games Dec 19, 2023

Sound On is WBUR's series highlighting rising local musicians. In its latest installment, WBUR Senior Arts Reporter Amelia Mason profiles Boston-based indie rapper Pink Navel, who fuses hip-hop, video games and the creative power of play in their latest album "How To Capture Playful."

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Overdose deaths aren't going down, here's what one mom is doing about it Dec 18, 2023

Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its twice-annual overdose report, which indicates that overdose deaths for 2023 are set to be on par with the record-setting numbers the state saw in 2022. The DPH also endorsed controversial overdose prevention centers, where staff are present to supervise and, if needed, reverse overdoses as the first step towards reducing overdose deaths.

WBUR's Martha Bebinger has been reporting on addiction for over a decade. She joins The Common with a story on how one mother has taken overdose prevention into her own hands, supervising drug use in her own home to save lives.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Harvard President Claudine Gay will stay Dec 15, 2023

The Harvard Corporation has announced it will stand by the school's president, Claudine Gay. Some U.S. lawmakers and alumni made calls for her resignation in response to Gay's recent testimony on Harvard's handling of anti-semitism on campus in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin joins The Common to discuss the university's decision and the road forward for Gay and the Harvard community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR's Cognoscenti 2023 wrapped Dec 14, 2023

Cognoscenti is WBUR’s ideas and opinion section where local experts, writers and thinkers of all kinds share their perspectives on a range of topics, from Taylor Swift to climate change. This year gave us plenty of things to ponder. So, as the year winds down, we reached out to Cognoscenti senior editor Cloe Axelson to talk to us about three themes from the year that resonated within the Cognoscenti community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

60 is the new 50, and other thoughts on finding yourself at any age Dec 13, 2023

Seniors are healthier, better educated and living longer than in generations past. In his series "The Third Act," WBUR Senior Political Reporter Anthony Brooks tells the stories of people who have embraced these years of late and mid-life to improve and re-invented themselves.

Today, Anthony joins The Common with more on these stories, and what we can all take away from watching others age with purpose, regardless of our own life stage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's largest police union says "yes" to a new contract with the city Dec 12, 2023

Last week, the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association approved a new contract with the City of Boston after 18 months of negotiations. The new contract makes it harder for officers involved in certain crimes to keep their jobs, provides some reforms to overtime pay and increases the base salary for officers over a five year period, among other measures.

WBUR State Politics Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common with more on what's in the contract and what it means for policing in the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's untold Black history Dec 11, 2023

Boston is known for its host of historic landmarks, such as the Boston Tea Party and the USS Constitution, but there are also many historical stories and sites in the city that too often go unheard and unseen. Researcher and educator Joel Mackall seeks to change this through his Hidden History of Black Boston tours -- a series of driving and walking tours that highlight the city's often untold Black history.

WBUR reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common to discuss Mackall's Hidden History of Black Boston tour in the North End, which took her from the Rose Kennedy Greenway to the Copp's Hill Burying Ground.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: 4 Boston holiday markets to get your shop on Dec 08, 2023

Procrastinators, beware! The holidays are around the corner but luckily, Boston has a wide selection of holiday markets to find unique and local-made gifts for everyone on your list.

WBUR Associate Producer for Newsletters Hanna Ali joins The Common to recommend four Boston-area holiday markets to visit this season.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Local Rabbis on celebrating Hanukkah this year Dec 07, 2023

It's the first night of Hanukkah. It is also the two month anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and the beginning of Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza.

Ahead of the holiday, WBUR's Simon Rios took the time to check in with local Rabbis about how they are navigating this time with their congregations. He joins The Common to share what they told him.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Behind the pro-Palestinian protests in Boston Dec 06, 2023

Israel's military action in Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas has led to demonstrations across the country and the world, in support of a ceasefire and Palestinian liberation. That includes here in Boston, where protesters have demonstrated at the Boston Common Christmas tree lighting, the chambers of Boston City Council and outside of a fundraiser for President Joe Biden in Boston on Tuesday.

Lelia Farsakh is a professor of political science at UMass Boston. She joins The Common to explain the context and history behind Boston's movement in support of Palestinians.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

$250 million for the state's family shelter system Dec 05, 2023

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has signed a long-awaited supplemental budget bill containing $250 million in funding for the state's overburdened family shelter system. The bill had been stalled in the state's House and Senate over disagreements on allocating those funds, past the conclusion of the official legislative session, which ended on Nov. 15.

WBUR State House Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common to discuss the contents of the budget bill and the challenges it faced getting through the Massachusetts legislature.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston is considering a guaranteed income program Dec 04, 2023

Last week, city councilors and officials from Mayor Michelle Wu's administration held a public hearing to discuss the possibility of piloting a guaranteed basic income program for low-income Bostonians.

The proposal is still in the early most stages of consideration, but based on results of similar programs in neighboring communities, it could be a game changer for the nearly one in five Boston residents who living below the poverty line.

State House News Service reporter Sam Drysdale joins The Common to discuss how a guaranteed income program in Boston could work, and the likelihood of it becoming a reality for the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: naughty and nice holiday spectaculars Dec 01, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and whether you're looking to catch a pop diva or a risqué take on a classic seasonal favorite, assistant director for WBUR CitySpace Candice Springer has you covered with a slate of activities to get you out and about this December.

Candice recommends...

Mariah Carey in concert: The "Merry Christmas One and All" tour - Dec. 11, TD Garden A Christmas Carol: A benefit for Rosie's Place - Dec. 19, WBUR CitySpace

The Slutcracker - Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, Somerville Theatre Yippee Ki Yay - Dec. 27 - Dec. 31, The Huntington Theatre

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A different approach to supporting loved ones with addiction Nov 30, 2023

Almost one-third of adults in the U.S. say they, or someone in their family, have been addicted to opioids. Often, families have been encouraged to use a "tough love" approach with their loved ones, but a growing number of health care professionals are starting to rethink this. Instead, they want to more intentionally include families and friends in the recovery process.

WBUR's Deborah Becker joins The Common to share the story of Ken Feldstein, an addiction councilor who said he "landed on love" in supporting his own son, Brendan, through his addiction recovery. Also, a look at training programs run through Boston Medical Center, which teach clinicians and families how to support people struggling with addiction.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

That application fee your landlord charged you might be illegal Nov 29, 2023

Massachusetts is one of only two states where it's illegal for landlords to charge an application fee to perspective renters. Even so, advocates say that these fees are on the rise as rental options in the region remain tight.

WBUR Senior Reporter Simón Rios joins The Common to explain how landlord application fees differ from other legal fees you may face as a renter, and what these fees can tell us about the reality of being a landlord or renter in Massachusetts today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

When love comes with a life sentence Nov 28, 2023

What does the criminal justice system do to love? This question is at the core of "We Found Love," is a new miniseries from the Boston Globe's Love Letters Podcast. It follows three couples, each at a different stage in their relationship, but all of whom met while one member was incarcerated in Massachusetts with a life sentence.

Today, Boston Globe Criminal Justice Reporter Ivy Scott joins The Common with more on this project, and what these stories can tell us about our criminal justice system more broadly.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts' 2024 Teacher of the Year is making history Nov 27, 2023

De'Shawn Washington, a fourth-grade teacher at Maria Hastings Elementary School in Lexington, has been named the 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.

De’Shawn’s dedication to teaching leadership and conflict resolution skills to his students helped set him apart from his peers, earning him the state's top award for educators.

Today on The Common, we take you to Lexington to learn more about what brought De'Shawn to teaching, how he hopes to advocate for teachers and students alike during his tenure as Teacher of the Year, and what it means to him to be the first Black male recipient of the award in Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Entrepreneurs want to use EV chargers to highlight historic Black landmarks Nov 24, 2023

Team Common is taking the day to relax and recharge. So we’re bringing you a feature from our friends in the WBUR newsroom.

Today’s story comes from climate and environment reporter, Paula Moura.

According to state data, most people who have taken advantage of the electric vehicle rebates in Massachusetts live in wealthier communities. But the state is working on ways to make EV access more equitable, including by funding one project that is bringing electric vehicle chargers to Black communities. The project also aims to boost jobs and highlight local landmarks.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A message from host, Darryl C. Murphy Nov 23, 2023

Darryl C. Murphy here,

Team Common is off today, but we just wanted to pop in your feed real quick to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. We really hope you're eating good out there.

We are so thankful for all of you who choose to spend your time with us.

We love making this show for you.

Thanks as always for listening to The Common. We’ll talk to you soon.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

For your holiday table: A dreamy cocktail from Comfort Kitchen Nov 22, 2023

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Which means this Wednesday is a Friday, and it's the second day of our two-part Thanksgiving cooking series with Dorchester’s Comfort Kitchen.

Today’s recipe comes from Comfort Kitchen's principal bartender and bar manager, Danameche Teron, who came by the studio to share "Dream Street", one of their signature drinks. It should be a great fit alongside your Thanksgiving meal.

Dream Street

Combine in a shaker:

Spirited Version:

Two ounces of Sorel Half ounce of orange curaçao Half ounce of Clement Creole Shrubb Half ounce of coconut simple* 3/4 ounce of lime juice

Free-Spirited Version:

Two ounces of Sorel One ounce of coconut simple One ounce lime juice 1/4 ounce of orange juice

Add ice, shake

Strain into a coupe or your favorite glass

Garnish with an edible pansy (or any other edible flower)

*Coconut simple recipe: Using a 2:1 ratio, mix the coconut with cane sugar until well blended and sugar is fully dissolved.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

For your holiday table: Comfort Kitchen's star okra Nov 21, 2023

Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester was one of Boston’s hottest restaurants to open this year. The New York Times even included it on their list of 50 best new restaurants across the country. As a special holiday treat, today and tomorrow we’re featuring two recipes, one side dish and one cocktail, from Comfort Kitchen's menu that you can make at home to help impress your Thanksgiving guests.

For today's recipe, Comfort Kitchen Chef Partner Kwasi Kwaa joined us in the WBUR Kitchen to make a signature snack off their small plates menu.

Comfort Kitchen's Okra INGREDIENTS:

Okra Canola oil Salt Garam masala Butter** Greek yogurt Lemon juice Crumbled plantain chips

STEPS:

Preheat your oven to 350

Heat a nonstick pan over medium high heat (you want it to be hot enough as if you were searing a steak)

Once the pan is mostly heated, add enough canola oil to coat the bottom of your pan

Throw in your okra with a healthy pinch of salt

Once your okra is nicely seared on all sides, add butter. The butter will foam, once the foam subsides, season with garam masala

Pop the pan in the oven for another 3-5 minute until okra is cooked through

Serve immediately with masala yogurt* and crumbled plantain chips

*Masala yogurt recipe:

Season plain greek yogurt with salt, lemon and garam masala to your liking

**To make this meal vegan/dairy free, try substituting butter with olive or coconut oil and swapping out greek yogurt for your favorite vegan yogurt alternative.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Where to find heating assistance this winter Nov 20, 2023

Winter is coming, and with it, higher heating bills. Thankfully there is a range of options available to Massachusetts residents in need of heating assistance.

WBUR Climate and Environment Reporter Miriam Wasser joins The Common, to give a rundown of all the ways you can save on heat this year.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

America's gun industry has roots in Massachusetts Nov 17, 2023

America was, and continues to be, forged by the gun industry. The Gun Machine, a new podcast from WBUR and The Trace looks at this intertwined history -- from the founding of the nation, to the gun industry's roots here in Massachusetts, to the country's very present gun violence crisis in an eight-part series.

Producer for The Gun Machine Grace Tatter joins The Common with a preview of this new project.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The National Climate Assessment has notes for the Northeast Nov 16, 2023

The fifth National Climate Assessment was released this week. The report spans the nation, but the section focused on the Northeast paints a picture of a region hit hard by the effects of climate change, including extreme heat, heavy rains, flooding and the inequality concerns that come along with a changing climate. But there's good news, too. The report tips its hat to climate-specific policy efforts in the Northeast and regional support for green infrastructure, such as nature-based approaches to managing rising seas in coastal communities.

Today, WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common with some regionally-specific takeaways from this national report.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A waitlist for homeless families Nov 15, 2023

Last month, Governor Maura Healey announced that the state would cap the number of families guaranteed shelter in the state-run shelter system at 7,500 families. Last week, that cap was reached, which means qualifying families must now sit on a waitlist, prioritized based on safety and health concerns, until a slot opens up within the system.

WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common with more on the waitlist process, and what options remain for families in need of shelter in Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Head Start centers are facing a staffing shortage Nov 14, 2023

Head Start centers offer early education and care to children under five from low-income families. But recent shortages in staffing have lead some Massachusetts centers, including here in Boston, to cut down on the number of children they're able to serve. Reducing the number of available slots means more families are finding themselves on wait lists, which are often already lengthy.

WBUR Education Reporting Fellow Emily Piper-Vallillo joins The Common with more on this teaching shortage and how it is impacting these already strained centers.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: What's up with Mass.'s liquor laws? Nov 13, 2023

New Englanders are known for having a buttoned up rule or two, including around alcohol (we're look at you, no happy hour). And it's not uncommon to hear some of our region’s founding colonizers, the Puritans, getting blame for that. But how involved were the Puritans in shaping our current rules around liquor, really?

WBUR reporter Simón Rios looked into this as part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston series. He joins The Common with more on Massachusetts liquor laws, and how the traditions of the Puritans may or may not inform how they exist today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A very Common birthday Nov 10, 2023

This week marked one whole year of The Common. It has been an absolute blast bringing you the best of Boston news and culture over the past year. So to celebrate our birthday, Team Common producers Katelyn Harrop and Frannie Monahan join Darry C. Murphy to reflect on some of their favorite episodes from the last year.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Progressives hold on to Boston City Council Nov 09, 2023

This week's municipal elections brought home big wins for progressives on Boston City Council, and Mayor Wu, who saw all of her endorsements sail to victory.

WBUR reporter Walter Wuthmann was at the polls on Tuesday. He joins The Common to review the night's results and discuss what lies ahead for City Council's returning — and brand-new — members.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Harvard, its donors and the war in Gaza Nov 08, 2023

For the past month, Harvard University has been in the international media spotlight as the campus community contends with the Israel-Hamas conflict and concerns about antisemitism and anti-Palestinian sentiments at home.

In recent weeks, some donors have signed an open letter to Harvard's administration, putting pressure on the university to ramp up its response to antisemitism on campus. WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin joins The Common to discuss the relationship between Harvard and its donors, and the influence it yields over the university's academic freedom and responsibilities to students from all backgrounds.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Councilor Frank Baker makes his exit Nov 07, 2023

Today is municipal election day in Boston, and voters have a number of decisions to make about who will represent them on City Council for the next two years. As we wait for votes to be counted, one thing is for certain: Councilor Frank Baker will not be returning to City Hall in January.

Baker, who announced he would not be seeking reelection earlier this year, has held the District 3 seat for 12 years. He’s known for being one of the few moderate voices on a majority left council, and for his work with constituents across his district, which includes parts of Dorchester, the South End and South Boston.

WBUR Reporter Simón Rios joins The Common to take a look back at Frank Baker's career, and what his departure means for Boston City Council.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

BPS's contentious strategy for English learners Nov 06, 2023

Nine out of 13 members of Boston Public Schools’ English Learners task force have resigned over the district’s proposed plan to overhaul its treatment of students who are still learning English — a subset of learners equalling nearly a third of all students in the district.

Deanna Pan is a reporter with The Boston Globe's Great Divide team, which reports on inequality in Boston area schools. She joins The Common to lay out the details of BPS's new inclusion plan and the ELL task forces' criticisms of it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Queens of comedy and a Pee-Wee tribute Nov 03, 2023

Don't let the chilly weather get you down! WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer is back on The Common with a piping hot list of events to get you out of your house and out on the town this November.

Candice recommends...

- Freakonomics Radio Live - Nov. 9, WBUR CitySpace - Atsuko Okatsuka: Full Grown Tour, Nov. 10, The Wilbur - Field Trip: Arts and Crafts - Nov. 13, WBUR CitySpace - Ziwe: The Black Friend Tour - Nov. 29, The Wilbur - We "R" All Pee-Wee: A Tribute to Pee-Wee Herman - Nov. 26, Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre - Dance with The Glitter Boys - Every Friday, The Sinclair

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

MBTA's South Coast Rail chugs closer to completion Nov 02, 2023

A train line connecting Boston, New Bedford, Taunton and Fall River has been in the works for three decades. Now, the project, South Coast Rail, is closer to completion -- after several false starts and pushed deadlines.

WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common with more on the expected timeline for this MBTA project, and how it's being received in the city of New Bedford.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Heavy rains could lead to sewage in your local waterways Nov 01, 2023

One pipe for the stuff you flush down the toilet, and another for stormwater runoff. That's how modern sewer systems do it. In this two-pipe system, the wastewater from our homes and businesses run into a treatment plant, and the stormwater – into nearby waterways.

But Massachusetts is old, and in some parts of the state, wastewater and stormwater flow through the same pipe. On most days, these so-called combined sewer systems work fine, with all the water ending up at a treatment facility. But on rainy days, the volume of water entering the system can overwhelm the pipes and overflow -- sewage and all -- into rivers, streams and other water bodies. These so-called "combined sewer overflow" events, or CSOs, aren't new, but as climate change fuels more frequent and intense rain events in the Northeast, we're likely to see a whole lot more of them.

Today, WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Reporter Miriam Wasser joins The Common with more on CSOs and some of the ways our cities can rethink sewage systems to decrease their impact on our waterways.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

City to start clearing tents at "Mass and Cass" mid-week Oct 31, 2023

Last week, the Boston City Council passed an ordinance banning tent encampments in the city. The ordinance focuses on the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard known as "Mass and Cass," which has become a center for homelessness and drug use in Boston.

Under the ordinance, which was originally proposed by Mayor Michelle Wu and passed by the council with some changes, the city can not clear a tent until the people living there have been offered alternative shelter. The rule is set to go into effect this Wednesday, November 1.

WBUR Reporter Deborah Becker joins The Common with more on what's expected to happen at "Mass and Cass" this week, and what's next for those who currently live in the area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: A piece of home in Dorchester's Little Saigon Oct 30, 2023

Boston Little Saigon is one of the city’s four official cultural districts as designated by the state. Located in Fields Corner in Dorchester, the district was officially designated in 2021, but to its residents, Little Saigon has been an anchor for Vietnamese culture in the region for decades.

To learn more about the district's food and experiences, and its place in the New England Vietnamese community, The Common toured Little Saigon with Annie Le, board president of Boston Little Saigon. This episode is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston, a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council elections: Meet your District 3 candidates Oct 27, 2023

Today we bring you the last of our Boston City Council candidate interviews. Today's candidates are running in District 3, which includes parts of Dorchester, the South End and South Boston.

For more than a decade, the district has been represented by councilor Frank Baker. Councilor Baker announced early this year that he would not be seeking reelection this November.

On the ballot to replace him are candidates John FitzGerald and Joel Richards. We met up with each of them in a location of their choosing and gave them six questions to answer in six minutes.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 election is this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. You can check your voter registration status or register to vote through the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council elections: Meet your District 5 candidates Oct 26, 2023

It’s day two of our election coverage, checking in with candidates competing for Boston City Council seats in districts 6, 5 and 3, all of which are facing a guaranteed change in leadership come January since no incumbent is running in them.

Today, we’re heading to District 5, which is made up of Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale.

Earlier this year, District 5 incumbent Ricardo Arroyo was eliminated during the preliminary. It was one of two historic upsets (District 6 incumbent City Councilor Kendra Lara was also defeated) in a city where incumbents often maintain power.

Now, voters will choose between candidates Enrique Pepén and José Ruiz to represent them this election day. We met up with each of them in a location of their choosing and gave them six questions to answer in six minutes.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 7 election is this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. You can check your voter registration status or register to vote through the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council Elections: Meet your District 6 candidates Oct 25, 2023

Municipal elections take place on November 7 in Boston, and our city council is on the ballot.

For the rest of this week, The Common is checking in with the candidates in three city council races -- District 5, District 6 and District 3, where a change in leadership is guaranteed.

Today, we head to District 6, where earlier this year incumbent City Councilor Kendra Lara was defeated in a preliminary election. It was one of two historic upsets (District 5 incumbent City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo was also defeated) in a city where incumbents often maintain power.

Now, candidates Ben Weber and William King face off to represent District 6, which includes Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and a small portion of Roslindale. We met the candidates at locations of their choosing and gave them six minutes to answer the same series of questions.

The deadline to register to vote in the November 7 election is this Saturday, October 28 at 5:00 pm. You can check your voter registration status or register to vote through the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The MBTA knew the GLX tracks were too narrow Oct 24, 2023

A new report from The Boston Globe shows that MBTA officials were aware of issues with the Green Line Extension's construction long before the line opened to passengers earlier this year.

Previously on The Common, Taylor Dolven, transportation reporter for The Globe, explained that slow zones were imposed on parts of the GLX after it was discovered that the rails on certain portions of the line were dangerously narrow. Today, Taylor tells us that not only are more than half of the rails along the GLX too narrow, they were built that way to begin with.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's hard out here for a beech Oct 23, 2023

Beech trees are native to the Northeast and make up about 10% of forests in Massachusetts.

The tree, which is identifiable by its smooth trunk and wide canopy, is a crucial habitat and food source for many animal species in the region. But in recent years, a microscopic worm-caused disease has been targeting beech leaves, causing many trees to starve to death over time. The disease is spreading, and fast.

WBUR climate and environment reporter Paula Moura joins The Common to tell us more about this disease, how to identify it and the race to find a cure to save Massachusetts' beech trees.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Federal student loan payments are back, baby Oct 20, 2023

Federal student loan payment requirements have resumed after a break that lasted more than three years, which means a big change in monthly financial planning for many Bay Staters.

According to the Education Data Initiative, almost 13% of Massachusetts residents held federal student loan debt in 2022, and the average federal student loan debt total was more than $34,000 per individual.

We at The Common wanted to get an idea of how that kind of debt impacts borrowers’ short and long-term financial goals, and more generally, what it's like to pay such a high cost for an education.

We asked people in-person, across the region and online to share their experiences with student loan debt. Today, we bring you their stories.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How to start a hard conversation about the conflict in Gaza Oct 19, 2023

The images and stories coming out of the Israel-Hamas war are devastating. As the death toll rises, Team Common has been thinking a lot about how, and where, we should add to the discourse going on worldwide and within our community as this crisis unfolds.

We found ourselves going over just how hard it is to enter conversations that hold so much history and pain and complexity. So that's where we want to start today. Karen Ross is an associate professor with UMass Boston’s Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance. She joins The Common for a discussion about where one may start when entering hard conversations in times of crisis.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts to stop guaranteeing shelter to families in need Oct 18, 2023

On Monday, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the state will soon stop guaranteeing shelter to families in need in Massachusetts. The governor said the system is overwhelmed, and announced a cap on guaranteed placements at 7,500 families. The state expects to hit this cap by the end of the month. The state said that once the cap is hit, qualified households, including those newly arrived from other countries, will be put on a waiting list.

WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common with more on this decision, and what it means for families seeking shelter in Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Some scientists want to give the ocean an iron supplement Oct 17, 2023

As the climate crisis becomes increasingly dire, a group of scientists are considering a striking technique for carbon sequestration: An iron supplement for the ocean.

The idea's called "iron enrichment," and it involves artificially introducing iron to parts of the ocean that are low on it. The goal is to help plants, especially algae, grow so that they can capture and sequester more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It's a bold approach, that many scientists wouldn't have considered years ago, and some still question today.

WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common with more on the merits and concerns around ocean engineering in a rapidly changing climate.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Ten creatives making waves in Boston, and beyond Oct 16, 2023

WBUR's Arts and Culture desk spent months pouring over almost 300 public submissions for its annual series celebrating creatives of color in Greater Boston. Now, the 2023 Makers have been announced.

WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common to discuss the project and the artists who will be featured online, on the radio and in-person all week long.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Fire up your SAD lamps, winter is coming Oct 13, 2023

There are few things the Northeast does as well as autumn. But the season can be tough for certain people, as shorter days and colder temperatures may bring on feelings of depression and isolation, and exasperate existing mental health concerns for some.

Dr. Michelle DiBlasi is Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center. She joins The Common to share some tips on how to shore up your mental health as we head into the colder months.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter on growing up Springfield Oct 12, 2023

Ruth E. Carter is a two-time Oscar-winning costume designer who has dressed characters in hit movies and TV series for more than three decades. Her designs can be seen in works such as Do The Right Thing, The Five Heartbeats, both Marvel Black Panther movies, Yellowstone and Seinfeld. She's also a native of Springfield, Mass. And on Sunday, October 15, she is being honored with the Coolidge Award at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, an honor that celebrates one outstanding film artist whose body of work is recognized as consistently original and challenging.

On today's episode, Ruth E. Carter joins The Common to talk about how her upbringing in Springfield continues to inspire her work today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

In El Salvador, a family waits for answers Oct 11, 2023

Reina Carolina Morales Rojas, a recent immigrant from El Salvador, was living in East Boston when she went missing on November 26, 2022. It took Boston Police over 6 weeks to announce her disappearance on January 12, 2023 –– a huge delay for a missing persons case. Almost a year later, she has yet to be found.

Marcela Garcia is a columnist at The Boston Globe and one of few members of the media following her story closely. While the search for answers drags on, Marcela visited Reina Carolina’s hometown in El Salvador to learn more about her and what her life was like before she made the move to Boston. Marcela joins The Common to share what she found.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Making head(winds) or tails of the Mass. offshore wind industry Oct 10, 2023

Depending on what you read, it can be hard to get a sense of where the offshore wind energy industry is at in Massachusetts.

On the one hand, the long awaited Vineyard Wind project is anticipated to start generating electricity for the grid by the end of the year. But on the other, the futures of other potential offshore wind projects are currently up in the air due to economic challenges, such as inflation and supply chain issues.

Miriam Wasser is a senior environment and climate reporter at WBUR. She joins The Common to help us make head(winds) or tails of the Massachusetts offshore wind industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: At MASS MoCA, artist Joseph Grigely shares his experience of being deaf Oct 09, 2023

Team Common is observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day (check out our recent episode on the movement to make it an official holiday statewide). So today, we’re bringing you a story from our friends in the WBUR Newsroom.

Joseph Grigely: In What Way Wham? is a new exhibition at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art that centers on the deaf experience. WBUR Arts Fellow Solon Kelleher recently took a trip to MASS MoCA to see how the exhibit helps expand accessibility at the museum by using visual descriptions as well as tours in American Sign Language.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Let it go, shake it off and catch a show Oct 06, 2023

The weather is getting chillier and the days are getting shorter, which makes it a great time to catch a show. WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer joins The Common with three great live and film productions you can take in this month, all of which celebrate great movies, and the music that goes with them.

Candice recommends...

- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert - Oct. 7, Emerson Colonial Theatre

- Taylor Swift: The Era’s Tour (movie) - Oct. 13 - Oct. 22, Coolidge Corner Theater and other cinemas across the region

- Disney's Frozen (Broadway in Boston) - Oct. 25 - Nov. 12, Citizen Bank Opera House

- The Crossword Show with Zach Sherwin - Oct. 20, WBUR CitySpace

Field Trip: Speed Friending - Oct. 23, WBUR CitySpace

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The fight for Indigenous Peoples' Day in Massachusetts Oct 05, 2023

On Monday, October 9th, the City of Boston will recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. But at the Massachusetts Statehouse, the second Monday in October continues to be recognized as Columbus Day. On Tuesday, a joint committee on Beacon Hill heard testimony on legislation that aims to change that.

Jean-Luc Pierite, President of the Board of Directors of the North American Indian Center of Boston was there, sharing his perspective on why he stands for the effort to change the holiday. He joins The Common with more on this movement, and how he and other advocates plan to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day this weekend.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

You can out-walk parts of the Green Line Extension Oct 04, 2023

On portions of tracks adding up to more than a mile, Green Line Extension trains are moving at only three miles-per-hour. The MBTA says these slow zones are a response to recent tests showing that portions of the tracks are narrowing. A concept that many transit experts say is unheard of.

Boston Globe Transportation Reporter Taylor Dolven broke this story last week. She joins' The Common with more on what we know, and don't know, about the condition of the GLX, and how it's impacting the communities that rely on it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

New tax breaks for caregivers and renters are just a signature away Oct 03, 2023

Last week, state lawmakers voted in favor of a $1 billion tax relief package that officials say could save taxpayers in Massachusetts a collective $561 million this fiscal year. The legislation now awaits Gov. Maura Healey's signature.

Today, Boston Globe Politics Reporter Samantha J. Gross joins The Common to discuss what this wide-ranging package could mean for parents, caretakers, renters and low-income taxpayers in the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

In Reading, a nature-based approach to flooding Oct 02, 2023

Flash flooding events are expected to increase in Massachusetts under the impacts of climate change. Reading, a town about 20 minutes north of Boston, is trying to mitigate flood impacts with a nature-based approach that involves digging seven ponds in a conservation area near the river. The goal is for the ponds to collect water that might otherwise cause flooding, while offering additional benefits such as an environment rich in native plants for birds and other animals, and a welcoming green space for the community.

WBUR Climate and Environment Reporter, Paula Moura, joins The Common with more details on this project, and how it could set an example for other communities in the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Dorchester Reporter turns 40 Sep 29, 2023

The Dorchester Reporter, founded in 1983 by husband and wife Ed and Mary Forry, celebrated 40 years of circulation this month. Bill Forry, current publisher of The Reporter (and Ed and Mary's son) was 10-years-old when his parents started the paper.

Today, Bill Forry joins The Common with his wife and co-publisher Linda Dorcena Forry to reflect on four decades of The Dorchester Reporter and how it helped shaped the Boston we know today.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A FERCin' pipeline expansion Sep 28, 2023

Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, wants to expand one of its pipelines in the Northeast in order to increase the supply of natural gas to states like Massachusetts. This comes as Massachusetts and surrounding states are actively trying to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in order to combat the impacts of climate change. However, pipeline expansion projects like this one fall under the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), rather than individual state governments.

Miriam Wasser is a senior climate and environment reporter at WBUR. She joins The Common to explain what the pipeline expansion project entails and why there's debate over whether the extra gas is needed. She also breaks down the role state officials and climate advocates will play as the project advances

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cartoons for everyone at Boston's indie comics expo Sep 27, 2023

The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (M.I.C.E) is a festival focusing on independent, small press and self-published comics and cartoons. This year's event is hosted by Boston University's School of Visual Arts, and takes place September 30-October 1st at BU's Fuller Building (808 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Mass.) And best of all, it's free to attend.

Dan Mazur is a professional cartoonist, comics historian and the co-director of M.I.C.E. He joins The Common to talk about what attendees can expect at this year's expo, as well what makes Boston such a great city for independent comics.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why Natick had to pay WBUR $22,000 Sep 26, 2023

After months of refusing to provide records on a police officer who was accused of sexual assault, the town of Natick has paid WBUR more than $22,000 in a lawsuit settlement. It's the latest example of a Massachusetts city paying out big, after being sued for ignoring or rejecting a request for public records.

Ally Jarmanning is a senior reporter for WBUR. She joins The Common to talk about why municipalities continue to withhold public records despite knowing they may have to pay, and how this practice can make it difficult for private citizens to obtain important information about their public institutions.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

There is a housing crisis in Mass. Still, 2300 state housing units sit empty Sep 25, 2023

Massachusetts is in the midst of a housing crisis. Just last month, Governor Maura Healey declared an emergency in the state's family shelter system, through which a record number of people are desperately trying to obtain housing.

Producer's note: After this interview was recorded, state housing officials announced that they are launching a 90-day effort to reduce the number of vacancies in state public housing by the end of 2023 as a response to the impactful reporting described in this episode.

And yet, a new investigation from WBUR and ProPublica found that there are nearly 2300 units of state public housing sitting empty across the Commonwealth –– sometimes for years at a time.

Todd Wallack is an investigative correspondent with WBUR. He joins The Common to discuss why valuable public housing units are allowed to remain unoccupied, and the challenges housing officials have filling them.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your guide to the chillest art in Boston and beyond this fall Sep 22, 2023

The end of summer means a whole slue of fun things to do in Greater Boston.

Like cinema? How about dance? There are more than half-a-dozen film festivals happening in the region this autumn, and over a dozen dance events.

How about new music for a new season?

Look no further than WBUR's Fall Arts Guides, featuring new albums from local artists, theatre events, art exhibitions, classical music performances and more.

WBUR Arts Editor Lauren Williams joins The Common to discuss some of highlights from this fall's arts guides.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A shakeup at the Mass. Cannabis Control Commission Sep 20, 2023

The top regulator of the state's $5-billion legal weed industry has been suspended, even as the Control Commission is poised to make new rules governing cannabis production and commerce in Massachusetts.

State lawmakers also sent a letter Monday to the Legislature’s committee on cannabis policy, asking for a hearing and an independent state auditing unit to review the board's actions.

Today, Boston Globe staff reporter Matt Stout joins The Common to discuss State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg's decision to suspend Shannon O’Brien, who she appointed as the state's top regulator just one year ago -- and what it might mean for the state's burgeoning cannabis economy.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Invasive green crabs could be coming to a restaurant near you Sep 20, 2023

Green crabs are an incredibly successful — and harmful — invasive species. They thrive in ocean waters the world over, including in New England.

Although traditionally only used as fish bait, some chefs are now serving green crab at Boston restaurants.

Today, Radio Boston Producer & Director Amanda Beland joins The Common to explain how green crabs are harming our local environment, and what some people are doing to fight back.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

As cold season looms, we now have seasonal vaccines for RSV, Covid and the flu Sep 19, 2023

With traditional flu season bearing down fast, and Covid-19 on the rise, the upcoming fall and winter might be better characterized as a triple-viral threat: Covid, flu and RSV.

This is also the first year we've ever had vaccines available for all three respiratory viruses.

Public health experts say the threat to the public at large -- and the hospital system -- must be taken seriously, but with more anti-viral-tools in our toolbox than ever before, there may also be also be some room for cautious optimism.

Today, WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to talk about what's ahead for public health in Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Salem High School wants students to lock up their phones Sep 18, 2023

Starting this year, Salem High School is instructing students to put their phones into lockable pouches during the school day, outside of lunch, to reduce in-class distractions and encourage in-person interactions.

Today, WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common to talk about this new policy, how students are responding, and what's next for cell phone restriction policies in high schools across the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

José Massó on 48 years of “¡Con Salsa!” Sep 15, 2023

Amplify Latinx's ALX100 recognizes inspirational leaders from across Massachusetts' Latinx community's diverse professions, nationalities and identities. This year's inaugural list of 100 includes WBUR's own José Massó, host of ¡Con Salsa!, the station's bilingual salsa and Latin jazz music show that has been on the air for 48 years.

José joins The Common to discuss the ALX100 honor and ¡Con Salsa's! impact on Greater Boston over the decades.

Listen to ¡Con Salsa! on WBUR Saturday nights at 10pm.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Two Boston city councilors lose their seats Sep 14, 2023

Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo (District 5) and Kendra Lara (District 6) lost their bids for reelection during Tuesday's preliminary vote. This follows a year of controversy for both the councilors and city council. It's also the first time in over 40 years that an incumbent city councilor has lost a preliminary election in the city of Boston.

WBUR Reporter Walter Wuthmann was at the polls on Tuesday. He joins The Common to discuss the upset and what it means going into the November general election.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Field Guide: A taste of Mattapan Sep 13, 2023

Today, we're heading to Mattapan, looking for food. This culinary quest is part of WBUR's Field Guide to Boston -- a station-wide effort to help you connect with the city's communities.

WBUR arts reporter and Mattapan native Arielle Gray joins us as a local guide on this episode of The Common, and takes us to three of her can't-miss spots for top-tier food in the neighborhood.

Ari recommends.... - Ali's Roti Restaurant: 118 Blue Hill Ave. - Café Juice Up: 1290 Blue Hill Ave. - Le Foyer Bakery: 132 Babson St.

And check out the rest of WBUR's Field Guide here: http://wbur.org/fieldguide

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cousin Stizz brings hip hop to the Seaport with Commonwealth Fest Sep 12, 2023

Cousin Stizz is a Dorchester-raised (currently LA-based) MC who broke out in 2014 with his song "Shoutout." Since then, he's gone on to release five albums and has won Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards three times (2018, 2019 and 2022). Now, he's returning to Boston on September 16 to launch Commonwealth Fest, a hip hop festival featuring a stacked lineup of local artists as well as national acts.

Cousin Stizz joins The Common to preview Commonwealth Fest and discuss its, as well as his own, Boston origins.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The latest on the Massachusetts family shelter crisis Sep 11, 2023

A month ago, Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency within Massachusetts' family shelter system, which is struggling to support record numbers of unhoused families across the state.

WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common today to discuss several of her latest stories from within the state's family shelter system, including challenges enrolling newly arrived children in school, as well as recent anti-immigrant protests targeting family shelter locations around the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston is back to school Sep 08, 2023

Thursday marked the first day of school for Boston Public Schools, and WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin was out as busses departed and facility doors opened, talking to students and parents to get an idea of what's top-of-mind heading into the 2023-2024 school year.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The TikTok creator searching for Boston's best take-away Sep 07, 2023

Boston-based content creator Keonte Henson, also known as @atstayathomedad, has built a following on TikTok and Instagram with his humorous, real-talk approach to local restaurant reviews. Often recording from the driver's seat of his parked car, Henson reviews Greater Boston food options with a focus on casual eateries, take-away spots and budget-friendly options.

Keonte Henson joins The Common to talk about how creating food-related content has helped him connect with Boston since his 2022 move to the area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Where heat death tracking falls short Sep 06, 2023

Experts say that many cities and states, including Massachusetts, are vastly underestimating the number of people who die from heat every summer. And, as WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Reporter Miriam Wasser explains, this lack of data makes it hard to know if efforts to protect people from extreme heat are working.

Miriam joins The Common to walk us through her reporting.

Miriam's story: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/08/31/heat-waves-mortality-excess-deaths-climate-change

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Plant care pro tips with Emerald City Plant Shop Sep 05, 2023

The beginning of September is Boston's unofficial moving season, and settling into a new space isn't always a walk in the park. But one great way to make any house (or apartment, or studio... we know how it is) feel like home, is to add plants.

Today on The Common, we visit Emerald City Plant Shop, New England's first Black-owned specialty plant store, to learn how best to care for green life indoors, and to learn more about owner Quontay Turner's journey opening this Norwood-based business.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: How 2 Mass. doctors helped end discrimination against gay men in blood donation Sep 04, 2023

Happy Labor Day, everyone. Team Common is taking the day to relax. We hope you are, too.

Today, we bring you a story from our friends in the WBUR newsroom.

This story comes from Senior Health Reporter, Priyanka Dayal McCluskey.

For decades, gay men were banned from donating blood in the U.S. based on fears that these donations would spread HIV. But this year, federal officials updated the guidelines.

Dr. Robbie Goldstein, who is the Massachusetts commissioner of public health, pushed for the change, and was one of the first in the state to donate under these new guidelines.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Three shows to kick off theater season Sep 01, 2023

The end of summer is always bittersweet but it also ushers in one of our favorite times of year: Theater season. Assistant Director of CitySpace Candice Springer is back on The Common with three theatrical performances to enjoy during the month of September.

Candice recommends:

POTUS - Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: SpeakEasy Stage Company at the Calderwood Pavilion

https://www.bostontheatrescene.com/shows-and-events/potus/

Assassins - Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston Theater

https://www.lyricstage.com/show-item/Assassins

Fat Ham - Sept. 22 - Oct. 22 at The Huntington at the Calderwood Pavilion

https://www.huntingtontheatre.org/whats-on/fat-ham/

Learn about more CitySpace events happening this month:

https://www.wbur.org/events

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Amid drama, two Boston city councilors seek re-election Aug 31, 2023

Boston's preliminary municipal elections are September 12. Among the seats up for grabs are District Five and District Six, which are currently held by Councilors Ricardo Arroyo and Kendra Lara, respectively. Both candidates have had their share of high profile drama this past year, and are heading into the election with multiple competitors.

Boston Globe Politics Reporter Emma Platoff joins The Common to discuss the outlook for Lara and Arroyo's campaigns, as well as what this coming election season could mean for progressive politics in Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Elizabeth Amador decodes government bureaucracy, one post at a time Aug 30, 2023

Today on, The Common, a story about how social media can be used for good.

Elizabeth Amador is an activist and community leader who uses Instagram to help Spanish speaking residents navigate local government bureaucracy to get the help they need.

In her posts and livestreams, she answers questions about everything from obtaining rental and food assistance to getting a driver’s license for her audience of nearly 17,000 followers. And she does it all in her free time.

In today's episode, Elizabeth sits down with host Darryl C. Murphy to talk about her experience running her Instagram account, and the persistent information gap that necessitates its existence.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What is missing from the POST police complaint database Aug 29, 2023

Last week, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST, finally released its new database of complaints against police officers in Massachusetts – a year after its deadline.

The release of the data is being called “a major milestone” in the effort to increase transparency and accountability in our state’s law enforcement system. But, as WBUR Senior Reporter Ally Jarmanning explains on today's episode, there is still a lot of information missing from the record.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: You can see the Milky Way from Nantucket. Residents want to keep it that way Aug 27, 2023

It’s Monday, which means it’s time for us to bring you a story from one of our friends in the WBUR newsroom.

When you think about pollution, you probably think of contamination in the air or water. But light pollution can impact the health of people and wildlife, too.

Today's story comes to us from WBUR Environmental Reporter, Paula Moura. She talked to one resident on Nantucket who made it her full time job to protect the island’s night skies. Her efforts led to the town passing a light pollution bylaw earlier this year, and it could be a model for other legislation in the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Bigger, faster, more toxic: Poison ivy is thriving Aug 25, 2023

Poison ivy seems to be booming, and researchers think climate change could be to blame. As carbon dioxide levels increase and temperatures warm, this toxic vine is not only getting bigger and growing faster, but the plant's oil, which causes allergic reactions in about 80% of the population, is becoming more plentiful and increasingly potent.

Today, WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common to discuss the troubling tie between human caused climate change and the rise of poison ivy.

Gabrielle's story: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/08/22/bigger-earlier-and-itchier-why-poison-ivy-loves-climate-change

Take Gabrielle's poison ivy quiz: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/08/22/massachusetts-new-england-poison-ivy-quiz

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A reduced fare program for low income T riders inches closer to reality Aug 24, 2023

The new $56 billion state budget earmarks $5 million to design and launch a reduced fare program for low income MBTA riders. The program could benefit an estimated 60,000 riders, but it's yet to be seen exactly what the plan will look like and, perhaps most importantly, when it will be available to qualifying riders.

WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common to walk us through this highly anticipated program, and what she's watching for going forward.

Read Andrea's story: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/08/18/reduced-fares-mbta

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Fighting a loneliness epidemic, one connection at a time Aug 23, 2023

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory sounding the alarm on what he calls the “devastating impact of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States.”

A growing body of research ties loneliness to an increased risk of health conditions including heart disease, stroke, dementia and even premature death, making it, by many measures, a public health concern.

Today, WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to talk about two Boston-area-based programs that aim to combat loneliness through fostering friendships and human connection.

More info on the Friendship Project: https://advocates.org/friendship-project-advocates-volunteer-program

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Some hesitate to rely on the MBTA. That's a climate problem. Aug 22, 2023

MBTA ridership still lags about 40% behind pre-pandemic levels, while car traffic has bounced back in-full. This is bad news for the climate, as experts say reducing driving is by far one of the fastest ways to reduce transportation emissions, which make up more than 30% of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions.

Today, Boston Globe Transportation Reporter Taylor Dolven joins The Common to discuss the MBTA service concerns holding some commuters back from taking the T when driving is an option.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: How a Mass. nonprofit helps ready students of color for top colleges Aug 21, 2023

It’s Monday, which means it’s time for us to bring you a story from one of our friends in the WBUR newsroom.

Today’s story comes from WBUR education reporter, Max Larkin.

Each summer, rising high school seniors known as THRIVE Scholars head to Amherst College for a six week program. They come from all over the country, and they’re all talented students from low income backgrounds who hope to attend a selective college or university.

Max headed out to Amherst to check out this year’s summer academy, where the scholars make their final preparations for the application process.

Max's story: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/08/17/boston-nonprofit-students-of-color-elite-colleges

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

So you're moving to Boston... Aug 18, 2023

September 1 is just two weeks away, and so is the giant game of musical chairs that unfolds in the streets of Boston every year. Seven in 10 leases turn over on that day to make way for the tens of thousands of students who return to the city at the end of the summer. Between the traffic, trucking your worldly possessions across town and acclimating to a new neighborhood, move-in day can be an overwhelming time for anyone, particularly the un-initiated Bostonian.

So, today on The Common, WBUR Reporter Simon Rios gives newcomers the inside scoop on how to navigate the chaos and start off your Boston chapter on the right foot.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The emergency inside the Mass. family shelter system Aug 17, 2023

Last week Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in the Massachusetts family shelter system, which has reached its capacity. The shortage of shelter and temporary housing available means that many unhoused families are being left without adequate support and resources.

WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins The Common to explain Gov. Healey's declaration, which is calling on everyone from the federal government, to private citizens, to help families in need.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Gov. Healey's first budget invests in early education Aug 16, 2023

Last week, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a $56 billion state budget for the fiscal year of 2024. Included in that budget are several considerable investments in education in the state, from free lunches for K-12 students to free community college tuition for nursing students.

It also set aside a sum of about $1.5 billion to help stabilize Massachusetts' early education and childcare industry, which has been a huge financial stressor on parents and providers alike.

WBUR Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common to provide a deep dive into the state's early childhood care investments, as well as an overview of other education ticket items in this year's budget.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why you can't go to the pool in Dorchester or Mattapan this summer Aug 15, 2023

Earlier this month, a report from the Dorchester Reporter found that all six public pools in Dorchester and Mattapan are closed for maintenance this summer. The work ranges from long-anticipated projects, to unplanned repairs, that together make for a perfect storm that has residents wondering: "How was this allowed to happen?" Especially in two of the hottest, most underserved neighborhoods in the city.

WBUR General Assignment Reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common to talk about how city officials and community members are reacting to the story.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Ex-curator sues Worcester Art Museum leaders, alleging discrimination and 'offensive behavior' Aug 14, 2023

It’s Monday, which means we’re back with another story from our friends in the WBUR Newsroom while The Common works on some future projects.

Today's story is a quick but important one, and comes to us from WBUR Arts Reporter Cristela Guerra.

It’s about a former curator at the Worcester Art Museum, who is suing senior leadership at the museum, accusing them of discrimination.

WBUR Arts Reporter Cristela Guerra reports that according to the lawsuit, former curator Rachel Parikh was “mocked and ridiculed because she is a brown-skinned South Asian” Indian woman and was “subjected to a hostile and offensive work environment."

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston emcee Edo.G on 50 years of hip-hop Aug 11, 2023

August 11 marks 50 years of hip-hop, one of the most impactful cultural contributions of the last century. And while hip-hop was born in New York City, Boston's scene has been around since the early days, and continues strong today.

Edo.G has been part of the Boston hip-hop scene since the '80s, when he came on first as a dancer, and then as an emcee. He popped in the early '90s with an album he did with Da Bulldogs called “Life of a Kid in the Ghetto," and has released more than a dozen albums and collaborations in the years since.

Today on The Common, Boston hip-hop legend Edo.G joins the show for a look back at 50 years of Boston hip-hop, and a look ahead to what's next for the scene.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Music, eats and bad art Aug 10, 2023

Assistant Director of WBUR CitySpace, Candice Springer is back on The Common with three free things to get you out of the house, and through these final weeks of August.

Candice recommends...

- GLD FSTVL - 8/12, 12:00 pm - 10: pm at City Hall Plaza

- Saint Anthony's Feast - 8/24-8/27 in Boston's North End

- The Museum of Bad Art - Open seven days a week at Dorchester Brewing Company

- Check out WBUR CitySpace's fall lineup of events, out now!

GLD FSTVL: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/gld-fstvl

Saint Anthony's Feast: https://www.stanthonysfeast.com/schedule.html

The Museum of Bad Art: https://museumofbadart.org/

CitySpace's fall lineup: https://www.wbur.org/inside/2023/08/07/wbur-cityspace-unveils-new-fall-lineup

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts farmers grapple with a changing climate Aug 09, 2023

Last month's flooding in Western Massachusetts hit many farmers hard, but it wasn't the first unpredictable weather event of the year.

Today, WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Reporter Barbara Moran joins The Common to discuss how changes in weather patterns are impacting farmers, and what you can do to support local producers as they navigate a changing climate.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How one farm is doing after July floods in Western Mass. Aug 08, 2023

It’s been almost a month since parts of Western Massachusetts were hit hard by extreme weather and flooding. The state’s Department of Agricultural Resources estimates that 110 farms were affected by the severe weather, and that related losses total $15 million.

Stone Soup Farm in Hadley, MA is among them.

About 80% of the 10-acre farm was flooded during the rains. Today, Dave DiLorenzo, owner of Stone Soup Farm, joins The Common to look back at the day his crops flooded, and to look ahead to what's next for the farm.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Extremist watchdog explains New England white supremacists galvanized by Trump Aug 07, 2023

We're back with another feature from one of our friends in the WBUR newsroom as Team Common works on some longer term projects.

Today's story comes from WBUR Morning Edition's Rupa Shenoy and Laney Ruckstuhl.

Last week, Former President Donald Trump was indicted on four felony counts, all related to attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Prosecutors say that Trump incited the January sixth violence at the capitol, which was lead by his supporters, including members of right-wing groups.

Kristofer Goldsmith is the founder of Task Force Butler, a nonprofit group of veterans who've been tracking extremists in New England.

He joins Rupa to talk about his work, and the state of right-wing extremism in the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

WBUR parents on keeping kids busy this summer Aug 04, 2023

September and the first days of school are just around the corner. But there is still nearly a month of summer left for families with kids to pack in the warm weather activities.

So, today we’re turning the show over to the parents of WBUR to tell us how their kids have been making the most of summer vacation while it lasts. Also, they share how they are balancing all that fun in the sun with the practical and emotional complexities of parenting.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Mass. Behavioral Health Help Line, six months later Aug 03, 2023

In January, Massachusetts launched the Behavioral Health Help Line. It's a key part of the state’s Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform project, and aims to provide a so-called “front door” to mental health care, connecting callers with both crisis and longer term resources.

Boston Globe Reporter Felice Freyer joins The Common to discuss the first six months of the system's rollout, its successes and where improvements are still needed.

If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis or may be considering suicide, contact the Massachusetts mental health helpline at 833-773-2445 or the national crisis lifeline, which is 988.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Feds are investigating legacy admissions at Harvard Aug 02, 2023

Last week, the U.S. Education Department launched a civil rights investigation into Harvard University’s legacy and donor admissions policies, which give preferential treatment to certain students who come from families of alumni or who donate to the school.

Researchers from Harvard and Brown also released a study, which finds that that students from the highest income 0.1% of American households are more than twice as likely to gain admission to highly selective or elite colleges and universities compared to children from lower-income households with similar test scores. The study also finds that legacy preferences play an important role in that disparity.

WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin joins The Common with more on the growing conversation around legacy admission policies.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The City of Boston made its first-ever mixtape Aug 01, 2023

Some say the idea of a universal "song of the summer" is a thing of the past, but how about an entire mixtape? Six Boston area DJs and 17 local artists have joined forces with the City of Boston to create "Dear Summer Vol. 1" — the city's first-ever mixtape, and they want it to be your soundtrack to the summer.

DJ Chimel "ReaL P" Idiokitas is the executive producer and curator of "Dear Summer Vol. 1." He joins The Common to walk us through the mixtape and tells us what it takes to put together a project that represents the breadth of talent that makes Boston's music scene unique.

You can find out more about the mixtape here: https://www.boston.gov/arts-and-culture/dear-summer-mixtape-vol1#listen

And hear the full mixtape on Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/mayorwu/dear-summer-vol-1

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: How heat alerts could help clinicians intervene for people at high risk Jul 31, 2023

We're back with another feature from one of our friends in the WBUR newsroom as Team Common works on some longer term projects.

Massachusetts had its first big heatwave of the year last week, and it likely won’t be the last. As extreme temperatures become more common, knowing how to navigate the heat's effects is important. Especially for certain groups, such as the elderly or people who work outdoors.

WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger brings us this report about a new pilot program that is testing heat health alerts in the region.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

50 years of hip-hop on the big screen Jul 28, 2023

August marks 50 years of hip-hop. It’s one of the most influential cultural movements of the last century, and one that far transcends music. It’s art, it’s fashion, it’s language, it’s community and… it's film.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline is celebrating the culture with a month-long film series called “Been Here For Years: Hip Hop at 50.” It starts August 1 and runs through the month.

Billy Thegenus, programming and outreach coordinator for the Coolidge Corner Theatre joins The Common with his can't-miss picks for this upcoming series.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Utilities could be using your payments for political influence Jul 27, 2023

When you pay your monthly utility bills, you pay for a lot more than just the energy you use. You pay to build and maintain the infrastructure that gets the energy to your house. You pay for operating expenses, like employee salaries. You pay for the state's energy efficiency program.

And, you might also be helping fund your utility’s attempts to influence climate policy.

WBUR Senior Climate and Environmental Reporter Miriam Wasser joins The Common to talk about the various loopholes that enable this reality, and what advocates are trying to do about it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Hollywood strikes hit home in Massachusetts Jul 26, 2023

Hollywood is on strike. The writers are on strike, the actors are on strike and it’s the first time in 60 years both groups are doing so simultaneously. They want better pay, regulations on the use of AI in TV and film and a variety of other ticket items. In the meantime, many productions have come to a halt, including here in Massachusetts — where more than 30 major productions were filmed just last year.

Nerissa Williams Scott is a faculty member at Emerson College and CEO and lead creative producer at the production company That Child Got Talent Entertainment. She joins The Common to discuss the impacts of the Hollywood strikes on our local film industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The NAACP National Convention is back in Boston Jul 25, 2023

This week, people from all over the country are coming to Boston to participate in the 114th NAACP National Convention. The convention runs from July 26 through 31 and includes speakers such as Vice President Kamala Harris, rapper Meek Mill and Boston’s own Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space, Mariama White-Hammond.

There will also be workshops and social events, all aimed at fostering community and advocacy in Boston and across the country. Today, NAACP Boston Branch President Tanisha Sullivan joins The Common with more on the event, and the significance it holds for Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: A 'food forest' in Mattapan is a space to harvest food and grow community Jul 24, 2023

We're back with a feature from one of our friends in the WBUR newsroom as Team Common works on some longer term projects.

In May, a new park opened in Mattapan, and, get this… it’s edible. The Edgewater Food Forest is a quarter-acre park in Mattapan full of fruit trees, berry bushes and other edible plants. Anyone in the community can harvest food there, for free.

The park is a collaborative effort between neighborhood groups, the city, and the nonprofit “Boston Food Forest Coalition.” They’ve helped build 10 of these sites so far.

WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran brings us this audio postcard from the opening celebration of the Edgewater Food Forest.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

MassDOT's new voice for accessibility Jul 21, 2023

Earlier this month Governor Maura Healey appointed four new members to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation board of directors. One appointee is researcher, writer and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, who will represent the "consumer voice" for MassDOT.

Dr. Iezzoni is the first member of the disability community to serve on the department's board, despite the fact that that about one in four of American adults have some kind of disability.

Dr. Iezzoni joins The Common to discuss accessibility across the state's transit systems, a well as her goals for this new position.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Why '100% renewable electricity' plans may not be as green as you think Jul 20, 2023

It’s time for another feature from our friends in the WBUR newsroom, while Team Common works on some longer term projects.

Earlier this year, we spoke with Senior Climate and Environment Reporter Miriam Wasser about a series of stories she wrote on third party energy suppliers who promise consumers cleaner, cheaper electricity using deceptive marketing tactics.

We revisit the second part of her series, which explains how those 100% renewable energy plans advertised by competitive suppliers are not all they’re cracked up to be.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Migrant families can no longer stay at Boston Medical Center overnight... now what? Jul 19, 2023

Boston Medical Center has ended a policy that had allowed unhoused families, many of whom were recently-arrived migrants, to stay at the hospital overnight. This decision follows a record increase in the number of people seeking shelter at local medical centers without medical needs. On one night earlier this month, more than 130 people slept on the floor of one of BMC's lobbies.

The hospital is now redirecting people to other facilities, including Logan airport, which is open around the clock, as families wait to find longer-term support. Advocates say the fallout from BMC's change in policy highlights gaps in the state's response to emergency shelter needs. WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter, Gabrielle Emanuel, joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

SCOTUS student loan forgiveness ruling hits many Black borrowers hard Jul 18, 2023

Late last month, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student debt forgiveness program – a huge disappointment for thousands of borrowers who were hoping for some financial relief. The blow was particularly discouraging for Black borrowers, who typically hold $25k more in debt than white borrowers.

Tanisha Bhat, an intern with the Bay State Banner and a rising senior at Boston University, joins The Common to discuss how local Black borrowers are reacting to the decision.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Flooding has rocked Vermont Jul 17, 2023

Flooding in Vermont has lead to significant damage and left at least one person dead, as of Friday afternoon.

Economy Reporter for VTDigger, Fred Thys, has been covering flood impact in the state capitol of Montpelier, and he joins The Common for a closer look at how flooding is impacting Vermonters, in Montpelier and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Three indie theaters to cool off in this summer Jul 14, 2023

Looking to catch an up-and-coming documentary or the hottest box office flick? Look no further than Greater Boston's handful of independent movie theaters. Spots like the Somerville Theatre in Somerville's Davis Square, Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline and Brattle Theatre in Cambridge offer one-of-a-kind screening environments and a chance to expand the viewing horizons of any cinephile.

WBUR Arts Contributor Erin Trahan joins The Common for a look at some of the area's top indie theaters, as well as a preview of two upcoming film festivals within a drive of the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Commuting without the Sumner Tunnel Jul 13, 2023

The dreaded weeks-long Sumner Tunnel closure is finally upon us. The nearly 90-year-old connection between East Boston and Downtown closed to traffic on July 5th for $160 million worth of renovations – and it’s scheduled to stay that way until the end of August.

In the meantime, officials expect serious delays for travelers in the area and are urging folks to find other ways to get around.

The MBTA is offering free and reduced fares on several routes to help ease some of the pressure, including the East Boston ferries and the Blue Line train. So, The Common took advantage of the free fare for a trip out to East Boston to see how passengers are holding up.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The "why" behind local beach closures Jul 12, 2023

It's a hot day, and you're itching to cool off at the beach... but what if your local beach is closed? Last summer, there were more than 1,000 incidents of beach closures over 500 salt water beaches, despite Massachusetts having some of the cleanest urban beaches in the country. This year, more closures are appearing every week, especially following heavy rains.

Today, WBUR Senior Reporter Ally Jarmanning joins The Common to walk us through the major factors contributing to public beach closures, and why limited beach access can raise concerns around equity.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council tensions continue Jul 11, 2023

The Boston City Council continues to be steeped in tension after incidents involving two councilors brought what Council President Ed Flynn described as "negative attention to the institution," in a recent release.

Those incidents include Councilor Ricardo Arroyo admitting to an ethics violation after providing legal representation his brother, Felix Arroyo, in a sexual harassment case involving the city. The other incident includes Councilor Kendra Lara's recent involvement in a car crash in Jamaica Plain.

Boston Globe City Hall Reporter Danny McDonald joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: A big, new Provincetown home for a nonprofit that provides LGBTQ+ youth a safe haven Jul 10, 2023

We’re back with another feature from our friends in the WBUR newsroom, as Team Common works on some longer term projects we think you’ll enjoy.

Today’s story comes from reporter Arielle Gray. It’s about a nonprofit in Provincetown called Summer of Sass, which offers LGBTQ+ young adults from around the country a chance to spend the season in a safe, welcoming environment.

Summer of Sass recently moved into a house that will allow them to quadruple the number of folks they serve, so Arielle headed to P-town to see the space and to learn more about the organization’s mission.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What To Do This Month in Greater Boston: Save your cash and hit the town Jul 07, 2023

It's that time of the month again! Assistant director for WBUR CitySpace, Candice Springer, is back with a list of things to get you out of the house this month. And, guess what? They're all free.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

More bad news for would-be homebuyers Jul 06, 2023

The median price for a single family home in Boston is now $900,000. The record-breaking figure is driven by a shortage of housing inventory, as well as a reduction in home turnover thanks to high interest rates.

WBUR Senior Business Reporter Zeninjor Enwemeka joins The Common to discuss how we got here, and what is at stake for communities when home ownership strays farther and farther out of reach for the average family.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What we're reading this summer Jul 05, 2023

Whether you're jet-setting, hitting your local beach, or just lounging in your backyard, summer is the perfect time to pick up a book. WBUR Associate Producer for Newsletters, and coauthor of the "Beach Books" newsletter Hanna Ali joins The Common with some of her top summer reads.

Hanna recommends...

"The Acrobat" by Edward J. Delaney "My First Popsicle: An Anthology of Food and Feelings" edited by Zosia Mamet "Little Weirds" by Jenny Slate

Looking for more summer reading recs? Subscribe to WBUR's Beach Books newsletter to get reading recommendations straight to your inbox, every week through Labor Day.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Common wishes you a happy July Fourth Jul 04, 2023

Hey listeners,

Team Common is taking the holiday off to rest and recharge. But don’t worry – we’ll be back tomorrow with our regular show.

In the meantime, we hope you're having a good one. Also, our listener survey closes this week July 7. So if you haven't had the chance, please consider taking a few minutes to fill it out.

We want to know what you’re liking about the show so far and what you think could be better. This podcast is just as much yours as it is ours, so your feedback is an important part of making it the best it can be.

Happy Fourth and be safe.

Love,

Your friends at The Common

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Reflections on a "normal" school year Jul 03, 2023

We’re back with another piece from our friends in the WBUR newsroom while we at The Common work on some bigger projects we think you’ll enjoy.

Today’s story comes from WBUR Education Reporter Carrie Jung.

School is out for the summer but the 2022-2023 school year was much closer to normal than the last few during COVID. Carrie caught up with students and teachers from across the state to get their reflections on the past year.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A license to drive for Mass. immigrants Jun 30, 2023

Starting July 1, Massachusetts immigrants can apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status under the The Work and Family Mobility Act. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center estimates that up to 85,000 people could receive a drivers license under the new law by 2026.

WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common to break down the The Work and Family Mobility Act and the impact it will have on the day-to-day lives of drivers across the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The bees and butterflies need our help Jun 29, 2023

Insects are disappearing at a concerning rate -- from 1% to 2% in many places, and up to 10% in others. Some of those insects are pollinators, which are key players in supporting 35% of our food supply. Today, those pollinators, like bees and butterflies, need our help.

WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common with more on the importance of pollinators, and a guide to what you can do to support pollinators in your own yard, garden, or even from your apartment fire escape.

Can you take a few minutes and fill out our survey? It would go a long way in helping us make the kind of show you want to hear. Take the survey here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A reckoning in restaurants, continued... Jun 28, 2023

For the last several months The Common has been talking about the lack of accountability for harmful behavior from local chefs and restaurateurs, such as the allegations against Barbara Lynch, as well as comments made by Ming Tsai on WBUR's CitySpace stage.

Last month, CitySpace continued that conversation with a panel discussion called “A Reckoning in Restaurants: Combating Toxic Restaurant Culture.”

During the event, audience members submitted questions for the panel, which included Hassel Aviles, Co-founder and executive director of Not 9 to 5 (a non-profit in mental health advocacy for the foodservice sector); Irene Li, Co-founder of Mei Mei Dumplings and James Beard Leadership Award winner; Janelle Nanos, Business Enterprise Reporter at the Boston Globe; and Hannah Selinger, James Beard Award-nominated writer.

There were so many questions, that there just wasn’t enough time to answer them all. So, we figured we’d continue the event here on the show with Irene and Hannah to answer some of the questions they couldn’t get to that night.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A night out at the Roxbury International Film Festival Jun 27, 2023

The Roxbury International Film Festival is celebrating its 25th year with a 10 day festival featuring over 80 films. The festival is designed around celebrating people of color, and creating an environment for filmmakers and film lovers to meet and experience one another's work.

Today on The Common, we take you on a trip to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston for an evening of screenings. We also speak with Lisa Simmons, the artistic and executive director of the Roxbury International Film Festival, which runs in-person through June 28th, and online from June 27th through July 2nd.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: the queer history of Boston's suffragettes Jun 26, 2023

We’re back with another piece from our friends in the WBUR newsroom while we at The Common work on some bigger projects we think you’ll enjoy.

Today’s story comes from Rupa Shenoy and Laney Ruckstuhl at Morning Edition.

In honor of Pride Month (happy Pride) Rupa and Laney wanted to remember some of the queer people in Massachusetts history who have been overlooked. So, Rupa sat down with author Wendy Rouse, who wrote "Public Spaces, Secret Lives: A Queer History of the Suffrage Movement, which shares the stories of local queer suffragettes.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

BAMS Fest: A celebration of Black culture in Boston Jun 23, 2023

The Boston Art and Music Soul Festival is here, bringing music, art, food, and other celebrations of Black culture to Boston's Franklin Park this Friday and Saturday (June 23 and 24), for the fifth year.

WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common, to talk about the importance of creating dedicated spaces to celebrate Black music and art in Boston, the unique challenges faced by organizers of events such as BAMS Fest that highlight hip-hop and other forms of Black expression, and for a preview of some of the musicians hitting the stage this weekend.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A new avenue for public housing Jun 22, 2023

In 1999, Congress passed a law, known as the "Faircloth Amendment," which restricted the construction of federally subsidized public housing above a certain limit. Now, there's a new initiative that aims to increase the amount of public housing available by backfilling many units that have been demolished or fallen into disrepair.

In Massachusetts, Cambridge is leading the charge, with active plans to develop more than 100 new public housing units. The local housing authority hopes to develop even more units in the future...both within the city limits, and beyond.

Boston Globe Housing Reporter Andrew Brinker joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why Boston doesn't have any Michelin Star restaurants Jun 21, 2023

Boston's food scene continues to change and grow, but one thing remains the same: the complete absence of prestigious Michelin Stars awarded to local restaurants. And it's not necessarily because our local spots don't deserve them.

Erika Adams, Editor of Eater Boston joins The Common for a look at why Boston remains without a Michelin Guide.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your Boston summer arts guide(s) Jun 20, 2023

Looking to expand your horizons this summer with a little art? Or perhaps escape the hot outdoors with a theatrical performance? Or maybe you're just looking for that perfect addition to your summer playlist. Whatever your situation may be, WBUR's Arts and Culture team has you covered with this year's summer arts guides. WBUR Arts Reporting Fellow Solon Kelleher joins The Common with the highlights.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Boston City Hall in need of repair Jun 19, 2023

Happy Juneteenth! We hope you’re taking some time to celebrate and reflect on this important day.

The WBUR newsroom covers a lot of stories, and we aren't always able to get to them all on the show. So, today we're bringing you one of those pieces while Team Common works on some reporting we're really excited to share with you soon.

Today’s story comes from reporter Walter Wuthmann.

Boston’s City Hall building is pretty polarizing. Some love it, but not everyone is into 1960s Brutalist architecture. Still, it’s a 55-year-old landmark that needs a lot of repairs, and Walt spent a day looking into what it takes now, and what may be needed in the future, to keep this building running.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your Juneteenth weekend guide Jun 16, 2023

It's almost Juneteenth, and you know that means it's time to get out on the town to learn, celebrate and reflect. WBUR Arts Editor Lauren Williams joins The Common to walk us through four events happening in Boston, and beyond, over this long weekend to celebrate this important day.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Cornell Coley: Saturday, June 17 - the Honan-Allston branch of the Boston Public Library

Juneteenth at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters: Sunday, June 18 - Longfellow House in Cambridge Kevin Harris presents: Roots, Water, and Sunlight - A Contemporary Octet Expedition through the Expressions of James Baldwin: Sunday, June 18 - Groton Hill Music Center

Free admission to celebrate Juneteenth at Boston museums: Monday, June 19th - museums including the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offer free admission and special programming.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Calling all prospective biotech workers... Jun 15, 2023

Boston's life sciences sector is growing rapidly, with more than 6,000 jobs expected to open up over the next decade, according to a report from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation. But as the number of available jobs grow, so do concerns about developing and attaining enough talent to fill positions.

WBUR Senior Business Reporter Zeninjor Enwemeka joins The Common to explain what's behind this disparity between open jobs and qualified workers in biotech, and for a look at a new initiative from the city, which aims to build alternative pathways into the industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A college town without affirmative action Jun 14, 2023

The Supreme Court of the United States is expected to deliver decisions on two cases concerning affirmative action in college admissions, including one case involving Harvard, in the coming weeks. The conservative-leaning court is anticipated to rule against the race-conscious admission practices used by elite schools like Harvard to promote a diversified student body, which the plaintiffs in each case argue are racially discriminatory.

MassLive Reporting Fellow Alvin Buyinza joins The Common to discuss how a ban on race-conscious admissions could impact diversity on many of the highly selective campuses in the Boston area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Pride for the People Jun 13, 2023

Boston’s Pride Parade has been on hiatus since 2019, after being canceled due to the pandemic, and then again after calls for more diversity and inclusion led to the event’s organizers disbanding. The city’s re-imagined pride celebration, organized by Boston Pride for the People, took to the streets on Saturday, drawing tens of thousands of participants.

WBUR’s Walter Wuthmann covered the event. He joins The Common to share thoughts and reactions from this years attendees and organizers.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: An addiction treatment program closes in Concord Jun 12, 2023

The WBUR newsroom covers a lot of stories, and we aren't always able to get to them all on the show. So, today we're bringing you one of those pieces while Team Common works on some reporting we're really excited to share with you soon.

Today's piece comes from reporter Lynn Jolicoeur. It’s about the shutdown of a hospital-run program that treats people with addiction in an area one person calls a treatment desert. This news comes as Massachusetts continues to experience an opioid epidemic.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A new kind of Seaport supper club Jun 09, 2023

Grace by Nia, which opened late last month, is a new restaurant and music club in Boston's predominantly white Seaport neighborhood. But unlike many of its neighbors, Grace by Nia, owned by Nia Grace of Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen, aims to cater specifically to the experiences of guests of color.

Today on The Common, we take you to Grace by Nia and talk with owner Nia Grace about her vision for the businesses and the new energy it brings to the neighborhood.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Puppies on patios Jun 08, 2023

It's a hot dog summer, y'all. More than 20 businesses (and counting) are taking advantage of a new city initiative that allows qualifying restaurants, bars and beer gardens to welcome dogs to their outdoor dining and drinking spaces.

Emily Schario, head of content for The B-Side joins The Common to walk us through the dos and don'ts of pup patio etiquette, and for the lowdown on some of the participating establishments.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A message from host, Darryl C. Murphy Jun 07, 2023

We’ve been making The Common every day since November, and it’s been a privilege to bring you stories from Greater Boston five days a week. Now, we want your story. Knowing our audience helps us serve our audience. And, it helps us get support for the show. So, it would mean the world to us if you would take a moment to fill out this quick survey: wbur.org/survey

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Yep, the Mass. legislature is slower than usual Jun 07, 2023

Massachusetts lawmakers and Governor Maura Healey have only passed 12 new laws in the past five months – the fewest by this point in the legislative session in decades. By comparison, Charlie Baker signed nearly 30 bills by June during his first year and Deval Patrick signed 44 bills into law in the same time period. Boston Globe Politics Reporter Matt Stout joins The Common to discuss what is behind the slow progress, as well as what it means for Maura Healey's goals as governor.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

We need to build housing fast. Factories could help Jun 06, 2023

As the housing crisis continues in Massachusetts, developers in states like Pennsylvania, California and neighboring New Hampshire are leaning on factory-made construction to make new housing, and make it fast. With this method, entire portions of buildings are made in a factory, off-site and shipped to the construction site to be pieced together into one cohesive building, like a giant game of Legos.

The efficiency of factory-made construction means a building project can be completed in about half the time of a traditional project, saving developers money, and getting them onto the next project faster.

So why hasn't Massachusetts embraced this approach?

WBUR reporter Yasmin Amer joins The Common to tell us more about off-site, modular construction and how it could potentially be used as a tool to combat the state's housing shortage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Not-so-standardized testing Jun 05, 2023

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, also known as MCAS, has been the standard for state testing in MA for 25 years. Yet, some advocates and educators worry that this testing system is leaving some students behind, especially as the number of English language learners continues to grow in public schools.

WBUR Education Reporter Max Larkin joins The Common to talk about a group of school districts that are trying out a more immersive, collaborative method for evaluation, and broader efforts to rethink standardized testing in the state.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Dancing in the street Jun 02, 2023

We finally made it to June and it is time to get outside and par-tay. WBUR Assistant Director of City Space Candice Springer joins The Common with a list of ways to have fun in the sun this month.

Candice recommends...

Boston Pride For The People, June 10

Donna Summer Disco Party, June 16

Boston Art and Soul Music Festival (BAMS Fest), June 23-24

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Oral birth control's birthplace Jun 01, 2023

Drug regulators are currently considering whether to make birth control pills available over the counter in the U.S.. If approved, this increase in accessibility would be a significant new chapter in the medication’s history, which can be traced back to Massachusetts, where it was first developed.

WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emmanuel joins The Common to discuss the origins of oral birth control in Massachusetts and how that history informs the current movement to expand birth control access.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Tracking hate in the Bay State May 31, 2023

A new report from the Anti-Defamation League shows an increase in acts of hate including antisemitism and an increase in the distribution of white supremacist propaganda in Massachusetts. The data covers 2021 and 2022.

Interim Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League of New England, Peggy Shukur, joins The Common to discuss the report's findings, and what they can tell us about political and social sentiments in the state and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Radioactive waste and Cape Cod Bay continued... May 30, 2023

The company in charge of decommissioning the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth has proposed treating and diluting more than one million gallons of radiation-contaminated wastewater, and releasing it into Cape Cod Bay. But recently released state data detailing the high levels of radiation in the untreated wastewater has some worried that the wastewater, even once treated, may still pose threats.

WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common to walk us through the new findings, which have locals, politicians and members of the fishing industry concerned.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: How H1-B visas could help districts fight a teacher shortage May 29, 2023

We hope you all are having a great Memorial Day Weekend! Team Common is taking the day off to rest and rejuvenate. So in place of our regular show, we bring you a feature from the WBUR newsroom.

___________________________________________________________________________

With summer vacation right around the corner, it's a busy time Massachusetts School Districts, who are working to fill all their open teacher positions for the coming year. And with the ongoing teacher shortage, the odds are not in their favor. But as WBUR Education Reporter Carrie Jung reports, one district is trying out a new option -- recruiting outside the country under a long-term work visa program.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A new district map for Boston May 26, 2023

Boston City Council has finally agreed on a new district map for the city after a month of heated negotiation, narrowly avoiding potential delays to this years’ election.

This is the second time in the past year the council was faced with redrawing the city's nine districts, from which they are elected. This comes after a federal judge barred the city from using the previously approved map in early May.

Boston Globe Politics Reporter Emma Platoff joins The Common to discuss the background behind Boston’s new district map and what it means for the political landscape of the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Allergy season sucks, and climate change is making it worse May 25, 2023

How many times have you sneezed today? It's allergy season, and, like with so many things that suck, climate change is making it worse.

Dr. Gaurab Basu, Health Equity Fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, joins The Common to explain the connection between climate change and allergies, and what you can do to mitigate your symptoms as the season continues.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's Senate budget season on Beacon Hill May 24, 2023

This week, the Massachusetts State Senate begins debate on their 2024 budget, with plans to finalize a proposal by the end of the week. And while it's easy to think of a budget as an overwhelming sheet of dollar signs, on Beacon Hill, a budget is a moral document that can tell you a lot about what your elected representatives are prioritizing, and what they're not.

Boston Globe Political Reporter Samantha J. Gross joins The Common to walk us through how the Senate plans to spend your tax dollars, and how this plan lines up with the budgets already presented by the governor and House.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

This weekend at Boston Calling May 23, 2023

Boston Calling returns to the Harvard Athletic Complex this weekend with a packed lineup of national and local acts. This year's ticket includes over 50% female and non-binary performers, a first for the festival, however racial diversity still lag behind. WBUR Newsroom Fellow Jacob Garcia joins The Common to discuss diversity and inclusion at one of Boston's largest cultural events, and to preview some favorite hometown artists.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins resigns May 22, 2023

Late last week, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden, just a year-and-a-half into her appointment.

Her resignation follows the release of two investigations, detailing numerous allegations against Rollins, including that she used her federal position to influence a local election in Suffolk County.

WBUR Senior Correspondent Deborah Becker joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Introducing: The Common's official theme May 19, 2023

If you're a regular listener of The Common, you might have noticed something different about our show this week. We have a new theme song! Our new music is "ME - Band Version" by singer-songwriter and producer HEESU, a Berklee College of Music alum and WBUR's local Tiny Desk favorite of 2021. HEESU joins The Common to talk about her music, influences and experiences studying music in Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cannabis in Mass: Delivery straight to your doorstep with Rolling Releaf May 18, 2023

Since its state legalization in 2016, cannabis has become a multi-billion dollar industry that helps fuel the Massachusetts economy and tax revenue, while also providing opportunities to address racial equity. Still, despite its popularity, cannabis is heavily regulated and the negative stigma around the drug lingers.

Today on The Common, we take you to Newton, where Devin Alexander is CEO and cofounder of Rolling Releaf, the first cannabis delivery business in the city. We talk to Devin, who went through the Cannabis Control Commission's Social Equity Program, about his experience staring the company, and what he hopes to see change to make the cannabis delivery business more sustainable and inclusive.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cannabis in Mass: Increasing equity in the industry May 17, 2023

Since its state legalization in 2016, cannabis has become a multi-billion dollar industry that helps fuel the Massachusetts economy and tax revenue, while also providing opportunities to address racial equity. Still, despite its popularity, cannabis is heavily regulated and the negative stigma around the drug lingers.

Today on The Common, the second part of our three-part discussion about cannabis in Massachusetts. Cannabis entrepreneur, attorney and Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board member Laury Lucien talks to us about cannabis equity efforts in the state, and where they fall short.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cannabis in Mass: A market on the brink May 16, 2023

Since its state legalization in 2016, cannabis has become a multi-billion dollar industry that helps fuel the Massachusetts economy and tax revenue, while also providing opportunities to address racial equity. Still, despite its popularity, cannabis is heavily regulated and the negative stigma around the drug lingers.

Today on The Common, it's the first of a three-part discussion about the state of cannabis in Massachusetts. We speak with Freelance Cannabis and Drug Policy Reporter Dan Adams about the slow rate of cannabis policy reform in the state and the what's going on with the cannabis market.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

These two parts of Boston have a 23 year difference in life expectancy May 15, 2023

In a section of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, residents have a life expectancy of nearly 92. Travel just two miles away to Roxbury's Nubian Square, and the life expectancy for area Bostonians drops below 69. That's a stark, 23 year difference.

These findings come from a new Boston Public Health Commission report. Today, WBUR Reporter Martha Bebinger joins The Common to walk through some of the startling findings from this analysis, and for a look at some of the factors that contribute to this disparity.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Running while Black in Boston May 12, 2023

Boston is known as a runner's city. But last month, running groups with predominantly Black membership, including Pioneers Run Crew and TrailblazHers, reported being targeted by police while spectating the Boston Marathon.

In light of this event, and as the weather warms up and brings runners outside, Jeff Davis, founder of another running group for Black runners, Black Men Run Boston, joins The Common.

Black Men Run Boston is the local chapter of the national Black Men Run organization, which aims to create a safe and health-centered space for Black men to run and walk in community. Today, Jeff Davis shares his experience running while Black in Boston, and discusses what he believes can be done to make running more inclusive in the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

$500 in your pocket – no strings attached May 11, 2023

Some families in Cambridge will soon be eligible to receive $500, each month, for 18 months, no strings attached. It's the product of a new program called Rise Up Cambridge, which seeks to partially address poverty through direct income payments.

WBUR Senior Business Reporter Zeninjor Enwemeka joins The Common to walk us through this program, and where it fits into a broader, national movement in support of guaranteed income.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Goodbye, COVID Emergency May 10, 2023

It's been more than three years since the coronavirus state of emergency was first put in place. It finally ends on May 11th. WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to help us understand this new phase of the pandemic and what this change means for remaining COVID measures.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Sorry, your gas stove really is bad for you May 09, 2023

No, the government is not coming for your gas stove. At least not this second. But your stove could have implications for the health of your household (gas stoves are the top trigger for pediatric asthma in the state, for example), as well as our environment. WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common to discuss alternatives, as well as safety tips, for cooking with gas.

Editor's note: A previous version of the audio portion of this story incorrectly stated the number of Boston homes with gas stove leaks. The story has been corrected. We regret the error.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

That door-to-door promise of cheaper electricity might not hold up May 08, 2023

Have you ever had someone knock on your door, ask to see your electric bill and then promise you a better deal? There's a good chance this was a competitive energy supplier, and this so-called "deal" may cost you in the long run.

Today, WBUR Senior Climate and Environment Reporter Miriam Wasser joins The Common to take us through the first piece in her three-part series looking into competitive electric suppliers and the vulnerable communities they harm the most.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: April showers bring May musicals May 05, 2023

It's May, which, according to assistant director for WBUR CitySpace Candice Springer, is the perfect time to catch a musical.

Today on The Common, Candice joins the show with some of her top theatrical picks for the month of May.

Candice recommends...

Bettlejuice: Citizen Bank Opera House, May 2nd - May 14 The Prom: Speakeasy Stage Company at the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, May 5th - June 10th Evita: American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, May 17th - July 16th

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The show goes on post-pandemic May 04, 2023

Three years ago, the coronavirus pandemic brought Boston's theater scene to a screeching halt. Venues are now welcoming back audiences for performances, but as WBUR Arts and Culture Reporter Amelia Mason reports, business is far from usual. Amelia joins The Common to discuss how COVID-19 has changed Boston's theater scene as a part of WBUR Arts' four part series on arts after the pandemic.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's expensive, and Gen Z is feeling the heat May 03, 2023

People in their twenties make up one-fifth of Boston's population, but some of these young people are struggling to make it in the city as the cost of living soars.

Boston Globe Reporter Diti Kohli talked to more than two dozen Gen Z residents living in Boston to learn what financial concerns are making them question their future in the city. Today, she joins The Common to walk through the impact of debt, economic uncertainty and other money woes that are top of mind for Boston's under-25 crowd.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How Upham's Corner reduced poverty without displacing residents May 02, 2023

A study from Common Good Labs, a data science firm based out of Pittsburg, and the Brookings Institution has identified nearly 200 neighborhoods across the country that have done the seemingly impossible: Increase neighborhood wealth, without pushing out the original residents. One of those neighborhoods is Boston's very own Upham's Corner in Dorchester.

Common Good Labs partner Rohit Acharya joins The Common to break down how Upham's Corner did it, and how the neighborhood can be used as a model for other communities.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The MBTA's pension problem May 01, 2023

The MBTA is facing yet another financial challenge, this time in the form of its pension program. According to an arbitration document obtained by WBUR, at its current trajectory, pension expenses could make the agency 'insolvent' by 2038. WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common explore how the MBTA got to this point, and what this could mean for its financial future.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Preventing drink spiking in Boston bars Apr 28, 2023

Boston police received 116 reports of drink spiking in Boston last year. The alarming uptick in reports has continued into 2023, with BPD publishing a community alert on the issue last week. Casey Corcoran, senior director of prevention outreach and education at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), joins The Common to share tips on how to prevent drink spiking in bars and other establishments.

Producer's note: Survivors of sexual assault can find resources with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center at barcc.org or by calling their hotline, 800-841-8371.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Translation services at Brockton Schools Apr 27, 2023

Nearly half of all students in Brockton Public Schools speak a language other than English at home. The district's Multilingual Parent Communication Center is working to make translation and interpretation services more accessible to families who don't speak English as a first language by centralizing services, and offering support both within and beyond the school system.

WBUR Senior Education Reporter Carrie Jung joins The Common with more on Brockton Public School's efforts to support immigrant and non-English-speaking families in the community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The landlords, homeowners and renters of the state legislature Apr 26, 2023

Boston's rent control proposal needs approval from the Massachusetts State Legislature in order to become local law. A new report from The Boston Globe looks into the property holdings of the lawmakers who will be responsible for making this decision, in both the house and the senate, to gain an understanding of how many legislators rent, versus own their home, and how many are landlords.

The Globe finds that about 86% of the state legislature owns homes, compared to only 61% of the state population, and that 36 members of the legislature own rental properties, while only 19 members confirmed to the Globe that they rent their homes.

Boston Globe Politics Reporter Emma Platoff joins The Common for a deeper look at this story.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A reckoning at Barbara Lynch restaurants Apr 25, 2023

Former employees of establishments owned by local celebrity chef Barbara Lynch are stepping forward, accusing Lynch of creating a toxic workplace. The allegations against Lynch, who owns businesses including No. 9 Park, The Butcher Shop and Seaport-based bar, Drink, include lashing out at staff and guests, unwanted touching and threats of violence. Boston Globe Business Enterprise Reporter Janelle Nanos joins The Common to discuss the allegations and where they fit into the larger conversation about toxic workplaces in the Boston restaurant scene.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the Newsroom: Simone Leigh's work at the ICA is an ode to Black womanhood Apr 24, 2023

The Common team is taking the day to rest and rejuvenate after a very busy few weeks (did you catch our special climate series last week? If not, listen back!) so today, we bring you a feature from the WBUR newsroom.

It’s from reporter Arielle Gray and it’s about the work of renowned artist Simone Leigh, who explores Black womanhood through the use of clay, bronze and ceramics.

Last year, Leigh became the first Black woman to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, which is one of the largest and most storied contemporary art exhibitions in the world. Now, the pieces she created for the Biennale are on display at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, making their U.S. debut.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Climate Now: Giving back this Earth Day Apr 21, 2023

It's Earth Week on The Common. And in honor of our home planet, we're bringing you a special series. Every day this week, we're exploring what climate change looks and feels like in Greater Boston, and how it's impacting our communities, right now. Today we wrap up our week-long series with some ways you can get involved and give back to our planet this Earth Day, and beyond, with Sara Winslow, education associate at the Museum of Science's Current Science Communication Department.

Head to WBUR for Sara's full list of recommendations.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Climate Now: Heat in the South End Apr 20, 2023

It's Earth Week on The Common. And in honor of our home planet, we're bringing you a special series. Every day this week, we're exploring what climate change looks and feels like in Greater Boston, and how it's impacting our communities, right now.

Today's destination: Boston's South End

The entire city of Boston is a heat island, but some parts of the city, including the South End, can get particularly hot on high-temperature days. Today on The Common, we head to the South End to get a better idea of what makes a heat island, and who is most likely to be impacted by extreme heat.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Climate Now: The neighbors of Crane Ledge Woods Apr 19, 2023

It's Earth Week on The Common. And in honor of our home planet, we're bringing you a special series. Every day this week, we're exploring what climate change looks and feels like in Greater Boston, and how it's impacting our communities, right now.

Today's destination: Crane Ledge Woods

Today, The Common heads to Hyde Park in Boston, where a coalition of residents are fighting to preserve a property known as Crane Ledge Woods. The 24 acre parcel is the largest unprotected wild in Boston, and is currently being prospected by Texas-based development company, Lincoln Properties, who hopes to build a 270 unit apartment complex at the site. Residents say that losing the woods will exacerbate the effects of climate change in the community, such as storm flooding and urban heat.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Climate Now: Erosion and the Boston Harbor Islands Apr 18, 2023

Perhaps you've seen some of the 30 Boston Harbor Islands from an airplane window, descending into Logan Airport. Or maybe you've visited one of the more popular islands on a weekend day trip from downtown Boston. This archipelago is made up of piles of deposited material, sculpted by melting and retreating glaciers, known as drumlins, and is one of the few drowned drumlin fields in the world. It's a unique environment ripe for outdoor recreation, and holds irreplaceable Indigenous creations and post-colonial historical artifacts.

The Harbor Islands are also eroding, and fast.

In this episode of The Common, we're in a boat with Zoe Hughes and Duncan FitzGerald of Boston University and Marc Albert of the National Parks of Boston for a close-up look at how rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms are impacting the very existence of the Boston Harbor Islands, and all they hold.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Climate Now: Powering Chinatown's energy resilience Apr 17, 2023

It's Earth Week on The Common. And in honor of our home planet, we're bringing you a special series. Every day this week, we're exploring what climate change looks and feels like in Boston, and how it's impacting our communities, right now.

Today's destination: Chinatown.

In Boston's Chinatown, you don’t have to look far to see how climate change is already affecting the lives of residents. The neighborhood is one of the city’s worst heat islands, and it has the highest levels of air pollution in the state thanks to nearby Interstates 90 and 93. With Boston Harbor nearby, there’s also the risk of future flooding.

But the Chinatown Community Land Trust and Chinese Progressive Association are working on a solution that they hope will put power back in the hands of Chinatown residents when it comes to climate resilience – literally.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Ten Years Later: Boston Marathon medical volunteers find 'family' after bombings Apr 14, 2023

Medical professionals volunteering at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013 found themselves tending not only to tired runners, but also to victims of the two bombs that exploded that day.

For the first time since that tragic event, those first responders are talking openly about their experiences, the strong bonds that were forged there a decade ago, and the healing that's happened since.

As we remember the Boston Marathon bombings, WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger joins The Common to share stories from inside the medical tent and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Ten Years Later: The Boston Marathon bombings and mental health Apr 13, 2023

Nearly a decade has passed since the Boston Marathon bombings. This year, many will pause to reflect on the three lives lost that day and the dozens of others who were physically injured.

But the trauma didn't not stop there. As runners prepare to hit the road on Monday, The Common speaks with WBUR senior correspondent Deborah Becker about the psychological damage left in the wake of the attacks, and experts' recommendations for self-care.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts is stocking up on abortion pills Apr 12, 2023

Massachusetts is taking steps to ensure continued access to mifepristone, a common abortion medication following a ruling from a federal judge in Texas, which aims to block access to the drug. The Justice Department has appealed this order.

Earlier this week, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the University of Massachusetts Amherst has secured roughly 15,000 doses of the drug, at the request of the governor, to create stockpiles of the drug in state. The governor also issued an executive order confirming that providers are protected under state law to stock and use the drug.

WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger joins The Common for more on how Massachusetts is working to guarantee access to mifepristone in future.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Lowell's teacher population lacks diversity. This program wants to change that. Apr 11, 2023

Nearly 9 out of 10 teachers in Massachusetts public schools are white, despite students of color making up roughly 44% of the student population. In Lowell, the state's sixth largest school district, the disparity is even more stark.

A new program aims to change this, by encouraging students of color to pursue careers in teaching through a partnership between Lowell Public Schools and the University of Massachusetts - Lowell.

WBUR education reporter Samuele Petruccelli speaks with The Common about the push to increase diversity among teachers in Lowell and statewide.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What's next for Boston's rent control proposal Apr 10, 2023

In March, Boston's City Council voted 11-2 in support of a rent control plan proposed by Mayor Michelle Wu. The plan would cap rent increases at 10% for apartments in Boston, with some exceptions.

Now that the proposal has been approved by the city, it faces an uphill climb in the Massachusetts legislature as it seeks to become law. WBUR Senior Statehouse Reporter Steve Brown joins The Common to discuss the path forward for Boston's rent control proposal on Beacon Hill.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

It's April. Time to hit the town. Apr 07, 2023

Spring is officially here, which means it's time to ditch the cabin fever, get out and revel in all the live events going on this month in Boston. WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer joins The Common to share her top local events to enjoy in April.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Here's what a growing Black population looks like Apr 06, 2023

The Black population in Greater Boston continues to grow, especially in communities outside of the city, and it's becoming one of the most diverse Black populations of any metro area in the nation. This is according to a new report from Boston Indicators and Embrace Boston titled, Great Migration to Global Immigration: A Profile of Black Boston, which is out today.

Report co-author James Jennings joins The Common for a deeper look at how the region's Black population continues to grow and change.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

America's opaque parole system Apr 05, 2023

Crime and justice. Punishment and redemption. When it comes to even the most extreme crimes, how much prison time is enough?

Marshall Project reporter Beth Schwartzapfel speaks with The Common about Violation, a new podcast from WBUR and The Marshall Project, which explores the nation's parole system, and the stories of the people entangled in it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Remembering Boston's Mel King Apr 04, 2023

Last Tuesday, the city lost a giant. Activist, former politician and proud son of the South End, Mel King, died at the age of 94. King fought for working class people in the streets and on Beacon Hill, and he was the first Black candidate to make it to the general election in a race to be Boston’s mayor.

Local writer and historian Dart Adams joins The Common to remember Mel King, and for a look at his ongoing legacy.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Radioactive waste and Cape Cod Bay Apr 03, 2023

For the last year or so, the company in charge of cleaning up the shuttered Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth has been slowly moving ahead with its plans to discharge contaminated wastewater from the plant into Cape Cod Bay. But recently, opposition from area residents, activists and politicians has been heating up.

WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common to share some updates on the decommissioning process, and the state and public's attempt to find out what's really in that dirty water.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Your guide to the freshest art in Boston this spring Mar 31, 2023

Does the coming of spring put you in the mood to see a play? How about a film? Maybe a dance performance? You want to get out and explore the freshest art blooming in the Boston arts scene, but you're not sure where to start?

Look no further than WBUR's Spring Art Guides, covering theatre, film festivals, art exhibitions, classical music, books, dance, and albums.

WBUR Arts Editor Lauren Williams joins The Common to discuss some highlights from the art guides, and offers her recommendations for how to make the most of the season.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

MBTA's next stop: Phillip Eng Mar 30, 2023

The wait for a new MBTA general manager is finally over. Governor Maura Healy announced Monday that Phillip Eng will take over the T, bringing with him four decades of transit experience in New York. WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common to discuss what's ahead for Eng as he works to restore rider trust in a transit agency that has been ridden with service and safety issues in recent years.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Pay attention to that blue envelope in your mailbox Mar 29, 2023

The state is rechecking the eligibility of all 2.3 million Bay Staters who receive insurance through MassHealth, as the federal COVID emergency winds down. Hundreds of thousands are expected to lose eligibility for MassHealth, meaning folks will need to find alternative health insurance coverage.

WBUR Senior Health Reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey joins The Common to walk us through this process, which, for many, will start with receiving a certain blue envelope in the mail.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

By bus, it’s a hike to the Blue Hills Mar 28, 2023

A new study from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Agency finds stark inequities in access to the Blue Hills Reservation for public transit-reliant residents. According to the study, called Unlocking the Blue Hills: Addressing Equity and Access in the Blue Hills Reservation, a bus ride to the Blue Hills from neighborhoods just a few miles alway can take well over an hour, and include multiple transfers.

Sean Rourke, manager of communications & engagement at the Boston MPO, joins The Common to break down the study's findings and proposed solutions.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A chemical fire in Braintree Mar 27, 2023

In February, some chemical waste in a tractor trailer spontaneously combusted at a Clean Harbors hazardous waste disposal center in Braintree. By the time the fire was put out, three trailers of chemical waste had burned. Today, the impacts of this incident still aren’t fully known.

WBUR Senior Climate and Environment reporter, Miriam Wasser joins The Common to walk us through this incident and what it could mean for residents of Braintree and beyond.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Five restaurants to try this Women's History Month Mar 24, 2023

It's Women's History Month. It's also the final days of Dine Out Boston, a two-week event that highlights local restaurants, and encourages people to explore the city’s dining scene.

Editor of Eater Boston, Erika Adams join The Common to walk us through five must-try, women-owned restaurants in Boston and Cambridge, some of which are participating in Dine Out Boston, and for a conversation about the importance of supporting women-owned eateries.

Erika's Five-to-try:

Trade: Downtown Boston, owned by Jody Adams Suya Joint: Roxbury, owned by Cecelia Lizotte Pagu: Cambridge, owned by Tracy Chang Shanti: Dorchester, Roslindale, Cambridge, co-owned by Rokeya Chowdhury Urban Hearth: Cambridge, owned by Erin Miller

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Asian American students feel overlooked, report finds Mar 23, 2023

A new report commissioned by members of the Massachusetts Asian American Educators Association finds that Asian American students in Boston Public High Schools are more likely to report feeling an absence of belonging, and a lack of interest from teachers as compared to Black, Latino or white students.

Go Sasaki is a co-author of the report “Truth from Youth: The Asian American Experience in BPS High Schools” and a former BPS educator. He joins The Common for a deeper look at the report's findings, and the myths and tropes that impact many Asian American students.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Workers' rights in Boston restaurants Mar 22, 2023

Stavros Papantoniadis, the owner of the Dorchester pizza joint Stash’s, was arrested last week under disturbing allegations of abuse towards his undocumented workers. He’s also charged with one account of forced labor in federal court.

The allegations at Stash’s are extreme. But worker mistreatment is more common than one might think. Pablo Carrasco is an attorney for Justice At Work, a Boston-based advocacy organization that offers support to low-wage workers. He joins The Common to talk about some of the ways workers are often exploited and mistreated, as well as resources for those who feel they may be experiencing abuse.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Required MBTA housing law is, well, required Mar 22, 2023

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has announced that cities and towns must comply with the new MBTA Communities law, which requires municipalities to zone for multi-family housing near public transit access points. This comes after several municipalities have resisted the changes. Boston Globe Business Correspondent Andrew Brinker joins The Common to break it down.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The EPA wants to limit your PFAS intake Mar 20, 2023

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new guidelines regulating the presence of PFAS in municipal water systems. The proposal would require all U.S. cities to test for, and limit, the levels of six PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common for a deeper look at these proposed limitations, and what they mean for your drinking water, and possibly your water bill, here in Massachusetts.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Common introduces Violation, a new podcast about who pulls the levers of power in the justice system Mar 15, 2023

We want to share a first listen of a new podcast we're working on at WBUR.

Violation tells the story of two families bound together by an unthinkable crime. It explores America's opaque parole system and asks: How much time in prison is enough? Who gets to decide? And, when someone commits a terrible crime, what does redemption look like?

Listen to the trailer and if you like what you hear, head over to the Violation feed wherever you get your podcasts and hit subscribe so you'll get new episodes when they drop, beginning March 22.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Catch some tunes this St. Paddy's Day Mar 17, 2023

Looking for a fun St. Patrick's Day activity? We've got you covered. Club Passim Marketing Manager and Boston Celtic Music Festival Director Summer McCall joins The Common to give a rundown of the best places to catch live Celtic music in Boston during St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Check out Summer's full list of recommendations at WBUR.org

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Increasing accountability in Boston's restaurant scene Mar 16, 2023

Earlier this week, local chef and James Beard Leadership Award winner Irene Li posted an Instagram Reel featuring a number of controversial comments made by celebrity chef Ming Tsai during a talk at WBUR CitySpace (moderated by Li). Today, Li joins The Common to move the conversation forward, with a broader discussion about culture and accountability in Boston's restaurant industry.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The fight over trans kids in New Hampshire Mar 15, 2023

New Hampshire lawmakers are currently considering a number of bills that aim to restrict the rights of LGBTQ students and young people, particularly trans kids. GLAD attorney Chris Erchull joins The Common to tell us more about this legislation and what it could mean for LGBTQ youth in New Hampshire and their families.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The debate over court-ordered mental health care Mar 14, 2023

Massachusetts lawmakers will soon consider a bill that would make it legal for someone to be committed to outpatient mental health treatment under court order. It's often called assisted outpatient treatment, and Massachusetts is one of only three states that doesn't have a law supporting it on the books.

This type of court-ordered program has sparked fierce debate among mental health advocates in the state, with many standing in opposition. WBUR Reporter Deborah Becker joins The Common to discuss this legislation, and the arguments for and against its passage.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council gives rent control the thumbs-up Mar 13, 2023

The Boston City Council has voted overwhelmingly in favor of Mayor Michelle Wu's rent control proposal, which aims to cap rent increases in the city. While the proposal has cleared the council, rent control is currently banned in Massachusetts, meaning the proposal will require approval from Beacon Hill in order to take effect.

WBUR Reporter Yasmin Amer joins The Common to break down the council's vote, and for a look at other early pushes for rent control in the Boston Area.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Night at the museum Mar 10, 2023

If you've been meaning to visit more of Boston's great museums, March may be the perfect month to do so. Whether you're into contemporary dance, searching for some cooking inspiration, or just looking for a chance to learn something new, we've got you covered.

Assistant director for WBUR CitySpace, Candice Springer joins The Common to walk us through some of the best special events happening in Boston's museum scene this month.

Candice recommends...

Global Arts Live presents Gibney Company (The Institute of Contemporary Art, March 17 - March 18) A Reno Family Foundation Symposium: An Evening with Ghetto Gastro (The Museum of Science, March 22) Celebrate Nowruz (MFA Boston, March 23) Curated Cuisine: Celebrating Pi Day with "Pieometry" author Lauren Ko (WBUR City Space, March 14)

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A fender-bender at Logan Airport Mar 09, 2023

Boston Logan Airport has been in the headlines several times in recent weeks due to a number of mishaps including an averted plane collision and a fender-bender between grounded aircraft. WBUR Transportation Reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins The Common to tell us more about these incidents and related investigations.

Editor's Note: A previous iteration of the audio version of this episode misstated the number of runway hotspots at the Austin airport. The episode has been corrected. We regret the error.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Yes, this winter is weird Mar 08, 2023

Missing the snow? You're not alone. People and wildlife alike are feeling the impact of a warmer, less-snowy winter.

WBUR reporter Simón Rios joins The Common to discuss what this season's weather patterns tell us about our changing climate and what winters may look like in Boston going forward.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A court order, Boston Schools, and the right to monitor Mar 07, 2023

A civil rights organization claims they're being barred from monitoring how Boston Public Schools spends certain funds to support students who are English language learners, despite a decades-old federal court order that gives them permission to do so. BPS maintains that they're in compliance.

Mandy McLaren, a reporter for the Boston Globe's Great Divide team, which looks into educational inequality in Boston and beyond, joins The Common to walk us through what's known about this conflict, and BPS' broader track record regarding support for students who are English language learners.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Comrade Cafe Mar 06, 2023

In the past several years there has been a push among food service workers locally and nationally to unionize their workplaces. Recent local examples include three associated cafes in Somerville (Diesel Café, Bloc Café and Forge Baking Company), which reached a contract with their employer in February, as well as the Harvard Square location of Milk Bar, which closed shortly after workers there voted to unionize. Boston Globe Business Reporter Diti Kohli joins The Common to discuss the surge in union efforts among Boston-area cafe workers.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Fixing things is on the menu at the Repair Cafe Mar 03, 2023

You know that broken thing you have sitting in your closet that you just don't have the heart to throw away? It could be a broken lamp, a dead watch or a pair of scissors that's a little dull. Well, chances are there's a helpful neighbor nearby who would love to fix it up for you at one of the region's Repair Cafes. WBUR's Martha Bebinger joins The Common with more on the Repair Cafe movement and the folks behind it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why you probably can't buy a house in Boston Mar 02, 2023

Which neighborhood should you visit, if you're looking to buy a relatively affordable home in Boston? Unless you're ready to drop a big chunk of change... none of them. It's an extremely challenging time to enter the housing market in Greater Boston, and there are a lot of reasons why.

Business correspondent for the Boston Globe, Andrew Brinker joins The Common for a look at the factors contributing to Boston's challenging housing market, which disproportionately impacts Black and Latino residents.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Inside a protected wetland, a landfill nears capacity Mar 01, 2023

Rumney Marsh is a protected wetland in Saugus. It's also home to a landfill that's close to reaching its 50-foot height capacity. While activists say it's about time to lock down the landfill, the operator of the facility, WIN Waste, wants to expand landfill capacity, regardless of state regulations.

WBUR's Paula Moura joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A poet and a saxophonist walk into a lounge Feb 28, 2023

Tucked underneath the bustling Cambridge Common restaurant near Porter Square is the Lizard Lounge, a longtime gathering place for Greater Boston's poetry scene. Since 1998, the venue has hosted a weekly event that combines curated poetry performance with live, improvisational jazz. The venue just celebrated its 25th anniversary, and the retirement of Jeff Robinson, the leader behind the musical stylings that accompany this iconic poetry night.

WBUR's Cristela Guerra joins The Common for more on Robinson's legacy, and what's next for the Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Governor Healey's first state budget Feb 27, 2023

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is announcing her first budget recommendations this week. WBUR's Senior State House Reporter Steve Brown joins The Common to break down some of Governor Healey's biggest budget priorities this year.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Restoring a piece of Boston's Black history Feb 24, 2023

The League of Women for Community Service is Boston's oldest Black women-led organization. Founded in 1920, the League provided a safe space and numerous services to Boston's Black community throughout the 20th century. WBUR Reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common to tell us more about this piece of Boston's Black history and the effort to restore its original building.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The workers waiting in the wings Feb 23, 2023

Haitian migrants landing in Massachusetts are waiting months to years for documentation that will allow them to legally work in the U.S. Meanwhile, worker shortages continue to plague industries from construction to school transportation. Seth Daniel, news editor for the Dorchester Reporter, joins The Common to discuss how this backlog is impacting Haitian immigrants locally and the Boston community at large.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The search for Reina Morales Rojas Feb 22, 2023

Reina Morales Rojas, a recent immigrant and resident of East Boston, has been missing for three months. It took Boston police more than six weeks to announce her case and it has received little public attention since. Boston Globe Associate Editor and Columnist Marcela Garcia has been following the story, she joined us to tell us more about Reina and how her case was overlooked for so long.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Rethinking home ownership in Chinatown Feb 21, 2023

Housing prices in Boston's Chinatown have been surging for decades, resulting in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the city. That's why housing advocates with the Chinatown Community Land Trust have turned to an alternative model for home ownership that helps working-class and immigrant residents stay in the neighborhood.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: For EVs to take off, Boston needs more equitable placement of chargers Feb 20, 2023

Team Common is taking the day off. So instead, we'd like to share this great recent story from the WBUR Newsroom.

Boston wants the majority of new cars purchased to be electric by 2050. And of course, all of those cars need to be charged somewhere. The city has a plan to give every household access to an electric vehicle charger or car share facility within a 10 minute walk by 2040. However equity issues make it more of a challenge for some neighborhoods than others. WBUR Climate and Environment Reporter Paula Moura has the story.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do over February break Feb 17, 2023

February break is here for Boston-area students and their families. Associate Producer for WBUR newsletters Hanna Ali gives The Common a run down of fun and affordable activities for families to check out around the city next week.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

PFAS and your health Feb 16, 2023

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used to make products ranging from firefighting foam to waterproof mascara. And as a result, they're basically in everything else too – including the bodies of about 97% of Americans. In the second of a two-part series on PFAS, The Common speaks with WBUR Senior Health and Science Reporter Gabrielle Emanuel about how PFAS can impact our health.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Love that PFAS water Feb 15, 2023

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used to make products ranging from firefighting foam to waterproof mascara. And as a result, they're basically in everything else too – including the bodies of about 97% of Americans. In the first of a two-part series, The Common talks with WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran about PFAS levels in Massachusetts drinking water, and the high cost of managing it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Interview with Cupid Feb 14, 2023

Dinner with Cupid is a column from The Boston Globe Magazine that matches up two willing singles on a blind date and then features details on how the evening goes. This Valentine's Day, The Common sits down with Cupid herself, aka contributing editor Melissa Schorr, for a peak behind the scenes of Dinner with Cupid and the latest dating trends here in Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Eastie substation saga Feb 13, 2023

Last month, Eversource broke ground on a new electrical substation in East Boston, a piece of infrastructure that has raised significant environmental justice concerns in the community since it was proposed more than eight years ago. WBUR's Miriam Wasser joins The Common to walk us through this controversial project.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How the dumpling is Mei Mei-d Feb 10, 2023

In late January, Mei Mei Dumpling Factory and Cafe opened its doors to sold-out crowds for the first time since the pandemic. The story of Mei Mei, which was co-founded by James Beard Leadership Award winning chef Irene Li and her siblings, has been defined by adaptivity and Irene's ambition to rethink the restaurant industry from the ground up. The Common pays a visit to Mei Mei and finds out what this latest evolution is all about.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Massachusetts is falling behind on financial aid Feb 09, 2023

A new report from a Boston-based research and policy institute focused on higher education finds that eight out of ten students attending a four-year public university have $12,000 in unmet financial needs each year. For 9 out of 10 students attending community colleges, that number is nearly $9,000 each year.

Today on The Common, Managing Director of the Hildreth Institute, Bahar Akman Imboden dives into the systemic challenges of accessing affordable higher education in Massachusetts.

Check out the Hildreth Institute's full report, "Rising Barriers, Shrinking Aid" for more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The end of SNAP pandemic benefits Feb 08, 2023

Households receiving SNAP benefits saw an additional boost of at least $95 per payment from the program during the pandemic. After almost three years, that increase is set to end this month. That means some recipients will have less money for food now priced higher than it was before the pandemic.

Juan Camilo Saavedra, joins The Common to give us an idea of how this loss of additional benefits could impact local communities. He’s the director of food and nutrition at La Colaborativa, a social services organization focused on empowering Latinx immigrants in Chelsea.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Jack Lepiarz joins the circus Feb 07, 2023

WBUR midday host Jack Lepiarz is hanging up his headphones after over a decade at the station. Why? He's running away to join the circus, of course. The Common catches Jack, aka Jack Ze Whipper, on his last day to discuss how his Renaissance Faire act became a viral sensation on TikTok and for a look back at his career at WBUR.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Housing crisis hits Afghan evacuees Feb 06, 2023

Two Afghan families, forcibly displaced from their home country, remain occupants of a church basement in Newburyport. It's been more than a year since they arrived, but they’ve been unable to find a permanent home, in part, due to the lack of affordable housing options in the community they’ve become a part of. But, a group of advocates is hoping to develop new structures to help forcibly displaced people afford housing in Newburyport, and beyond. WBUR Senior Producer and Reporter Lynn Jolicoeur joins The Common with more.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: take your boo to high tea Feb 03, 2023

It's that special time again – We've got WBUR CitySpace's Assistant Director, and general curator of fun, Candice Springer on The Common to tell us what events, happenings, and date-ready tea rooms (Yes! Rooms, plural!) can't be missed in Boston this month.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Save your food and your wallet Feb 02, 2023

Believe it or not, many of the "expiration date" and "best by" stickers on your food are fairly arbitrary. So during a time when food prices are sky high, knowing what is and isn't still good to eat can help cut down on food waste and your expenses. Food For Free's Ben Engle joins The Common to give us a few pointers on how to be more thoughtful about reducing household food waste.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Why can't the MBTA hire enough bus drivers? Feb 01, 2023

Since December 2021, the MBTA has been working on an "aggressive" hiring campaign to bolster driver numbers to bring bus services back to pre-pandemic levels. Now, in January 2023, they have fewer drivers than a year ago and bus services continue to be cut left and right. Boston Globe Transportation Reporter Taylor Dolven joins The Common to discuss why the campaign failed, and how Boston's Black and Hispanic communities are paying the price.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What a city-funded development plan could mean for Mattapan Jan 31, 2023

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu wants to change the way the city approaches development, with one goal being to increase opportunities for economic growth within communities of color. She wants to start with Mattapan, a neighborhood that's 43% Black and 31% Hispanic. WBUR's Rupa Shenoy walks us through the city's proposed plan in today's episode of The Common.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Latino representation and a new era for "El Planeta" Jan 30, 2023

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has made building a diverse and inclusive administration a priority during her first weeks in office. However, she has yet to appoint any Latino people to cabinet positions. Executive Chairman of El Planeta, Boston's largest Spanish-language publication, Javier Marin joins The Common to break down this moment.

Also, we speak with Marcos Marin, El Planeta's new CEO and Editor-in-Chief, about his vision for the paper in the coming years.

CORRECTION: A previous description for this episode stated the Healey administration hadn't appointed any Latino people to senior leadership positions when it should have stated "cabinet positions." The Healey administration has appointed several Latino people to senior leadership positions. The post has been corrected. We regret the error.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu takes stock Jan 27, 2023

Wednesday night, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took the stage at MGM Music Hall in Fenway to give her first State of the City address. She used the speech to highlight her plans for housing and development, and to celebrate the successes of her first year in office. WBUR reporter Walter Wuthmann joins The Common to walk us through the major points of Mayor Wu's speech, and to offer analysis on what this all could mean for the remainder of her first term.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Home counseling for kids in crisis Jan 26, 2023

Last week, nearly 100 children across Massachusetts were stuck in hospital emergency rooms waiting for mental health services. This is not unusual, as child psychiatric units have long been overstretched, particularly during the pandemic. That's why the state has begun partnering with diversion services that allow children to access mental health counseling in their own homes. WBUR's Martha Bebinger joins The Common to share the story of one family's experience.

If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis or may be considering suicide, contact the Massachusetts mental health helpline at 833-773-2445 or the national crisis lifeline, which is 988.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Housing Check: Gov. Maura Healey and affordable housing Jan 25, 2023

We've got more on housing, folks! Today, we're taking a look at what Gov. Maura Healey's has planned to address housing insecurity at the state level. WBUR's Simón Rios joins The Common to discuss what we know about Gov. Healey's housing policy, including plans to hire a cabinet-level housing secretary.

P.S. if you missed it, check out yesterday's show all about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's new plan to propose a rent control policy in Boston, and the uphill battle she could face in doing so.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Housing check: Rent control in Boston Jan 24, 2023

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is planning to propose a rent control policy for the city that would cap yearly rent increases at 10%. However, Mayor Wu faces a steep uphill battle to push the policy through, with critiques of her plan coming from all sides of the issue. Boston Globe reporter Emma Platoff, who helped break the story, joins The Common to explain the plan and the arguments around it.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Stuck in traffic? This one's for you Jan 23, 2023

Boston was recently named the second worst city for traffic congestion in the country and fourth worst in the world, according to INRIX’s 2022 global traffic scorecard. Today on The Common, Boston's Chief of Streets, Jascha Franklin-Hodge joins the show to discuss city efforts to make transportation safer, more efficient and less car-dependent across Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

New restaurants to watch in 2023 Jan 20, 2023

Stop sleeping on Boston's food scene! Editor of Eater Boston, Erika Adams, joins "The Common" to discuss the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2023, and why you should get excited to eat out in the city.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Not everyone is embracing The Embrace Jan 19, 2023

Since its unveiling on January 13th, The Embrace monument to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott, has received a wide range of reactions both good and bad. WBUR Arts Reporter Arielle Gray joins The Common to discuss why some in the community are disappointed with the memorial.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A police shooting in Cambridge Jan 18, 2023

The fatal police shooting of 20-year-old Arif Sayed Faisal earlier this month in Cambridge has the community demanding answers and calls into question how law enforcement engages with people in mental distress. WBUR Senior Correspondent Deborah Becker has been following the incident, she joins The Common to tell us what she's learned.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Let's all go to the movies: Local film festivals to check out this winter Jan 17, 2023

From Chilean cinema to children's book adaptations to 24-hour sci-fi marathons – Greater Boston's film festival scene truly has something for everyone. Today on The Common, WBUR film writer Erin Trahan gives us the rundown on where to catch the best festival flicks over the next couple months.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Memorial honoring the Kings opens on Boston Common Jan 16, 2023

Last Friday, a new permanent monument was unveiled on Boston Common. It’s called The Embrace, and it honors the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr and his wife, Coretta Scott King, who met right here in Boston as college students in the 1950s.

WBUR Morning Edition Host Rupa Shenoy had the chance to see the Embrace before its unveiling. She joins The Common to describe the experience.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Starting a business? Looking for housing support? Ask the library Jan 13, 2023

Libraries have a long history of filling in gaps in social services, and the Boston Public Library is no different. Director of library services for Boston Public Libraries, Michael Colford joins The Common to discuss how the library can help you out, beyond the obvious.

Check out the "services" tab on the Boston Public Library website for more info on available programming.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

State regulators routinely allowed delays in MBTA safety investigations Jan 12, 2023

You might be familiar with the Department of Public Utilities as the state office that regulates electricity and gas services. However, they're also responsible for overseeing safety on the MBTA. A new investigative report from WBUR shows that the DPU has routinely allowed the T to file safety investigations late, delaying the review process. Senior Investigative Reporter Beth Healy joins "The Common" to discuss her findings.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Sound Museum faces silence Jan 11, 2023

The Sound Museum has been a fixture of the Allston-Brighton music scene for three decades, serving as a practice space for Boston musicians. At the end of January, these artists will be forced to find a new place to meet.

WBUR Arts Reporter and Critic, Amelia Mason joins The Common with the latest on the Sound Museum's fight to survive.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A guide to Massachusetts' new laws Jan 10, 2023

A number of new state laws are coming into effect in 2023, from an updated minimum wage to legal drivers licenses for undocumented people. WBUR Senior Statehouse Reporter Steve Brown joins host Darryl C. Murphy on The Common to talk us through these laws and how they will impact life in the Commonwealth.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Yep, COVID is still a thing Jan 09, 2023

WBUR senior health reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey stops by The Common to give us a post-holiday COVID update and to help us understand where things are with the pandemic overall.

Then, we've got Chris Bentley, host of Here & Now Anytime. It's another great news podcast from WBUR and NPR, available for you to add to the rotation now.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Experiential bars are an all-inclusive good time Jan 06, 2023

Look, we know January can be a drag. Which is all the more reason why you need a good excuse to get out there and have some fun. Today on The Common, WBUR CitySpace Assistant Director Candice Springer tells us about three local game-themed bars that offer an all-around good time for the whole family.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Trash talk: Your guide to Massachusetts' new waste bans Jan 05, 2023

Starting in November, Massachusetts instated some changes to its waste disposal rules. The changes included bans that further limit how much food can be wasted by commercial kitchens and also prohibits mattresses and textiles from going in the trash.

WBUR climate and environment correspondent Barbara Moran joins The Common to tell us about how these new rules will impact our daily lives.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

New year, new governor Jan 04, 2023

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey will be sworn in as governor on Thursday. Alongside her will be Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, who is taking on the role of lieutenant governor.

New leadership means new priorities for the state, so we got Boston Globe politics reporter, Samantha J. Gross to come through for a look at what we can expect for the future.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Legalized sports betting could begin in January Jan 03, 2023

Massachusetts residents will be able to begin participating in sports betting very soon, with in-person betting starting as early as the Super Bowl.

The Common's Darryl C. Murphy sits down with WBUR Morning Edition associate producer Samantha Coetzee to look back at what the road for legalized sports betting has been like so far, and what consumers can expect from the Massachusetts sports betting experience.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Skate collective LonelyBones is making space for community in the sport Jan 02, 2023

Team Common is taking some time off to rest and recover over the holidays. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite stories from WBUR’s newsroom in 2022.

Lots of people took up skateboarding during the pandemic, including many women and girls, and a new local skating club called Lonely Bones is catering to that clientele. They create an environment that is comfortable for people considered to be on the margins of traditional skate culture. WBUR’s Lauren Williams visited the club in Cambridge over the summer.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Reflecting on 'Songs of the Humpback Whale' five decades since its release Dec 30, 2022

When the album “Songs of the Humpback Whale” first hit record stores five decades ago, it energized the Save the Whales movement and helped push Congress to pass the Marine Mammal Protection Act. To mark the 50th anniversary of that landmark act, WBUR’s Barbara Moran spoke with the album's creator about its influence on the environmental movement.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: South Shore singer Lee Zangari is our local Tiny Desk favorite Dec 29, 2022

Team Common is taking some time off to rest and recover over the holidays. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite stories from WBUR’s newsroom in 2022.

Every year, one lucky independent musician is launched into the national spotlight as the winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. In Massachusetts, nearly 150 local artists entered songs into this year's competition.

Arts reporter Amelia Mason listened to them all. For WBUR's Sound On music series, Mason and four other panelists chose their favorite local submission: "A Man Is A Man" by Lee Zangari.

Find the original story here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Wheelchairs break often and take a long time to fix, leaving millions stranded Dec 28, 2022

Team Common is taking some time off to rest and recover over the holidays. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite stories from WBUR’s newsroom in 2022.

About 5.5 million people use wheelchairs in the United States. But those wheelchairs aren’t always reliable. They often break down and the average repair takes up to a month. That’s a serious problem for people who use them, and it’s been linked to medical complications.

In May, WBUR health and science reporter Gabrielle Emanuel took a hard look at the reasons behind these frequent breakdowns. Today, we look back at what she found.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: How a nonprofit moved 150 people from 'Mass. and Cass' into permanent housing, and is helping them stay there Dec 27, 2022

Team Common is taking some time off to rest and recover over the holidays. In the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite stories from WBUR’s newsroom in 2022.

Today, we bring you the second part in a series from reporter and producer Lisa Mullins and Lynn Jolicouer. They look at efforts around the Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard area of Boston, also known as Mass and Cass, to get people living there into permanent housing. Today's installment is all about one non-profit’s work to help 150 people into permanent housing.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: After leaving 'Mass. and Cass,' former Sox minor league pitcher has 'team' helping him toward recovery Dec 26, 2022

Team Common is taking some time off to rest and recover for the holidays. In the meantime, we're sharing some of our favorite stories from WBUR's newsroom from over the year.

We're kicking the week off with the first of a two-part series from WBUR's Lisa Mullins and Lynn Jolicouer. It’s the story of one man who finds housing, after years of living in the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston, also known Mass and Cass.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Venezuelan migrants find home again in Massachusetts Dec 23, 2022

Over the summer, 50 Venezuelan migrants were dropped off on Martha's Vineyard in a political stunt made by Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. The new arrivals were met with national media attention, and an outpouring of aid. However, as WBUR's Cristela Guerra reports, migrants from Venezuela have been finding their way to Massachusetts for years, finding the help they need among the Venezuelan community that is already here.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Impress your holiday crowd with Nail the Cocktail's Passionate Brew Dec 22, 2022

Some of you are preparing for your holiday get togethers, and you may want to impress your company with a homemade cocktail. If that’s the case, we got you.

Claudiane Philippe is the creator of Nail the Cocktail. She joins The Common's Darryl C. Murphy to teach us an original cocktail recipe to try out over the holidays.

Find the recipe for Claudiane's Passionate Brew on WBUR.org.

You can find more from Claudiane on Instragram @nailthecocktail.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston City Council will study reparations for Black Bostonians Dec 21, 2022

The Boston City Council has unanimously approved a task force to study the issue of reparations for Black Bostonians, in light of the city's historic role in slavery and present-day inequality.

The Common's Darryl C. Murphy spoke with Masslive reporting fellow Alvin Buyinza, who covered the historic vote.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A pre-playoffs Patriots check-in Dec 20, 2022

Khari Thompson, host of the Audacy podcast, 1st and Foxborough, joins the show for a pre-playoffs Patriots check-in.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Cognoscenti's 2022 wrapped Dec 19, 2022

Cognoscenti is WBUR’s ideas and opinion blog where local experts, writers and thinkers of all kinds share their perspectives on a range of topics. This year gave us plenty of things to ponder and reflect on. So, as the year winds down, we reached out to Cognoscenti senior editor Cloe Axelson to talk to us about three essays from the year that resonated within our community.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Holiday mental health check Dec 16, 2022

The holidays can be a time of immense joy and excitement, but it's also common to experience feelings of loneliness, stress or anxiety. And those short, chilly days? They're probably not helping. But, help is available. On today's episode, Michelle Ward-Gilles of NAMI Massachusetts join the show to discuss how we can take care of our mental health during the holiday season, and through winter more broadly. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, help is available. Call the national Lifeline at 9-8-8 to get immediate support.

You can also check out the resources available through NAMI Massachusetts on their website. NAMI Massachusetts' Compass Helpline is also available to help you navigate mental health resources in Mass. That number is: 1-800-370-9085.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Chinatown's long battle for Reggie Wong Memorial Park Dec 15, 2022

Reggie Wong Memorial Park is currently Boston Chinatown's only open community space. For years, community members have been trying to obtain a lease for the park from MassDOT in order to make some much-needed updates to the land. However, they've been met with roadblock after roadblock since 2016. WBUR News Fellow Aimee Moon breaks it down for us.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Get in, we're riding the Green Line Extension Dec 14, 2022

Happy Green Line Extension Week, one and all. On today's episode, Darryl and our producer Katelyn Harrop take us on an opening day ride from the brand-new Medford/Tufts station, all the way to the end of the extension... collecting stories and perspectives from riders along the way.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How families in Chelsea spent a guaranteed income Dec 13, 2022

The city of Chelsea tested a nine-month guaranteed income program in 2020 as a part of its pandemic relief effort. The outcomes of that program were tracked by researchers at Harvard and those findings are now out. WBUR business reported Yasmin Amer joins to discuss the results of the study.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

A tale of two mobile home parks Dec 12, 2022

Large investors have been buying up mobile home communities at a rapid pace over the past few years, including here in Massachusetts. WBUR reporter Simon Rios dives into his reporting on two local mobile home communities that were faced with corporate buyouts, and the two very different outcomes they saw.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: "Chicken & Biscuits," a dance party and "Life of Pi" Dec 09, 2022

Winter is here and it can be hard to find the motivation to leave the comfort of our homes. However, the occasional adventure is good for the soul, especially during the cold and dreary days of December. Thankfully, WBUR CitySpace assistant director Candice Springer is back with a smorgasbord of things to do and eat this month.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Who we're watching at the Boston Music Awards Dec 08, 2022

The Boston Music Awards are set for December 14, at Big Night Live. The awards celebrate Boston's local music scene, and shine a light on some of the biggest and newest acts in the area. WBUR's senior arts and culture reporter and critic Amelia Mason joins the show, to give us a taste of a few of the artists she's most excited about ahead of the awards next week.

Songs from the episode:

Milonga Accidental - Alisa Amador Feels - Rilla Force She’s a Liar - Little Fuss Easy on the Eyes - GA-20 Mona - Winkler

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston-area schools hit year-three of the pandemic Dec 07, 2022

The school year got off to a rough start for some districts in the region. There have been issues with school buses, teacher strikes, and in Boston a near takeover of the district. WBUR's education editor Suevon Lee joins the show for a look back at the first half of the 2022-2023 K-12 school year, and a look towards what may be in store for the winter and spring.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Black Market Nubian hosts holiday market and prepares for change Dec 06, 2022

Black Market Nubian has provided a marketplace for local Black-owned businesses and makers for five years, including a beloved holiday market. But this market season, which runs Saturdays through December, will be its last. We sat down with Black Market Nubian cofounder Kai Grant for a look at the legacy of the market, what you can expect this month, and what's next for the organization.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

People with disabilities struggle to find essential care among worker shortage Dec 05, 2022

There is a severe labor shortage among care workers who serve people with disabilities. As a result, families are left trying finding ways to bridge the gap in essential care that their loved ones need. WBUR business reporter Yasmin Amer has been following the story. She joins us to discuss why this is happening.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Winter hiking wonders are just an MBTA ride away Dec 02, 2022

It’s that time of year. The cold, dreary days of winter are approaching and we know many of you are preparing to hunker down. But, there are huge benefits to getting outside, even when it's chilly, and we're here to help with the details. Today on the show, we have outdoor adventure writer Miles Howard with some of the top destinations for winter hiking, just an MBTA ride from (or in!) Boston.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Need emergency housing? Please hold. Dec 01, 2022

Families seeking emergency housing in Massachusetts are finding themselves locked out of the state's family shelter system. The reason? The main hotline that is supposed to help match people with housing isn't working properly, leaving people stuck on hold for hours – even days – on end.

WBUR senior health and science reporter Gabrielle Emanuel joins the show to explain why this vital service is failing.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston, Canada, and a Christmas tree Nov 30, 2022

The Boston Common Christmas tree will have its official lighting on Thursday, December 1st. But this isn't just any holiday ceremony, it's the continuation of a tradition started between Boston and our neighbors in Nova Scotia during World War I, and the story behind it is pretty fascinating. We get into it with WBUR's Dan Guzman.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How to navigate the RSV surge this winter Nov 29, 2022

A virus known as RSV is surging among young children and infants in Massachusetts, putting more stress on the region's already strained hospitals.

WBUR senior health reporter Priyanka Dayal McCluskey has been following how doctors are handling the RSV surge. She joins the show to discuss the situation in hospitals across the state, as well as how to help keep your community healthy this winter.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston from a Black perspective Nov 28, 2022

Boston has a bad reputation when it comes to racism that is hard to shake. But that outside image ignores the rich history and experiences of the people of color who have shaped the city for centuries. Boston-based journalist, historian and researcher Dart Adams joins the show to give his perspective on why Boston has a hard time moving beyond its racist reputation.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: Local Indigenous tribes gather to build community Nov 25, 2022

Team Common is in holiday recovery mode today. So instead of our regular show, we’re bringing you this great story from the WBUR newsroom.

At the start of Native American Heritage Month this November, Indigenous people of various nations gathered on the banks of the Mystic River in Charlestown.

The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag, in collaboration with the Nipmuc and others came to build community, strengthen tribal bonds and learn an ancient skill. WBUR’s Cristela Guerra spoke with some of the teachers and students involved.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

From the newsroom: record store legend Skippy White's role in Boston soul music Nov 24, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving! The Common team is off for the rest of the week, so we thought we’d bring you some great stories from the WBUR newsroom to hold you over.

Music from an unsung era in Boston’s history is being celebrated with a new compilation. WBUR’s Andrea Shea spoke to the record store owner who produced a trove of soul and rhythm and blues from local artists.

Check out more on this story at wbur.org.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Thanksgiving cooking with Haley House Nov 23, 2022

Maybe you have your Thanksgiving plans finalized, or maybe you're still looking for that final dish to finish off your spread. If you're in the latter group, this episode is for you. Haley House program director Jay Vilar joins us to share a recipe for cauliflower stuffing that ought to be a healthy yet tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Michelle Wu hits one year as Boston's mayor. How's it going? Nov 22, 2022

This month marks one year in office for Boston mayor Michelle Wu. She’s the first woman, the first Asian-American and the first person of color to be elected to the office, and came in at a time of significant change for the city. Radio Boston's Tiziana Dearing has the chance to interview Wu monthly, so we decided she was the perfect person to join the show for a look back at Mayor Wu's first year in office, and a look ahead to year two.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Some fired police officers are still finding work in Mass. Nov 21, 2022

A new WBUR investigation finds that more than a dozen police officers who were fired, or who resigned after a misconduct investigation, have been hired by other departments in Massachusetts. WBUR reporter Walter Wuthmann joins "The Common" to discuss his reporting. Find Walt's full investigation at wbur.org.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The Common adventures with Jed Nov 18, 2022

We're big fans of trains here at The Common. And so is Boston-area TikTok creator @jeddeo1, known for his deadpanned MBTA review series Adventures with Jed. In this episode, the team takes a trip down the Green Line E branch for their very own adventure with Jed.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Where your title insurance fees actually go Nov 17, 2022

WBUR Investigations has published a story about how homebuyers in Massachusetts are paying high fees for title insurance, most of which goes to real estate lawyers through an opaque process that doesn't receive any official state oversight.

Senior investigative reporter Beth Healy joins the show to take us through the reporting.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How 'bout them Celtics? Nov 16, 2022

The Celtics are objectively on fire so far this season. The Common checks in with WBUR reporter and resident Celtics expert, Simon Rios, about how the season is shaping up so far.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Boston's reverse migration Nov 15, 2022

Some young Black people are trading in Boston for cities in the South, in what's being called "reverse migration." Boston Globe reporter Tiana Woodard joins the show to discuss.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

How to make the most of your heating bill this winter Nov 14, 2022

The colder months are finally upon us and energy prices are through the roof this year. WBUR senior environment reporter Miriam Wasser joins the show to share some tips and tricks on how to heat your home without burning your wallet for warmth.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

What to do this month: Noirvember, SIX and a taste of New Orleans Nov 11, 2022

The first week of "The Common" is come and gone. To celebrate, we sat down with WBUR CitySpace assistant director Candice Springer, who always has her finger on the pulse of what is up in this city. She fills us in on everything there is to watch, experience and eat in Boston during the month of November.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Breaking down Massachusetts' historic election Nov 10, 2022

Earlier this week Massachusetts voters made history when they elected Maura Healey as Governor of Massachusetts. She’ll be the first women and openly gay person to hold the office. They also sent four other women to statewide offices including Andrea Campbell, who won her bid for Attorney General, making her the first Black woman to be elected to a statewide office In Massachusetts.

Dr. Laurie Nsiah-Jefferson, director of the Center for Women in politics and public policy at UMass Boston, joins the show to help us deconstruct the significance of this election.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

'The Common' hits the polls for a local voter vibe check Nov 09, 2022

Another election is in the books. "The Common" team spent Election Day morning visiting polling locations in East Boston to hear how voters in the neighborhood were feeling about casting their midterm ballots. Host Darryl C. Murphy compares notes with WBUR reporter Walter Wuthmann, who covered the polls in Dorchester and Roxbury.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

The MBTA isn't on the ballot ... or is it? Nov 08, 2022

It's Election Day here in Massachusetts. Kind of a big deal. Today on The Common, we're talking about something that isn't "officially" on the ballot, but whose future will be greatly affected by Election Day results. That's right, today's all about the MBTA.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Where the Latino community in Mass. stands on ballot Question 4 Nov 07, 2022

Question 4 on the state's ballot asks voters whether or not to repeal a law that will allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license starting in 2023. It has heavy implications for undocumented Bay Staters from all over the world, in particular, the region’s growing Latino community, which makes up the largest share of the state’s undocumented population. Javier Marin, CEO and publisher of El Planeta, joins the show to discuss how Latino voters are approaching this ballot initiative.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.

Introducing 'The Common,' Boston's daily news podcast Oct 31, 2022

The Common is WBUR’s daily podcast where local news and culture meet. Hosted by Darryl C. Murphy, The Common delivers in-depth conversations about Greater Boston with an ear toward the stories that reflect how our region is changing. Listen every weekday morning starting Nov. 7.

Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.