The Wake Up

Salem will spend the next year giving 100 residents living below the poverty line $500 a month --- no string attached --- and studying how the extra income shapes their lives. GBH reporter Craig LeMoult joins Paris to talk about how it's going to work.

Paris speaks with Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bettina Washington about the history of Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts, and why it's time for the Commonwealth as a whole to recognize the holiday.

Fear can be a valid response to scary situations --- and in some cases, when our brains react with fear to situations that won't harm us, it can also be an opportunity to learn. In the latest installment of Wake Up Well, our monthly mental health series, Paris talks to Ajay Satpute, a psychology professor at Northeastern University who studies the neuroscience of emotion, fear and social cognition.

Today marks one year since Hamas invaded Israel. In remembrance of that somber anniversary, GBH's Esteban Bustillos has the story of two friends from Boston who believe that peace in the Middle East is still something that can be achieved.

After Hurricane Helene’s devastation, GBH meteorologist Dave Epstein explains why flooding happens and what we can expect from the rest of this year’s hurricane season.

What's the Game of Thrones-like name people used for October centuries ago? Which (allegedly) haunted locale really exists in Massachusetts? And what's a sports equinox? Edgar B. Herwick III of GBH's Curiosity Desk joins us for some autumnal trivia.

Should naturally-grown psychedelics be legal in Massachusetts? Today Paris talks to someone people behind the No on 4 campaign: Chris Keohane of the Coalition for Safe Communities

Should naturally-grown psychedelics, like psychocybin mushrooms, be legal in Massachusetts? Today Jeremy talks to two people behind the Yes on 4 campaign: Emily Oneschuk, the grassroots campaign director, and Dr. Roxanne Sholevar.

A website that platforms hate and terror groups, including neo-Nazis and KKK, got its start through some funding from a Boston-based venture capital firm. Tim Biba and Phillip Martin investigated the website's origins and the ethical conversations around giving hate a platform.

Visions, Inc., the Dorchester-based organization that works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces, is celebrating 40 years in the business at a tumultuous time. Executive Director Elika Dadsetan-Foley and DEI consultant Vernā Myers join Paris ahead of their gala Friday night to talk about the future of DEI work.

Why do birds migrate? When should you put away your hummingbird feeders? GBH Meteorologist Dave Epstein takes us under his wing.

Massachusetts voters are being asked whether to keep using the MCAS, the statewide standardized test 10th graders must pass to get their diplomas, as a high school graduation requirement. Keri Rodrigues, of the National Parents Union and the No on Question 2 campaign, joins Paris to talk about why she opposes the measure. The Yes on 2 campaign appeared in your feeds yesterday.

Massachusetts voters are being asked whether to keep using the MCAS, the statewide standardized test 10th graders must pass to get their diplomas, as a high school graduation requirement. Massachusetts Teachers Association Vice President Deb McCarthy, who is advocating for voters to do away with the MCAS as a graduation requirement in the Yes on 2 campaign, joins Paris to explain why. Tomorrow, we'll have the No on 2 campaign in your feeds --- stay tuned.

Jeremy Siegel speaks with artist Cedric “Vise1” Douglas, who painted the amazing mural of Boston Icon Donna Summer, which now overlooks Washington Street in Roxbury.

This summer at GBH News we've been bringing you stories surrounding the Boston busing crisis...now 50 years out. Paris Alston follows in the footsteps of history...taking in the stories that unfolded in the streets.

Being in green spaces, whether they're forests or tiny urban parks, can have positive impacts on physical, mental, and emotional health. GBH Meteorologist Dave Epstein and Harvard Public Health Prof. Heather Eliassen join Jeremy to talk all about it.

To tell the story of how our garbage disposals work, GBH's Edgar B. Herwick III takes us on a Curiosity Desk trip down the drain.

Gordon Miller has been protecting swimmers and sunbathers on Cape Cod beaches for 40 years, through sunny days, stormy seas, and shark watches. Reporter Eve Zuckoff talks to him about the view for the lifeguard chair.

Have you ever played cricket? The centuries-old sport is getting more popular among American kids. Liz Neisloss catches up with young players who are loving the sport and looking up to players in the major leagues.

Wondering what to watch this weekend? Film writer Sarah G. Vincent joins Jeremy to talk about a few favorites, at the movie theaters and on streaming platforms.