The Common

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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” 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.