New England Weekend

It's that time of year when certain types of marine wildlife lovingly dubbed "Marine Misfits" find themselves find themselves in a precarious position. They end up drifting off course and stranding on the shores of Cape Cod, a move which often leads to deadly consequences. Carol "Krill" Carson, the founder of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, joins the show this week to discuss the plight...

As the tariff spat between Washington and Ottawa escalates, the special bond between New England and our neighbors to the north is being put to the test. This week, we're exploring what this developing trade war means for our regional economy and what it could do to the close partnership New England has worked to develop with Canada for decades. Jonathan Gruber, the Ford Professor for Economics at...

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a staple of the holiday season over its 30 years on the road, entertaining audiences of all ages. This year, they're coming back to Worcester on November 28th to perform their rock opera, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve". It promises to be an impressive show with lasers, pyrotechnics, dancers, a compelling story, and, of course, amazing music. Jeff Plate, the b...

Newton-based Spoonfuls works each day to help those around the Commonwealth in need by recovering food from local farms, restaurants, stores, and other businesses that would otherwise end up in landfills. So far, they've been able to provide enough meals for more than 5.5 million people! Their biggest fundraiser of the year, the "Ultimate Tailgate", is coming up on October 29th at the Roadrunner i...

As fall arrives in New England, you might take a moment to appreciate the vibrant foliage and reflect on the beauty of nature. Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Watertown is a great place to do that, with its stunning landscape spanning 175 acres of grounds. The cemetery has been a place of reflection and inspiration since it was founded in the 1830's, and it also serves as a hub of community...

A magical world is about to come to life at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston! This fall, the garden is transforming into a whimsical fairy village called Fairy Hollow, complete with custom fairy houses created by local artists. Other fun fairy-themed events are on the calendar, too, including a masquerade ball! Marissa Gallant, Director of Education at the Botanic Garden, s...

As the nation's food supply gets hit with more challenges, from parasite outbreaks to recalls, consumers are re-evaluating their shopping habits. Many are turning to local farmers for safer and more reliable options, support local producers say they're thrilled to have. Warren Shaw, the owner of Shaw Farm in Dracut and president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, joins Nichole this week to talk abo...

Haley House has come a long way since it opened up 60 years ago in Boston's South End. Today, it offers a range of services, including affordable housing, an urban farm, a soup kitchen, and a bakery cafe. But it's not just about providing food; it's about addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. Executive Director Reggie Jean talks with Nichole this week about their commitment to building...

As the new school year gets underway, educators and students are gearing up for a fresh start, but behind the scenes, schools are facing a one-two punch of budget cuts and rising costs. Educators are often left to dip into their own pockets to stock their classrooms. The state is stepping in with a new initiative to offer some relief for educators and child care providers who already give so much...

Many people head to the Berkshires to retire and live out their golden years. Soon, at the Berkshire Farm Sanctuary in Peru, founder Dori Scofield wants to make it possible for senior pups to do the same thing! The team at the sanctuary is working hard on the "Old Dog Inn", a safe, loving shelter solely for senior dogs that need a warm bed, roaring fireplace, and big yard to settle down in for the...

Our AC's and sump pumps have been getting quite the workout this summer, but have you ever wondered what's going on behind the scenes at our power grid to ensure it can continue to meet our growing demand for electricity? This week, Nichole's joined by Mary Cate Colapietro, Senior Communications Specialist for ISO New England, to break down a new report that provides a comprehensive look at t...

The timeless art of boat building is alive and well in Essex at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum! Now, the museum's offering a unique opportunity for you to learn the very same skills and traditions that have been revered for generations on the North Shore. By the end of the class, you'll have your very own boat to enjoy for years to come, made with your own two hands with help from experts. Executiv...

Dedham-based Three Squares New England is gearing up for its 15th annual fundraising event to combat food insecurity in the Greater Boston area. The need is greater than ever to ensure funding comes in for their network of over 38 partner organizations, including food pantries, community farms, and food recovery initiatives. Marena Burnett, Executive Director of Three Squares New England, shares a...

As Labor Day approaches, the Greater Boston Labor Council is gearing up for its second annual parade in the city's Back Bay, and this year's event promises to be just as vibrant and groundbreaking as the first. Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council, says this year's event in Copley Square will celebrate worker power, challenge corporate greed, and focus on getting out the v...

While millions of Americans either rely on Social Security for their retirement, millions more hope it will be solvent and available for them when it's time for them to make the transition. No matter how old you are, there are resources out there, especially online, to help you navigate the system and make the most of your benefits as you plan for your future. The trouble is, new research shows ma...

Testing is considered to be crucial when it comes to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but there are still many barriers that prevent people from getting screened and treated. Researchers at UMass Amherst have been working on some new technology that could be a major breakthrough in that effort: at-home HIV detection tests. Professor Chang Liu, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UMass...

This weekend, Gaelic football players are coming from all over the world to the Greater Boston area, as the USGAA Finals are taking place at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton! While Gaelic football may not be the best-known sport here in the United States, it has a close-knit community, and it's growing in popularity each and every year. This week, Allie D'Amico, a player with the Boston Shamroc...

For more than 40 years, Congregation Shirat HaYam on Nantucket has been without a permanent home, holding services and events in spaces all over the island. That's about to change. They're taking a major step forward with the purchase of an historic property, the former Surfside Life Saving Station, and the vision is clear: it won't just be a synagogue, but a vibrant center for Jewish life on the...

In a world where living your entire life online seems to be the norm, a mother and daughter from Needham are challenging the status quo with their analog approach to mental health. Teri and Ella Macduff are on a mission to encourage authenticity and self-reflection through their organization, "Chasing Red Flags". This week, they talk with Nichole about their journey to create a special journal tha...

New Bedford's rich maritime history and expertise will be on display on August 13th as the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center hosts Scallopalooza! Not only will dozens of local fishermen take part in a scallop shucking contest, the event will also give you a glimpse into the equipment and technology they use to harvest the seafood we love to enjoy this time of year. Joe Ritter, Programs Manager a...

While Massachusetts, and New England as a whole, are often looked at as leaders in renewable energy and overall sustainability, there are still some roadblocks for business owners who want to make pledges to hit certain climate goals. Rising costs and changes in policy are making it increasingly difficult for all but the largest companies to make a meaningful commitment. James Boyle, the CEO and F...

There's a growing group of collectors around the country who are fascinated with the smallest of items that can tell some big stories: a button, a pin, a poster. We're talking about political memorabilia, and enthusiasts from all over the country who are part of the American Political Items Collectors are coming to Danvers later this month for their National Convention. President Tony Lee takes a...

After more than three decades in New York City, the Museum of American Finance has made its way to Boston's Seaport District. At the new home on Commonwealth Pier, the museum is showcasing a treasure trove of educational programs and special artifacts, like George Washington's treasury bonds and a share certificate from the Boston Red Sox! Nichole's joined by David Cowen, President and CEO of...

You might be hearing the word "cyclospora" a lot more lately as the number of cases in this nationwide parasite outbreak continues to rise. There are lots of questions about how this is impacting us here in New England, from how it's impacting our produce to the symptoms those infected might be dealing with. This week, Nichole talks with Dr. Zoe Weiss, the director of Clinical Microbiology at...

Summertime is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy both good food and some time in nature! Someone who knows quite a bit about both of those things is Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants, who also leads walks and hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club around New England. He returns to the show this week to talk with Nichole about hiking safety, some of his n...