The Wake Up

It’s Black Friday, but malls have no doorbusters and shoppers have been partaking in deals all quarter. So what can you do post-Thanksgiving? And where are the deals? Paris talks to special guests Rachel Armany, Gal Tziperman Lotan, and Andrew Massaua about deals, meals, and going outside.

GBH’s Morning Edition team wishes you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Paris shares what she’s thankful for with our Wake Up family: Rachel Armany, Gal Tziperman Lotan, and Andrew Massaua. Among the things we are grateful for: Family, given and chosen; health; strong communities; and Rachel’s cat, Sushi.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, which means putting on Christmas movies is now socially acceptable. Paris and special guest associate producer Rachel Armany talk about a cast reunion on the 20th anniversary of “Love, Actually” and more favorite holiday tales.

Commuters beware: Thanksgiving traffic is here. Expect slow roads, crowded airports, and turkey-laden streets. One mode of transport that isn’t slow? The MBTA’S Orange Line, which is the fastest it’s been since 2019. Paris and a special guest, Executive Producer Karen Marshall, discuss planes, trains, and automobiles.

Paris and Jeremy explore what’s happening with Twitter — including what employees at the company’s Boston office are experiencing. Also: At long last, the Green Line’s extension into Medford is opening, and the new Boston City Hall Plaza is open to the public. That’s a lot to be thankful for.

We’re a week away from Thanksgiving. Which pie is the best pie? Paris and Jeremy discuss listener picks. Plus: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has officially marked one year in office. GBH’s city hall reporter, Saraya Wintersmith, catches us up on the highs and lows.

We knew they were trouble when they walked in. Jeremy and special guest  Karen Marshall  chat with Associate Producer Rachel Armany about the chaos of trying to get Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets. Plus, GBH’s Worcester reporter, Sam Turken, catches us up on the city’s search for a new manager and its police department being placed under a consent decree.

The MBTA is getting a new boss, since General Manager Steve Poftak is stepping down; a new boss-boss, with a new secretary of transportation; and a new boss-boss-boss, with the election of soon-to-be Governor Maura Healey. How can they make the T a more reliable, safe, and functional agency? Paris and Jeremy dig in.

When cannabis was legalized in Massachusetts, cities and towns gained the power to collect impact fees from dispensaries. But are they wielding that power responsibly? Boston will now return $3 million they collected from those businesses. Plus: For Veterans Day, Paris and Jeremy talk about where and how people can honor those who served.

The people at Boston ice cream icon JP Licks have come out with a pickle ice cream. Jeremy and special guest Karen Marshall have some questions, like why? And how? We also dig into some ballot questions Massachusetts voters approved this week: A tax on income over $1 million, drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants, and new regulations on dental insurance spending.

Massachusetts saw some historic firsts in yesterday’s election. What can we learn from voter’s choices? Our special guest, GBH Political Reporter Katie Lannan, joins Paris and Jeremy to break it all down.

The statewide election in Massachusetts is here, as are Congressional midterms that could shift the balance of power nationwide. So what are voters concerned about? Jeremy and Karen Marshall break it down while Paris heads out to the polls to talk to them.

Paris and special guest Karen Marshall talk about how shootings impact community members. Boston had three separate shootings in a one-hour period last night, in which five people were injured and one person killed.

There are two days left to vote in the statewide election in Massachusetts: Today and Tuesday. Paris and Jeremy break down data on how many people have already voted and dig into what the polls are saying.

Paris and Jeremy discuss why your conifers might be a little smaller this year. Also: The redistricting process in Boston has been intense. We break down all the details.

Jeremy and Paris discuss some big changes headed to the MBTA management structure. Plus Vice-President Kamala Harris is coming to town today to help out several candidates in a final push before election day arrives next week.

Massachusetts has new bans on disposing of textiles, mattresses, and food waste. What exactly does that mean? Paris and Jeremy gab about garbage.

Paris and special guest Karen Marshall talk about what Halloween costumes they would wear if they had to stick with one costume forever. Plus: What Brazilian people living in Massachusetts think about the presidential election’s results.

Jeremy and special guest Gal Tziperman Lotan talk about the scariest (and most wholesome) Halloween movies. In honor of spooky season, we also discuss the horror that is Boston's rat problem.

You’ve heard of the Salem witch trial, but are you familiar with New England’s history of vampire panic? Here’s what was at stake.

The MBTA's slow zones will be in place at least until December as workers keep making overnight repairs and need time to allow them to settle in and test their safety. That means that, as you're listening to this podcast, you're probably running late.

Today’s MBTA commission hearing will host Former United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, whose 2019 report reads almost exactly like the safety report Federal Transit Administration officials released this summer. Plus, Jeremy and Rachel talk about a Massachusetts casket company’s exciting brush with fame in a Taylor Swift music video.

Have you voted yet? Polls are officially open, and voters are starting to find their ways to the ballot boxes, by mail and in-person. Jeremy and special guest Rachel Armany review the ballot questions and candidates. Plus: Our favorite Halloween treats and a very spooky movie that isn't "Hocus Pocus."

Some people are up at 3 a.m. because they’re Swifties. We’re up at 3 a.m. to give you the news swiftly. Plus: We talk about making the most of an October visit to Salem.

Do you floss? Do you tell your dentist you floss? Are you convinced flossing is a scam imposed on us by the Big Waxy Thread industry? Paris and Jeremy discuss the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth.