In It Together

Arun Rath speaks with Anthony Benedetti from the Committee for Public Counsel Services. The group provides legal representation to those who can't afford it on their own. Benedetti explains the challenges their clients are facing amid the pandemic.

Bob Giannino, President and CEO for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, talks about the need for a coordinated coronavirus response across Massachusetts, one that includes aid for those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

The state's ban on evictions has expired. Governor Charlie Baker opted not to extend the moratorium; his administration is instead putting more money into rental assistance. Arun Rath speaks with Stefanie Coxe from the Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts about what it all means for tenants.

Host Arun Rath checks back in with immigrant attorney Susan Church about how immigration proceedings continue to be impacted by the pandemic and by the Trump administration.

The presidential election is less than three weeks away and efforts are underway to encourage participation regardless of party lines.

Some of those efforts are focused on helping those incarcerated cast ballots. In normal times, voting from behind the wall is already challenging - but like so many things, the pandemic has only complicated it.

Host Arun Rath speaks with Kristina Mensik, the Assistant Director of the non-partisan group Common Cause Massachusetts and Massachusetts State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa about how the coronavirus is further challenging those who are incarcerated from casting their vote.

Host Arun Rath speaks with Dr. Melisa Lai-Becker, she's the site chief of emergency medicine for CHA Everett, which is part of the Cambridge Health Alliance system. Dr. Lai-Becker talks about how the last seven months have been at the hospital, which is located in one of the state's so-called hotspots for infection.

Host Arun Rath speaks with Mandy Sun, a senior in Boston Public Schools, about a letter she and other Asian American students sent to school officials in Boston, Malden and Quincy. Those students say the pandemic has increased racism towards Asian-Americans and they want increased protections. Among the asks in the letter: diversifying school lesson plans, more guidance counselors, and more teachers of color

Host Arun Rath checks back in with Suzanne Algeri, an RN and Associate Chief Nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brittany Sheehan, also an RN at MGH. They both talk about how the hospital is continuing to prepare for a potential second surge of the virus, but also how they and their staff are taking care of themselves after a tough spring.

The state’s moratorium on evictions is set to expire on October 17th. Arun Rath speaks with Kelly Turley from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless about what’s at stake if Beacon Hill leaders don’t take action to extend the ban.

Could you use a hug? A lot of people could. But in a pandemic where that hug could spread the virus, they are out of the question for many.

But not at the Dwyer Home, an independent senior living facility in Weymouth

We hear how they're allowing families to hug safely during this time.