The Common

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.