The Point

People love their pets- dogs, cats, birds and lizards- some people even consider chickens their pets. Taking an animal in, regardless of species, is a commitment of time and resources. We talk with veterinarian Steven Atwood about some of the most common pet diseases in our region, prevention and treatment options, and we take your pet health questions.

More women are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other type of cancer besides skin cancer. When the cancer is found early, and only in the breast tissue, survival rates are high. If the diagnosis is metastatic breast cancer, there is no cure. On The Point, we hear about the different kinds of breast cancer, treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, and we talk with women living with the disease.

House plants can add vitality and beauty to our homes, and many are very easy to care for. Our guest on The Point is Marsha Potash: she shares her enthusiasm for housplants, along with tips for best results. Mindy Todd hosts.

Fake News: is it deliberate disinformation, alternative facts or partisan politics? Mindy Todd and Steve Junker discuss fake news and its impact on our democracy. We also discuss media literacy for the next generation and why many young people don’t feel the news is relevant to them.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the week's top local and regional news, including: local businesses scramble to adapt as bans come for Styrofoam cups and containers and plastic utensils; $15M affordable housing complex is coming to Yarmouth; the vacation that was a job suspension for OB Fire Chief John Rose; and a large coyote makes an appearance on Martha's Vineyard.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day we bring you reflections of several King scholars on his life, work, and how his speeches and sermons influenced political and social spheres of America. We also talk with musician Damien Sneed about his musical and spoken tribute to Dr. King titled We Shall Overcome . His national tour of the performance comes to New Bedford on Monday.

Our panel of mental health experts looks at the positive effects of connecting with nature. Studies show that being in nature reduces anger, fear, and stress, and increases pleasant feelings. Our affinity towards nature is genetic and deep rooted in evolution.

For our January Bird News on The Point, our host Mindy Todd is joined by Mark Faherty, Science Coordinator at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary . We wrap up results of the recent bird counts: an American white pelican was among the birds counted in our region! We get tips on deep winter birding, and believe it or not, spring migrants are just around the corner! Here's a link to Cape Cod Bird Club for more useful information.

For our Reporter’s Notebook, WCAI reporters Sarah Mizes-Tan and Eve Zukoff join host Steve Junker to talk about covering the region and some of their most recent stories: from the rise in English Language Learners to the Cape’s readiness for Electric Vehicles, and more.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the week's top local and regional news, including: the FBI is scrutinizing the Oak Bluffs Fire Department; Barnstable County says the state needs to take over paying into pensions for the Sheriff’s office; and Acushnet residents complain about a smell that's traced to its source: shellfish waste.