The Point

Falmouth author and musician Brian Engles talks to Mindy Todd about his first novel Wildball, set on Cape Cod.

According to the ALS Association as many as 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. There is no known cure for this neurodegenerative disorder. As a result, many of those diagnosed are placed in the frightening position of knowing that they only have a few years left to live. We hear the story of a man facing the illness. We also hear why doctors remain positive about prospects to slow down or reverse the progression of ALS. Here's a link to the organization

On The Point, Mindy Todd hosts this interview with author Lisa Genova about her latest book Every Note Played. It's the story of Richard, an accomplished pianist who now has ALS, and his estranged wife Karina who becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard's muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their pasts before it's too late. This book is inspired by neuroscience and the human spirit, as are the author's previous New York Times bestselling novels Still Alice and

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: Barnstable County considers establishing its own public safety training academy; Cape towns continue to struggle with questions around selling and growing marijuana; and Harwich puts its plans for a pet cemetery on hold.

On The Point, we discuss the proposed Herring River project, which aims to restore and protect one of the largest impacted estuaries in New England. We hear about the the research behind the plan, the different phases for implementation, and the concerns residents and property owners have about the scope and impact of the project.

This month our BOOK program on The Point features books about Cape Cod and the Islands. Mindy Todd sits down with Jill Erickson, Head of Reference and Adult Services at Falmouth Public Library, and Mary Fran Buckley, co-owner of Eight Cousins Books in Falmouth, to talk about their picks for this category. We also hear from listeners throughout the region. Click here for the list of books from today's program.

Cape Cod and the Islands are hot spots for Lyme disease. 2017 data from the State Department of Public Health showed Dukes County leading the state in Lyme disease followed by Berkshire and Plymouth counties, Nantucket 4th, and Barnstable ranked 6 th . On The Point, we discuss how Lyme disease affects the body, why it can be difficult to diagnose, and the toll chronic Lyme takes on psychological and physical health. We’ll also talk with researchers about their work tracking the spread of the

Kathryn Eident hosts this week's installment of the Weekly News Roundup on The Point, as we sail into summertime. Stories include: ongoing troubles at the Steamship Authority, accounting errors that led to Brewster's Town Administrator's resignation, and celebrating the Martha's Vineyard High School Girls' tennis team, which just won its fourth state championship in a row.

Former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky and poet Monica Youn share recent work and exchange ideas, along with moderator Elizabeth Bradfield, local poet and naturalist in this event recorded at the Hawthorne Art Barn and presented by Twenty Summers .

With the recent deaths of celebrities Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, mental health professionals are concerned there could be an increased risk of contagion suicide. On the flip side, bringing suicide into the national dialogue could encourage those contemplating suicide to seek help. On The Point, we talk with psychologist Michael Abbruzzese and psychiatrist Marc Whaley about the science behind suicide contagion, as well as treatment and prevention strategies. Mindy Todd hosts.