The Point

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week. His guests include: Cindy McCormick of the Cape Cod Times, Sara Brown of the Vineyard Gazette, Tim Wood of the Cape Cod Chronicle, Josh Balling of the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror, Ed Miller of the Provincetown Banner, George Brennan of the Martha's Vineyard Times, and Andy Tomolonis of South Coast Today.

Opioid addiction and overdose are national public health emergencies that touch people from every walk of life. On the point, we discuss the diverse and evolving array of drugs that are now driving the addiction crisis, and some of the next steps we must take to prevent more people from becoming addicted and dying. We talk about what contributed to the start of the epidemic, and if changes to opioid prescribing guidelines have had an impact.

Each year students from all across the Cape convene to identify human rights injustices. Students then return to their communities to develop and implement ways to address the injustice. On The Point, we talk with students about their experiences in the Academy and some of the projects and events they’ve organized in response to human rights injustice here and around the world.

Red-winged blackbirds are already singing their courtship calls in marshes on Cape Cod and on the islands. Their song (kon-kareeee!) reminds us that spring is getting nearer! On The Point, we hear the latest highlights from the world of birds, including facts about bird love, for Valentine's Day. Mark Faherty, Ornithologist and Science Coordinator at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , joins Mindy Todd in the studio.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week. His guests include: Patrick Cassidy of the Cape Cod Times, Sara Brown of the Vineyard Gazette, Josh Balling of the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror; Tim Wood of the Cape Cod Chronicle, K.C. Myers of the Provincetown Banner, George Brennan of the Martha's Vineyard Times, and Andy Tomolonis of South Coast Today.

On The Point, a conversation with New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell . He talks with host Mindy Todd about the agenda for the next two years, including an update on goals for the public school system, the future of New Bedford as a leading fishing port, and ways to support business development and the arts community. Mitchell has started his fourth term in office.

Vocal harmony is very much alive on Cape Cod; the a cappella groups Hyannis Sound and Cape Harmony bring college-age singers together for summer performances. One group keeps singing all year round: the Cape Cod Surftones , known for their "Barbershop" style of harmony. Mindy Todd hosts Scott Moss and Rob Topolski of the Cape Cod Surftones on The Point. More information about a singing Valentine from the Surftones at 508-470-1070

One of the many things that make the Cape, Coast, and Islands so special is our wildlife: we have a variety of mammals, birds and amphibians. Unfortunately human activities can injure and sicken wildlife; fortunately there is a place that will care for these animals. WildCare in Eastham has a mission to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Stephanie Ellis is a wildlife rehabilitator and the Executive Director of WildCare. Stephanie Ellis will be speaking at the Falmouth Historical

Statistics from the World Health Organization show 35 percent of women globally will experience violence or sexual abuse in their lifetime. One in ten individuals over the age of 60 will also experience some sort of abuse. While the causes and forms of abuse can be different for women and seniors, abuse of anyone is a grave violation of human rights. Joining us to discuss identifying, ending and preventing abuse of women and seniors are Chris Morin, Director of Prevention at Independence House,

What are some of the factors that put a person at high risk for suicide, and how can we identify these people and help them? 2012 Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention finds white men age 85 and older are 5 times more likely to commit suicide than Americans in any other age group. The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands offers both a senior outreach program and an elder suicide prevention training. Joining us on The Point is Karen Ellery-Jones, Assistant Director at the