The Wake Up

How accurate is the weather and climate science we see on movie screens? There's often a kernel of truth to it, but like a massive tornado powerful enough to sweep up dozens of sharks, it's often exaggerated for dramatic effect. GBH meteorologist Dave Epstein explains.

As Democrats prepare for their convention, in which Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will formally accept the nomination, Massachusetts Congress people are feeling energized --- and seeking to differentiate themselves from the Republican ticket. Reps. Katherine Clark and Lori Trahan join Jeremy to discuss what they think voters care about.

Could planting tomatoes in the same soil multiple years in a row cause the plants to be more susceptible to disease? Is climate change causing more humid days? GBH's meteorologist and gardening expert Dave Epstein answers all your questions.

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks in the early hours of Monday morning, and the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby should be out of New England by then. GBH’s meteorologist Dave Epstein gives us his advice for catching a glimpse of that comet tail. 

Living with addiction requires community and grace, said Heidi HyunJin Lee is an artist, teacher, Brazilian jiu jitsu fanatic, and mental health advocate. She joined Paris for this month's installment of our mental health series, Wake Up Well, ahead of Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. For a list of mental health resources, go to gbhnews.org/wakeupwell. 

All year, Massachusetts lawmakers have been unveiling big policies on housing, jobs, the environment, and more. So which ones made it onto the law books, and which died without a vote? Paris talks to GBH's state house reporter Katie Lannan to find out. 

Anyone in Massachusetts who doesn't have a bachelor's degree can now attend community college tuition- and fee-free, provided they take at least six credits and apply for federal financial aid. So what does that mean for students? GBH's Kirk Carapezza talks to some to find out.

The self-described mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, accepted a plea deal for life in prison. GBH'S All Things Considered host Arun Rath, who covered his pretrial proceedings for years, talks to Jeremy about his experiences in Guantanamo Bay and what the plea deal means for 9/11 victims' families.

Starting today, you can pay for MBTA buses and trains by tapping your credit card or a mobile pay app on your phone. Jeremy takes a look back at paying T fares through the years, from Charlie on the MTA's nickels to tokens to CharlieCards.

Worcester's Stephen Nedoroscik is at the Olympics, winning bronze in men's gymnastics and taking the internet by storm. He talks to Jeremy about being an Olympic specialist and the many, many memes his girlfriend has sent him.