The MacArthur Genius Award-winner talks about his vision, and how his experiences have shaped where he is today.

For many families, getting a Christmas tree is serious business. But this year it may be a different experience for some people thanks to a Christmas tree shortage that's been plaguing the industry for a few years now.

Plus, why is there a Massachusetts Christmas tree shortage? Haven't we suffered enough shortages for one year?!

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker finally put an end to the long-running speculation over whether he and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito would run for a third term on Wednesday. We get the latest from WBUR senior political reporter Anthony Brooks and Boston Herald political columnist Joe Battenfeld.

Plus, we open the phones and take your questions for this week's Ask The Doctors.

The seven-day positive coronavirus test rate in Massachusetts is now just over 3.7%, the highest rate reported since the beginning of the year. And scientists predict the new, potentially more infectious variant of coronavirus will 'inevitably' show up in the US too.

We take listener calls with Dr. Shira Doron, Infectious disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. And Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center.

We discuss a "tantalizing clue," as one of our guests described it, in the Gardner Museum heist. Boston Globe investigative reporter Shelley Murphy and longtime investigative reporter Steve Kurkjian, author of Master Thieves, join us to tell us more.

Plus, how to keep your information safe while shopping online.

Also, as Jewish families around the region prepare to mark night two of Hanukkah, a bill that would mandate the teaching of the religion's greatest tragedy sits on Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. The legislation would require middle and high school students learn about the Holocaust and genocide.