The Point

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: community outcry continues to build in Falmouth over a proposal to locate a rehab facility next to a school; local towns are increasingly communicating through social media; and a prince comes to the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole.

West Falmouth Harbor has been struggling with nitrogen pollution for decades. In 2002 water quality in the harbor was so poor it made it on the federal “dirty waters” list. With changes to the town’s waste water treatment plant, and by giving people thousands of dollars toward updating their septic systems, progress was made in reducing nitrogen levels in the West Falmouth Harbor. But the problem has not been solved: in fact, recent measurements show the nitrogen levels are again rising. On The Point, we discuss some of the reasons for nitrogen level increase, and some potential solutions and takeaways for other coastal regions struggling with nitrogen loading. 

Thomas Dresser has written a number of books about various aspects of Martha’s Vineyard history- you might call him the Vineyard’s unofficial historian. His latest book tells chronicles the role of Martha’s Vineyard in the history of whaling.  The book is Whaling on Martha's Vineyard.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver is widely known as the founder of Special Olympics and the sister of the famous brothers, Jack, Bobby, and Teddy. She was also a persistent and effective lobbyist, ran the Kennedy family foundation distributing millions of dollars to charity, and was the impetus behind a major civil rights movement: the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society. Why have the accomplishments of Eunice Kennedy Shriver garnered so little attention? Eileen McNamara hopes to change that.

On the monthly Bird News,  ornithologist / wildlife biologist Mark Faherty of the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary joins our host Mindy Todd to talk about the world of birds, and also other wildlife. Stories and information about skunks, chipmonks, squirrels, and insects are part of the conversation too. We hear about the life cycles of various birds, some of which are already beginning to migrate away again. Listeners join in with calls throughout the hour on The Point.

WCAI News Director Steve Junker hosts a roundup of some of the top local and regional news of the week, including: some Falmouth residents worry about a plan to locate a drug rehabilitation facility next to a public school; new details in the rescue of a boy from a near-drowning; and five loggerhead turtles are released from a West Dennis Beach.

Mindy Todd talks with Annie Copps, former food editor for Boston and Yankee magazines about her new book A Little Taste of Cape Cod. It’s both a cookbook and a guidebook inspired by the many populations who have lived in the region.

Raw cacao is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, but those beneficial compounds are lost when cacao is processed. The new cookbook Chocolate Every Day has plant-based recipes for cacao treats so you can indulge and be healthy at the same time. Mindy Todd talks with the authors Bennet Coffey and Kyleen Keenan who are also founders of Not Your Sugar Mamas Chocolate on Martha’s Vineyard.

To the greater world, Cape Cod is known for sand dunes and salty air, but dig a little deeper and a unique and strange history is unearthed. Robin Smith Johnson has done some digging into the Cape’s history and selected some of her most interesting findings for a new book Cape Cod Curiosities- Jeremiah’s Gutter, The Historian Who Flew as Santa, Pukwudgies and More.

Celebrate the holiday and pick up a few new legal explanations from Rudy Guiliani when the Capitol Steps poke fun at today's news with their brand-new, one-hour 4th of July special. This special promises to be huge, fantastic, tremendous... If there's anything both sides can agree on, it's that we all could use a good laugh.

Falmouth author and musician Brian Engles talks to Mindy Todd about his first novel Wildball, set on Cape Cod. Here's a Link to Black Rose Writing for more information on the book.

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.

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 Love, Anthony.

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 Cod towns continue to struggle with questions around selling and growing marijuana; and plans for a pet cemetery in Harwich 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 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.