The Point

WCAI News Director Sean Corcoran and local journalists review the top regional news stories of the week. Sean's guests include Cape Cod Times reporter George Brennan; Cape Cod Chronicle Editor Tim Wood; Mashpee Enterprise reporter Geoff Spillane; Nelson Sigelman, editor of the Martha's Vineyard Times; New Bedford Standard Times Editorial Page Editor Jim DeArruda; and Provincetown Banner Editor Sally Rose.

A dangerous problem is afflicting our region. In March of 2014 then Governor Patrick declared a public health emergency over opioid addiction and overdose, and outlined a response strategy.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S affecting 40 million adults.They are also highly treatable, yet only about one third of those suffering receive treatment. On The Point, Mindy Todd discusses anxiety and panic disorder with Dr. Michael Abruzzese, psychologist, and Dr. Marc Whaley, psychiatrist.

  On the point, a discussion about reducing rates of relapse in addiction recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates in addiction are similar to other chronic diseases -- between 40 and 60 percent of patients will relapse in the first year of recovery. But research has shown the longer you stay clean, the better your chances are for remaining clean. We hear about a pilot program at the Gosnold treatment center exploring the use of recovery coaches to help reduce relapse once in-patient treatment is complete.

WCAI News Director Sean Corcoran and local journalists review the top local and regional news stories of the week.  Sean's guests include Cape Cod Times digital editor Anne Brennan; Cape Cod Chronicle editor Tim Wood; Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror assistant editor Josh Balling; Mashpee Enterprise reporter Geoff Spillane; and Provincetown Banner editor Sally Rose.

From birth to age five is a time of tremendous development. Research has shown that if children are given support for growth in language, motor skills, and social-emotional skills during this time, they are more likely to succeed in school, and to later contribute to society. On The Point, we discuss what early education programs should entail, why parental education is a key component, and some of the supports and services available for families in our region.

On The Point, a discussion about the importance of storytelling and creative writing for kids. Producer Amy Vince talks with Wicked Weird Story Starters author T. M. Murphy and illustrator Mark Penta, along with elementary school teacher Jill Meserve, who is using the book in her classroom.

Ornithologist Vernon Laux brings us the latest bird news. He explains how birds get by in freezing weather; how they find fresh water and food and stay warm. We share stories, bird feeder tips, and hear from our listeners with their questions and comments. Mindy Todd hosts.

Coral reefs may look benign but, really, they're war zones. Pollution and climate change have tipped the scales against corals, in favor of sponges.

WCAI News Director Sean Corcoran and local journalists review the top local and regional news stories of the week.  Sean's guests include Cape Cod Times news editor Patrick Cassidy; Cape Cod Chronicle editor Tim Wood; New Bedford Standard-Times editorial page editor Jim DeArruda; Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror assistant editor Josh Balling; Mashpee Enterprise reporter Geoff Spillane; Provincetown Banner editor Sally Rose;