On this episode of In Common:

• The 2026 midterm election is just around the corner. This week, we are taking a closer look at how the distinct regions of Massachusetts cast their votes. Even though the Commonwealth has a reputation of being a "blue state," there are a number of purple and red municipalities up and down the state. UMass Amherst Political Science Professor Tatishe Nteta and John Micek, politics editor at MassLive, join In Common to put that into context for us.
  
  
  
  
• For many out-of-state college students, finding a new mental health provider or therapist can be a big challenge. Psypact, an agreement between states that allows psychologists to treat patients across statelines, is aiming to make it easier. 46 states have signed up to be a part of this, but not Massachusetts. CAI's Gilda Geist has more on some local efforts to change that.
  
  
  
  
• A new report found that many Mass. waterways are contaminated with PFAS chemicals. GBH’s Craig LeMoult joins In Common for the latest and explains why they are called "forever chemicals."
  
  
  
  
• The public comment period about the Quabbin Reservoir ends next week. State Senator Jo Comerford and Steve Smargiassi, the interim director of the MWRA, shared both sides of the argument during a recent episode for The Curiosity Desk.
  
  
  
  
• GBH’s Digital Associate Producer Renuka Balakrishnan is back for our semi-regular segment Mass Online – where we break down the biggest stories people in Massachusetts are talking about on social media
  
  
  
  
• The origins of Halloween can be traced back to an old pagan holiday called Samhain, where people also dress up in spooky costumes on October 31st. In Common's Jeremy Siegel has more on the deeper meaning behind Samhain celebrations from west Springfield.