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.

On this episode of In Common:

• More than four in ten middle school students in Massachusetts say they’ve experienced bullying. For more than a year, GBH New reporter Chris Burrell has been investigating this issue and joins In Common to tell us more about his latest story on the rise of bullying cases among teen-athletes.
  
  
  
• Oyster season is in full swing, and Massachusetts produces millions of those shellfish a year. On Cape Cod, oyster farmers are warning that more farms are at the risk of closure. CAI's Jennette Barnes explains.
  
  
  
• Boston's most iconic river is home to the biggest rowing competition in the world. Tens of thousands of athletes and hundreds and thousands more spectators are in town for the big event. Stephanie Moore with Holyoke Rows will be among the rowers competing and joins In Common to tell us more about her love for the sport and HOCR.
  
  
  
• Over the next few weeks, In Common is helping you prepare for the upcoming midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. This week, we're talking about the nine ballot questions, what they mean and what we'll be voting for. Reporters from our three stations, along with GBH's Hannah Reale, help us break down each and every one of them.
  
  
  
• It's been 10 years since the bill to legalize recreational marijuana sale passed in Massachusetts. This upcoming election, ballot question 8 is challenging that law from 2016. In Common's Jeremy Siegel has a look back at the campaign that legalized weed in Mass.

On this episode of In Common:

• A new report from the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell revealed that nearly 1,000 kids were sexually abused by more than 270 priests from three Massachusetts Catholic archdioceses-- Springfield, Worcester and Fall River. Reporter Nancy Eve Cohen broke the story of allegations three years ago. Now, she has spoken to abuse survivors and explains what happens next.
  
  
  
• In Common is your guide to the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. This week, we're talking about voter registration. Getting people to register is easy. Getting people to actually go out and vote is the hard part, says Shanique Rodriguez, executive director of Massachusetts Voter Table.
  
  
  
• The Alzheimer's Family Support Center on Cape Cod offers community and educational programs for families dealing with dementia, all from a storefront inside the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis. CAI's Mindy Todd takes us on a tour.
  
  
  
• Meanwhile, outside of our beloved Commonwealth.... several high peaks around New England already reporting the first snowfall of the season.
  
  
  
• Cranberry bogs can be useful even after they stop growing fruit. Environmental organizations are repurposing retired cranberry bogs to create more wetland habitats. CAI's Amy Kolb Noyes reports on projects that are underway on the Cape.
  
  
  
• The Blanding's Turtle, recognizable by its yellow neck, is one of the most endangered species in the northeast. Conservationists enlisted the help of school kids to protect this species. GBH's Craig LeMoult reports on the results.