WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories people are talking about in your community each weekend

Cookies and Cocktail Shakers: Baking Up Support for Girl Scouts of Eastern MA

Calm in the Political Chaos: Tips to Ease Election Emotions, Stress and Exhaustion

If you're finding yourself up doomscrolling until 2:00 in the morning, grinding your teeth, or fighting a lot more with people on the other side of the aisle, you are far from alone. Polls show the majority of Americans are dealing with some kind of election-related stress, and it's taking a toll on us as we approach this consequential vote. Tony Cunningham, psychologist and Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Center for Sleep and Cognition, shares tips and healthy coping mechanisms on this week's show, and talks with Nichole about the psychological drivers behind all this animosity and stress.

Staying Cozy on a Budget: Heating Help for Massachusetts Families from HEAP

While the weather in recent days has been incredibly warm, even record-breaking at times, winter is coming sooner than later. Experts say now is the time to get your heating system ready and make repairs, but what if money is tight and you're worried about paying for your heating bills? Enter the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which offers much more than just financial assistance to families in need. Beth Ann Strollo, CEO of Quincy Community Action Programs, breaks down the details with Nichole this week.

Mystic Messages Through the Witch City's Historical Haunts

Halloween is the busiest time of the year in Salem, with people coming from all over the world to take part in Haunted Happenings. You may not have known this, but Salem, for a time, was known as home to the Ouija board. A Danvers-based board game company recently came out with an update to this spooky game which pays tribute to Salem's deep history. Phil Orbanes, Co-Founder of Winning Moves Games, shares details about the game and the company's deep connection to a well-known gaming giant.

On Track to Accessibility: NaviLens Enhances Transit Travel for the Visually Impaired

Utilizing public transit systems can be challenging for those who are visually impaired. Keolis North America, the company that runs the MBTA Commuter Rail, is rolling out a new partnership with an app called Navilens to help bridge the accessibility gap. Giant, colorful QR codes are being put up around certain commuter rail stations to help disseminate information through the app, and Adam Ross, Manager of Customer Experience at Keolis, explains how the system works to Nichole on this week's episode.

Volunteers of America Supports Veterans on the South Shore

The transition back to civilian life can be rocky for some veterans. It's critical to ensure they have a dedicated support system in place to help, but, unfortunately, many fall through the cracks. There's a brand new veterans center in Plymouth where veterans can access comprehensive services to help them address their unique needs and get set up for success. Charles Gagnon, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Massachusetts, talks with Nichole this week about their work with the state to get the center up and running, and everything they have to offer.

"826 Boston" Joins Forces with Local Leaders to Inspire Boston's Young Writers

Some of Boston's civic leaders are getting ready to pack their bags and head back to school, but not in the way you'd think. City councilors, state and federal lawmakers, community leaders and many others are teaming up with 826 Boston for their very first Civic Leaders Week of Tutoring, which runs from October 21-24. 826 Boston is a Roxbury non-profit dedicated to helping students find their voice through creative, thoughtful and educational writing, and Executive Director Corey Yarbrough talks with Nichole about their mission, their plans for the tutoring week, and the work they do with students in some of Boston's underserved neighborhoods.

Healing Through the Arts: "Upstage Lung Cancer" Performs to Find a Cure

Lung cancer is the one of the most dangerous forms of cancer that exists. Here in the US, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths each and every year, and often, people don't realize they have it until it's too late. Hildy Grossman's diagnosis caught her by surprise, and as a performer, she decided to use her experience to start Upstage Lung Cancer, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding to fuel research to find a cure. Hildy shares her dynamic story with Nichole, along with details about the impact they've already made to bring an end to this insidious disease.

Daily Table Rallies Community Support to Keep Healthy Food Accessible

With many adults in Massachusetts struggling with food insecurity, Daily Table has set up several non-profit grocery stores in Greater Boston to try and connect families with fresh, healthy food at a price that won't break the bank account. One of their most popular programs provides shoppers on SNAP with a significant discount on fruits and vegetables, but that program has unexpectedly been stopped. Sasha Purpura, CEO of Daily Table, talks with Nichole this week about what happened and how the community can help make sure everyone can stay nourished.

MSPCA Offers Helping Hands After Hurricane Helene

The heartbreak and destruction in the Southeast in the wake of Hurricane Helene is overwhelming. Hundreds are dead and the damage is nothing short of catastrophic. An untold number of people will have to find a way to start all over again, and that also includes animal rescuers. The MSPCA has been working since the storm hit to offer whatever help they can to keep animals safe. Mike Keiley, the Vice President of Animal Protection at the MSPCA, talks with Nichole about their efforts and what you can do to assist.