With the 2020 election a week away, the rancor, mistrust and open hostility Americans feel for those who don’t support their views seems to have reached a unprecedented level. Regardless of the election outcome, millions of Americans will be unhappy with the result and the divisiveness won’t dissipate. If the 2016 election is any indication, our country may become even more divided. Why is it important for Americans to bridge these divides?  Is it even possible to find things we can agree upon? How can we have conversations with those on the other side of the aisle without it turning to an all-out conflict? We discuss these questions and more on The Point. 

A person who wished to remain anonymous has bequeathed a more than $6 million dollar gift to help the local arts scene on Cape Cod.

The Cape Cod Foundation is managing the gift. CAI's Kathryn Eident talked with Foundation President and CEO Kristin O'Malley about how her organization will award the money, and other funds the nonprofit manages, as well.

Midnight, and I can’t sleep. The cat is curled beside me, having no problem at all.  A cool breeze flows through the screened window; finally the hot nights of August and September have given up the ghost.  Years ago we used to make fun of people who had air conditioners on the Cape, but the last few hot summers—the inexorable ratcheting up  of climate change—have left us questioning that attitude, ready to relent.  Still, an open window is a conduit into the world- so much better than a gray metal humming chill-box- and I am glad for it tonight.  There is a backdrop of cricket din outside. 

Halloween is Saturday, and many parents are wary of letting their children trick-or-treat because of COVID-19. But there’s nothing spooky about another fall ritual — picking out pumpkins.

At Coonamessett Farm last week, five-year-old Maureen Shannon and her brother Grady, 4, were drawn to the chicken barn, with its flock cluck-clucking in the outdoor pen and, inside, two small goats eyeing visitors with curiosity.

Sandy Longley reads the poem, "Let Me Be Your River."

WCAI's Sam Houghton hosts a roundup of the week's top local and regional news.  His guests include WCAI's Eve Zuckoff and Jennette Barnes, Ethan Genter from the Cape Cod Times, George Brennan from the Martha's Vineyard Times; Tim Wood from the Cape Cod Chronicle, Noah Asimow from the Vineyard Gazette, and WCAI's statehouse reporter Mike Deehan.

I’m usually a positive kind of person. I’ve gotten through some pretty rough times with the simple mantra, “It’ll be OK.  It’ll all be OK”. But these days even the most optimistic of us are struggling. I wish I could believe in magic or miracles; a cure for Covid-19, an end to social injustice and hate, salvation for our planet. Heck, I wish I could believe in Santa Claus. The closest I can come up with is Steve Maxner.