The heat and humidity have been downright oppressive at times around New England lately, and it's hard for humans to stay cool in such conditions. For dogs and cats, it's much more complicated thanks to their thick fur and body development. Each summer, many pets come down with heatstroke, or even die, because they are left in a hot car - even for just a few minutes. Dr. Edward Schettino, President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, talks with Nichole about their "Too Hot for Spot" campaign and offers some critical tips to help keep your pet safe.

We're almost halfway through the 20's (the 2020's, that is), but if you want to take a trip back in time to the 1920's, the Trustees of Reservations can help you out with that. Their "Roaring Twenties Lawn Party" returns to the Crane Estate in Ipswich August 3 and 4, showcasing all things 1920's like jazz music, swing dancing, vintage clothes, classic cars, and much more! Trina Schell, the Public Programs and Volunteer Manager at the Trustees, joins Nichole to talk about this festive event.

Many dogs work for the Boston Police Department each and every day, but the department has never had a comfort dog - until now! Copper the dog is BPD's first ever comfort dog, and she's in training with her handler, Officer Tim Wilson. Nichole talks with Officer Wilson, BPD Chief of Communications Mariellen Burns, and Copper about their training journey and her role in the community.

It's almost time to party in Boston's South End! New England's longest-running Latine culture festival returns with an incredible musical lineup, tasty food, a parade, and plenty of fun. Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción's "Festival Betances" is all about inclusion, community, and expression.. IBA's CEO, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, returns to the show with all the details about this special event.

We're far gone from the days of dial-up internet, and you'd think that everyone here in Massachusetts has access to reliable, high-speed broadband connections for work, play, and school. Unfortunately, that's not the case, but there is a new effort to get more information about where those gaps are around the Commonwealth. Jody Jones, the Senior Program Director at the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative talks with Nichole about the importance of closing the "digital divide", and shares information about their new portal where you can weigh in on access.

The Sumner Tunnel restoration project has been going on for some time, and you might remember last summer's closure that lasted nearly two months, causing major delays around Logan Airport and East Boston. MassDOT says they have to shut it down again for a few weeks so crews can get back in there and complete a good chunk of road work without having to worry about traffic or lane closures. Once it's all done, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver says we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the project. He joins Nichole this week to share the details for commuters.

You may not think about your local water, sewer, or electricity department when you think about hackers and cybersecurity problems. Unfortunately, federal officials say they're starting to see more and more of our utilities getting hit by cyber threats, often from hackers connected to places like Russia, Iran, and China. The Mass Cyber Center works with utilities, schools, businesses and government agencies to make sure they are protected against threats and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Director John Petrozzelli returns to the show to detail these threats and talk about the resources in place to secure our systems.

It's all fun and games these days in downtown Malden! The city has been putting a lot of effort into creating a gamer's paradise around the Malden Center MBTA stop, continually growing the "Gaming District" each and every year with more fun offerings. They say there is something for everyone, from the casual gamer to a console legend. Kevin Duffy and Tess Young join Nichole this week to talk about the initiative and how they're working to bring in even more exciting experiences.

School's out for summer, and spirits are high at the Discovery Museum in Acton - not only because kids are having a blast in the space, but also because they are the recent recipient of a highly esteemed award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services! The museum is known for its efforts to embrace sustainability and inclusivity while providing local children a place to learn and grow. CEO Marie Beam talks with Nichole about the new award and their summer offerings.