Boston Public Radio

Pope Francis appoints first Black Cardinal and expresses support for gay rights — but is it just "lip service"?

The former Suffolk County said U.S. democracy as we know it will "cease to exist" if President Trump wins a second term.

Larry Calderone, president of Boston’s Police Patrolmen’s Association, weighed in on a range of reform proposals.

Barrett's vague response to what she's done to educate herself on racism was embarrassing and harmful, the Revs say.

Whitehouse detailed a 'court-capture machinery' to sway court rulings along partisan lines.

The Boston University law professor talked about his time standing vigil by the casket of Justice Ginsburg, and spoke on the expected appointment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to his former boss' vacant Supreme Court seat.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to ask: How to you feel about Dunkin' Donuts and Honey Dew Donuts ending their use of Styrofoam cups? New York Times Columnist Gail Collins discussed her new book, “No Stopping Us Now,” which deals with the realities of womanhood and aging in America. Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, joined us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Globe Columnist Shirley Leung discussed a recent piece she wrote on the need for legislation to increase affordable housing. Callie Crossley, host of WGBH’s Under The Radar, discussed the life and legacy of Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, who passed away this week. Curiosity Desk* *Reporter Edgar B. Herwick III and WGBH Producer Andy Hicks stopped by for a Jim and Margery-themed news quiz.

Today on Boston Public Radio: MSNBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed the passing of Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, as well as the latest headlines regarding President Donald Trump’s conduct. We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on the House impeachment inquiry. Legal analyst Michael Zeldin discussed the road ahead for impeachment proponents. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed a set of new guidelines urging doctors not to take patients off opioids too abruptly. Paul Reville, former Massachusetts Secretary of Education, discussed the ongoing debate over funding in an education bill currently before the Massachusetts Legislature. Artisan baker Daniel Leader stopped by the *BPR *studios to discuss his latest cookbook, “Living Bread.”

Today, on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to callers to hear your thoughts on Tuesday night’s Democratic presidential debate. Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam discussed the passing of Alexi Leonov, the first man to walk in space. National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the repercussions of Trump’s decision to pull troops from Northeast Syria, along with the latest on the House impeachment inquiry. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral stopped by to talk about an appeal by attorneys representing Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Author and naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed a recent study indicating that dog ownership may lead to a longer life, along well as a “karaoke parlor” phenomenon among Humpback whales. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,” now showing at the Huntington Theater. He also discussed A24’s upcoming film “The Lighthouse,” and a documentary on the Cocoanut Cove fire called “Six Locked Doors."

Today on Boston Public Radio: John Rosenthal, co-founder of Newton based nonprofit Stop Handgun Violence, discussed the gun safety organization’s 25th anniversary. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed a recent PSA likening youth tackle football to smoking cigarettes. She also discussed Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge’s record-breaking marathon run. Pediatrician Dr. Jon Winickoff spoke with listeners about the risks of vaping, in light of a Tuesday hearing on Massachusetts’ temporary vaping ban. Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the temporary closure of 111 year old New York deli Barney Greengrass, along with a controversial video revealing how Panera Bread prepares its Mac and Cheese. Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther spoke about Logan airport’s low rating in a recent airport satisfaction survey, as well as a new bus service offering travel from Boston to New York for five dollars. CNN chief national correspondent John King previewed Tuesday night’s Democratic presidential debate. We opened the lines to callers to ask: what are you expecting out of Tuesday night’s debate?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Saturday that assures all California public school students a state-funded meal regardless of whether they have unpaid meal fees or not. "It's preventing lunch shaming," Kummer said. One student helped raise awareness about the problem of lunch shaming before the bill was signed, Kummer noted. "A nine year old boy in Napa County saved up all his money and used it to pay off his 3rd grade classes lunch debt," he said. Bills like this need to become national policy, Kummer added. "The appropriate solution is universal free lunch in public school systems," he said.