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.

BPR Full Show 9/23: Ask The Mayor with Mayor Michelle Wu

Today: We bring you our conversation from May 2025 with Maria Ressa – the Nobel prize winning journalist who was arrested repeatedly in the Philippines for reporting on corruption, human rights abuses and the weaponization of social media under former President Rodgrigo Duterte. She tells us she looks out on America in this current moment with "deja-vu" and "PTSD" from her own experiences living through authoritarianism.

Amherst College’s Ilan Stavans on what independence means in America in 2025. Plus, his thoughts on the chilling effect ICE raids are having on immigrant communities in New England.Brian McGrory, Boston University head and former Boston Globe editor, gives his take on the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and larger attacks on free speech, plus the Pentagon’s new media restrictions. Axios business editor Dan Primack on the AI race with China, the latest on TikTok’s sale, and why the Fed’s interest rate reduction might not be enough to stop a recession. The Revs, Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III, on how Charlie Kirk’s death and evangelical roots are being received by Black Christians. Then, we open the phones lines to hear how listeners are embracing the season of flannel, pumpkin spice everything and cozy sweaters.

It's our weekly “Press Play” media analysis segment with NBC10 media maven Sue O’Connell, and The Bay State Banner’s Ron Mitchell. They talk about the first amendment fallout in the wake of Charlie Kirk, and more.Former congressman Joe Kennedy on the third on the future of the Democratic Party, his work with the Groundwork Project and standing up to authoritarian threats. It's Live Music Friday with activist singer/songwriter Evan Greer, ahead of an album drop tomorrow. “I’m not religious enough for her” and “My partner does all the talking at parties”...those are some recent love-related dilemmas from Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein. She joins to discuss all matters of the heart. This weekend marks the 20th annual What the Fluff festival in Somerville. We open the phone and text lines for all things marshmallow fluff – from fluffernutters to rice crispies -- how do you enjoy this local pantry treat?

BPR Full Show 9/18: Jimmy Kimmel Off The Air