Boston Public Radio

As Anand Giridharadas sees it, billionaires have spent decades carving out public policy that benefits only them, and hollowing out safety nets for ordinary Americans.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be disproportionately impacting communities of color, according to limited national data that has been released.

The inaugurial poet read some of his own work, along with pieces by Bill Collins, James Tate, and Naomi Shihab Nye.

Farmers are experiencing an abundance problem that's leading to waste.

Pollution in New Delhi, India is at the lowest levels it's been in years.

The TV expert commended the show’s creators for pulling off the new format.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: with hair salons and barbershops back open in Mass., will you be heading out to get your hair cut? TIME Magazine journalist Molly Ball discussed her new biography on Speaker Nancy Pelosi, titled “Pelosi." Environmental journalist Bill McKibben discussed the minor impact of quarantine on global carbon emissions, and the lessons we can gleam about our current climate crisis from the U.S.’ sluggish COVID-19 response. We opened lines to talk with listeners about the state’s gradual reopening, ahead of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference. We aired live audio from Gov. Baker’s press conference. Behavioral economist Mike Norton talked about the exclusionary power of the inside joke, and responded to comments and questions from listeners. CNN’s John King discussed the politicization of the COVID-19 crisis, and President Trump’s efforts to quash mail-in voting.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened lines to talk with listeners about your concerns around the reopening of Massachusetts, and the people disregarding safety protocols. TV expert Bob Thompson commemorated the lives of actor Fred Williard and sportscaster Phyllis George, and discussed CBS' purchase of John Krasinski's "Some Good New" YouTube series. Travel guru Rick Steves showed off his piano skills on the blues scale, and talked about what he envisions for the slow reopening of European travel. Playwright Ryan Landry discussed the coronavirus politics that are causing issues in Provincetown, and gave his thoughts on virtual theater. Poet Richard Blanco called in for the latest edition of “Village Voice,” where he read a selection of poems by U.S. Poet Laureate Jo Harjo. Writer and naturalist Sy Montgomery discussed animal war heroes, in commemoration of Memorial Day.

For cities and states loosening their drinking restrictions, a new fad is gaining popularity– and it even has its own cute little portmanteau. Speaking on Boston Public Radio Friday, food writer Corby Kummer explained what “walktails” are, and why they might not be such a terrible thing for communities in quarantine. “It’s drinking while walking!” he said. “It’s getting a takeout cocktail." One of the benefits, Kummer noted, is the extra money it directs towards struggling bars and restaurants. "As we all know, alcohol is where the margins are,” he said. "Alcohol, and desserts in restaurants, which people unfortunately aren’t ordering so much of.” For those on a budget, the walktail can just as easily be made at home. Kummer also added that it can offer an additional outlet for of-age adults to socialize, all while maintaining a safe distance. "It’s another way of meeting your neighbors, keeping social distance, and having a drink,” he said. For Mass. residents, while you can’t drink outdoors, you* *can order takeout beer and wine with food orders, per a bill signed by Gov. Baker in April. Just be sure to keep it inside. Kummer is a senior editor at The Atlantic, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: – We opened our lines to talk with listeners about how you’re planning to spend this upcoming Memorial Day. – Food writer Corby Kummer discussed the Trump administrations crackdown on food stamp recipients, and the emergence of “walktails” for people looking to socialize while social distancing. – Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam talked about his harrowing experience at a nudist resort in the early 90’s, and his recent column on “the revenge of the coronavirus nerds." – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for “Ask the Mayor,” where he discussed his administration’s measured approach to reopening the city, and responded to questions from listeners. – We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference. – We reopened our lines to continue to coronavirus conversation with listeners.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd discussed President Trump’s failures in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and the latest headlines out of Congress regarding future aid funding. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed her concerns around the Missouri execution of Walter Barton, and the impact of Trump’s string of inspector general firings on the health of U.S. democracy. Gov. Charlie Baker called in to talk about coronavirus testing, the deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and everything his administration is doing to help Massachusetts recover from the pandemic. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the emergence of Zoom theater, with the Arleen Players Theatre’s “State Vs. Natasha Banina,” and the “Pandemic Play” series from the Liars and Believers theater group. WGBH News Analyst Charlie Sennott discussed the harmful impact of President Trump’s nativist policies on the global health crisis, and what the current pandemic is revealing about the world's dependence on energy from fossil fuels.