Boston Public Radio

A new investigative report from WGBH has found that the share of public contracts going to minority and black owned businesses is shrinking.

Playing sports is becoming more dangerous to the health of athletes in areas where climate change is hitting hardest.

A new study shows that states with expanded Medicaid programs saw a marked decrease in overdose deaths.

WGBH's executive arts editor discusses why there was only one person of color nominated in all of the Oscar acting categories.

The NECN commentator described the New Jersey Senator as a strong advocate for LBGT rights.

By some estimates the various conflicts in the war on terror have cost the U.S. more than $6 trillion.

We're on tape today, replaying some of our favorite conversations: Mark Leibovich, chief national correspondent for The New York Times Magazine, discussed his book "Big Game: The NFL in Dangerous Times." Anand Giridharadas joined BPR to talk about his book "Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World." Comedian and podcaster Hari Kondabolu talked about his documentary, The Problem With Apu. Journalist, author and animal behaviorist Sy Montgomery joined Jim and Margery for another edition of the Afternoon Zoo. Comedian, actor and screenwriter Ike Barinholtz discussed his film, The Oath.

We're on tape today, replaying some of our favorite conversations: Ron Chernow joins Jim and Margery to talk about his biography, “Grant.” Harvard Business School's Michael Norton discusses his latest research, which looks at what is more valuable to people, saving money or saving time. Author Karl Ove Knaussgard discusses his book, “Autumn.” Patti Smith discusses why she considers herself a writer above all her other talents. It’s the subject of her memoir “Devotion (Why I Write).” Salman Rushdie discusses his novel, “The Golden House.” Sy Montgomery and Elizabeth Marshall Thomas discuss their book “Tamed and Untamed: Close Encounters of the Animal Kind.”

For this episode of Boston Public Radio, hour one was live, with Ascend CEO Andrea Cabral and WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen filling in for Jim and Margery: NBC Sports Boston anchor and reporter Trenni Kusnierek discussed how former NBA player Dwayne Wade has been using his platform to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ rights. Corby Kummer discussed why there is a generational difference in tipping in restaurants. Kummer is executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor at The Atlantic and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Patrick Swanson, the artistic director of the Christmas Revels, previewed some songs the group are performing at the Sanders Theater through Dec. 29. Then, we replayed some of our favorite holiday interviews: Rob Kapilow, the composer, conductor, and music commentator, broke down what makes Irving Berlin’s White Christmas great. Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart challenged Jim and Margery to a speed read of The Night Before Christmas. Jared Bowen led a special cinema classic challenge, and we asked him why Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” still holds up. We opened the lines and ask you about the best and worst holiday music. We wrapped things up by asking you when it’s time to come clean with your kids about Santa Claus.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Jennifer Nassour and Steve Kerrigan joined us for a politics roundtable. Nassour is a former Chair of the MassGOP and COO of ReflectUS, and Kerrigan is President and co-founder of the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, and former CEO of the DNC. TV writer Bob Thompson reviewed Eddy Murphy’s return to SNL, FX’s “A Christmas Carol”, and the bevy of options for online Yule log viewing. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed a new test to diagnose Alzheimer’s, and a Wayne State University study on society’s attitudes surrounding infidelity. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price III, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, discussed an editorial in Christianity Today calling for the removal of President Trump, and a 16 year prison sentence for a man who burned an LGBT flag. Attorney General Maura Healey stopped by the Boston Public Radio studio for our monthly “Ask the AG” series.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened the lines to callers to hear about your favorite holiday traditions. Emily Rooney, host of WGBH News' Beat The Press, joined us for her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined for our monthly edition of “Ask The Mayor.” He discussed updates to the Trust Act, new space-saver rules for the winter, and his views on Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s push to decriminalize prostitution. Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed a Waltham holding company adding a female director to its all-male boardroom, and why she thinks Gov. Charlie Baker ought to put his plans to sell Hynes Convention Center on pause. Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discussed a smartphone app to help parents find Black Santas, and holiday movies to watch if you’re avoiding the Hallmark channel. David Waters and Brian Hillmer from Community Servings joined us for a year-end news quiz.