Boston Public Radio

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history enters its fifth week, the future of federal food assistance remains uncertain.

Rev. Irene Monroe said the film, which is about the relationship between a black pianist and his white driver and bodyguard, is overly reliant on the trope of the "white hero."

Poet Richard Blanco highlighted his favorite works by poet Ada Limón, which are united by a common theme of searching for meaning in "seeming oblivion."

Healey said she is “actively reviewing” the existing policies and procedures that surround the reporting of cases of sexual misconduct.

After Barack Obama left Office, Pete Souza made sure he still remained a part of the national dialogue.

Richard Blanco, the nation's fifth inaugural poet, shared poems that seize on the changing of the seasons as an opportunity to reflect on death, rebirth, and the passage of time.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the coronavirus pandemic. We aired live audio from the President’s daily coronavirus task force briefing. NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd discussed President Trump’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and how it could impact his 2020 re-election campaign. Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey called in to discuss the resources her office has made available to help those struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen discussed the impact of coronavirus on Boston’s local art scene. Maura Healey called back to talk about her office’s “COVID Hub” resource for anyone with questions about legal protections amid the coronavirus outbreak. We re-opened our lines to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic with listeners. Rep. Ayanna Pressley called in to discuss how she and others in Washington are working to provide federal aid for Americans struggling financially because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Sen. Ed Markey called in to discuss the national impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and what he’s doing to help lessen the crisis. We opened lines to talk with callers about everything to do with the coronavirus. We aired live audio of President Trump’s coronavirus task force briefing. We re-opened our lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with listeners. Ali Noorani, Executive Director for the National Immigration Forum, discussed President Trump’s characterization of COVID-19 as the "Chinese Virus.” Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed the big ethical dilemma for Americans stuck in quarantine: should you be avoiding sex?

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with callers about the coronavirus outbreak. NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek talked Tom Brady’s announcement that he’ll be leaving the Patriots, andthe latest on the sports world’s response to COVID-19. We re-opened our lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with listeners. We aired live audio of President Trump’s coronavirus task force briefing. Former Secretary of Transportation James Aloisi and Chris Dempsey, Director of Transportation for Massachusetts, discussed the MBTA’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and whether clearer roads might nudge state lawmakers to consider congestion pricing. We re-opened our lines to talk with listeners about coronavirus. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s press conference on the state’s coronavirus response. We took a break to continue our coronavirus conversation with listeners. CNN’s John King broke down Tuesday’s press conference, talked Tuesday’s Democratic primaries, and offered a tip on where Tom Brady could be headed next season.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone explained how he and other Massachusetts mayors are confronting the coronavirus outbreak. We opened our lines to talk with callers about your experiences dealing with the coronavirus. WGBH News Analyst and GroundTruth Project CEO Charlie Sennott explained the virus’ global impact, and how other countries are dealing with the outbreak. TV expert Bob Thompson discussed the best TV to watch while you’re social distancing. We re-opened our lines to talk with callers about the coronavirus. Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius explained how city schools are dealing with coronavirus, and what she’s doing to ensure that all kids can access meals amid school cancellations. Boston restaurateur Tiffani Faison discussed the impact of coronavirus on Boston's food industry, and how her restaurants are accommodating the city through the outbreak. Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who also leads the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America, explained how Middlesex County prisons are adapting to the coronavirus outbreak. We re-opened our lines to continue the coronavirus conversation with listeners.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Bina Venkataraman, former chief policy advisor on the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology under President Obama, discussed the latest news on coronavirus. Rep. Joe Kennedy discussed the state’s response to coronavirus, and how it’s impacting his campaign for Senate. *Beat the Press *host Emily Rooney talked about the media’s coverage of coronavirus and gave her famous list of fixations and fulminations. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined us for our monthly edition of “Ask the AG.” Boston Globe columnist Shirley Leung discussed the impact coronavirus is poised to have on Boston’s economy. Under the Radar host Callie Crossley discussed “Race to Dinner,” a program that hosts conversations about racism for wealthy white liberal women over dinner. Moe Isaza and Matt Conner of Teeling Whiskey joined us for our weekly news quiz.