Boston Public Radio

Rep. Geoff Diehl, the endorsed Republican candidate hoping to unseat Sen. Warren, defended President Trump’s White House invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Social information mining has long been a way for advertisers to target consumers. Now this model is being employed by health insurance companies.

After returning from a trip with a Democratic delegation to visit detention centers in southern Texas, Rep. Katherine Clark says the trip “confirmed [her]…

Medical ethicist Art Caplan weighs in on Jeff Sessions' decision to not defend the Affordable Care Act's protection of people with pre-existing conditions.

The actor, singer and bestselling author discusses his latest novel, a re-imagining of an Irish myth set in modern-day New York City.

It’s time for another edition of Village Voice, our recurring conversation about poetry and how it can help us to make sense of the news of the day.…

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the widespread use of illegal fireworks in Massachusetts, and hear your thoughts on how and whether to address the issue. NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek gave her take on Cam Newton, the prospective new Patriots quarterback, and talked about why she doesn’t expect fans will be able to attend baseball games in 2020, despite Red Sox President Sam Kennedy saying he hopes they’ll be able to. Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther talked about restrictions for traveling in New England, and his experience lodging at a “glamping” resort in the White Mountains. Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about the latest national headlines. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference. Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the DA."

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett talked about how Massachusetts is faring in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and responded to questions from listeners. We opened lines to talk about Whole Food’s ban on employees wearing Black Matter masks. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung talked about the treatment of workers at Boston's Four Seasons hotel, and the looming evictions for Boston renters hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, talked about the politics behind white depictions of Jesus, and the president’s choice to retweet video of someone shouting “white power” at Black Lives Matter protesters. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about President Trump retweeting video of an apparent white supremacist yelling at Black Lives Matter protesters in Florida. TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed Jon Stewart’s film “Irresistible,” "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am,” and “Disclosure.”

Today on Boston Public Radio: Media maven Sue O’Connell talked about the new tell-all book about the Trump family from the president’s niece, and the decision by the Dixie Chicks to change their name to the Chicks. We opened lines to her listeners' thoughts on the president’s response to the ongoing pandemic. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the Mayor.” WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Jon Stewart’s “Irresistible,” and discussed a Provincetown art exhibit honoring the life of local icon and art collector Napi Van Dereck. “Under the Radar” host Callie Crossley talked about the real meaning of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On," and a recent string of white celebrities apologizing for their use of blackface. We opened lines to talk with listeners about Vice President Mike Pence’s Friday assertion that the U.S. is making "truly remarkable progress" with COVID-19, despite the current resurgence of cases.

Today on Boston Public Radio: NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd talked about the rise of coronavirus cases throughout the U.S., and how it’s impacting the president’s poll numbers. We opened lines to talk with listeners about the rise of COVID-19 across the nation, and hear your thoughts on the state’s reopening. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral talked about a recent Boston Globe profile of BPD Captain John "Jack” Danilecki, and her views on corruption within AG William Barr’s Department of Justice. We reopened lines to talk with listeners about coronavirus. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Thursday press conference. Former Mass. Secretary of Education Paul Reville talked about the new guidelines for the reopening of schools in Massachusetts. Tech writer Andy Ihnatko discussed questionable use of face recognition technology by Detroit law enforcement, and news that Rhode Island is using remote learning to ditch snow days altogether. Huntington Theater Managing Director Michael Maso discussed news that the Huntington is cancelling all in-person programs until 2021, and how the Black Lives Matter movement is influencing changes at the theater.

Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, it’s time to face the hard truth: now is not the best time for America’s buffets. With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise across the country, the buffet’s communal eating factor has made it unlikely that people will want to return any time soon. Food writer Corby Kummer, however, says that might not be the worst thing in the world. The award-winning writer and senior editor at The Atlantic returned to Boston Public Radio on Thursday, where he reflected on why it’s probably for the best that Americans aren’t being tempted by the allure of the hot bar. The first upside Kummer gave (aside from the obvious) was cost. “Paying by the pound,” he said, is "always more expensive than just buying and making the food yourself.” Also on the table is the over-eating factor. “It’s this whole idea that you’re pulling a fast one at a buffet,” he said. "You’re getting a lot of food for nothing. Somehow, when nobody’s looking, you’re going and you’re getting another portion– and nobody ever offers you another portion.” "It’s gonna result in better portion control. Life is actually going to be better without buffets,” he said. But while Americans taking the pandemic seriously are unlikely to return to buffet lines any time soon, Kummer said it’s probably inevitable that they’ll return, in some form or another. "They’re more economical for the hotels and restaurants. If you think you’re pulling a fast one and getting a bargain whereas they are making more money, they’ll come back,” he said.