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: Suffolk County DA Rachel Rollins discussed how her administration is responding to the pandemic, and answered questions from callers. We opened lines to ask callers: are there certain businesses you’d be okay with seeing reopen now? We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s press conference. Former Suffolk County Sheriff and Secretary of Public Safety Andrea Cabral discussed Sen. Mitch McConnell’s push to reopen the Senate, and the struggles of holding court proceedings over Zoom. NBC “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd also talked about Sen. McConnell’s plans to reopen the Senate, as well as the sexual assault allegation against Vice President Joe Biden. We opened lines to continue our conversation about the possibility of a safe reopening of certain businesses and services.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Congressman Jim McGovern gave his take on remote voting, and Washington politicians who refuse to wear face masks. Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about the disproportionate number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and commemorated the life his mother, who passed away from the disease this week. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about Vice President Mike Pence’s refusal to wear a face mask during his visit to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. We aired live audio from Gov. Baker’s Wednesday press conference. Former Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the MBTA, and how the pandemic could be used as an opportunity to improve the city's transit system. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem talked about her writing for the Atlantic on how states ought to handle reopening their economies, and JetBlue’s latest requirement that fliers wear face masks. Playwright Ryan Landry talked about his new painting habit, and what he envisions for the future of his Gold Dust Orphans theater company.

Today on Boston Public Radio: — We opened our lines to talk with listeners about coronavirus vigilantes, and whether there’s a public responsibility to reprimand people who ignore safety guidelines. — NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Kusnierek talked about last week's NFL draft, and the latest news around the Tokyo Olympics, currently scheduled for 2021. — We aired live audio from Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference. — Harvard behavioral economist Michael Norton talked about the rituals parents are introducing to their kids to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, and took questions from listeners. — CNN’s John King discussed the latest political headlines.

Today on Boston Public Radio: New York Times columnist Ben Smith talked about the media's responsibilities when it comes to covering President Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. We opened our lines to check in with listeners, and talk about the struggles of working from home. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Monday press conference. TV expert Bob Thompson discussed last week’s Prince tribute on CBS, and reviewed “Homeland” and HBO’s “Bad Education.” Dr. Katherine Dallow, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Strategy at Blue Cross Blue Shield, talked about the status of coronavirus testing in Massachusetts, and answered questions from callers.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to ask listeners: has President Trump gone too far in promoting misinformation about coronavirus? Beat the Press host Emily Rooney discussed the president’s daily coronavirus briefings, and read her weekly list of fixations and fulminations. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for an hour-long edition of “Ask the Mayor.” Boston Globe Columnist Shirley Leung discussed how the unemployment crisis is playing out in Massachusetts, and what small businesses can expect from the latest federal aid package. CNN’s John King talked about the president’s latest false claim, where he denied saying UV light and disinfectant could be used to cure coronavirus, and Joe Biden’s warning that Trump could try to delay the election in November. Under the Radar host Callie Crossley talked about President Trump’s claims regarding disinfectant and COVID-19, and gave her thoughts on the disproportionately high impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.