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.

Environmentalist Bill McKibben discusses EPA rollbacks, despite the majority of Americans supporting policies to protect the climate.Michael Curry of the Mass League of Community Health Centers and the NAACP discusses the reshaping of our reality through selective data sharing by the federal government. Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discusses the RFK Jr.-backed proposal to cut certain foods from SNAP benefits.Princeton University's Khalil Gibran Muhammad focuses in on the detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, and the threat to academic freedom and free speech on campus and beyond.

Today:“A Man of No Importance” is the latest musical from SpeakEasy Stage Company. We move the show to GBH’s stunning Fraser Performance Studio to hear performances from the cast and speak with some of the actors for this week’s Live Music Friday. Watch the performance here.Then, our media analysis segment Press Play features Chuck Todd this week. We talk about the latest spat between the White House and Associated Press – all because the AP dared to present the facts. And, the oligarchic obedience of media moguls to Trump fueling mistrust of the media.

“A Man of No Importance” is the latest musical from SpeakEasy Stage Company.. We hear performances from the cast and speak with actors Eddie Shields, Billy Meleady & Kathy St. George for this week’s Live Music Friday.GBH's Callie Crossley discusses federal pressure on Maine's governor over a trans student athlete. She also discusses the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” mural in D.C., and Attorney General Andrea Campbell joining other AGs who are suing Trump about the dismantling of the education department.Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther gives a eulogy for free checked luggage on domestic flights and provides tips for traveling on the cheap in Thailand.Political analyst Chuck Todd joins for our "Press Play" media analysis segment.

Today:Anand Giridharadas of The.Ink argues the left-right political spectrum doesn’t apply anymore. We should be thinking about things through a “who’s fighting for me” frame. Then, Massachusetts’ Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago discusses the litany of ways the Trump administration is making life more difficult for those who served our country.

BPR Full Show 3/13: AITA For Avoiding Friends With Kids?