Boston Public Radio

Harvard Alpaca Ranch boasts certified therapy alpacas like Sir Erik, who brings calm and smiles to nursing homes, libraries and even radio studios.

The state auditor is starting a ballot initiative to let voters decide whether the office has the power to audit the Legislature.

Actors are left without work opportunities, as they demand better pay and AI regulation.

The Massachusetts senator supports expanding the number of justices.

Comedian Jay Leno discussed his oddly fond memories of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts' first Black governor says it's necessary for Democrats to play "the long game."

Today:Trust in judicial institutions is historically low. We talk with Communities For Restorative Justice executive director Erin Freeborn, and retired federal judge Nancy Gertner about the impact of restorative justice efforts.Then, Cambridge’s beloved tiny bar & music venue “Toad” is coming back, while Christopher’s next door becomes McCarthy’s. We talk with the McCarthys themselves and hear from their family band for Live Music Friday.

Tommy McCarthy & Co. performed for Live Music FridayNancy Gertner & Erin Freeborn joined to talk about the work of Communities for Restorative Justice, a nonprofit that offers an alternative to the prison system that involves heavy dialogue and punishments decided to by victims rather than judges & juries.Sue O’Connell on Trump’s bid to save TikTok, dry January, and the siri lawsuit.Odie Henderson on his favorite (and least favorite) movies of 2024.

Today:We bring you Jim and Margery's 2014 conversation with a 90-year-old Jimmy Carter, about his book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power."And, one of Carter's former aides Margaret McKenna reflects on his legacy.

Juliette Kayyem debriefed the attack in New Orleans that killed 15, and the Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.Margaret McKenna reflected on her time working under President Jimmy Carter as a White House deputy counsel in the 70’sWe replayed Jim & Margery’s 2014 interview with Jimmy Carter about his book “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power.”Andrea Cabral on the downward trend for violent crime in BostonCorby Kummer talked about the craft beer breweries celebrating Pres. Carter’s legacy

Today: Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein discusses the region's newest romance-specific brick-and-mortar bookstore, Lovestruck Books, in Harvard Square.And, the team from the Urban Nutcracker joins Jim and Margery at the BPL for Live Music Friday.