Boston Public Radio

The first Chinese American city councilor and first Filipino city councilor in New England share their experiences getting into local politics on Boston Public Radio.

Mayor Wu told BPR that the O'Bryant School of Math and Science is moving to West Roxbury to expand "high quality" school options.

A new documentary follows Michael Packard's tale of being scooped up in the mouth of a humpback.

Sy Montgomery offers a naturalist's perspective to recent bear sightings.

Early’s new special is a “sweaty ’70s show” that builds on his past comedic work.

After a hiatus, the new organizers of Boston's Pride parade want to create ways for all to celebrate.

Today:BPR hosts a debate on Ballot Question 1, which would grant the state auditor authority to audit the finances and workings of the legislature. Mary Connaughton, director of government transparency and COO at the Pioneer Institute, argues for YES on 1. Jerold Duquette, professor of political science at Central Connecticut State University and co-founder of MassPoliticsProfs.org, argues for NO on 1.

Today:Roxana Rivera, co-chair of the Yes on 3 coalition and Assistant to the President at 32BJ SEIU, joins to discuss Ballot Question 3 - which would allow rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft to collectively bargain for better working conditions. Mass Fiscal Alliance wrote the opposition memo for this ballot question in the Secretary of State's voter guidebook, but no group formally launched an opposition to it. Mass Fiscal declined BPR's request to debate the issue.

Roxanna Rivera joins as a representative for Yes on 3 and United Justice. She makes the case for ballot question 3, which would allow ride share workers the right to unionize. Representatives from the group Mass. Fiscal Alliance, who wrote the official language for the “no” side, say they are not a ballot question committee and declined our invitation to join. Then we opened the phone lines to hear from listeners about how they plan to vote.Former secretary of public safety Andrea Cabral reacts to Nebraska’s high court ruling in favor of allowing people with felony records to vote. She also discussed the latest death-row case out of Texas involving a man who advocates say was falsely accused.Mass Education Sec. Patrick Tutwiler joins for his first-ever interview with Jim & Margery. He talks about why he's in favor of keeping MCAS graduation requirements, plans to divvy out $20 million for early literacy, and efforts to bolster student mental health support. Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins with reflections on Harris’ interview Brett Baier on Fox and the state’s new liquor license law and violence in the Middle East.Then it's Am I the A-hole day.

Today:We bring you our debate on ballot question 2 - whether to eliminate the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. Representing YES on 2 is Deb McCarthy, vice president of the Massachusetts Teachers Union. Representing NO on 2 is Keri Rodrigues, co-founder of the National Parents Union.And, Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut and commander of expedition 72 zooms into us from the International Space Station. She’s part of the Starliner crew who’s original 8-day mission has been delayed to 8-months because of technical problems.

Ballot question #2 debate: Deb McCarthy, VP of the Mass Teachers Association represents YES on 2; Keri Rodrigues, founder of the National Parents Union.NASA astronaut Sunita Williams joined over Zoom into the show from the International Space StationWe opened the lines to hear from listeners about their opinions on question 2National security expert Juliette Kayyem on FEMA making "operational adjustments" amid threats to rescue and aid workers for hurricanes Helene and MiltonGovernor Maura Healey answered listener questions for Ask The Gov.