Boston Public Radio

Bonnie Heiple says it’s time to take advantage of new federal resources and make sure community members have a “seat at the table.”

A Harvard study found that eating half a cup of ice cream a day was associated with a lower risk of heart problems among diabetics.

Boston Public Library president says the plan will bring funding to libraries and homes for residents.

Gov. Maura Healey voices support for online lottery, marking her first 100 days in office with a Boston Public Radio interview.

Tillie Walden will become the youngest cartoonist laureate for the Green Mountain state.

Hiring, more funding and dealing with diversions like slow zones need to be immediate priorities, says LivableStreets Alliance’s Stacy Thompson.

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.

Today:We host a debate on Ballot Question 4 - whether to legalize certain psychedelic drugs. Representing Yes on 4: Emily Oneschuck from Massachusetts for Mental Health Options. Representing No on 4: Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, a psychiatrist and researcher specializing in depression and bipolar illness.

Ballot Question #4 debate with Emily Oneschuk, grassroots campaign director for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, representing YES; and Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, professor of psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center and clinical lecturer at Harvard Medical School, representing NOAttorney General Andrea Campbell spent the hour taking listener questions for Ask The AGCNN's John King discussed the latest national political headlinesWe ended the show discussing Trump's impromptu concert

Today on the podcast: BPR hosts its first of five ballot question debates, starting with Question 5 - to eliminate the tipped minimum wage, and bring tipped workers up to the state minimum wage, currently $15 an hour. Alex Galimberti, organizer for One Fair Wage Massachusetts and a former restaurant worker, argues in favor of eliminating the tipped wage. Opposite Alex, is Doug Bacon, local restaurateur aligned with the Committee to Protect Tips, against changing the tipped wage model.