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."

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen on Bob Ross' paintings on the auction block to support public media, "Sardines" at the Huntington, Taylor Swift's record-breaking record sales, and other arts and culture news. Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on President Trump's troop orders to Portland and Chicago, the air traffic controller debacle nationwide, and more. Political philosopher Michael Sandel (author of the celebrated 1996 book "Democracy's Discontent") joins us ahead of his GBH Ralph Lowell Annual Lecture Thursday night.Tufts food policy analyst Corby Kummer is joined by retiring Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, who exposes his face to us for the first time.

BPR Full Show 10/7:

Today:Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, discusses our constitutional crisis, as the Supreme Court starts a new term.

Today:Paul Dama was here in the U.S. legally seeking asylum from Boko Haram, when he was taken by immigration officials on his way to church. He was held for months, and made to re-submit his asylum claim while detained; only granted freedom two weeks ago. He has returned to his job at Suya Joint in Nubian Square, alongside sister, chef and owner of the restaurant, Cecilia Lizotte. They both join us to discuss.

UMass President Marty Meehan joins us in studio to talk about school tuition, federal research cuts and their impact on scientific advancement.Former Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Chris Dempsey, and former Rep. Bill Straus join for a transit panel. Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, discusses growing social isolation and what to do about it.Paul Dama and Cecilia Lizotte of the Roxbury restaurant Suya Joint recap Dama's months-long ICE detention and his eventually successful asylum claim.