Boston Public Radio

Essaibi George dismissed allegations around her developer husband, suggesting they were politically motivated.

The rise of the delta variant of COVID-19 is instilling fear and “stabilizing the need” of nutrition assistance programs.

"The administration needs to catch up" on vaccine mandates, Wu said today on BPR.

Downie said the move, while only helpful in the short term, was likely to buy time for families working to get their hands on federal aid money.

Boston mayoral candidate John Barros joined Boston Public Radio for a wide-ranging interview about his candidacy.

The Rhode Island senator said he doesn't expect his voice is enough to change Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer's mind on the issue of stepping down from the nation's highest court while Democrats maintain power.

PGA Golf has merged with LIV Golf. We asked listeners about their reactions and if the saying “money is the root of evil” is true. French Ambassador to the US Laurent Bili joined ahead of a meeting with Mayor Wu. He also attended the BIO International Convention this week. Medical ethicist Art Caplan discussed Merck suing the US government to stop the Medicare drug price negotiation program in the Inflation Reduction Act and more. Thais Rocha is co-owner of Dani’s Queer Bar, and co-founder of LGBTQ Nightlife Events in Boston. She discussed the efforts to get Dani’s, a space for sapphic, trans, and non-binary people, launched. Globe’s Shirley Leung discussed her column on bus-only lanes in Seaport & more globe coverage on Boston suburbs working to meet the MBTA/housing law requirements. How has your name shaped you or others around you? We heard from listeners including a Bob and someone named Leaf to hear what they had to say. Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discussed the James Beard Award winners, including Chef Sherry Pocknett, and BPS putting “seaweed-ish meatballs” on the menu.

NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Trenni Casey discussed the French Open and updates on Harvard’s investigation into their former women’s hockey coach. We opened the phones to hear about new bike lanes in West Roxbury and Boston’s jaywalking reputation. Who are the streets for? And what do listeners think about adding more bike lanes and other traffic slowing measures? Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther discussed his recent columns that highlight safe places for queer travelers in 2023, and a profile of Kennebunk, Maine (not to be confused with Kennebunkport). National security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed All State and State Farm insurance companies announcing they will not sell new coverage to homeowners in California, citing worsening climate conditions. Kayyem also discussed a meeting between Trump’s lawyers meeting and the DOJ regarding the classified documents case. How much PDA (public displays of affection) is too much? We took calls and texts from listeners. Then, CNN chief national correspondent John King joined via zoom for the latest political headlines. Guster performed for Live Music Tuesday, ahead of a Wednesday show with the Boston Pops.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Jesse Mermell and Charlie Chieppo join for a politics panel discussing the debt ceiling deal, President Biden’s fall, and more. Then we opened the lines to hear from listeners about Biden’s age and whether it matters to voters. Michael Curry discusses Compass Medical’s abrupt closure, struggling independent pediatric practices, and Mass hospitals piloting ChatGPT. Curry is CEO and President of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. Boston Globe columnist Marcela Garcia discusses some of her latest pieces: ‘How to protect undocumented workers from exploitation’ and ‘Barking up the right tree: Regulate doggy day cares in Massachusetts.’ Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price discuss the hateful rhetoric of Ron DeSantis’ pastor, and a new study that finds more Americans choose in-person religious services over virtual worship. Scott Kirsner is co-designer of the Boston Innovation Trail, a walking tour of the city’s STEM sites through history. He joins with Namrata Sengupta, associate director of scientific public engagement at the Broad Institute, one of the 21 locations on the tour. We closed the show with a listener call-in segment about this year’s garden season.

The 2023 Scripps spelling bee crowned it’s winner, Dev Shah, last night. So we held our own spelling bee and challenged the brave callers. Comedian and podcaster Jamie Loftus has written her first book called Raw Dog, a comprehensive exploration of the beloved hot dog. She joined to discuss. Sue O’Connell talked Pride Month in Boston, as well 83-year-old Al Pacino becoming a father. Buster the Bear might’ve made an appearance in her segment as well. Corby Kummer discussed food stamp adjustments in the debt ceiling deal, recent controversies surrounding a dairy ad featuring Aubrey Plaza and an exciting offer from a New Zealand pizza company for its customers. Nancy Gertner joined the conversation to discuss the latest news from the nation's highest court. The Kendall Square Orchestra's annual Symphony for Science, taking place this weekend, performed for Live Music Friday. We ended the show by talking about all things hot dogs.

Chuck Todd talked about the debt ceiling agreement and other D.C. headlines. We opened the phone lines to talk Pride Month: what do people think of corporations co-opting Pride, and those on the right lashing out on Pride-themed products and events? Andrea Cabral returned for her law & order roundup. This week it was legal paranoia in the Trump circle, the story of a Boston police lieutenant with a history of DUIs getting another DUI, a South Boston dog trainer pleading not guilty to animal cruelty and more. Paul Reville weighed in on the sex-ed in Massachusetts schools debate we started on yesterday’s show. He also discussed big spending by BPS, the ongoing debate around cell phone bans and in-state college tuition aid for undocumented immigrants. Director Sammi Cannold & actor Caesar Samayoa from A.R.T’s “Evita” zoomed in to talk about the revival production. James Bennett II talked about some great (and cheap) things to do in an around Boston for June, plus why trashy books make for the best summer reading. We were inspired by a NYT’s piece on the meaning of mustaches. So, we opened the phone lines to get people’s thoughts: what does your mustache say about you?