Today on Boston Public Radio:

We began the show by opening phone lines, talking with listeners about the country's perception of Boston as a racist city.

Michelle Singletary walked us through tax season, explaining taxes collected on unemployment and the Child Tax Credit. Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, whose award-winning column, "The Color of Money," provides insight into the world of personal finance.

Michelle Singletary on BPR | April 5, 2021

Lylah Alphonse updated us on the latest Rhode Island-based headlines, from COVID-19 vaccination rates to the state of Providence schools. Alphonse is the Rhode Island editor for the Boston Globe, where she leads a team covering and exploring the Ocean State.

Lylah Alphonse on BPR | April 5, 2021

Bob Thompson discussed the comeback of Court TV, and their coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. He also touched on the controversy surrounding Dr. Oz hosting “Jeopardy.” Thompson is the founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture and a professor of television and popular culture at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Bob Thompson on BPR | April 5, 2021

Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett Price shared their thoughts on the trial of Derek Chauvin, and the nationwide perception of Boston as a racist city. They also discussed a decline in church membership across the country. Monroe is a syndicated religion columnist, the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail, and a visiting researcher in the Religion and Conflict Transformation Program at the Boston University School of Theology. Price is an executive director of the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Together, they host GBH’s All Rev’d Up podcast.

The Revs on BPR | April 5, 2021

Richard Blanco celebrated the start of National Poetry Month by highlighting Asian American poets. Blanco is the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history. His new book, " How To Love A Country," deals with various socio-political issues that shadow America.

Richard Blanco on BPR | April 5, 2021

We wrapped up the show by asking listeners how they felt about the reopening of elementary schools across Massachusetts.