Boston Public Radio

The state's education commissioner announced that schools will use remote learning on days traditionally reserved for snowball fights and hot chocolate.

'The fundamental aspect of what we do is bring people together for this communal experience,' he said.

The systems that protect police are coming under increased scrutiny as activists call for broad reform.

Governor Charlier Baker announced the state is looking to reopen schools for in-person learning this fall.

Top public health officials refuted claims made by the president during a political rally that the country would slow down testing in response to an increase in cases.

The CNN correspondent said Democrats will be taking a risk in shutting the GOP bill down outright, in a vote scheduled for Wednesday.

Today:The 22nd annual Boston Celtic Music Festival kicks off Jan. 16. We talk with musician and festival organizers Lindsay O’Donovan – widow of the late, great Brian O’Donovan – and Matt Smith from Club Passim with live performances from the band Fox River and duo Hanneke Cassel & Adam Hendey.And, Imari Paris Jeffries of Embrace Boston discusses this year's gala honoring MLK's legacy; former Governor Deval Patrick zooms in too.

We ask listeners: do you have hope that the U.S. will have honest leaders again? The Boston Celtic Music Festival runs next Thursday through Sunday, at venues throughout Cambridge and Somerville. We’ll talk with Lindsay O’Donovan and Matt Smith (from Club Passim) with live performances from the band Fox River and duo Hanneke Cassel & Adam Hendey.GBH's Callie Crossley discusses the Democrats skipping Trump’s inauguration & the incoming administration’s comments about making Canada the 51st state.NBC10 Boston's Sue O’Connell on LA fires & Trump hush money sentencing. Plus Kelly’s Roast Beef changing ownership for the first time in 70 years.Embrace Boston's Imari Paris Jeffries & former Gov. Deval Patrick join ahead of the Embrace Honors MLK Gala. Then we discuss when and how to flake from plans.

Today: Former public safety secretary Andrea Cabral discusses Carter’s legacy of truth, and Merrick Garland’s plans to release the special counsel report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.And, Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discusses the future of DEI in higher education, and the latest development in the state's MBTA communities housing law.

Today's podcast starts with hour two of BPR. The first part of the show was dedicated to live broadcast of former President Jimmy Carter's memorial service.Former secretary of public safety Andrea Cabral on Attorney General Merrick Garland’s plans to release the final Jack Smith report about Trump’s 2020 election subversion. She’ll also talk about Trump asking for a delay in his hush-money sentencing, violent crime at Mass. shelters, and a state program that recruits and trains formerly incarcerated people to drive trucks.Former secretary of education Paul Reville reflects on Elon Musk’s threats to cut the Department of Education through his DOGE program. He’ll also talk about BPS recommending several school closures, state community colleges struggling with an influx of students and other education headlinesFor our text segment: People in positions of power who choose to close ranks when faced with public scrutiny. How much are we owed as members of the public? Do you assume, if they don’t offer an explanation, they’re guilty as charged? Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung talks about former Harvard president Claudine Gay and the future of DEI in higher ed. Plus, the latest on White Stadium and the SJC ruling against Milton.For Am I the A-hole day: what's the appropriate amount of time before someone can eat leftovers in the fridge?

Today: We continue the conversation started yesterday with Gov. Healey about eliminating broker fees, with listeners.And, we discuss all things MBTA and transit with former transportation secretary Jim Aloisi & Reggie Ramos from Transportation for Mass.