Boston Public Radio

The 'American Consequences' editor and frequent 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' guest lamented the tribalization of the American political landscape.

Pope Francis appoints first Black Cardinal and expresses support for gay rights — but is it just "lip service"?

The former Suffolk County said U.S. democracy as we know it will "cease to exist" if President Trump wins a second term.

Larry Calderone, president of Boston’s Police Patrolmen’s Association, weighed in on a range of reform proposals.

Barrett's vague response to what she's done to educate herself on racism was embarrassing and harmful, the Revs say.

Whitehouse detailed a 'court-capture machinery' to sway court rulings along partisan lines.

On today's pre-taped episode of Boston Public Radio: Jim And Margery talked to New York Times Magazine staff writer and lecturer at Yale Law School, Emily Bazelon whose latest book, "Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration," looks at the causes of Mass Incarceration Environmentalist and journalist Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, discussed his latest book, "Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?" MIT economists Jonathon Gruber and Simon Johnson discussed their latest book: "Jump-Starting America: How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream." Author TC Boyle joined Jim and Margery to talk about his latest novel, "Outside Looking In." Poet Richard Blanco gave a crash course on the literary tools that can make your poetry more poetic.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Medical ethicist Art Caplan talked about the problem with relying on a quick COVID-19 vaccine, and his worries about this year’s flu season. MIT economist Jon Gruber discussed healthcare options for people who’ve lost coverage after losing their jobs, and responded to caller questions. Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about Tuesday's decision by the Boston Art Commission to remove a Park Square statue depicting Abraham Lincoln and a former enslaved person. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Wednesday press conference. CNN analyst and national security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed ramifications of rising COVID-19 rates across the U.S., and news about the Trump Administration’s handling of intel that Russia offered bounties on the lives of U.S. troops. Pulitzer-prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen discussed his latest writing in the New York Times, about what director Spike Lee got wrong in his new Vietnam War film “Da 5 Bloods.” Tech writer Andy Ihnatko talked about companies banding together to boycott Facebook, and a marketing firm compiling information on Black Lives Matter protesters from phone data.

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened our lines to talk with listeners about the widespread use of illegal fireworks in Massachusetts, and hear your thoughts on how and whether to address the issue. NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek gave her take on Cam Newton, the prospective new Patriots quarterback, and talked about why she doesn’t expect fans will be able to attend baseball games in 2020, despite Red Sox President Sam Kennedy saying he hopes they’ll be able to. Boston Globe travel writer Christopher Muther talked about restrictions for traveling in New England, and his experience lodging at a “glamping” resort in the White Mountains. Ahead of Gov. Baker’s press conference, we opened lines to talk with listeners about the latest national headlines. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Tuesday press conference. Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the DA."

Today on Boston Public Radio: Boston Medical Center’s Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett talked about how Massachusetts is faring in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and responded to questions from listeners. We opened lines to talk about Whole Food’s ban on employees wearing Black Matter masks. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung talked about the treatment of workers at Boston's Four Seasons hotel, and the looming evictions for Boston renters hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett Price, hosts of WGBH’s All Rev’d Up, talked about the politics behind white depictions of Jesus, and the president’s choice to retweet video of someone shouting “white power” at Black Lives Matter protesters. We opened our lines to talk with listeners about President Trump retweeting video of an apparent white supremacist yelling at Black Lives Matter protesters in Florida. TV expert Bob Thompson reviewed Jon Stewart’s film “Irresistible,” "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am,” and “Disclosure.”

Today on Boston Public Radio: Media maven Sue O’Connell talked about the new tell-all book about the Trump family from the president’s niece, and the decision by the Dixie Chicks to change their name to the Chicks. We opened lines to her listeners' thoughts on the president’s response to the ongoing pandemic. We aired live audio from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Friday press conference. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called in for our monthly edition of “Ask the Mayor.” WGBH Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen reviewed Jon Stewart’s “Irresistible,” and discussed a Provincetown art exhibit honoring the life of local icon and art collector Napi Van Dereck. “Under the Radar” host Callie Crossley talked about the real meaning of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On," and a recent string of white celebrities apologizing for their use of blackface. We opened lines to talk with listeners about Vice President Mike Pence’s Friday assertion that the U.S. is making "truly remarkable progress" with COVID-19, despite the current resurgence of cases.