Boston Public Radio

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history enters its fifth week, the future of federal food assistance remains uncertain.

Rev. Irene Monroe said the film, which is about the relationship between a black pianist and his white driver and bodyguard, is overly reliant on the trope of the "white hero."

Poet Richard Blanco highlighted his favorite works by poet Ada Limón, which are united by a common theme of searching for meaning in "seeming oblivion."

Healey said she is “actively reviewing” the existing policies and procedures that surround the reporting of cases of sexual misconduct.

After Barack Obama left Office, Pete Souza made sure he still remained a part of the national dialogue.

Richard Blanco, the nation's fifth inaugural poet, shared poems that seize on the changing of the seasons as an opportunity to reflect on death, rebirth, and the passage of time.

Today: We get listener reactions to a stark gender divide in this year’s race – with women supporting Harris at much higher rates than men.And, a brief reprieve from politics with naturalist Sy Montgomery. From baby turtles named after everyone's favorite public radio show hosts, to Sy’s new book – What The Chicken Knows – all about what we can learn from our feathered farmyard friends.

Jim Dao, editorial page editor at the Boston Globe, on newspaper endorsements. The Globe endorsed Harris, and included an explainer as to why.Jared Bowen wore his chaps as promised plus he discussed the Clark Art Institute's $45m donationNational security expert Juliette Kayyem discussed the threats to this election -- the existing 'stop the steal' movement, conspiracy theories, and "secrets" between Trump and Mike Johnson.Massachusetts Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Services Jon Santiago reacted to Tony Hinchcliffe's racist jokeNaturalist and author Sy Montgomery zooms in to discuss her forthcoming book "What The Chicken Knows"

Today: CNN’s chief national correspondent, John King joins us just one week out from when vote counting begins. The Man of the Magic Wall tells us not to expect the results on Tuesday or even Wednesday night … And, state auditor Diana DiZoglio discusses her ballot campaign to expressly authorize her office to audit the legislature – on the heels of two legislative leaders saying they might change her petition even if voters pass it.

Today the presidential candidates give their closing arguments to voters. We ask listeners what issues Harris should focus on during her speech at the Ellipse.Trenni Casey, anchor/reporter for NBC Sports Boston, discusses the NFL concussion protocol after Patriot's QB Drake May took a helmet-to-helmet hit on Sunday, and a Hail Mary pass by the Washington Commanders.Sue O'Connell of NBC10 discusses the ramped-up rhetoric leading up to the election, efforts to rescue Newburyport's Pink House, and Elon Musk's latest claims about aliens.CNN's John King joins one week until election day to discuss how voters across the political spectrum are feeling.State auditor Diana DiZoglio discusses her ballot campaign that would authorize her to audit the legislature and the legislative leaders who say they might just change the law if it passes.Election day isn't the only thing we're counting down to. Halloween is Thursday, so we ask listeners about their favorite candies.

The Washington Post killed their planned endorsement of Kamala Harris. Former editor Marty Baron joins us to discuss, and the newspaper man doesn’t mince words: he calls it a spineless, cowardly decision.And, a return to the gilded age – with union-busting billionaire robber barons operating in this country under very different rules than the rest of us. We discuss with former labor secretary Robert Reich.