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.

Podcaster Chuck Todd returns for his Thursday D.C. roundup.Andrea Cabral on the latest law and order headlines: an appeals court ordering the return of Rumeysa Ozturk and to Vermont. Environmentalist Bill McKibben returns for his monthly climate check-in. Culture reporter James Bennett II discusses why Americans are obsessed with the movie Conclave and the real-life conclave. While on air, the current conclave ended and the new pope was announced. We talk with James about the historical significance of the first Pope from the United States, Leo XIV.

Today:National security expert Juliette Kayyem discusses the start to the secretive process to pick the next pope.NPR host Ari Shapiro zooms in ahead of two local shows on his cabaret tour.

Jared Bowen discusses the local arts groups impacted by cancelled NEA grants.Juliette Kayyem discusses what you need to know about Real ID requirements.Ari Shaprio joins ahead of his one-man cabaret show: "Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening" stopping in Nashua and Lexington this weekend.Ana Sortun, executive chef of Oleana and chef/co-owner of Sofra, joins with Maura Kilpatrick, chef/co-owner of Sofra — for our latest edition of How Do You Two Know Each Other?

Today:Senator Ed Markey discusses Trump's tariff plan, and his recent visit to Rumeysa Ozturk in Louisiana.And, Chuck Collins from the Institute for Policy Studies discusses the uber-wealthy forces trying to expand Bedford’s Hanscom Field to accommodate more fossil-fueled private jets.

Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, discusses the appeals court hearing today in the case of Rümeysa Öztürk. Plus, the Trump Justice Department taking the same position as the Biden admin on a major abortion access case.Senator Ed Markey zooms in to discuss national politics: the impacts of tariffs on small business, Republican rule-breaking, Harvard, and Trump's deportations.Lee Pelton of the Boston Foundation discusses how Trump's nonprofit policies will devastate vulnerable communities, and the Boston Foundation's $2.6 million in Safety Net grants. Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies discusses the American oligarchs — Zuckerberg, Musk and Bezos --- and their impact on politics. He also joins to discuss the proposed Hanscom Field expansion as it relates to private jet use and climate change.