Boston Public Radio

Slow zones have been a big complaint among riders.

Harvard Alpaca Ranch boasts certified therapy alpacas like Sir Erik, who brings calm and smiles to nursing homes, libraries and even radio studios.

The state auditor is starting a ballot initiative to let voters decide whether the office has the power to audit the Legislature.

Actors are left without work opportunities, as they demand better pay and AI regulation.

The Massachusetts senator supports expanding the number of justices.

Comedian Jay Leno discussed his oddly fond memories of Massachusetts.

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.