Boston Public Radio Podcast

Former state secretary of education Paul Reville spoke to Boston Public Radio on Thursday about how online virtual schooling could be here to stay even after the pandemic. “There’s an interesting phenomenon developing that some families and some students might prefer virtual schooling,” he said. “There are any number of reports from students and from families that their particular child learns more easily in this kind of a fashion due to special needs, their own personality, or anxieties about going out to school.” An increasing number of school districts are taking the initiative to launch virtual schools and to provide a virtual option to people, not just this year in the midst of this crisis, but in the long run, Reville noted. “They intend to set-up virtual schools to give parents the option, should they want, to have their children learn from home,” he said. “And this is more widespread than expected.” One of the multiple downsides of having a permanent virtual schooling option is that students would

Today on Boston Public Radio: Rep. Seth Moulton shares his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021. He also talks about potential cross-country high speed rail stemming from President Biden’s infrastructure plan. Congressman Moulton represents Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional district. Next, we open the phone lines, asking listeners whether they’d give up their cars if the U.S. invested in high speed rail infrastructure. Juliette Kayyem talks about the Capitol Police inspector general Michael A. Bolton’s findings in an investigation on how the Capitol Police handled the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. She also discusses the recent increase in gun violence across the U.S. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Patricia Wen discusses the Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigation, which

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by talking with listeners about vaccine hesitancy in the wake of the U.S. government pulling the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Trenni Kusnierek shares her thoughts on Minnesota sports teams postponing their games after the death of Daunte Wright. She also talks about Julian Edelman’s retirement announcement, and explained what it means for the Patriots. Kusnierek is an anchor and reporter for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Karim Hajj previews the FRONTLINE documentary film American Insurrection, which looks into the rise of far-right violence across the U.S. Hajj is a producer for FRONTLINE. He helped produce American Insurrection in collaboration with ProPublica and UC Berkley’s Investigative Reporting Program. You can watch American Resurrection on April 13 at 10 p.m. EST on your local PBS station. Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses U.S. federal health officials’ decision to pause the administration of the Johnson &am

Today on Boston Public Radio: E.J. Dionne weighs in on President Joe Biden’s formation of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States. He also shares his thoughts on calls for Justice Stephen Breyer to resign. Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is "Code Red: How Progressives And Moderates Can Unite To Save Our Country.” Next, we open the phone lines, talking with listeners about local government transparency in the wake of a Boston Globe article detailing the child sexual abuse allegations against ex-Boston Police officer and union leader Patrick Rose. Charlie Sennott discusses increasing unrest in Northern Ireland, and President Biden’s return to Iran nuclear deal talks. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Christopher Kimball previews his latest Milk Street cookbook, “Tuesday Nights Mediterranean: 125 Simple Weeknight Recipes from the World's Healthiest Cuis

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start off the show by talking with listeners about the CDC’s updated guidelines on surface cleaning. Dolores Huerta discusses her historical work in labor and civil rights, and the current issues facing agricultural and farm workers today. She also argues for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Huerta is the co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Emily Rooney weighs in on the multiple defamation lawsuits filed by Dominion Voting Systems. She also touches on global vaccine equity, and shared her famous list. Rooney is host of Beat the Press, which you can watch Friday nights at 7 p.m. Andy Ihnatko updates us on the latest tech headlines, from the Supreme Court’s decision on whether former President Trump violated the First Amendment by blocking people on Twitter to the recent Facebook data leak. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com. Corby Kummer talks about the Aspen Institute’s updated safety guidelines for restaurant workers. He also calls

For the past seven months, the Aspen Institute's Food and Policy Program has been working to assemble a comprehensive guide for safe indoor dining. As of this week, that guide is officially out and free to the public. On Friday, the organization’s director, food writer Corby Kummer, joined Boston Public Radio to talk about his hopes for how it’ll impact safe dining as restaurants work to get back to a form of quasi-normalcy. “This is meant to be a nationally [applicable], easy to use, easy to post guide for all restaurant owners, managers, workers and diners, as a way of feeling safe as you go back to dining indoors,” he explained. The guide includes the center's Diner Code of Conduct, which was initially released back in December. It’s a simple, straightforward checklist of commitments diners can make to ensure the safety of restaurant staff, and anyone looking to enjoy a meal indoors without the risk of contracting COVID-19. But the 74-page guide, Kummer noted, also includes a host of other useful inform

Today on Boston Public Radio: Acting Mayor Kim Janey discusses her recent “All Inclusive” Boston tourism campaign, her childhood experiences during the city’s busing crisis, and her plans to make Boston a more equitable city. She also speaks with listeners during “Ask the Acting Mayor.”  Andrea Cabral talks about the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, touching on the first time allowance of cameras in Minnesota courtrooms. She also discusses the controversy surrounding Dr. David Fowler, an expert witness for Chauvin’s defense. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Chuck Todd updates us on the investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz, and former House Speaker John Boehner’s new book. Todd is the moderator of “Meet the Press” on NBC, host of “Meet the Press Daily" on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC News. Ric Burns previews his new film, “Oliver Sacks: His Own Life,” and talks about what

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by opening phone lines, asking listeners whether they thought colleges should mandate vaccines for returning students. Jonathan Gruber shares his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, arguing that investment into infrastructure could create jobs across America. Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating both the Massachusetts health-care reform and the Affordable Care Act, and his latest book is "Jump-Starting America How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream." Juliette Kayyem discusses the nationwide move away from mass vaccination sites to private sites. She also shares what she thought we should be asking when a mass shooting occurs. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Ali Noorani explains how former Presi

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by asking listeners how they felt about Prudential’s Pulse of the American Worker Survey, which found that 1 in 4 workers plan to leave their job post-pandemic. Trenni Kusnierek talks about the Stanford Cardinal’s NCAA women’s basketball win, and the MLB’s decision to move their All-Star game out of Atlanta due to Georgia’s passage of controversial voting restrictions. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Carol Rose shares her thoughts on nationwide attacks on transgender rights, calls for vaccine passports and the fight against Georgia’s voting restrictions. Rose is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts.  Michael J. Bobbitt discusses the pandemic’s impact on Massachusetts’ arts and cultural institutions, from financial issues to COVID-19 stage performance guidelines. He also weighs in on how the arts and culture sector could rebuild in the wake of COVID-19. Bobbitt is the execu

Today on Boston Public Radio: We begin the show by opening phone lines, talking with listeners about the country's perception of Boston as a racist city. Michelle Singletary walks us through tax season, explaining taxes collected on unemployment and the Child Tax Credit. Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, whose award-winning column, "The Color of Money,"  provides insight into the world of personal finance. Lylah Alphonse updates us on the latest Rhode Island-based headlines, from COVID-19 vaccination rates to the state of Providence schools. Alphonse is the Rhode Island editor for the Boston Globe, where she leads a team covering and exploring the Ocean State. Bob Thompson discusses the comeback of Court TV, and their coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial. He also touches on the controversy surrounding Dr. Oz hosting “Jeopardy.” Thompson is the founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture and a professor of television and popular culture at

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by asking listeners whether they’re ready to mend relationships with family members who supported President Donald Trump. Sue O’Connell weighs in on conservatives’ reactions to both the sex trafficking investigation into Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and Lil Nas X’s music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” She also discusses the decrease in divorce rates due to the pandemic. O’Connell is the co-publisher of Bay Windows and the South End News, as well as NECN's political commentator and explainer-in-chief. District Attorney Rachael Rollins discusses the National Bureau of Economic Research study validating her decision to dismiss low-level, nonviolent offenses, or resolve them without jail time. She also shares her thoughts on the Sean Ellis case, and her push for a new trial. Rollins is the district attorney for Suffolk County. Andy Ihnatko updates us on the latest news at the intersection of tech and politics, from bots to help you find vaccine sites to

The most recent stimulus package signed by President Joe Biden — the American Rescue Plan — dedicates $1.8 billion for K-12 schools in Massachusetts, with Boston Public Schools getting $400 million. “It’s going to be an enormous windfall for the school system,” former Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville tells Boston Public Radio. “It’s going to mean an intensive period of first of all competition for how to spend that money.” Reville said the next few months will be a period of politicking in Boston — in a good way — as the city goes through a mayoral race, emerges from the pandemic, and sets priorities for the future. Biden has also just unveiled his infrastructure plan that proposes $100 billion for school construction. Reville also discussed the state’s efforts to return students to schools, and new developments in vaccine safety for younger people. Paul Reville is a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also runs the Education Redesign Lab. His latest b

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd talks about the sex trafficking investigation into Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. He also shares his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan. Todd is the moderator of “Meet the Press” on NBC, host of “Meet the Press Daily" on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC News. Next, we opens the phone lines, talking with listeners about distracted walkers. Andrea Cabral discusses the witnesses in the Derek Chauvin trial, and the trauma they’ve faced and are now revisiting in court. She also argues that people who don’t know about violence against Black Americans are intentionally ignoring history. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Bill McKibben weighs in on the climate aspects of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plans, and the University of Michigan’s decision to divest from fossil fuels. McKibben is a contributing writer to The New Yorker, a foun

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering a free glazed doughnut per day for the rest of the year to anyone who shows their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Food writer Corby Kummer spoke to Boston Public Radio on Thursday about the company’s announcement. “How many people do you think are actually going to take advantage of it every day?” he said. “Not nearly as many as the much of free publicity Krispy Kreme has gotten for this announcement.” The company also sweetened the deal for its employees, Kummer noted. “I’m going to praise Krispy Kreme because they’re also offering up to four hours of paid time off for each vaccination for their employees,” he said.” “This is really important to incentivize employees.” Kummer is a senior editor at The Atlantic, an award-winning food writer, and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Jonathan Gruber shares his thoughts on President Joe Biden’s tax plans. He also explains capital gains taxes. Gruber is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT. He was instrumental in creating both the Massachusetts health-care reform and the Affordable Care Act, and his latest book is "Jump-Starting America How Breakthrough Science Can Revive Economic Growth and the American Dream." Next, we ask listeners whether they think Massachusetts should make vaccines mandatory. Juliette Kayyem explains why it’s rare for U.S. mass shooters to be charged with committing a hate crime or terrorist act. She also discusses gun legislation. Kayyem is an analyst for CNN, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and faculty chair of the homeland security program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Art Caplan weighs in on calls to make vaccines mandatory, and the potential of an international COVID-19 vaccination passport. He also shares his thoughts o

Today on Boston Public Radio: We start the show by talking with listeners about the CDC’s warning of a possible fourth wave of COVID-19. Trenni Kusnierek talks about Boston Pride’s National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) title win, and New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Inferno pentathlon. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor. Michael Curry discusses the current state of the vaccine equity gap in Massachusetts, arguing for more resources for community-based organizations. He also talks about his experience being bused into Charlestown as a child. Curry is the president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and a member of Governor Charlie Baker’s COVID Vaccine Advisory Group. He’s also a Member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, and the Chair of the Board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee. Christopher Muther updates us on the state of hotels during the pandemic, and Iceland’s new rule requiring international visitors t

Today on Boston Public Radio: Charlie Sennott talks about the cargo ship Ever Given blocking the Suez Canal, and Brazil’s COVID-19 crisis. Sennott is a GBH News analyst and the founder and CEO of The GroundTruth Project. Next, we ask listeners if they thought Dr. Deborah Birx and other members of former President Trump’s White House were complicit in COVID-19 deaths. E.J. Dionne updates us on the latest political headlines, from voting restrictions in Georgia to hopes for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure agenda. Dionne is a columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution. His latest book is "Code Red: How Progressives And Moderates Can Unite To Save Our Country.” Shirley Leung speaks about her recent Boston Globe column, where she wrote about Asian parents giving “the talk” to their children on how to deal with racism. She also discusses the pandemic’s impact on the hotel industry, explaining that it might take years for hotels to recover economically. Leung is a bus

Today on Boston Public Radio: We’re on tape today, bringing you the ultimate BPR book club with back-to-back conversations from over the years with some of our favorite writers. Some of today’s highlights are featured below: Kevin Young discusses his latest  collection of poetry, BROWN. Young is the poetry editor of the New Yorker and the Andrew W. Mellon director of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture. Ann Patchett talks about her book “Commonwealth,” and as owner of Parnassus Books, argues for all readers to shop at local,  independent bookstores. T.C. Boyle drops in on the dropout culture with his novel “Outside Looking In,” which is based on the research of Timothy Leary.

Today on Boston Public Radio: Chuck Todd updates us on the latest political headlines, previewing President Joe Biden’s Thursday press conference and sharing his thoughts on whether the U.S. could soon have stronger gun reform laws. Todd is the moderator of “Meet the Press” on NBC, host of “Meet the Press Daily" on MSNBC, and the Political Director for NBC News. Next, we open the phone lines, asking listeners whether they’re resigned to living in a country where mass shootings happen regularly. Andrea Cabral discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case that could expand the scope of the Second Amendment. She also shares her thoughts on the debate over gun reform laws and filibuster rules in Congress. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend. Jared Bowen highlights Asian artists whose work is on display in the Boston area, from Shen Wei to Andy Li. He also talks about the Huntington Theatre’s re

Today on Boston Public Radio: Art Caplan weighs in on whether Massachusetts could mandate vaccines for public sector employees like prison guards and state police. He also talks about AstraZeneca’s recent PR blunders. Caplan is the Drs. William F and Virginia Connolly Mitty Chair, and director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the NYU School of Medicine. Ali Noorani updates us on the latest immigration headlines, including the increase in unaccompanied migrant children crossing the U.S-Mexico border. Noorani is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Immigration Forum. His latest book is "There Goes the Neighborhood: How Communities Overcome Prejudice and Meet the Challenge of American Immigration.” Gov. Charlie Baker talks about vaccine equity in Massachusetts, calling for an increased supply of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine as a way to remedy vaccine distribution issues. He also addresses concerns over state police and other public sector employees who are hesitant to get va