Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about Boston’s failed 2024 Olympic bid in the wake of the Beijing Olympics.

Ghenya Grondin and Kate Porter discuss their experiences with longhaul COVID-19, and share resources for fellow COVID-19 longhaulers. Grondin is the owner of Sweet Ride Candy Co., which can be found on their website and on Instagram. Porter is the creator of C19RecoveryAwareness.com, a website that provides resources for long COVID patients.

Charlie Sennott updates us on the latest news on Russia and Ukraine, as President Joe Biden warns of an imminent Russian invasion of the country. Sennott is a news analyst for GBH, where he also heads up the Groundtruth Project.

Randall Kennedy discusses the 20th anniversary of his book on the legacy of the N-word, reflecting on how the word has evolved in the last two decades. Kennedy is Michael R. Klein Professor at Harvard Law School where he teaches courses on contracts, criminal law, and the regulation of race relations. His book is an uncensored version of “N-word: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word.”

Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III share their thoughts on how to celebrate Black History Month, and discuss the history of the N-word. Rev. Monroe is a syndicated religion columnist and the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail. Rev. Price is founding pastor of Community of Love Christian Fellowship in Allston, and the Inaugural Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music. Together, they host the “All Rev’d Up” podcast at GBH.

Corby Kummer talks about solitary dining around Boston, and eating in the time of climate change. Kummer is executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor at The Atlantic and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

We wrap up the show by asking listeners to share their experiences of dining alone.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We open the show by asking listeners about their anxiety over climate change.

Interim DA Kevin Hayden discusses his intention to revisit the conviction of Charles Bogues in the 1993 murder of Louis Chéry, and his agenda as interim DA. Hayden is the interim District Attorney for Suffolk County, and he’s running for election for a full term as DA this fall.

Jared Bowen talks about the “Immersive Frida Kahlo” exhibit in Boston, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s recent 2022 Moby-Dick Marathon. Bowen is GBH’s executive arts editor and the host of Open Studio.

Andy Ihnatko updates us on the latest tech headlines, focusing on China’s use of bots and fake Twitter accounts to push against controversy ahead of the Olympic games. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com.

Callie Crossley discusses Prince Andrew’s settlement with Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, and the dismissal of Sarah Palin’s defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. Crossley hosts GBH’s Under the Radar and Basic Black.

Sue O’Connell talks about a judge ordering former President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Donald Trump, Jr., to sit for deposition in the New York investigation into his family business' financial statements. 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.

We then ask listeners whether they’d take a four-day work week, if they had the choice.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Chuck Todd talks about the latest news from the Russia-Ukraine border and the recall of San Francisco School Board members. 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.

Then, we ask listeners their thoughts on the state of all things education.

Andrea Cabral weighs in on RMV staff getting fired for issuing thousands of licenses without drivers tests, and undocumented immigrants potentially getting access to drivers licenses. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

Paul Reville discusses whether Boston Public Schools should keep its school committee following yet another quick superintendent turnover, and the Harvard affirmative action case. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also heads the Education Redesign Lab. His latest book, co-authored with Lynne Sacks, is “Collaborative Action for Equity and Opportunity: A Practical Guide for School and Community Leaders.”

Arthur Brooks shares tips on how to find happiness in the second half of life. Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg professor of the practice of public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, a professor of management practice at the Harvard Business School, the happiness correspondent at The Atlantic and host of the podcast series "How to Build a Happy Life." His latest book is “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.”

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by talking with listeners about the state legislature looking at allowing driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.

Art Caplan talks about the International Olympic Committee’s handling of figure skater Kamila Valieva testing positive for banned substances. He also shares his thoughts on whether COVID-19 has become an endemic, rather than a pandemic. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU School of Medicine in New York City.

Juliette Kayyem updates us on the latest news from Russia’s potential invasion of Ukraine, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response to the “Freedom Convoy” in Ottawa. Kayyem is former assistant secretary for homeland security under President Barack Obama, and the faculty chair of the homeland-security program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Her forthcoming book is: “The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters.”

Shirley Leung discusses the state’s overpayment of pandemic unemployment assistance, and weighs in on Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Mayor Michelle Wu joins us for “Ask the Mayor,” answering listeners’ questions and calls on fare-free public transit, COVID-19 precautions in the city, and how rising sea levels could impact Boston.

Today on Boston Public Library:

We begin the show by opening phone lines, asking listeners about whether they’re returning to pre-pandemic activities as COVID-19 cases wind down.

Trenni Kusnierek shares her thoughts on the International Olympic Committee allowing Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva to continue competing despite testing positive for banned substances. She also discusses Roger Goodell’s recent statement on diversity in the NFL. Kusnierek is a reporter and anchor for NBC Sports Boston, and a weekly Boston Public Radio contributor.

Stacy Thompson and Jim Aloisi discusses Mayor Michelle Wu’s announcement of a two-year, fare-free program for MBTA bus routes 23, 28, and 29 beginning March 1, 2022, and how the program relates to Mayor Wu’s mission to make the T free. Aloisi is the former Massachusetts transportation secretary, a member of the Transit Matters board and contributor to Commonwealth Magazine. Thompson is executive director of Livable Streets.

Carol Greenwald talks about the end of “Arthur” after 25 years on-air. Greenwald is executive producer of Arthur, and has been since the beginning of the show. 

Rep. Katherine Clark discusses threats to Roe v. Wade, and state and federal authorities attempting to get back at least $2.7 billion in unemployment payments they accidentally overpaid people during the pandemic. Rep. Katherine Clark is assistant Speaker of the House.

John King updates us on the latest political headlines, from Russia’s potential invasion of Ukraine to the state of inflation. King is CNN's Chief National Correspondent and anchor of "Inside Politics,” which airs weekdays and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.

We wrap up the show by talking with listeners about whether they enjoy being late to things.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

Dr. Katherine Gergen-Barnett takes questions from listeners on the latest mask guidance from the state, when to replace your mask, the importance of booster shots and more. Gergen-Barnett teaches in the family medicine department at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School.

Meredith Goldstein gives out Valentine’s Day advice and takes listener calls on all things love. Goldstein is an advice columnist and features writer for the Boston Globe. Her advice column, “Love Letters,” is a daily dispatch of wisdom for the lovelorn that has been running for more than a decade. She also hosts the “Love Letters” podcast.

Richard Blanco reads his favorite love poems, including his poem “Killing Mark,” his poem “Maybe” and “You Are Who I Love” by Aracelis Girmay. He’s the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. His latest book, “How to Love a Country,” deals with various socio-political issues that shadow the United States.

Revs. Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III debrief last night’s Super Bowl and the halftime show. Rev. Monroe is a syndicated religion columnist and the Boston voice for Detour’s African American Heritage Trail. Rev. Price is founding pastor of Community of Love Christian Fellowship in Allston and the Inaugural Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music. Together they host the All Rev’d Up podcast at GBH.

Paris Alston and Jeremy Siegel introduce themselves as the new hosts of Morning Edition, and talk through this morning’s headlines. Alston and Siegal are the new co-hosts of GBH’s Morning Edition, which you can catch every weekday from 5 until 10 AM. 

We end the show by asking listeners if they think playing sports can make you a better person.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on newly released details about former President Donald Trump’s toilet habits, including that he clogged White House toilets by trying to flush documents.

Judge Nancy Gertner discusses Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins’ comments about Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and the death penalty, and the ethics of the Supreme Court. Judge Gertner is a retired U.S. District Judge for the U.S. District Court here in Massachusetts. She’s currently a Senior Lecturer on Law at Harvard University.

Callie Crossley talks about a bipartisan bill passed by Congress strengthening protections for victims of sexual misconduct, the Obama Portraits headed to the MFA and research showing homes on streets named after Confederate leaders are valued lower than homes on other streets. She’s currently a Senior Lecturer on Law at Harvard University.

Matt Gilbert rounds up the best in television, including “Maid,” “A Teacher,” “Unorthodox,” “Normal People” and “Inventing Anna.” Gilbert is the TV critic for The Boston Globe.

Rick Steves updates listeners on his latest travels, including romantic spots in Europe and why he loves Istanbul. Steves is an author, television and radio host and the owner of the Rick Steves’ Europe tour group. You can catch his television show, “Rick Steves’ Europe,” weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on GBH 2 and his radio show, “Travel With Rick Steves,” Sundays at 4 p.m. on GBH.

Sue O’Connell weighs in on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ new “Don’t Say Gay” law banning teachers from discussing sexuality and queerness in schools and Dolly Parton paying tuition costs her employees. 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.

We end the show by asking listeners their plans for the Super Bowl.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We begin the show by asking listeners how they’re coping with the high levels of inflation.

Paul Reville weighs in on Governor Charlie Baker’s decision yesterday to end mandatory masking in schools, and Superintendent Brenda Cassellius announcing her resignation. Reville is the former Massachusetts secretary of education and a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where he also heads the Education Redesign Lab. His latest book, co-authored with Lynne Sacks, is “Collaborative Action for Equity and Opportunity: A Practical Guide for School and Community Leaders.”

Andrea Cabral talks about new technology in detecting stoned drivers, and a new report from the state detailing the racial breakdown of traffic stops in Mass. Cabral is the former Suffolk County sheriff and Massachusetts secretary of public safety. She’s currently the CEO of the cannabis company Ascend.

Andy Ihnatko discusses the Justice Department charging two people with laundering $4.5 billion in crypto currency, and the death of 3G networks and the potential problem that might bring for cars. Ihnatko is a tech writer and blogger, posting at Ihnatko.com.

Shirley Leung updates listeners on the state’s attempts to get money back after overpaying unemployment money to residents, and employers offering paid leave after pregnancy loss. Leung is a business columnist for the Boston Globe.

Jon Gruber breaks down the economics of the rose industry in advance of Valentine’s Day. Gruber 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.”

We end the show by asking listeners about when and how they cry, and if they find it cathartic.

Concern is growing over what the Boston Globe is calling a potential “spudpocalypse” threatening Massachusetts’ potato supply. Award-winning food writer Corby Kummer joined Boston Public Radio on Wednesday to explain whether Massachusetts residents might see a drop in potato stock at their local grocery stores.

The spuds most at-risk are grown on Prince Edward Island (PEI), where farmers ship between 250 million to 300 million pounds of potatoes to the U.S. annually. According to the Globe, “Massachusetts residents consume an average of 75 million pounds of PEI potatoes each year, second only to Puerto Rico.” Lately, potato crops on Prince Edward Island have been decimated by potato wart, a fungus that poses no threat to humans but produces spores and appendages on potatoes.

“It's been very bad for the [Prince Edward Island] potato industry; not all that bad for the Massachusetts potato supply,” Kummer said. “We have to be worried about Prince Edward Island farmers and their access to markets. They're hoping that Puerto Rico is going to reopen the market soon.”

While potatoes from the island popularly known as the home of Anne of Green Gables may be harder to find in Massachusetts, local farmers should be keeping grocery store shelves full.

“Western Mass has potato farms,” Kummer said. “So it's an opening for local potato growers.”

Kummer is the executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor at The Atlantic and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We open the show by asking listeners for their thoughts on the “Freedom Convoy” of truckers and conspiracy theorists protesting COVID-19 precautions and vaccine mandates.

Art Caplan shares his thoughts on a recent neo-Nazi demonstration outside Brigham and Women’s Hospital that targeted two physicians for their efforts to make healthcare more equitable, as reported on by GBH senior investigative reporter Phillip Martin. Caplan is the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU School of Medicine in New York City.

Juliette Kayyem discusses the “Freedom Convoy” protests against vaccine mandates, and Senator Mitch McConnell’s pushback on the Republican National Committee labeling the Jan. 6 Capitol riots as “legitimate political discourse.” Kayyem is former assistant secretary for homeland security under President Barack Obama, and the faculty chair of the homeland-security program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Corby Kummer talks about the potato shortage that could hit New England, and the large restaurant chains that received federal pandemic assistance from the Small Business Administration. Kummer is the executive director of the Food and Society policy program at the Aspen Institute, a senior editor at The Atlantic and a senior lecturer at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Michael Curry shares his thoughts on Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision to lift a statewide school mask mandate on Feb. 28. Curry is president and CEO of the Mass. League of Community Health Centers. He’s also a Member of the National NAACP Board of Directors, where he serves as chair of the Board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee.

Abbie Richards talks about her work combating misinformation on TikTok, and how conspiracy theories run rampant on platforms with little-to-no content moderation. Richards is currently working on her masters in climate studies, and is a co-founder of EcoTok, an environmental TikTok collective that specializes in social media-based climate communication.

To wrap up the show, we ask listeners whether they’ve been rapid-testing before going on dates or meeting up with friends.