BPR Full Show: Snug as a Bug

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We start the show by asking listeners whether schools should have police officers on campus.

Art Caplan shares his thoughts on the CDC’s decision to not investigate breakthrough COVID-19 cases among vaccinated people, and the rollback of mask mandates across the country. Caplan is director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the New York University School of Medicine.

Juliette Kayyem discusses scientists’ increasing interest in the lab-leak origin theory of COVID-19. She also explains how Republicans who sought to overturn the 2020 election are now seeking roles as election officials. 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.

Chris Dempsey and Jim Aloisi talks about the MBTA’s return to pre-pandemic service levels, and safety issues with new Orange Line cars. They also share their thoughts on how Boston’s next mayor could improve public transit and urban design. Dempsey is the director of the nonprofit Transportation for Massachusetts, and the former assistant secretary of transportation of Massachusetts. Aloisi is the former Massachusetts transportation secretary, a member of the Transit Matters board, and contributor to Commonwealth Magazine.

Brian McGrory discusses the Spotlight team’s investigation into the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. He also talks about corporate buyouts of local newspapers, and the Boston Globe’s Fresh Start Initiative. McGrory is the editor-in-chief of The Boston Globe.

Sy Montgomery updates us on a fungal pathogen infecting this year’s cicada Brood X, and speaks about a 600 mile cross-country drive to save a pigeon. Montgomery is a journalist, naturalist and a BPR contributor. Her latest book is "The Hummingbirds’ Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings."

We wrap up the show by asking listeners if they would travel hundreds of miles to save the life of an animal.