BPR Full Show 2/5/21: The $50,000 Fix

Today on Boston Public Radio:

We open phone lines to talk with listeners about Gov. Baker’s loosening of COVID restrictions in Massachusetts, and whether the state is ready.

Media maven Sue O’Connell talks about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Feb. 2 Instagram live where she revealed she’s a victim of sexual assault, and the subsequent backlash she faced for it. She also discusses President Biden’s foreign policy memo on global LGBT rights, and the significance of having several openly LGBT officials serve in his administration.

Beat the Press host Emily Rooney talks about MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s chaotic Tuesday appearance on NewsMax, and Tom Brady’s “Mean Tweets” segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Tech writer Andy Ihnatko explains some of the ways that Gov. Baker’s vaccine website could have been more user-friendly. He also weighs in on a new user privacy feature from Apple, and how tech giants like Facebook are responding.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, offers her views on the necessary steps to safely bring teachers back to school for in-person learning, including the question of whether teacher vaccination ought to be top-priority.

Mass. Senator Elizabeth Warren makes her case for the cancellation of student loan debt in order to move the needle on racial equity, and boost the U.S. economy. She also shares her thoughts on congressional members refusing to wear masks, and the ongoing Wall Street-GameStop saga.

Food writer Corby Kummer explains how Gov. Baker’s capacity increase for state businesses might impact local restaurants, and the new safety guidelines restaurants must follow. He also talks about his hopes for the Biden administration on issues like food assistance programs and climate science.