BPR Full Show: Rise of the Robots

Today on Boston Public Radio:

John Barros discusses his entry into Boston’s mayoral race, and how small businesses are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. Barros is the former chief of economic development for the Walsh administration, and candidate for mayor.

Next, we ask listeners what they were looking forward to returning to the most when the pandemic ends.

Sue O’Connell talks about the scandals facing Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason. She also explains how virtual public meetings are upending politics. 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.

Mayor Joe Curtatone explains why he decided to not seek reelection after serving nine terms as mayor of Somerville. He also speaks about Gov. Charlie Baker’s vaccine rollout. Curtatone is the mayor of Somerville.

Senator Ed Markey shares his thoughts on the fate of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 package as it goes through the Senate. He also discussed the Congressional hearings on the Jan. 6 Capitol siege.

Corby Kummer talks about Bridgewater State’s usage of food delivery robots, and two Texas grocery stores’ responses to the end of the state’s mask mandate. He also weighs in on the Gov. Baker’s decision to allow Massachusetts restaurants to open at full capacity. 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.

We wrap up the show by talking with listeners about living among robots.