Best Of BPR 12/17: International Human Rights Groups Are In 'Survival Mode'

Today:Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, discusses the organization's work.

Volker Türk is the United Nations High Commissioner on human rights. We talk to him about the agency’s continued campaign against human rights violations worldwide, despite the U.S. pulling back support.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on the latest in the Brown University shooting investigation, as detectives scramble for footage of a possible suspect. Plus her thoughts on that Susie Wiles Vanity Fair article.Step aside vinyl, CDs and DVDs are BACK — at least for Gen-Z. We talk to The Culture Show’s Jared Bowen about that, plus the mythology of Hamnet and its connection to the Bard’s most famous soliloquy.While State auditor Diana DiZoglio’s effort to audit the legislature still hasn’t happened, despite the voters’ will, she’s launching a new ballot question that would subject both the Legislature and the governor's office to the state public records law. She joins us.

CNN's John King on the latest national political headlinesNBC Sports Boston's Trenni Casey joins in person to discuss outrageous ticket prices for the World Cup and John Cena's retirementFood policy analyst Corby Kummer zooms in to discuss the Market Basket family back in court todayMahsa Khanbabai, attorney for Rumeysa Ozturk, zooms in to discuss her client's caseBoston Mayor Michelle Wu answered listener questions for Ask The Mayor 1-2.

Cristina Quinn, of The Washington Post's Try This podcast, co-hosts with Jim today. Amherst College professor Ilan Stavans discusses a far-right win in the the Chilean presidential elections and the mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.Daniel Drezner, dean of international politics at Tufts Fletcher School, discusses the Trump/MAGA foreign policy evolution.Bertil Jean-Chronberg of Bonde Fine Wine Shop and Alexandra Whiznant of Zuzu's Petals wine and dessert bar join for a wine panel. They bring some bubby, crème brûlée...and a blow torch.MIT economist Jon Gruber talks about his appearance on 60 Minutes talking about pros and price tag of genetic therapies.Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III discuss a new poll that finds no religious revival among young Americans, despite a different media narrative. Plus, the Democrats in Congress trying to take back faith from the right.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem gives the latest on the deadly Brown University mass shooting.Then we espouse on the benefits of using cold, hard cash to stay within your shopping budget. 

Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung are in the host seats. They talk with: NPR critic-at-large Eric Deggans on journalism ethics in the wake of Olivia Nuzzi, AI taking over podcast jobs at the Washington Post, and more media news.GBH's Callie Crossley on why Greater Boston’s gender wage gap is shrinking…while the racial wage gap is growing. And on DEI in Boston business, and about a student from her alma mater who’s bringing Black dolls to local kids.It's a holiday edition of Live Music Friday with students from the Boston Latin School Concert Choir, ahead of their annual Family Holiday Concert this Sunday.NBC10 Boston media maven Sue O’Connell is fresh back from covering the trial of Brian Walshe, accused of murdering his wife. She gives us the latest in the case and tries to explain to us why everyone is obsessed with these grisly murder trials. 

Today: Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung fill in for Jim and Margery.“Status: Venezuelan" is a new documentary co-produced by FRONTLINE and ProPublica, following a family trying to hold on to their legal status in the U.S., as the second Trump administration targets Venezuelans. ProPublica filmmakers Mauricio Rodríguez Pons and Almudena Toral join us on zoom to discuss.

Andrea Cabral and Shirley Leung are in the host seats today. Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner discusses a number of Supreme Court-related topics: gerrymandering, religious vaccine mandates, and presidential power.Mauricio Rodriguez Pons and Almudena Toral are behind Frontline's latest film, in partnership with ProPublica: Status Venezuelan. They zoom in to discuss.Trenni Casey discusses early controversy in the World Cup draw, as Egypt and Iran protest being drawn to play in Seattle during the tournament's 'Pride Match.' Plus, the grandpa playing quarterback in the NFL.MIT economist Jon Gruber on Trump's plan to deliver direct cash to kids; and the latest on ACA subsidies.

The Culture Show's Jared Bowen discusses ABC signing Kimmel to a one-year contract a social media ban for kids in Australia and his interview with Patti Smith.Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on cracks showing in the Trump Cabinet — namely, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem.Franchie Viaud of JustBookish in Dorchester and Cathy and Bruce Jacobs of Turtle Books in Brookline join for an indie bookstore panel.Musician Will Dailey performs ahead a show at the Paradise Rock Club this weekend.Naturalist Sy Montgomery joins via zoom for the Afternoon Zoo to talk piano-playing octopuses and falcons protecting cherry crops in Michigan.

Today:Franchie Viaud, bookstore manager at Just Book-ish in Dorchester, and Cathy and Bruce Jacobs, co-owners of Turtle Books in Brookline, discuss the importance of independent bookstores.And, musician Will Dailey joins ahead of a show at the Paradise Rock Club.

Today: We get your thoughts on the nativity scene put up by St. Susanna Parish, featuring a sign reading "ICE was here" in the spot where Jesus, Mary and Joseph are usually centered in the manger.