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2 days ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
On today’s show we look at two significant bills signed into law this week by Gov. Dan McKee. First, a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault-style weapons. How effective are bans like this at actually tackling the problem of gun violence? A national expert breaks it down. Also: Rhode Island has joined the growing number of states banning cell phone use in schools.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
It’s been a year and a half since the Washington Bridge was partially closed, and it’ll be years more before it’s fully repaired. We talk with the author behind the book “Why Nothing Works,” who says this is just another example of a national problem: government can’t accomplish big things anymore. Also, Daniel Davis escaped slavery in Maryland and found his way to Rhode Island in 1862. He became a beloved reverend at a church in Alton.
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2 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
This Saturday, the United States Army celebrates its 250th anniversary. Trump is honoring the day with a military parade – the first such event since the end of the first Gulf War in 1991. Millions across the country are expected to hold “No Kings” protests in response. We’ll talk with organizers of two local protests. Also, the Providence NAACP is practically shut down. The president and all the officers were suspended by the national NAACP. We’ll get an update.
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3 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
Butler Hospital announced plans this week to replace the roughly 800 unionized workers that have been striking for the past few weeks. We’ll hear about how we got here, and why it might not be so easy to fill those roles. Also, it’s hurricane season. Although New England rarely takes a direct hit, emergency officials want residents to remember the basics needed to get through a storm. We’ll share some of those tips.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
One in three Rhode Islanders depend on Medicaid. That’s why there’s grave concern if the Senate passes Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to the health insurance program. We’ll talk about what’s at stake with Rhode Island representative Gabe Amo. Also, RIPTA officials are facing a $33 million deficit. Lawmakers in the General Assembly need to pass a budget with the money to fill that gap, or cut bus lines and schedules throughout the state.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
Rhode Island College recently announced it will cut 20 degree programs this fall, mostly in the humanities. We’ll hear from a professor and student at RIC who say the cuts are short-sighted, and were done with little input from faculty or students. And did the Rhode Island Department of Transportation miss the warning signs about the Washington Bridge? Our reporters talked with engineers who say that critical components deserved special attention years before the closure.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Alex Nunes |Joe Tasca |Ian Donnis
A New Bedford man – who spent weeks in an ICE detention center – is out. He could pursue legal action for wrongful detainment. We’ll get an update on the story. Also,- community health workers provide a unique service that advocates say is vital to keeping healthcare costs down. Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill that forces private insurers to cover many of the services provided by these workers. And Leo’s bar was an institution in Providence.
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1 month ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner has been taking to the House floor to protest President Trump’s cuts to funding for life-saving food for malnourished children. We talk with him about that, and some of the ways Rhode Island has been impacted by the president’s first few months in office. Also, State Senator Tiara Mack is against Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s efforts to raise property taxes. She says there are better ways to raise the much-needed revenue for the city.
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2 months ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
Dominic Ruggerio was a force in Rhode Island politics. His death this week leaves a power vacuum in the senate. Ian Donnis tells us when a new Senate president could be picked. This weekend many will celebrate Arbor Day. The annual celebration of trees takes on new meaning as climate change continues to put pressure on our forests. Also we hear from local Catholic church leadership on the passing of Pope Francis and their hopes for the Vatican’s next leader.
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2 months ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
Thousands of Rhode Islanders could lose Medicaid benefits if congress passes new work requirements. We hear about who would feel the greatest impact of such changes, including many people who already work full-time jobs. Also, DOGE has cut more than half a million dollars that was to go to Rhode Island Humanities, money that was appropriated for the nonprofit’s operating funds as well as grants for cultural programming.
