Luis Hernandez

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.

4 days ago | thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure to rescind already-approved funds for public media across the country. For the Public’s Radio & Rhode Island PBS, that would mean losing about 10% of our budget. The Senate hasn’t yet approved the rescissions package, but if they do, it would threaten our ability to provide you with the in-depth reporting, arts and culture coverage, and educational programming that you rely on every day.

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.

1 week ago | ripbs.org | Ian Donnis |Luis Hernandez

We’ve been asking for your questions as part of our project Breaking Point: The Washington Bridge. Political reporter Ian Donnis responds to a question from community member Ian B., who asks: Why did the state stop offering ferry service to commuters just as it was getting off the ground? Ian Donnis: The service was operated by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). They said it cost $50,000 a day to run the service, and there just was not enough ridership to justify the expense.

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.