U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are supporting a Senate resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi Arabia campaign in Yemen. The conflict has grown into a humanitarian crisis according to the United Nations. Democrat Reed was among a majority of U.S. Senators who voted to move forward with the resolution, despite […]
John Bender
Reporter
John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.
After Heavy Traffic Issues, Construction Continues On Pell Bridge
Construction on the Pell Bridge snarled rush hour traffic Tuesday. Officials are working to mitigate traffic issues. On Tuesday, scheduled construction on the bridge forced the shutdown of a westbound lane, leaving a single lane open. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority have been working on the 50-year old span for the last year. […]
Rhode Island Becomes The First New England State With Legal Sports Betting
State leaders are hoping for a windfall as Rhode Island becomes the first state in New England with legal sports betting. Dozens were at Twin River Casino in Lincoln ready to place their bets on the first day of legal sports betting. Gaming makes up about a third of Rhode Island’s revenue, and analysts estimate […]
Providence Street Art Pays Homage To Rhode Island’s First People
Providence is covered in art. Literally. The newest mural in the city celebrates the Narragansett Indian Tribe. The colorful, five story, painting shows a young Narragansett woman holding a photograph of Princess Redwing, a Narragansett activist and tribal leader who was born at the turn of twentieth century. Among other things, Princess Redwing founded the […]
Most Celebrate Just One Thanksgiving, The Narragansett Have 13
The Narragansett Indian Tribe is just gearing up for another round of thanksgiving celebrations. The tribe is hosting its annual Nikommo gathering on December 1st.
Far From Home During The Holidays? Try Celebrating In Space
Plenty of us have probably spent a holiday or two away from loved ones, maybe even thousands of miles away. But for a select few, being far from home means floating above plant Earth. That’s how NASA astronaut Scott Tingle spent the holidays during his six months aboard the international space station earlier this year. […]
Food Prices Are Rising, RI Community Food Bank Report Finds
A new report from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank found that prices in Rhode Island rose an average of 15 percent in the last two years. That increase has pushed many people to food pantries. “For low-income families, that increased cost leads them to not be able to afford the food they need.” Food […]
NASA Astronaut Visits His Alma Mater UMass Dartmouth
After more than six months in space, NASA Astronaut Scott Tingle is back on Earth. The Southeastern Massachusetts native stopped by his alma mater UMass Dartmouth Wednesday, to speak with students about his time orbiting the planet.
Midterms Ran Smoothly In RI Despite High Turnout and New Technology
As elections officials tally the ballots cast on Election Day, voter turnout could reach a fifty year high for a midterm. John Bender reports voter turnout in Rhode Island was strong Tuesday.
Midterms Ran Smoothly In RI Despite High Turnout and New Technology
As elections officials tally the ballots cast on Election Day, voter turnout could reach a fifty year high for a midterm. John Bender reports voter turnout in Rhode Island was strong Tuesday.

