The Full Story

When it comes to free speech, most of us have an opinion. But what is free speech, and how free should it be? What if someone is knowingly making hateful, lying comments? Should they be allowed to do so? On The Full Story today: Nadine Strossen , the John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law at New York Law School, former president of the ACLU, and author of HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship Ben Bogardus , assistant professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University

After the attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, many school districts around the country said enough is enough. Ron speaks with local school officials about their decisions to take more extreme steps to enhance the security in their schools. Today’s guests: Steve Bellone, Suffolk County executive Mehr Sharma, high school senior at Herricks High School, student activist and coordinator for March for our Lives Long Island Errol Toulon Jr, Suffolk County sheriff Alan

To get into the holiday spirit, Ron spends the hour with WSHU's Davis Dunavin, reporter and producer of the podcast Off the Path from New York to Boston . Davis shares some of his favorite stories, including the history behind the folk song "Charlie on the MTA," the Connecticut connection to "The Great Gatsby" and the notorious Lizzie Borden's home...that's now a B&B.

One policy idea that’s got young lawmakers in Washington and our region hyped up is the Green New Deal. Supporters say it will help stem the advance of climate change by expanding renewable energy sources and creating new industries that are environmentally friendly. Skeptics are concerned with the cost and say it will be too disruptive. Ron finds out what's in the Green New Deal and how it's playing out in our area. Our guests: John Humphries, executive director and lead organizer, Connecticut

The international gang MS-13 has gotten a lot of press recently. They operate in our region, but they’re not the only gang here. Ron speaks with the Suffolk County sheriff and gang experts to find out more about criminal gangs, how they operate and why people join them. Today's guests: Errol D. Toulon Jr., Suffolk County sheriff Sergio Arugeta, founder and director of STRONG Youth Inc. Lisa Taylor Austin, psychologist and gang expert based in Milford, Conn.

Suspensions in schools are being reevaluated as an appropriate form of punishment. Research suggests that they do more harm than good, and a recent report shows that in New York there is a severe racial element to suspensions. Black and Hispanic children are more likely to be suspended than white children. Ron speaks to one of the authors of that study and those working to change the policy of suspensions in New York and Connecticut. Our guests: Francisco Miguel Araiza, associate director of

Today the nation celebrates the life and work of civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Does Dr. King's legacy to bring human rights to all continue in Connecticut and New York? Ron speaks with several individuals working in the area of civil rights today to find out. Today's guests: Cheryl Sharp, deputy commissioner, Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Dori Dumas, president, Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP Matt McDermott, lead organizer, Congregations for

Connecticut’s state college and university system is facing a looming financial crisis. That crisis could lead to a $32 million budget gap in two years if tuition stays flat. Different options are being considered to mitigate against the growing debt, including attracting more students and fortifying the system. One of those options includes free tuition. Today’s guests: Mark Ojakian, president, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Maria Elena Ruiz Gonzalez, junior at Eastern Connecticut

Bobcats, coyotes, and black bears, oh my! Experts say these animals have been spotted in residential areas in Connecticut more than ever before. Are more animal populations making a comeback? What is the state doing right that has allowed these populations to thrive? And is this the same case on Long Island? Rebecca Surran speaks with experts in our region to find out. Today's guests: Jenny Dickson, supervising wildlife biologist, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Is opting out of standardized tests hurting schools? One Long Island superintendent said exactly that in a letter she posted online. And it sparked a heated debate. In Connecticut one lawmaker introduced a bill to repeal the Common Core educational standards. Today on The Full Story , we dive into the opt out debate. Our guests: Jeanette Deutermann, founder, Long Island Opt Out Michael Hynes, superintendent, Patchogue-Medford School District Mike France, Connecticut state representative, R