Skip to main content

Ross Reynolds

Stories

  • The New Push For Gun Control

    Former Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former Astronaut Mark Kelly, are launching a new gun control group.  Their specific proposals to combat gun violence include comprehensive background checks for private sales and stricter controls on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. What do you think? Is gun control the answer?  Ross Reynolds talks with UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, Second Amendment Foundation spokesman Dave Workman, and Washington Cease Fire executive director Beth Flynn about the latest push for further gun control.

  • Untitled

    Not So Extraordinary Rendition? Comparing Bush And Obama Policies

    When Barack Obama became president he announced a ban on torture and an end to the CIA’s secret prison network.  But how exactly is the Obama administration handling terrorism suspects detained abroad?  And what’s the difference from the Bush administration?Ross Reynolds talks with American University law professor, Stephen Vladeck, about how the two administrations compare when it comes to the issue of rendition.

  • Untitled

    Pot Lobbies Push For License To Grow

    The Liquor Control Board is currently drafting the rules for how to apply for a license to grow marijuana in Washington state.  Several groups made up of lawyers, lobbyists and farmers have formed, and they’re looking to influence the board’s decisions.One of these organizations is the Cannabis Business Group. Ross Reynolds talks with their board member, Hilary Bricken, a cannabis business lawyer.

  • Untitled

    Academic Neurosurgeon Says Heaven Exists

    Many people say there is a heaven. But few are academic neurosurgeons. Ross Reynolds speaks with Eben  Alexander about a near-death experience he says gave him a glimpse of the afterlife that he outlines in his book, "Proof of Heaven."

  • Untitled

    Surviving Washington's Wilderness

    Part of the lure of the Northwest is the proximity to wilderness areas to hike, snowshoe and camp in. But every year dozens of people hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park get lost or injured, requiring the help of search and rescue teams. Jason Knight is a co-founder of Alderleaf Wilderness College and program director of the Wilderness Certification Program. He talks with Ross Reynolds and answers listener questions about what you should know before you journey into Washington's wilderness. Below are some highlights from the interview. GearIf you’re preparing for an adventure in Washington’s wilderness, Jason recommends nine items that everyone should consider taking.ShelterClothing: Wear layers and bring extra. It always gets colder than you expect.Rain Gear: It can rain at any time, unexpectedly. Staying dry can save your life.Fire: Bring multiple ways of making fire such as a lighter, backup lighter, flint and steel.Water: Bring more than you think you’ll need. A water-filter straw can help if you become stranded. They can filter upwards of 20 gallons directly from a water source.Food: Bring extra. Protein bars are great for extra calories.Maps: The best type of map to use while hiking is a USGS topographical map. They show you terrain, water, roads and trails. (Hint: study them in advance.)CompassKnife: A small three- to four-inch fixed blade knife is really durable and can be used in a wide variety of situations. Multi-tools are also useful, but have the potential to be less durable.FoodIf you find yourself in the Washington wilderness with little or no food, here are some basic survival foods you can learn to identify and recognize.Grasses: The green parts aren't very digestible, but you can chew on them for juices and nutrients. The base of the leaves are like corn and can be eaten raw or cooked.Conifer trees: Stay away from the poisonous yew trees, but the inner bark of other conifers are edible and a good source of nutrients.Cattails: They're called "the supermarket of the swamp." Even in winter you can eat the roots as a source of starch.Acorns: They grow on oak trees. You can leech out the tannins by boiling in a few changes of water or soaking them in a stream for a few days to make them less bitter.

  • Welcome To The New Health Care Of 2013

    The Affordable Care Act is enacting big changes in the nation’s health care system. Here in Washington state, a health care exchange called HealthPlanFinder is scheduled to open in October. It’s supposed to guarantee everyone can get health insurance. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler talks with Ross Reynolds about the new facets of health insurance reform arriving in 2013.
  • Untitled

    Are Seattle's Seahawks Super Bowl Bound?

    The Seattle Seahawks are one game closer to playing in the Super Bowl with a come-from-behind victory against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Political sportswriter Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation, talks with Ross Reynolds about the Seahawk's prospects.
  • Untitled

    Can All The King's Horses And All The King's Men Put Washington's Roads Together Again?

    Outgoing governor Chris Gregoire, the state transportation commission, and the state’s biggest business lobby are calling for an increase in the gas tax to pay for the massive backlog in road repair. Will that deal with the funding problem?Ross talks with Steve Mullin from the Washington Roundtable, Dan O’Neil of the Washington State Transportation Commission, Rob Johnson of the Transportation Choices Coalition, and Mark Hallenbeck from the Washington State Transportation Center.