Posted inEnvironment, Technology, The Weekly Catch

Unfunded and unenforced environmental laws, cyber attack fallout, and more

A week after the state announced a massive security breach at Rhode Island’s online portal for health and public benefit programs, a lot of questions remain about who’s responsible and what happens next. We’ll hear from Jim Langevin, the head of the cybersecurity program at Rhode Island College. And a new investigation from ecoRI News found that Rhode Island has many environmental laws on the books that aren’t being funded or enforced. We’ll talk to the reporters behind the story. Plus, a studio session with the Vox Hunters, a trio defined by their affinity for unaccompanied vocal music and the traditional songs of Rhode Island. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inThe Weekly Catch

A new strategy for overdose prevention, a bid to allow an illegal seawall, and more

Rhode Island is now home to the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in the country. Advocates hope the new facility will lead to fewer overdose-related deaths, and more people getting connected with drug treatment. And the Quidnessett Country Club is trying to get retroactive approval for an illegal sea wall that they *already* built. But they hit a hurdle this week with a subcommittee of the state Coastal Resources Management Council. Also, we hear about the centuries-old process of woodblock-printed wallpaper, from the curator of the RISD Museum’s exhibit, “The Art of French Wallpaper.” That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inArts And Culture, Education, The Weekly Catch

Behind URI’s plan to build more student housing, remembering Bill Gale, and more

Residents in Narragansett and South Kingstown have complained that URI isn’t providing enough housing for its growing student body, affecting the town’s strained housing market. This week, the university announced plans to build more student housing. What will that look like, and will it be enough? Also, author and podcaster Nate DiMeo built up his chops as a storyteller living and working in Providence. He comes back to his hometown this week to discuss his new book, “Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past.” And Tony Estrella of the Gamm Theatre looks back on the life of longtime Rhode Island theater critic Bill Gale, who passed away recently. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch

Reproductive rights under Trump, how Democrats lost Fall River, and more 

What could Trump’s second presidency mean for reproductive health in Rhode Island? A reproductive rights advocate tells us what they expect, what they’re hearing from people in our communities, and how they’re preparing for the difficult fights ahead. Also, Fall River has been a Democratic stronghold politically for a century. So how did Trump and the Republicans flip it in this past election? Plus, we’ll hear a studio session with two Lithuanian American siblings who have been singing traditional Lithuanian folk music for as long as they can remember. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inEducation, Immigration, Politics, The Weekly Catch

Providence schools budget feud, preparing for Trump’s mass deportation plan, and more

Providence school officials have persistently warned that if the city continues to underfund education, they will have to make some painful cuts. We hear from two PPSD leaders about what’s at stake if they don’t get the additional $10 million they’re asking for. Also, president-elect Trump has vowed to enact what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The head of a New Bedford advocacy organization tells us what they’re hearing from local immigrants, what people should know, and how to prepare. Plus, we hear about the community that’s formed around a popular weaving class at a Providence library. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inPolitics, The Weekly Catch

What do the election results mean for Rhode Islanders?

With Republicans soon in control of the White House, Senate, and possibly the House, what could it mean for Rhode Islanders? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Wendy Schiller join us to talk about that and other takeaways from Tuesday’s elections. Also, how are the state’s young voters feeling about the election results? We talk with a group of students from Johnson & Wales University to get their take. And the Rhode Island Philharmonic has a new music director. She won’t take the seat until early next year, but she is conducting the orchestra in a concert this weekend. That and more on this week’s show.

Posted inLocal, Politics

2024 Election Live Coverage

NATIONAL OVERVIEW Live updates Polls closed at 8 p.m. in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Race calls are based on reports from the Associated Press, unless otherwise noted. Results are preliminary and subject to certification by the Board of Elections. Last updated at 11:30 p.m. Nov. 5. RACE CALLS RHODE ISLAND ELECTION RESULTS MASSACHUSETTS ELECTION RESULTS

Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch

Election 2024: What to expect, young voters’ priorities, and what’s on the ballot

In this final episode before Nov. 5, we’ll be talking all about the election. With just four days left, what can we expect in Rhode Island, and what do we know about how the outcome will affect our region? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Adam Myers will break it down. Also, five students at Johnson & Wales University tell us what they’re feeling and thinking about as they make their voting decisions. Plus, what exactly is on the Rhode Island ballot? We’ll walk through the last statewide ballot question, which asks voters to approve a $10 million bond for arts and culture. That and more on this week’s show.

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