By the end of this century, sea level rise is projected to split the Rhode Island town of Warren into three pieces. Part of town might even be on a new island. But a dynamic pair of town leaders is determined not to wait for a hurricane to force the town’s hand. Instead, they’re considering a controversial proposal: voluntary buyouts for at-risk property owners.
Sofie Rudin
Science and Environment Reporter
401-302-1057
srudin@thepublicsradio.org
Sofie Rudin is the science and environment reporter at The Public’s Radio. She previously worked as producer, editor, and general assignment reporter. Her series "When is it time to retreat from the sea?" was a finalist for a Covering Climate Now Journalism Award. She also led the development of web pages for reporting on COVID-19, shoreline access and The 2020 Gallery, which won a National Headliner award and PMJA award. Sofie graduated from Brown University in 2017, where she studied geology.
Posted inArticle, Environment
RI coastal town considers abandoning roads predicted to flood as sea level rises
South Kingstown is building a seawall to protect Matunuck Beach Road from rapid erosion made worse by climate change. But just around the corner lurks a more complicated threat to this coastal community. In 30 years, South Kingstown predicts more than 300 homes will be isolated from the main roads by flooding.
Posted inArticle, Environment
South Kingstown’s beaches are shrinking, and the town’s identity is at stake
Sea level rise and intensifying storms are speeding up erosion of Rhode Island’s coast. Homes, businesses and residents are at risk in unprecedented ways. Communities are wrestling with a daunting question: when is it time to retreat from the sea. In South Kingstown, that’s a question that threatens the core identity of the town.
Posted inArticle, Business, Health
‘We are totally overwhelmed’: Rhode Island seeks to streamline unemployment claims process
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo today called the economic hardship facing residents “mind-boggling,” and announced new measures aimed at processing unemployment claims more quickly.
Posted inArticle, Health
Providence closes parks, upsetting residents craving a taste of spring
Parks in Providence are closed, as the city tightens restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The order came as an unpleasant surprise for city residents.
Posted inArticle, Health
RI reports 8 coronavirus deaths, 116 new cases. Governor urges residents to seek testing
Eight more Rhode Island residents have died as a result of the coronavirus, officials announced Sunday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 25. And officials reported 116 new coronavirus cases — the state’s largest single-day increase so far.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Performance art can build community, even during a pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic is making life tough for many artists. Gigs are cancelled and galleries are closed. But adversity can also be a source of inspiration.
Posted inArticle, Health
Raimondo Announces Third Coronavirus-Related Death, Closes Child Care Centers
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo on Sunday announced a third death related to the coronavirus. In her daily briefing, Raimondo reiterated policies to limit the spread of the virus, including a stay-at-home order and mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state visitors. And she announced that child care centers will be closed for at least a week.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Raimondo Directs National Guard To Ask Some Residents, Travelers If They’ve Been In New York
Members of the Rhode Island National Guard will go door to door in coastal communities, starting Saturday, to question people on whether they’ve recently been in the state of New York, Gov. Gina Raimondo said Friday. Raimondo said the Guard will work with local law enforcement in making the inquiries. In response to a question […]
Posted inArticle, Health
Ordered To Close, Providence Gym Owner Moves Classes Online
For many people, going to the gym is a way to stay healthy and unwind during stressful times. But now, we’re all being told to stay home to prevent spreading the coronavirus. In Providence on Friday, gyms were ordered to close. Reporter Sofia Rudin spoke with one gym owner about how his business is adapting.
