One in three Rhode Islanders depend on Medicaid. That’s why there’s grave concern if the Senate passes Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to the health insurance program. We’ll talk about what’s at stake with Rhode Island representative Gabe Amo. Also, RIPTA officials are facing a $33 million deficit. Lawmakers in the General Assembly need to pass a budget with the money to fill that gap, or cut bus lines and schedules throughout the state. And we speak with Westerly documentarian Hilary Steinman, who tackles the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act in her new film “Change, Not Charity.” Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a few tips on what to do this week.
Gabe Amo
Posted inArts And Culture, Local, Politics
Rhode Island libraries face deep cuts in Trump’s budget
President Trump’s new budget proposal calls for cutting the main source of federal funds for state and local libraries. The president’s budget outline, released earlier this month, would eliminate a little known federal agency called the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The proposed cuts weren’t exactly a surprise. Executive Order 14238, signed by […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Rhode Island congressmen fight for emergency food aid
Ever since the Trump Administration abruptly dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, emergency food supplies have been piling up at the North Kingstown warehouse of Edesia Nutrition. As of last week, Edesia had stockpiled more than 120,000 boxes of Plumpy’Nut, a specially formulated mixture of ground peanuts, powdered milk, sugar and oil created to […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 4, 2025
Raise your hand if you remember when Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan saluted those who braved a parking lot on I-95 to make it to Quonset by exhorting, “Rhode Island, smallest state in the nation, we will rock you!” You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Georgia congressman moves to impeach R.I.’s chief federal judge
U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Georgia Republican, followed through on an earlier vow by filing articles of impeachment Monday against Rhode Island’s top federal judge, John J. McConnell Jr. Clyde makes two claims in his filing, the latest in a long line of conservative criticism against McConnell, who was a Democratic fundraiser and activist before […]
Posted inLocal
Rhode Island Democrats say Brown Medicine doctor deserves her day in court
Rhode Island’s top elected officials are keeping a close eye on the Trump administration’s effort to deport a Lebanese transplant physician with ties to Brown University. Dr. Rasha Alawieh was detained at Boston Logan International Airport last week and sent back to Lebanon on the grounds that she may be sympathetic with the Lebanese militant […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Rhode Island lawmakers call on Congress to defend Medicaid
Stephanie Manfredo, a Rhode Island mother of three, says Medicaid was a life saver for her family after several of her children were born at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence with significant health complications. She said she worries about cuts Republican lawmakers in Washington are now considering. “The cuts being proposed could absolutely cripple […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb.14, 2025
Spring is drawing closer and — huzzah! — the Sox suddenly look much better. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Providence is Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 7, 2025
When it comes to the Super Bowl, I am mostly there for the nachos — and the harbinger of baseball drawing closer. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Dec. 13, 2024
Thirteen items, appropriately, for your Triskaidekaphobia Day consideration. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, […]
