A report issued recently by an independent group from Johns Hopkins University found Providence public schools are among the worst in the nation. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay wonders why any Rhode Island education or political leader was surprised by this.
In The Spotlight
Posted inArticle, Environment
Pull The Plugs: How A Simple Move May Help Plum Island’s Salt Marshes Adapt To Sea-Level Rise
Walking through the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island with wildlife biologist Nancy Pau is to take a tour through the various ways humans have disrupted the saltwater marsh for the last 300-plus years.The area is filled with what Pau calls “legacy infrastructure” — colonial-era irrigation canals and 20th century mosquito control ditches. These drainage canals were […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Critics Say Cranston Chiropractor Controversy Highlights A Need For More Transparency In RI’s Budget Process
One million dollars in funding for an alternative medical program in Cranston was cut from Rhode Island’s budget last week, in a controversy that critics say illustrates a lack of transparency in the process.
Posted inEpisode
Scott MacKay's Commentary: Invenergy Decision Should Accelerate Turn To Renewables
Rhode Island regulators have rejected a plan for a $1 billion fossil fuel plant in the woods of Burrillville. The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says this decision should accelerate New England’s reliance on renewable sources to fill energy needs.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Episode
Artscape – NEA Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter
Mary Anne Carter is the acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. She recently visited Rhode Island to speak with the congressional delegation as well as leaders from the arts community.
Posted inArticle
Outrage Over Wyatt Reflects A Changing City
25 years ago, the Wyatt Detention Center looked like the answer to Central Falls’ financial problems. Today, the future of the prison is up in the air.
Posted inEpisode
Scott MacKay’s Commentary: Troubled Municipal Pension Funds Should Concern Smith Hill Lawmakers
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza gave an upbeat budget address to the city last week. But The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says it’s what Elorza didn’t mention that should concern all of Rhode Island.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Scituate Residents Closely Watching Debate Over Providence Water
Water is at the heart of the debate over how to fix Providence’s pension problem. And it’s at the heart of the town of Scituate, which is watching closely to see what happens. For almost a century, the town’s identity and finances have been closely tied to the Providence water supply. It’s a town with a lot at stake.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Theater Review: The Gamm Delivers Hard-Hitting Production Of “True West”
The Gamm Theatre is closing its last show for this season with the late Sam Shepard’s “True West” a much presented and often praised look into the American family when things are definitely not going well. Bill Gale, performing arts critic for The Public’s Radio, says it’s a terrific production even though different from others he has seen.
Posted inArticle
For Runners Outside Elite Field, Boston Marathon Finish Is A Personal Victory
The elite winners of the Boston Marathon take home the fame and prize money. For the 30,000 non-elite runners participating in this year’s marathon, the glory comes in the accomplishment. Shannon Dooling spent the day near the finish line, talking with some of those runners and their biggest fans. This report comes from the New England News Collaborative: eight […]
