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.
Jim Langevin
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Dec. 20, 2024
The local pols were all snug in their beds, while visions of plush campaign checks danced in their heads. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and what we used to call the twitters. My column is taking next week off — happy holidays! — so this missive will next materialize on […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, Technology
Jim Langevin on fallout from the RIBridges cyber attack
State officials are still navigating the fallout of a massive data breach that potentially compromised the personal information of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders. An investigation is underway to determine what went wrong when hackers gained access to data kept in the R-I Bridges software system. And already a class-action lawsuit has been filed against the company that manages the database.
Posted inEducation, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Public funding for RIC Cybersecurity Institute, ‘An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare,’ and more
On Oct. 8, 2023, local playwright Sandy Laub started writing. The result was a one-woman play called “Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare.” She sat down with our South County Bureau Reporter Alex Nunes to talk about the play and reflect on the past year. Also, in November, Rhode Island voters will be faced with five statewide ballot questions. Between now and Election Day we’ll break them down for you. This week, it’s question two: a bond measure to fund improvements at URI and Rhode Island College, including building out a new home for RIC’s Cybersecurity institute. Plus, Artscape producer James Baumgartner gives us a tour of Community MusicWorks’ new location. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEducation, Local
Breaking down the ballot: Should Rhode Islanders support capital improvements at URI and RIC?
You can find our breakdown of ballot question one here, which asks: Should Rhode Island hold a constitutional convention? TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Nov. 5, Rhode Island voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on five statewide ballot questions. In the weeks leading up to Election […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for March 15, 2024
It’s just a matter of time until Opening Day. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. I’m taking a pre-spring break, so this column will next appear on March 29. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Langevin testifies against wheelchair repair bill in Connecticut
Former U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, who was the first quadriplegic person to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, testified Tuesday against a bill meant to speed the repair of wheelchairs in Connecticut. Langevin, who noted how he serves on the board of directors of Numotion — which bills itself as a […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Conley to challenge Langevin in RI’s Second Congressional District
U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin has a Democratic primary challenger: Dylan Conley, Conley, who became chairman of the Providence Board of Licenses in 2017, is the son of RI Senate Finance Chairman William Conley (D-East Providence). Conley, 33, said he was inspired to run by the two dramatic events of 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic and the […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For August 30
The possibility of recession, shrinking gambling revenue, and a big fight over Rhode Island’s top gambling vendor – what could possibly go wrong? Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) Gambling […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For July 5
The General Assembly is done for a while, and it’s time to hit the beach. Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) Until Friday, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s office was […]
