A small earthquake was recorded in Rhode Island around 11:30 Thursday night. The 1.8 magnitude quake happened just south of Jamestown, according to the United States Geological Survey. University of Rhode Island geosciences professor Brian Savage says although they’re rare, earthquakes do happen in the northeast. “The whole east coast is built up of large-scale […]
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Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA board postpones decision on service cuts
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is going back to the drawing board, after its Board of Directors postponed a vote on proposed service cuts. The RIPTA Board was scheduled to vote this morning on a proposal to eliminate 16 bus routes and reduce service to dozens of others as part of an effort to […]
Posted inHousing, Local
Providence to consider a cap on yearly rent increases
Providence city council president Rachel Miller has lived in the West End for over 20 years. During that time, she says the neighborhood has become virtually unaffordable for most working-class residents. “I’ve seen rent grow at first very slowly, and then, since 2020, very fast,” Miller said. “Apartments that were, maybe $1,100 are now $2,200. […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
RIPTA efficiency study indicates service cuts are inevitable
There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Brown University settles with Trump administration to restore research funding
Nearly four months after the Trump administration paused federal research funding to Brown University, the Ivy League school said Wednesday that it reached an agreement with the government to restore that funding. Brown also agreed to settle three open investigations into the university regarding federal nondiscrimination laws, including allegations that Brown didn’t do enough to […]
Posted inImmigration, Local
Higher Ground International ready to open its new Providence headquarters
Higher Ground International, a nonprofit that provides services to West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities in Rhode Island, is preparing to move into its new headquarters in Providence. The RUKIYA CENTER, located in the city’s West End, will replace the organization’s current space at 21 Peace St. “We are thrilled to open the […]
Posted inBusiness, Local
Alan Hassenfeld, Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist, dies at 76
Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist Alan Hassenfeld has died at age 76. Hassenfeld spent 15 years as chief executive officer of Hasbro, the Pawtucket-based toymaker that was founded by his grandfather and grand-uncle. He later served as company chairman. Author and journalist G. Wayne Miller, who has written extensively about Hasbro over the years, says […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
Transit advocates lament looming RIPTA service cuts
Transit advocates in Rhode Island are concerned about looming service cuts to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. After Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed budget left RIPTA with a roughly $32.6 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, state House lawmakers on Tuesday passed a budget that provided RIPTA with an extra $15 million, in part by […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Rhode Island lawmakers pass legislation to ban cell phones in schools
The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved a bill that would ban student use of cell phones during school hours. The state Senate passed an identical bill in May, leaving Gov. Dan McKee’s signature as the final hurdle for the policy. Under the legislation, Rhode Island school districts would have to craft […]
Posted inBusiness, Labor, Local
Rhode Island lawmakers approve minimum wage hike
In Rhode Island, both the House and the Senate approved hikes to the state’s minimum wage on Thursday. Under the legislation, the current $15-an-hour minimum wage would go up to $16 next year and $17 in 2027. Providence State Rep. David Morales says while he supports the wage hike, $17-an-hour works out to just under […]
