For the past 30 years, Westerly Republican Dennis Algiere has represented the 38th District in the state Senate. Now that he’s retiring, three candidates making three very different pitches to voters are vying to take his place in what’s become one of the more closely watched races in South County. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, Joe Tasca reports.
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One Square Mile: Conservative Westerly voter says gun rights, inflation are top issues in 2022
Registered Republicans are a minority in Westerly, but the influence of conservative voters on local politics is hardly insignificant in a town where many residents lean right on hot-button issues. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, reporter Joe Tasca spoke with 33-year-old voter Philip DeBartolo. He owns an excavation business and is campaigning for Republican candidate Westin Place in the state’s 38th Senate District. They spoke about gun control, inflation, and political polarization, among other issues.
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One Square Mile: Westerly veteran says abortion, LGBTQ rights are among top priorities in 2022 election
Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.
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‘I’m literally living the dream’: Exeter man sees challenges and rewards to launching a business during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic and changes in the economy have prompted many Rhode Islanders to rethink their work lives and, in some cases, go out on their own. As part of an ongoing series on how work and the economy are evolving in Rhode Island, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to an Exeter man who took the unexpected step of launching his own business during the pandemic.
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97-year-old Rhode Island vet reflects on Victory Day and his time in the Pacific
Today is Victory Day in Rhode Island, which commemorates the end of World War 2. Reporter Joe Tasca spent the afternoon in Wickford speaking with 97-year-old George Silva, a U.S. Navy veteran who served on a cruiser in the Pacific Theater. Silva talks about his memories of the war and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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Richmond restaurateur determined to stay open despite soaring food costs
Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the last couple of years have seen a record number of Rhode Islanders starting small businesses. As part of our series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Richmond man who opened his first restaurant almost a year ago, and is struggling to survive amidst rising food costs.
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‘If I lost this place, I’d be in a lot of trouble’: As cost of living rises, Coventry man worries more about the future
As the long days of summer get underway, high gas prices and rising food costs are pushing many family budgets to the breaking point. As part of our series on the impact of inflation on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Coventry man who once owned his own home, but is now facing the prospect of losing his family’s apartment.
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‘I’m going to have to cut more corners’: Hope Valley man faces tough choices amidst rising costs
Rising costs are hitting consumers everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery line. The impact can be especially hard on seniors living on fixed incomes. As part of our series on inflation’s impact on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Hope Valley retiree who is struggling to afford basic necessities while adjusting to life in subsidized housing.
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Rising costs take toll on horse therapy riding program in Ashaway
The rising costs of food, gas and other basics are continuing to put financial strain on people across the country and here in Rhode Island. Non-profit organizations, in particular, are facing daily pressures because of increased operational expenses. As part of our ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to the owner of a non-profit in Ashaway who is trying to stay above water in the midst of revenue shortfalls and other challenges.
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‘It’s bittersweet right now’: Wakefield musician faces uncertain future
Crowds are heading back to clubs and bars in Rhode Island, and that means more gigs for musicians compared to the height of pandemic restrictions. But with costs up across the board, the new work isn’t translating into more money in the bank for some performers. As part of an ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to one musician from Wakefield who’s taking on new jobs but struggling to pay for basics, like food and rent.
