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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In run for mayor, Cuervo touts neighborhood-based investment
Gonzalo Cuervo, one of three Democrats running to be the next mayor of Providence, said Wednesday he wants to raise the focus on neighborhood-based economic development as a way of fostering a more equitable city. Backed by a group of supporters on the steps of City Hall, Cuervo sketched out a detailed economic plan. His […]
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Eminent composer will premiere new work inspired by Black music history in Newport
In 2021, the Newport Classical Music Festival — formerly called the Newport Music Festival — launched a new initiative to commission a BIPOC composer or woman composer to create an original piece for the festival each year. This week, the organization will premiere a new work by award-winning, Illinois-based composer Shawn Okpebholo.
Newport Reporter Antonia Ayres-Brown sat down with Okpebholo to discuss how his piece draws inspiration from 18th-century composer Newport Gardner and the legacy of slavery in Rhode Island.
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Will Rhode Island’s approach on social equity for marijuana live up to the billing?
Legislative supporters of Rhode Island’s new law legalizing marijuana say it will help people hurt by the war on drugs. But some observers question whether the law will live up to its billing in promoting social equity.
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Langevin endorses Magaziner, amid signs of a tight November race with Fung
U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin endorsed fellow Democrat Seth Magaziner Thursday as his preferred successor, describing him as the best choice among more than a half-dozen Democrats running in the primary. “We simply can not take a chance on letting Republicans win this seat,” Langevin said during a news conference overlooking WaterPlace Park in Providence, characterizing […]
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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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SCOTUS decision overturning Roe sparks mostly condemnation in Rhode Island
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v Wade sparked widespread condemnation in Rhode Island. The ruling came more than a month after the stunning leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito indicating the court was prepared to take this momentous step. It puts the court at odds with a majority of Americans […]
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On 61-9 vote, RI House approves $13.6 billion budget
On a mostly party-line 61-to-9 vote, the Rhode Island House of Representatives Thursday night approved a $13.6 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. For the first time in decades, lawmakers did not face the task of wiping out a large deficit. Instead, federal COVID aid and better-than -expected revenue left the state […]
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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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RI House Finance approves $13.6B budget with election-year tax relief
On a party-line 11-3 vote, The Rhode Island House Finance Committee approved Thursday a $13.6 billion budget that uses a rare surplus to offer several different versions of tax relief in an election year. The three Republicans on the committee voted against the budget, following an hour-long briefing by House Fiscal Adviser Sharon Reynolds Ferland. […]
