Recent job cuts by the Trump Administration could have a negative impact on New Bedford’s huge fishing industry. Our South Coast Bureau reporter Ben Berke tells us how. Also, Rhode Island has spent millions battling lawsuits from people challenging books. Since 2021 there have been more than 30 such challenges. We’ll learn about a bill before the General Assembly that would protect schools and libraries from litigation and censorship. And in the midst of a trade war between the U.S. and Canada sparked by the Trump administration, a local museum is celebrating ties between the Ocean State and French Canadian culture. That and more on this week’s show.
Rhode Island politics
Posted inHousing, The Weekly Catch
How zoning stifles housing production in Rhode Island, a celebration of Guatemalan culture, and more
Rhode Island has faced a housing shortage for decades, and despite efforts to address it, the problem is getting worse. Today, thousands of people in Rhode Island are homeless, thousands more homeowners and renters are living in unsecure conditions, and home prices continue to skyrocket. The state needs to build more housing, but one of the biggest factors stifling that process is zoning. It’s the focus of our new series, Zoned Out. Also, we visit New Bedford’s Patio de Comidas, a summer-long celebration of Central American cuisine. It culminates this weekend with the Festival Tipico de Guatemala. Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics with political reporter Ian Donnis, and our picks for what to do this week.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 16, 2024
The more chocolate that can be worked into legislative publicity efforts, the better, I say. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE […]
Posted inArticle, Local, Politics
Lawmakers vent frustration over Washington Bridge
The meeting at the Statehouse gave legislators an opportunity to share the frustration of constituents dealing with traffic congestion and longer commutes, even if the central question about the bridge crisis still remains unanswered for now. “How could this become so critical, so quickly?” asked state Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown), referring to how the […]
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Latest on Brown students’ hunger strike, search for new RI health director, and more
Students at Brown University are a week into a hunger strike. They’re trying to pressure the school’s board to divest from companies they say profit from human rights abuses in Palestine. And Rhode Island has been without a permanent health director for more than two years. The interim director is retiring next month. We’ll find out why it’s so hard to find a new one. Also, Rhode Island’s housing crisis is even worse in rural communities, but one town seems to have found a way forward. Plus, a restaurant in Warren closes its doors. Known for its unique take on Southern-inspired food, it was also home to a community of folk musicians. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inLocal, Political Roundtable, Politics
RI Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson on Washington Bridge, McKee’s budget, RIPTA and more
Legislative Oversight committees plan to hold a joint hearing Monday to examine the crisis involving the Washington Bridge. For now, motorists continue to wrestle with congested traffic at peak times and the ripple effect sometimes extends beyond Interstate 195 into the streets of Providence, East Providence and other communities. If the westbound Washington Bridge needs […]
Posted inPolitics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 2, 2024
The slow build of anticipation about spring training just isn’t the same when Red Sox management is content to let the team slouch toward oblivion. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every […]
Posted inLocal, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Jan. 26, 2024
Don’t look now, but we’re gaining daylight every afternoon in the march to February. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** UPDATE: Feds seek details […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ roundup on Rhode Island politics for Jan. 19, 2024
The General Assembly is heading toward a busier time, now that the budget process is underway. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** STORY OF […]
Posted inEpisode
Scott MacKay’s Commentary: Time For Bishop Tobin To Release Clergy Abuser List
The Rev. Thomas Tobin, Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence, is an outspoken religious leader on a variety of political issues. Yet, The Public’s Radio political analyst Scott MacKay says the bishop still doesn’t seem to understand the depth of skepticism about the church’s stance on priest sexual abuse issues.
