House Speaker Joe Shekarchi has introduced a new round of bills to address the housing crisis. The Public’s Radio reporter Ian Donnis asks the speaker about his latest priorities and what it will take to tackle the state’s housing shortage. Also, there’s a homelessness hotline in the Ocean State meant to help people who need housing. But, The Public’s Radio’s Nina Sparling reports, new data shows that the hotline is overwhelmed, with just four people handling hundreds of calls a day. And a new program seeks to help Rhode Island cities and towns plant more trees as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change. We hear from the nonprofit helping to implement the program. Plus, the week in politics; a few things to do this week; and an off-Broadway show coming to Westerly puts the stories of audience members center stage.
Links:
- Shekarchi offers more bills to respond to Rhode Island’s housing crisis
- Rhode Island Senate touts package to address healthcare needs
- The system finding shelter for unhoused Rhode Islanders gets more calls than it can handle, report says
- Paul Mecurio gives the audience ‘Permission to Speak’ at United Theatre
- ‘The Butcher’ opening reception at the World’s Fair Gallery (March 8)
- Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 9)
- ‘Listen to the Silence: Women Lost in the Opioid Crisis’ documentary screening at the Jane Pickens Theater (March 11)
Guests:
- Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi
- Ian Donnis, The Public’s Radio Political Reporter
- Nina Sparling, The Public’s Radio Reporter
- Molly Henry, Rhode Island Community Forestry Planner, Green Infrastructure Center
- Matthew Lee, Director of Forest Conservation, Green Infrastructure Center
- Paul Mecurio, comedian behind off-Broadway show ‘Permission to Speak’
The Weekly Catch is a production of The Public’s Radio. Our host is Luis Hernandez. Our editor is Mareva Lindo, and our producer is James Baumgartner. Thanks to Maddie Mott for our podcast artwork. The executive producer of The Weekly Catch is Sally Eisele, and our CEO and General Manager is Torey Malatia.
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