When UMass Dartmouth began renting the Star Store in 2001, the university entered into a public-private partnership that dazzled the city of New Bedford with promises of economic renewal. With an annual earmark of $2.7 million in the state budget, the Massachusetts legislature created a new college campus for the arts in the heart of […]
Education
Posted inEducation, Housing, The Weekly Catch
Mayor Smiley on plans for Providence schools, homelessness crisis
After more than five years under state control, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is asking state lawmakers to force the Department of Education to return the city’s schools to local control. Meanwhile, during the recent drop in temperatures, the Providence City Council opened its doors this week as an emergency warming center. We talk with the mayor about his plans for the city’s schools and the homelessness crisis. Plus, the Weird Island podcast delves into strange and little-known stories from Rhode Island history. We hear from the creator, Sara Corben. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEducation, Local
Providence students say more funding and better transportation would improve city schools
The Elmwood Community Center in South Providence was bustling with the sound of over 80 students on Tuesday night. Teachers and other community members were also sprinkled throughout the loud crowd. The event was one of a series of community conversations being held by the OurSchoolsPVD Alliance, a coalition of youth-led organizations and allies that […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Education, The Weekly Catch
Behind URI’s plan to build more student housing, remembering Bill Gale, and more
Residents in Narragansett and South Kingstown have complained that URI isn’t providing enough housing for its growing student body, affecting the town’s strained housing market. This week, the university announced plans to build more student housing. What will that look like, and will it be enough? Also, author and podcaster Nate DiMeo built up his chops as a storyteller living and working in Providence. He comes back to his hometown this week to discuss his new book, “Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past.” And Tony Estrella of the Gamm Theatre looks back on the life of longtime Rhode Island theater critic Bill Gale, who passed away recently. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEducation, Housing, Local, South County Bureau
URI plans more student housing. Can that help the housing crunch in South County?
As interest in attending the University of Rhode Island continues to grow, the state’s flagship university said Wednesday it plans to build more student housing. URI plans to lease state land on the Kingston campus to a private developer, which would then build and operate student housing on the land, the university said in a […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Metro Desk
Providence finalizes deal with state over funding for its public schools
Under the terms of a deal announced Friday, the city must contribute an extra $15 million of funding for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. The city is also committing to $11.5 million more in fiscal year 2026 and additional funding after that. With the agreement in place, Providence Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez says unpopular […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Metro Desk
City and state reach agreement on Providence school funding
The city of Providence likely owes Rhode Island somewhere between $11 million and $55 million to help fund its schools. In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Brett Smiley said Providence homeowners will have to reach into their pockets to help pay for the money owed to the state. Smiley said he is likely to […]
Posted inEducation, Immigration, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Providence schools budget feud, preparing for Trump’s mass deportation plan, and more
Providence school officials have persistently warned that if the city continues to underfund education, they will have to make some painful cuts. We hear from two PPSD leaders about what’s at stake if they don’t get the additional $10 million they’re asking for. Also, president-elect Trump has vowed to enact what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The head of a New Bedford advocacy organization tells us what they’re hearing from local immigrants, what people should know, and how to prepare. Plus, we hear about the community that’s formed around a popular weaving class at a Providence library. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEducation, Local, Metro Desk
Providence mayor threatens budget cuts, tax increases if the city is forced to pay millions to fund schools
Libraries. Parks. Summer programming for kids. The latest phase of the legal battle between city and state over funding the Providence School Department could mean significant reductions in these and other essential city services, Mayor Brett Smiley announced at a press conference on Tuesday. “We’re going to have no choice but to have harmful, harmful […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Politics
Neronha finds McKee directed ILO Group contract in a manipulated process
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee directed a $5.2 million federally funded state contract to a company formed for that purpose, although there’s insufficient evidence to bring a charge in the case, according to findings released Tuesday by Attorney General Peter Neronha. A legal memo and related documents from Neronha mark the end of a three-year […]
