The Centurion Foundation, the Georgia nonprofit attempting to acquire two cash-strapped Rhode Island hospitals, is doubling down on its attempt to sell the bonds needed to finance the deal, although the outlook remains uncertain. Initial plans called for closing the $160 million bond sale in late May. Because not enough bonds have been sold — […]
Local
Posted inLocal, Politics
New RI House budget includes more money for healthcare
A $14.3 billion budget approved Tuesday night by the Rhode Island House Finance Committee funnels more money to healthcare, education and RIPTA, while steering clear of a tax hike for upper income Rhode Islanders. The Finance Committee approved the spending plan, 11 to 3, on a party-line vote, after an hour-long presentation by House Fiscal […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
McKee objects to Trump’s deployment of California National Guard
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has been in the news a lot over the past few weeks, from lackluster numbers in a poll from the University of New Hampshire, to new hires for his re-election campaign, to the announcement of a plan to replace the westbound Washington Bridge. With those issues swirling, The Public’s Radio […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Meet Keith Stokes, Rhode Island’s new historian laureate
Keith Stokes was named Rhode Island’s new historian laureate in April. As part of his role, Stokes will deliver lectures at special events and ceremonies, and promote civics education in the state. Stokes is a ninth-generation Rhode Islander. He’s also a former Newport city councilor, a consulting historian for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
‘Safety starts now’: How to prepare for hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. While Rhode Island hasn’t had a direct hit since 1991, the state has been affected by the remnants of several hurricanes in recent decades. Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Mark Pappas, director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, about […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for June 6, 2025
The tempers are rising with the temperature at the Statehouse. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: When does the calculus of doing nothing outweigh […]
Posted inEconomy, Local, Politics
New Washington Bridge expected by November 2028
The westbound Washington Bridge that carries I-195 is expected to be rebuilt by November 2028, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said Friday, setting a target for a return to normalcy for Rhode Island drivers. McKee identified Chicago-based Walsh Construction as the firm that will complete the new span — at a cost of up to […]
Posted inLocal, Media
Impending funding cuts will affect public media in Rhode Island
On Tuesday, the Trump administration formally asked Congress to take back the money it had set aside for all public broadcasters for the next two years. This action, known as a “recission request” has to be approved by a majority in the U.S. House and Senate in the next 45 days in order for it to become law. If it passes both chambers, it would have an effect on the budget of The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS. Our political reporter, Ian Donnis spoke with our CEO Pam Johnston about what this could mean.
Posted inLocal, Media
A new name for public media in Rhode Island: Ocean State Media
The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS merged in May 2024 and now plan to unify under a new name this fall. The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis spoke about the name change with our CEO, Pam Johnston.
Posted inEducation, Local, Politics
On Capitol Hill, Brown student blasts ‘Ivy League bloat’
A rising junior at Brown University who has been sharply critical of his elite college took his case to Capitol Hill Wednesday, testifying before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Alex Shieh told lawmakers, “I’m not here to glorify the Ivy League, I’m here to warn you.” Shieh claimed Brown and other elite universities […]
