Since 2021 there have been over 30 book challenges in Rhode Island. In fighting these lawsuits, schools and libraries across the state are being forced to use precious financial resources that would normally be used to serve their communities and curate their collections. New legislation in the State House and Senate would protect schools and […]
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Posted inLocal, On Sports
The best R.I. athlete you’ve never heard of: JWU’s Joziah Fry
Joziah Fry is the best college athlete in Rhode Island, and I’ll bet you have never heard of him. He is a two-time All-America and a two-time national champion. He has lost once in three years. He doesn’t just beat his opponents, he dominates them. But Joziah Fry does not perform before 12,000 cheering spectators […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
United Way to offer new grants to nonprofits facing federal funding uncertainty
The United Way of Rhode Island is announcing plans to help local non-profits struggling amid continued uncertainty about federal funding. President and CEO Cortney Nicolato says at least $500,000 in grant money will be made available through a special round of funding later this month. “We’re anticipating grants will be between $25,000 and $50,000, and […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Brown University struggles to cope with Trump higher ed edicts
President Trump’s plan to Make America Great Again runs right through the cloisters and quadrangles of elite universities. “Because the colleges are being overrun in this country,” Trump said last year during the height of campus protests against the war in Gaza. “The anti-Semitism — all of the problems going on. They’re being overrun. I’ve […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
How can R.I. cities and towns increase resilience to severe weather and coastal erosion?
As part of an effort to protect local cities and towns from the negative impacts of climate change, Gov. McKee and Rhode Island Commerce this month kicked off a new initiative called “Ready, Set, Rhody.” Under the program, the engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill will help municipal leaders determine how to increase the resilience of […]
Posted inLocal, On Sports
Johnson & Wales is wrestling for a national championship this weekend
Big-time wrestling is coming to Providence this weekend. No, not WWE Raw theater with bodies flying over the ropes, heroes and villains performing to a choreographed script and spectators intoxicated from spectacle more than sport. No, 210 of the finest collegiate wrestlers in America will be in town for the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Politics
Johnston sued over its plan to stop affordable housing complex
Hours after the town of Johnston said Monday that it planned to take a 30-acre plot by eminent domain to build a new municipal complex, the plan was challenged in federal court. The libertarian-leaning nonprofit the Pacific Legal Foundation says it’s suing the town on behalf of the landowners, who want to build an affordable […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Rhode Island lawmakers call on Congress to defend Medicaid
Stephanie Manfredo, a Rhode Island mother of three, says Medicaid was a life saver for her family after several of her children were born at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence with significant health complications. She said she worries about cuts Republican lawmakers in Washington are now considering. “The cuts being proposed could absolutely cripple […]
Posted inLocal
‘It’s an honor’: Iraq veteran takes the helm at the Rhode Island National Guard
This year, Governor Dan McKee named U.S. Army Brigadier General Andrew J. Chevalier the new Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. Chevalier is from North Kingstown, and brings to the role over 35 years of experience with the state’s National Guard. In this conversation with afternoon host Dave Fallon, he said serving in […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Metro Desk
Dozens of Rhode Island scientists protest federal funding cuts to science
On Friday, dozens of scientists turned out to the Rhode Island State House to protest large scale cuts to science funding by the Trump administration. The protest was one of many such “Stand Up For Science” rallies across the country. The rally in Providence included many scientists who said they had either lost their jobs […]
