With a message emphasizing the high cost of living in Rhode Island’s capital city, state Rep. David Morales announced a challenge on Monday to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in next year’s primary election. “It’s time City Hall worked for us,” Morales said in a video announcing his campaign. “For too long, politicians like Brett Smiley […]
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Posted inLocal, Shoreline Access, South County Bureau
Coastal council to hear public testimony on contested beach right-of-way
If you’ve never heard of Quonochontaug Barrier Beach, you’re forgiven. This exquisite stretch of sand in Westerly is one of Rhode Island’s best kept secrets, because wealthy property owners have tried to keep it mostly for themselves. ”We would love nothing more than to be able to use it year round,” said Joy Cordio, a […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Rhode Island expands access to COVID vaccines
COVID vaccines will now be more widely available in Rhode Island this fall and winter with Gov. Dan McKee’s announcement Friday that pharmacists can vaccinate people under age 65 with no pre-existing medical conditions, and health insurers should cover all COVID vaccines at no cost to patients. Massachusetts and Connecticut have taken similar steps to […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 12, 2025
This time of year is better when the Sox and Yankees play each other in games that matter. 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? Sign up right here *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: The […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
What are the biggest challenges facing farmers in Rhode Island?
When people think of states where farming and agriculture is big business, Rhode Island probably isn’t top of mind. But the Ocean State is home to poultry and dairy farms, nurseries and greenhouses, and aquaculture. And while consumer demand for fresh, local foods has increased in recent years, farmers in Rhode Island are still facing […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Rhode Island officials condemn violence following Charlie Kirk’s death
Elected officials and political activists in Rhode Island responded to the murder of GOP organizer Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday by denouncing political violence. In an unusual joint statement, the Rhode Island Young Republicans and Rhode Island Young Democrats said they were speaking in a shared voice “to express their shared grief and call […]
Posted inHealth, Local
Who can get a COVID vaccination in Rhode Island?
Rhode Islanders looking to get their updated COVID vaccinations are often left with more questions than answers. And some people may find it harder to get the shot. The Public’s Radio morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with health reporter Lynn Arditi about what we know right now about getting COVID shots in Rhode Island. Interview […]
Posted inEducation, Local
Tina O’Brien, Rhode Island’s History Teacher of the Year, on the importance of creating lifelong learners
While history has always been a staple subject in American classrooms, it’s not always easy for teachers to get students excited about studying the past. But North Providence High School educator Tina O’Brien has developed an approach to teaching history that she says encourages her students to become lifelong learners. Her efforts were recognized last […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
In announcing campaign for governor, Helena Buonanno Foulkes says Rhode Islanders deserve better from state government
Helena Buonanno Foulkes announced her long-expected second campaign for governor on Tuesday, vowing to make state government perform better for Rhode Islanders and to take a strong stand against President Donald Trump. “It’s not hard to convince people to love Rhode Island,” Foulkes told a gathering of supporters at Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. […]
Posted inHousing, Local, South County Bureau
Judge deals blow to Winnapaug redevelopment
Plans to turn the Winnapaug Country Club into something bigger and more profitable have once again found themselves in the rough. The owner and would-be developer of the 120-acre golf course, Winn Properties, has long wanted to do something more with it. But Winn’s redevelopment plans have repeatedly failed to win approval from town planners. “It’s […]
