Ten months after leaving his dream job for the biggest challenge of his career, Ed Cooley returns home to Providence Saturday afternoon. I can only imagine the greeting from 12,400 rabid spectators in the Amica Mutual Pavilion when he is introduced with his Georgetown basketball team. Cheers? A few. Boos? An explosion so loud, I […]
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Posted inLocal, Politics
R.I. Ethics Commission dismisses GOP complaint against McKee
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission on Tuesday unanimously voted to dismiss an ethics complaint filed against Gov. Dan McKee by the state GOP. McKee hailed the ruling, calling the complaint irresponsible and a waste of taxpayer resources. But a good government watchdog said the governor’s behavior in the episode – lunching with a lobbyist and […]
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk
Officials assessing Washington Bridge to determine if full rebuild is necessary
More than a month after the westbound side of the Washington Bridge was abruptly closed to traffic, officials were still determining if the bridge could be repaired or must be completely rebuilt, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said Monday during a press conference. “It could be a repair of the existing structure, […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Education, Local, Metro Desk
Rudolf Haffenreffer collected dozens of human remains. Now Brown University wants to give them back
The Haffenreffer Museum at Brown University expects to transfer its full collection from Bristol to Providence in the fall of 2025. But before it does, it wants to return the roughly 86 human remains in its collection to their rightful Tribes of origin. The repatriations are long overdue, as a federal law requiring them has […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Political Roundtable, Politics, Stories
RIPEC’s Michael DiBiase on RI’s tougher budget climate – and the fallout for schools, housing, healthcare and transportation
The gravy train is over. That sums up how Rhode Island’s fiscal landscape is in transition. In recent years, a gusher of federal COVID aid fueled consecutive budget surpluses. Now, however, the state is returning to a time of bigger disparities between needs and available money. Governor Dan McKee yesterday unveiled his budget proposal for the fiscal year starting July first. The General Assembly will now spend months reviewing the governor’s plans and incorporating its own changes. Among those closely following the process are the business-backed fiscal watchdog group, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ roundup on Rhode Island politics for Jan. 19, 2024
The General Assembly is heading toward a busier time, now that the budget process is underway. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here *** STORY OF […]
Posted inLocal, Newport Bureau
Bill sponsors think 2024 may be the year for funding suicide prevention barriers on two Newport County bridges
Please note that this story contains subject matter that might be sensitive for some listeners. In November 2019, Rep. Joseph Solomon, Jr. received a call from a friend. A call he didn’t expect. A call no one wants to receive. His friend called to tell him their mutual friend had died by suicide, jumping from […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Studio Session: Providence hot jazz collective Paper Moon
This week’s episode of Artscape features an interview and studio session with Providence-based “hot jazz” band Paper Moon. Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez talked with guitarists John Birt and Dylan Harley, who describe the band’s music as a kind of time travel back to the sounds of early jazz and artists like Django Reinhardt.
Posted inEducation, Local
How are school lockdown drills affecting Rhode Island students?
Luis Hernandez: In response to the prevalence of school shootings over the past 25 years, many schools across the country have instituted active shooter drills. It’s considered a sign of the times, but a Rhode Island lawmaker isn’t sure that mandatory lockdown drills are good. Joining me now is Barrington Representative Jennifer Boylan, chair of a […]
Posted inLocal, On Sports
Coach Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft part ways “mutually and amicably”
Editor’s note: The Patriots have announced that linebackers coach Jerod Mayo will be the next head coach of the team. He will succeed Bill Belichick and will be the first Black head coach in Patriots history. A press conference with Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft and Mayo is scheduled for next Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Gillette […]
