The movement to ban cell phones in public schools is gaining momentum in Rhode Island. On Tuesday, the state senate unanimously passed a measure to do just that. The bill would not just cover phones. Tablets, computers, and smartwatches would also be prohibited, starting in August, along with any other electronic device that connects to the […]
Politics
Posted inHousing, Local, Politics
Why Woonsocket’s ban on camping worries homelessness advocates
The city of Woonsocket is moving forward with a new ordinance that makes it illegal to camp on public property and carries a fine of up to $250 for repeat violators. Critics say the change is going to harm unhoused people who will be burdened with legal troubles and fines they can’t pay. Months after […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Health, Housing, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Woonsocket moves to fine people who camp on city property
Earlier this week Woonsocket city leaders followed the actions of many communities across the country. They voted to fine people who camp out on city property. . One unhoused advocacy group says the fines that are part of a new city law will make things even harder for those struggling to find shelter. Also, Rhode Island PBS is shining a light on youth mental health. We’ll talk with one of their contributors about the effect violence has on mental health. And, WaterFire Providence has had financial struggles lately. They have a new interim director who says he plans to be a bridge to a brighter future. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for May 9, 2025
If Gina Raimondo was still governor, she could roll out her meatloaf recipe while talking on Real Housewives of RI. 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 […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
Steven Brown of the RI ACLU on civil liberties in the age of Donald Trump
Standing up for civil liberties tends to be a busy job. That’s even more true with President Trump pushing the bounds of executive power on a variety of fronts. Trump has raised the focus on deportations, cut funding for elite universities and targeted his opponents. A series of court battles will decide the outcome of some of these conflicts. For now, it’s unclear how Trump’s second tenure in the White House will change America and if the president and his allies can succeed in moving the country to the right. One group involved in responding is the American Civil Liberties Union. In Rhode Island, the local ACLU chapter has kept a close eye on the General Assembly for years. So can the civil liberties group still do that while standing up to the Trump administration? And how is the outlook for safeguarding civil liberties and small-d democracy? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in depth with executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU Steven Brown.
Posted inImmigration, Local, Politics
Federal judge in R.I. temporarily halts deportation of Venezuelan man to Salvadoran prison
A federal judge on Monday temporarily halted the deportation of a Venezuelan man who lives in Rhode Island. Rhode Island U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose issued an order stating that the man cannot be removed “outside the District of Rhode Island without providing the Court with at least 48 hours’ advance notice of […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Local, Politics
How Trump’s executive order to end NPR and PBS funding could affect public media in Rhode Island
In an attack on public media that could reverberate from Washington to Rhode Island, President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday calling for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to end funding to NPR and PBS. “Neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to tax-paying citizens,” the order says. Because […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for May 2, 2025
It’s go(al) time for the Pawtucket debut of Rhode Island FC. 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: After Val Lawson won election Tuesday as […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
‘People are already cost burdened’: State Sen. Tiara Mack says Providence residents can’t afford a major tax hike
The state senator who represents Providence says the city should explore new ways to raise revenue.
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
RI officials backing investment change sought by FM
Top state officials in Rhode Island are supporting an investment change sought by FM to keep the corporation from considering leaving the state. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi tells The Public’s Radio that FM, formerly known as FM Global, approached him within the last 30 days, “and it identified a concern and they asked me for […]
