On today’s show we look at two significant bills signed into law this week by Gov. Dan McKee. First, a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault-style weapons. How effective are bans like this at actually tackling the problem of gun violence? A national expert breaks it down. Also: Rhode Island has joined the growing number of states banning cell phone use in schools. We’ll hear from a Providence teacher who says she hopes it will reverse some of the learning losses that have happened over the past decade. And we remember George Kent, the founding musical director of the Chorus of Westerly, who died recently at the age of 88. That and more on this week’s show.
Politics
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for June 27, 2025
Enjoy summer while we can — it will be gone in a flash. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. A quick program note: I’m taking some time off, so this column will next appear on July 18. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on the state budget, economy, and his next move
Though the 2025 General Assembly session is over in Rhode Island, all eyes remain on House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. The Warwick Democrat is a potential candidate for governor, potentially setting the stage for a three-way primary with incumbent Dan McKee and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes. Back and forth between McKee and Shekarchi over the state budget this week may be a preview of more clashes to come. This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in-depth with Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.
Posted inLocal, Politics
R.I. bill banning the sale of ‘assault weapons’ becomes law
Rhode Islanders buying or selling rapid-fire, military-style rifles could land in prison for 10 years or face a $10,000 fine, under a new law signed Thursday by Gov. Dan McKee. “This is progress today and it will make Rhode Island safe for our families and our neighbors,” McKee said at a statehouse signing ceremony crowded […]
Posted inEconomy, Local, Politics
McKee distances himself from R.I.’s new budget
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has a message to voters who might not be happy about all the new taxes and fees in the state budget for the new fiscal year starting next week: Don’t blame him. “Talk to your General Assembly members,” he suggested, at a roundtable with reporters on Smith Hill on Wednesday. […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
R.I. Gov. Dan McKee on the state budget, the life sciences economy and the new legislation on his desk
State officials In Rhode Island hope the life-sciences will propel new economic growth in the state. But there are challenges along the way. The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis met with Governor Dan McKee to discuss that and other economic and political questions. They talked at the new State Health Lab which is under construction in Providence.
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
New state health lab taking shape in Providence’s 195 District
During a hard-hat tour of the new state health lab on Tuesday, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee motioned to a scene a short distance away on Richmond Street in Providence’s 195 District, where construction crews are building a life sciences building for Brown University. McKee’s message: the two nearby structures dovetail with the state’s effort […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Sen. Reed calls Trump’s military strike on Iran premature
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island agrees with President Trump that Iran should not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but he said Trump’s use of a military airstrike over the weekend is too much, too soon. “The best path would be for negotiations,” Reed said in an interview Monday. “We had an […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Bill to ban sales of ‘assault weapons’ in RI poised to become law
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is poised to sign into law a bill that will ban the sale and manufacture — but not the use or possession — of guns defined as assault weapons. Any uncertainty about the legislative path for the bill ended when the House of Representatives approved the measure on a 43-to-28 […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
‘Why Nothing Works,’ honoring the legacy of Rev. Daniel Davis, and more
It’s been a year and a half since the Washington Bridge was partially closed, and it’ll be years more before it’s fully repaired. We talk with the author behind the book “Why Nothing Works,” who says this is just another example of a national problem: government can’t accomplish big things anymore. Also, Daniel Davis escaped slavery in Maryland and found his way to Rhode Island in 1862. He became a beloved reverend at a church in Alton. We’ll hear about Davis’ life, and a ceremony at the church next week to honor his legacy. And on Artscape – a look back on our conversation with Chef Sky Kim, the 2025 James Beard award winner for “best chef Northeast.”
