Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo is activating the National Guard after downtown Providence was struck by vandalism early Tuesday. Demonstrators spread across downtown, looting stores, smashing windows and setting fires, and 65 people were arrested. Law enforcement officials say they’re prepared for more potential disruptions.
John Bender
Reporter
John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.
Posted inArticle, Health, Politics
Providence erupts in night of mayhem, 65 people arrested
Vandalism broke out across downtown Providence overnight as demonstrators, demanding justice for George Floyd, converged on the city.
Posted inArticle
Sweeping second phase of reopening Rhode Island’s economy set for June 1st
Hairdressers, tattoo parlours, and other close contact businesses will reopen with restrictions, as part of the biggest effort yet to get residents back to work.
Posted inArticle, Health
New ‘CRUSH COVID RI’ mobile app can track where you’ve been — if you let it
The new mobile app features optional GPS mobile tracking that state officials hope will improve contact tracing if users get sick.
Posted inArticle
Rhode Island offers free cleaning supplies, masks to small businesses reopening
The state is making disinfectants, and 500,000 surgical masks available for free to help small businesses comply with new regulations.
Posted inArticle, Health
Rhode Island’s hard-hit restaurants next to reopen, but dining out will be much different
Rhode Island restaurants can begin sit-down service May 18th, after weeks of closures or service limited to take out and delivery.
Posted inArticle, Education
Parents fear special education will lose ground when schools reopen
When COVID-19 first forced schools to shut down in March, parents of special education students worried distance learning would not work for their children. And for many, it hasn’t.
Posted inArticle
As RI prepares to reopen, state plans aggressive testing expansion
The state currently tests about 3,000 people per day. Officials want to get that number up to 10,000 by July and 20,000 by fall.
Posted inArticle, Business
Major RI summer events are cancelled
Concerts, parades and festivals will not be permitted, creating a big hole in the state’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry.
Posted inArticle, Education
Rhode Island schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year
The decision dashes the hopes of students, parents and teachers who had hoped to return to the buildings and a sense of normalcy.