The head of the Federal Highway Administration toured the area around the Washington Bridge on Monday, underscoring how the westbound position of the bridge may need to be replaced. “The reason I came up here today is because of the transition from a repair to a potential replacement,” FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt told reporters after […]
DAN MCKEE
Posted inPolitics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 2, 2024
The slow build of anticipation about spring training just isn’t the same when Red Sox management is content to let the team slouch toward oblivion. 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 […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Federal officials seek details on Washington Bridge closure
Gov. Dan McKee’s office revealed the development in a statement Friday evening. “This is not unexpected, and the Governor welcomes the review,” McKee spokeswoman Olivia DaRocha said. DeRocha said McKee instructed the state Department of Transportation to fully cooperate with the information request from federal officials, and she noted that the governor previously directed the […]
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 inPolitics
McKee proposes slightly smaller $13.68 billion spending plan
Call it a return to reality budget for Rhode Island. For the first time in recent history, Gov. Dan McKee’s $13.68 billion spending plan for 2024-25 reduces the amount envisioned to run the state for the next fiscal year, if only by a relatively paltry $335 million. Introducing the proposal, McKee touted his plan as […]
Posted inPolitics
In State of the State, McKee targets goal of increased per capita income
As Rhode Island confronts a tougher fiscal climate, Gov. Dan McKee used his State of the State speech Tuesday night to sound an optimistic message while targeting a goal of raising per capita incomes across the state by at least $20,000 by 2030. McKee said a strategy toward that goal will be unveiled within 100 […]
Posted inEpisode, The Weekly Catch
Gov. McKee’s education plan, Wickenden development dispute, and more
Rhode Island schools are struggling, leaving many students falling behind, and absenteeism is on the rise. We talk with Gov. Dan McKee, who hopes to change that with his new education plan, Learn365RI. And Providence appears to be moving forward with a hotly debated development on Wickenden Street. We hear about what it could mean, and why the City Plan Commission approved it despite neighborhood opposition. Also, why is UMass-Dartmouth leaving the Star Store in New Bedford, and how will it affect the city’s downtown? Plus, a look back on the week in politics; and a few tips on what to do this week.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture
Restrictions on outdoor events prove frustrating for organizers
Several Rhode Island communities are hoping to hold scaled-down outdoor festivals this summer. But the process of getting those events approved is seen by some organizers as arbitrary and unfair.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Coronavirus Roundup For April 10
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) As the public face of Rhode Island’s response to the coronavirus, Gov. Gina Raimondo fulfills a variety of roles during her daily briefings. She […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: McKee On RI’s Business Environment, 2020 Election & More
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Dan McKee joins Bonus Q&A to discuss the state’s business environment, his political future, the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, and more. Chuck Hinman filled in for our host, Ian Donnis, who is out this week.