The Democratic mainstream in the Rhode Island General Assembly was typified for years by lawmakers who opposed abortion rights and supported gun rights. Over time, that began to change. Grassroots energy fueled the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. Six years later, in 2019, Rhode Island passed a state-based law protecting abortion rights. And earlier this year, the ruling Democrats on Smith Hill backed bills imposing new restrictions on guns. At the same time, voters earlier this month rejected an effort by one progressive group, the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, to stage a takeover of state government. And Republican candidates are hoping to increase their representation in local elective offices this November.
Episode
Posted inEpisode, Politics
One Square Mile: Westerly veteran says abortion, LGBTQ rights are among top priorities in 2022 election
Rhode Islanders have many issues on their minds as we get closer to Election Day. As part of our series One Square Mile: Westerly, we hear today from Danielle Beliveau, a 33-year-old Navy veteran who works at a local bookshop. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Beliveau about her priorities this year, her thoughts on political polarization, and the importance of voting.
Posted inEpisode, Possibly Podcast
Is natural grass or artificial turf better for the environment?
Nowadays, many athletic fields have been converted from natural grass to artificial turf. Which made us wonder- which option is better for the environment?
Posted inEpisode, On Sports
Celtics in trouble as training camp opens
Coach Ime Udoka’s suspension for an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer casts a pall over the new season.
Posted inEpisode, South County Bureau
One Square Mile: In Westerly, first-time candidates aim to be leaders who ‘value equity in this community’
Like many places across the state and country, Westerly is a town where issues of racial justice have come to the forefront since the murder of George Floyd. Now two candidates for town council and school committee are hoping to make equity a bigger priority at Westerly Town Hall.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
On Political Roundtable: Election 2022, GOP candidate for governor Ashley Kalus; the appeal of ranked choice voting; and more from Westerly with One Square Mile
This week, I’m going one on one with Ashley Kalus. I’ll talk with one of the leading legislative supporters of ranked choice voting. And we’ll hear about the role diversity plays in the Westerly political arena.
Posted inArtscape, Episode
Two plays bring the past into the present
“Describe the Night” at The Gamm Theatre and “The Inheritance” at Trinity Rep are both hugely ambitious plays that cover decades and generations.
Posted inEpisode, Possibly Podcast
What’s the environmental impact of oyster farms?
I’ve been eating a lot of raw oysters lately. They taste so fresh and clean, and I can get them from local farms here in Rhode Island. But I’ve been wondering – what’s the environmental impact of growing all these shelled delicacies?
Posted inEpisode
A vision of the future
Mosaic is The Public’s Radio’s podcast on immigration, which has a series of community essays. This one is by Ogalis Hernandez. She writes about why she signed her three boys up for English classes in the Dominican Republic and where they are today. To listen, click on the orange button above. Para escuchar en español […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
On Political Roundtable: Election 2022, an interview with Brett Smiley; journalists analyze RI primary results; One Square Mile takes us to Westerly
Welcome to Political Roundtable: Election 2022. For this election season, we’re presenting a half-hour weekly show exploring the key races, the issues in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, and we’ll hear from you, the voters, about what’s most important to you in this election year.