Expect the unexpected in local politics, even in the relatively quiet run-up to the end of December. That truism played out this week, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) […]
General Assembly
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Ascencao Steps Down As State Rep-Elect After Deception Controversy
Rhode Island state Rep-elect Laufton Ascencao (D-Bristol), who acknowledges deceiving Warren Democrats during the fall campaign, announced Wednesday he will not take the legislative seat he won in November. “In the last few days, as I have taken time to really reflect on the actions that I deeply regret, I have realized that my personal […]
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Rep-Elect Apologizes After Deceiving Warren Democrats
A Democratic state rep-elect from Bristol is facing criticism for deceiving Warren Democrats during his fall campaign. Laufton Ascencao, a progressive organizer who made an energetic run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Ken Marshall (D-Bristol), has apologized and acknowledges violating the trust of friends and allies. In a statement, the Warren Democratic Town […]
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TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For November 30
A new General Assembly session is fast approaching in Rhode Island, along with a budget deficit that needs to be eliminated before lawmakers head for the hills in mid-2019. We’ll be following those stories from start to finish, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Filippi On Sports Betting, Marijuana & Divisions In The RI House
RI House GOP Leader Blake Filippi of New Shoreham joins Political Roundtable to discuss the launch of sports betting, the legalization of marijuana in Massachusetts, and divisions within the House of Representatives.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Filippi On RI Republicans, Trump, Abortion & More
Rhode Island House Republican Leader Blake Filippi joins Bonus Q&A to discuss the future of the state GOP, the effort to make changes in the House, reproductive rights, President Trump, and more.
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TGIF: 16 Things To Know About Rhode Island Politics & Media
Happy post-Thanksgiving! I’m thankful to those who follow my reporting and who help to support The Public’s Radio. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Without further ado, here’s the turkey week edition of my column. Thanksgiving signals the start of the holiday […]
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TGIF: 20 Things To Know About Rhode Island Politics & Media
A decent snowfall in mid-November leads the way to the Thanksgiving slowdown, along with another hardy local perennial — red ink in the state budget. There’s always a feast on the politics beat, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Mattiello On Rebel Democrats, Harassment & Improving RI’s Economy
Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello joins Political Roundtable to discuss whether he’ll toss an olive branch to the 21 Democrats who voted against him last week; whether he properly handled an allegation of sexual harassment involving two lawmakers; and what steps he’ll support in 2019 to improve RI’s economy.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Mattiello On Legislative Process, Abortion, Punishing Dissidents & More
Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello joins Bonus Q&A to discuss a range of related issues, including the effort to create a new approach for responding to harassment claims involving the Statehouse; whether he’ll support a bill to strengthen abortion rights in the new House session; whether lawmakers who voted against him will get punished, […]