Rising costs are hitting consumers everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery line. The impact can be especially hard on seniors living on fixed incomes. As part of our series on inflation’s impact on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a Hope Valley retiree who is struggling to afford basic necessities while adjusting to life in subsidized housing.
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Rising costs take toll on horse therapy riding program in Ashaway
The rising costs of food, gas and other basics are continuing to put financial strain on people across the country and here in Rhode Island. Non-profit organizations, in particular, are facing daily pressures because of increased operational expenses. As part of our ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to the owner of a non-profit in Ashaway who is trying to stay above water in the midst of revenue shortfalls and other challenges.
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‘It’s bittersweet right now’: Wakefield musician faces uncertain future
Crowds are heading back to clubs and bars in Rhode Island, and that means more gigs for musicians compared to the height of pandemic restrictions. But with costs up across the board, the new work isn’t translating into more money in the bank for some performers. As part of an ongoing series on the impact of inflation, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to one musician from Wakefield who’s taking on new jobs but struggling to pay for basics, like food and rent.
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As costs rise, Ashaway mother says her hope for financial stability is “being slowly taken away”
With rising costs hitting consumers everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery line, President Biden recently declared that fighting inflation is his top domestic priority. The impact of soaring expenses can be especially hard on people with tighter budgets and families to support. As part of a new series on inflation’s impact on Rhode Islanders, reporter Joe Tasca introduces us to a single mother from Ashaway who’s struggling to keep up with her bills and looking for a second job.
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Fidelity Investments expected to bring 1,000 new jobs to Rhode Island
Rhode Island is benefiting from a major hiring surge at Fidelity. The investment management firm says it plans to add nearly 1,000 jobs at its Smithfield campus this year.
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New panel seeks to combat rise in domestic violence in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has signed an executive order creating a Domestic Violence Working Group. The announcement was made last week following a roundtable discussion amongst stakeholders on how to combat the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in the state. Panel member Lucy Rios, who serves as interim executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, spoke with reporter Joe Tasca about the group’s purpose and the disturbing trends that prompted its creation.
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High gas prices not expected to impact summer travel in Rhode Island
Triple A Northeast says Rhode Islanders haven’t changed their driving habits significantly because of the recent surge in gas prices. If that continues, it could mean good news for the approaching summer tourism season.
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Rhode Island economy not expected to benefit from increase in defense spending
Military manufacturing experts say the war in Ukraine will not likely have a significant impact on defense production in Rhode Island.
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‘Let’s hope that we’re ready’: URI economist says Rhode Island should be able to withstand the economic impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are being felt across the global economy, including right here in Rhode Island. URI economist and author of the Rhode Island current conditions index Len Lardaro says the impact has been especially hard on families, small businesses and the state’s manufacturing sector. But despite the challenges, Lardaro thinks the state’s $1.1 billion share of federal pandemic relief money will help stimulate overall growth in 2022. Reporter Joe Tasca spoke with Lardaro about Rhode Island’s economic outlook.
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‘It’s soul-crushing’: Ukrainian pastor in Woonsocket says Russian invasion is another chapter in his country’s bloody history
Ukrainians in Rhode Island are watching as events unfold following Russia’s invasion of their native country. Father Borislav Kroner is the pastor at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket. He spoke with reporter Joe Tasca about the implications of the Russian attack and his hopes for a speedy end to the conflict.