With the candidate filing deadline coming at the end of this month, state Sen. Josh Miller told Pride celebrants in downtown Providence over the weekend that he does not plan to seek re-election. The Public’s Radio confirmed the conversations with two sources. Miller, 70, who offered a progressive profile since first being elected in 2006, […]
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Posted inLocal, Politics
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for June 14, 2024
Well, that’s a wrap on the General Assembly session for the year, but more fun approaches with the candidate filing deadline later this month. 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 Friday? […]
Posted inLocal, South Coast Bureau, Transportation
When will South Coast Rail open? MBTA delays start to May 2025
MBTA officials have pushed the target opening date for South Coast Rail back to May 2025, delaying the long-awaited restoration of train service to Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton by another year. MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, the agency’s top official, delivered the news personally at a pair of public meetings in Fall River […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, South County Bureau
‘Rhode Islanders don’t trust the council’: Environmental advocate laments lack of CRMC reform in 2024
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Dave Fallon: There was a lot of effort, resources behind the call for reform. Many grassroots activists were pushing for it. So why didn’t it happen this time? Topher Hamblett: The CRMC reform bill did not pass this year, I think in the end, because […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
McKee signs safe storage bill into law
A long-running effort to require the secure storage of guns — cited by supporters as a way to reduce harm and reviled by opponents as an infringement of personal rights — came to a conclusion as Gov. Dan McKee signed the measure into law Thursday to the delight of gun safety advocates. The legislation sponsored […]
Posted inEducation, Local
With censorship on the rise, Providence librarian says Rhode Island needs to do more to protect libraries
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Cheryl, first of all, thank you so much for joining me today. Cheryl Space: Thank you. Hernandez: The Senate approved legislation that would allow libraries to acquire books and other materials without limitations and protect libraries against any attempt to ban or censor […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Judge orders owner of two Rhode Island hospitals to pay $17 million
Stern’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction requested by Attorney General Peter Neronha follows a lawsuit filed by Neronha against Prospect late last year. At the time, Neronha alleged Prospect had violated a number of terms from a 2021 agreement with his office that was meant to ensure, at least through 2026, the operation of […]
Posted inLocal, Transportation
‘It’s where the bus riders want to go’: Transit advocate says RIPTA bus hub should stay in Kennedy Plaza
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Why do you think it’s important for RIPTA to keep the bus hub in Kennedy Plaza? Randall Rose: Most of all, because Kennedy Plaza is cheaper for the RIPTA system and for the taxpayers, and it’s the most central location. It’s where the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Overhaul of measure governing police discipline signed into law
The first major overhaul of a controversial 48-year-old measure governing internal discipline of police in Rhode Island was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Dan McKee. The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights — blamed by critics for inhibiting appropriate management of police who engage in misconduct — has defied changes for decades. But the […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford City Council delays vote on controversial business improvement district
At a much anticipated Monday night meeting, the New Bedford City Council delayed its vote on whether to approve a business improvement district proposed in the city’s downtown. Instead, the council reversed a previous decision to accept the application paperwork and reopened legal questions about whether the proposal has enough support from downtown property owners […]