Last Friday, Rhode Island’s House Finance Committee passed a $13.9 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. Political reporter Ian Donnis talked with two state representatives, Brian Newberry, a Republican from North Smithfield, and David Morales, a Democrat from Providence. This interview and transcript have been edited for length and clarity. Ian […]
Local
Posted inLocal, South County Bureau
Westerly councilor flips off audience, makes ‘obscene’ gesture at public meeting
Members of the public are calling on the Westerly Town Council to take action against a councilor who repeatedly gave the audience the middle finger at a council meeting Monday night and made what several witnesses interpreted as an “obscene gesture.” Video of Monday night’s council meeting shows Councilor Robert Lombardo sticking up his middle […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
Storms could be more intense this hurricane season. Here’s how to prepare
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: It’s now officially hurricane season, and officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say we could see more storms than usual this year. Here to talk more about that and hurricane preparedness, in general, is Dr. Isaac Ginis, Professor of Oceanography at […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Offer to turn two Rhode Island hospitals into nonprofits poses more uncertainty
Jo-Ellen Paterno lives with her husband, Paul, and three children in Warwick. “I’m a school teacher by trade,” Paterno said during an interview in her home. “I’ve been a physical education teacher for about 24 years.” Two years ago, during the summer of 2022, Parterno added a new title: cancer patient. After considering her options […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for May 31, 2024
June, the month for dads, grads, weddings — and the state budget. 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? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE WEEK: During a […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, South Coast Bureau
Globe investigation scrutinizes State Sen. Montigny’s $61,000 stipends for ‘bogus’ committees
A new Boston Globe investigation published Friday puts State Sen. Mark Montigny of New Bedford in its crosshairs. The investigation found Montigny earns $61,000 in extra pay for leading two legislative committees that have not held any public hearings or considered any bills this session. Those stipends have bumped up Montigny’s annual pay to $162,000. […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local
‘That conversation is coming’: South Coast towns may consider managed retreat, green infrastructure in response to rising seas
Editor’s note: This story is part of “Washout: Our vanishing beaches,” a series about the reshaping of Rhode Island’s shoreline. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. TRANSCRIPT: Luis Hernandez: Shoreline communities throughout our region are faced with growing questions about how to manage the beach erosion caused by climate-related storms and rising seas. Today, we take […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport official says continued beach erosion could threaten the city’s water supply, way of life
Last winter’s storms took a heavy toll on the city’s beaches, including Easton’s Beach, which is located at the start of Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. The city’s public services director, Bill Riccio, is the person in charge of leading Newport’s response. As part of our ongoing series on shoreline erosion in the region, Riccio spoke […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape, Local
Studio Session: J. Mamana looks inward with hope and grief on ‘For Every Set of Eyes’
Providence musician J. Mamana has a new album coming out this summer called “For Every Set of Eyes.” It draws on influences that range from Neil Young to Mahler and Schumann. Mamana lost two of his closest friends in recent years, and through making the album, he found a way to process his grief.
Posted inLocal, Shoreline Access, South County Bureau
A push to further restrict driving on a local barrier beach has shoreline advocates crying ‘ruse’
The Charlestown Town Council voted Tuesday night to reject a proposed ordinance change that would have extended the period each summer season when people are prohibited from driving vehicles on the beach in the town. The 3-2 vote followed about two-and-half hours of public comment replete with historical references, impassioned calls for conservation as well […]