The Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union is defending a Westerly resident and beach access advocate being sued by the Weekapaug Fire District for advocating that the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council designate a public right-of-way to the Quonochontaug Barrier Beach. The ACLU is working with former Rhode Island Assistant Attorney […]
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Posted inLocal, Politics
Rhode Island Ukrainian pastor describes ‘fear and uncertainty’ among local Ukrainians as war drags on
Transcript: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: Father Boris, it’s really a pleasure. Thank you so much for your time. Boris Kroner: Thank you for having me on. Hernandez: Father Boris, what are your thoughts and your emotions right now as we approach this anniversary of the war in Ukraine? […]
Posted inHealth, Housing, Local
To prevent lead poisoning, Central Falls is turning up the heat on landlords
Property owners filtered into the multi-purpose room in the Central Falls public works building on a hot September night, settling into plastic chairs. Attorneys for the city printed off dockets, stacked up manila case files, and set up a tape recorder, all in preparation for the monthly meeting of municipal housing court. Many of the […]
Posted inHealth, Housing, Local
RI landlords are required to ensure their units are safe from lead paint. But who checks?
An investigation by the Public’s Radio found landlords rarely face consequences for failing to comply with state laws meant to protect children from exposure to lead paint.
Posted inHealth, Housing, Local
Concerned about lead paint in your home? Here are some places to look for help.
Most of the housing stock in Rhode Island was built before 1978, which means it likely contains lead-based paint. That’s dangerous for children, who can experience life–long consequences if they’re exposed to lead paint. Our series Renters at Risk explores what this means to Rhode Islanders. Getting rid of lead paint entirely is expensive. Instead, […]
Posted inEducation, Local, Metro Desk
Brown RISD Hillel leaders say they received anonymous threats
An anonymous source sent violent threats to Brown-RISD Hillel leaders on Sunday morning via email, according to the organization’s executive director, Rabbi Josh Bolton. According to a campus police report, the emails were sent from a Swiss IP address. Brown University president Christina Paxson and RISD president Crystal Williams said campus police responded to the […]
Posted inArticle, Local, Politics
Lawmakers vent frustration over Washington Bridge
The meeting at the Statehouse gave legislators an opportunity to share the frustration of constituents dealing with traffic congestion and longer commutes, even if the central question about the bridge crisis still remains unanswered for now. “How could this become so critical, so quickly?” asked state Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown), referring to how the […]
Posted inArticle, Education, Local, Metro Desk, Politics
Student protestors from Brown University plead not guilty to trespassing charges
Half of the student protestors at Brown University arrested for occupying a building after hours pleaded not guilty to charges of willful trespassing on Monday, the latest development at a campus that’s been the site of increasing pro-Palestinian activism.
Posted inArticle, Immigration, Labor, Local
Federal child labor investigation into New Bedford’s seafood processing industry expanded
The U.S. Department of Labor has stepped up its investigation into possible child labor law violations in New Bedford’s seafood processing industry.
Posted inArticle, Health, Local
Wanted: Health Director for Rhode Island
Gov. Daniel J. McKee is asking state lawmakers for permission to negotiate a higher salary for the job of state health director, which currently pays less than the average doctor in their first year out of residency training. The health director post has been vacant since January 2022, when Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott resigned. Five months later, Dr. […]