Government
Public services and government action
The MAGA Movement's Latest Disappointment: Gabbard Signals Business as Usual at DNI
In a stunning departure from expectations, newly appointed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's inaugural speech embraced the very intelligence establishment she was supposedly chosen to challenge. For Trump supporters hoping for a warrior against the "deep state," this marks yet another broken campaign promise in an increasingly familiar pattern...
McKee Administration Blocks Press Access, Threatens Protesters During State Address
In an unprecedented move that sparked immediate constitutional concerns, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee deployed state police to block public access to the State House rotunda during his State of the State address. The governor's office later scrambled with mixed messages attempting to explain why he took these actions...
RI Government Leaders Dodge Responsibility as Homelessness Crisis Deepens
As temperatures plunge below freezing in Rhode Island, hundreds remain without shelter while state leaders actively resist declaring a homelessness emergency. Despite pleas from 46 state legislators and mounting deaths among the unhoused population, Governor Dan McKee continues to dispute basic facts about the crisis, leaving advocates wondering...
Why Billionaires and Banks Are Desperate to Kill America's Most Effective Consumer Watchdog
When billionaire Elon Musk called for eliminating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, he exposed the dangerous alliance between wealthy elites and financial predators. With $20 billion returned to cheated consumers and countless predatory schemes shut down, it's no wonder why banks and billionaires want America's most effective consumer watchdog destroyed...
With RFK Jr.'s Anti-Fluoride Stance, Wall Street Bets on Rising Tooth Decay
As dental care stocks surge following RFK Jr.'s HHS nomination, Wall Street is sending a clear warning about the consequences of removing fluoride from drinking water. The market's message? Betting against public health means betting on increased suffering - and higher profits for those who treat it. But who really pays the price?
Democrats Nearly Hand Trump a Tool for Revenge, Despite Warnings of Dictatorship
In a stunning display of political contradiction, 52 House Democrats recently voted to support legislation that would have given the incoming Trump administration sweeping powers over nonprofits across America. The bill would have allowed the Treasury Secretary to unilaterally designate any charity as a "terrorist-supporting organization" without evidence or explanation.
New URI Policy Draft Threatens Long-Standing Student Protest Rights
In a dramatic shift that could silence student voices, the University of Rhode Island has proposed strict new regulations severely limiting campus protests. The policy change, following last spring's Palestinian solidarity demonstrations, would require advance approval for gatherings and introduce fines - marking a stark departure from URI's free speech tradition.
As Flock Surveillance Cameras Proliferate in Rhode Island, Lawsuit Challenges Their Legality
Rhode Island's surveillance network is expanding rapidly, with eight municipalities now tracking over 2.8 million vehicles monthly using Flock cameras. The data, shared with hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide, has already led to numerous abuses elsewhere - from police stalking ex-partners to innocent families held at gunpoint due to system errors.
An In-Depth Look at Providence's Final Draft Comprehensive Plan
Providence's new Comprehensive Plan sets an ambitious vision for the city's future, addressing challenges in housing, sustainability, and economic development. With extensive community input, the plan aims to create a more inclusive and resilient Providence.
Summarizing and Scoring Last Night's Presidential Debate
An unbiased look at last night's first (and possibly only?) presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.