Government
Public services and government action
Providence City Council Announces, Then Backtracks Passing of School Closure Resolution
In a surprising turn of events, the Providence City Council's pledge to demand transparency over public school closures appears to be an empty promise. Despite mounting evidence of corruption and questionable deals, the resolution is likely to be shelved, leaving parents of Alan Shawn Feinstein Elementary School students in the dark.
RIDOT's Ongoing Public Records Issues Create Safety Concerns, Harm Transparency
Recent events involving the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) responses to APRA requests have raised concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability. Refusal to provide accident data and excessive delays in producing public records undermine the public's right to access information.
General Assembly seeks to name CCRI campus after anti-LGBTQ former Senate President - during Pride month
Senate President M. Theresa Paiva-Weed was a fierce opponent of marriage equality and women's reproductive rights. Bills in the House and Senate seek to name a CCRI campus after the still living former Senator.
PVD Council President Miller unveils revised budget
Taxes are still going up, just not as much as originally proposed...
Desolate, hopeless, distressing, painful, unpredictable, heartbreaking, inadequate
Rhode Island outreach workers react to new homelessness numbers...
The numbers are in and it's official: Homelessness is rising - fast
1,810 individuals experiencing homelessness on the night of the PIT, a 15% increase from last year and a nearly 65% increase since the 2020 count...
Attorney General files lawsuit against notorious Rhode Island slumlord
Allegations include lead poisoning of children, persistent rodent infestations, deterioration of the building structure, cracking walls and windows, and intermittent loss of water and heat, and improperly charged and overcharged late fees on tenants.
Members of House Sex Work Commission critical of both process and final report
"AmnestyPVD supports the conclusion of the committee that sex work should be decriminalized, however, we ask that a new commission with locally-affected persons be convened in 2024..."
Advocates push for a series of bills embracing peace and opposing war
The Just Peace RI coalition championed five pieces of legislation in support of a more peaceful world.
Contentious Confirmation: Carol O'Donnell's RI Commerce Corporation Nomination Ignites Debate
Carol O'Donnell's nomination to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation stirred controversy. Criticisms from her past as a landlord, lobbyist, and fire district chair clashedI am with commendations for her industry expertise. Now, the Senate is poised to confirm her, but not without raising serious questions.