Government
Public services and government action
Moms Demand condemns PVD police violence, calls for legislative action on police conduct
“Law enforcement are charged with de-escalating violent situations, but in this instance, they have shirked that duty,” said Christine Bandoni, a volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Beating and spitting at children during an arrest is unacceptable and deeply disturbing behavior that fractures community trust in police and inhibits public safety in our state. These officers must be held accountable, and our lawmakers must act to change state laws that prevent accountability.”
Providence releases Body Worn Camera video from July 9 King Street arrests
In the difficult to watch videos, the alleged driver of the vehicle is dragged from the car, handcuffed and beaten... The juvenile is punched in the head repeatedly and his neck is contorted violently, while being restrained by multiple officers.
Judge dismisses all charges in 2017 Cranston panhandling case
"I hope that this outcome – and the monetary cost associated with it – dissuades other municipalities from enacting measures like this one, which are cruel, short-sighted, and based on stereotypes and political rhetoric, not facts," said Megan Smith, a social worker with the House of Hope CDC. "Instead of trying to criminalize those who are very poor, we should be focused on creating affordable housing and building diverse and inclusive communities."
The next battle in Rhode Island: Redistricting
"The choice of choosing the people on the redistricting committee is a clear power grab and move to keep diverse voices out of the next decade of decisions," said Senator Mack. "The senate’s presidents decision to not include the only Black woman in the senator nor any of the three openly queer members of chambers reflects a lack of [commitment] to honoring the increased diversity of the chamber in the last election cycle."
Activists block entrance to Raytheon's Portsmouth facility
Two people attached themselves to automobiles to block the main entrance. Other activists stood nearby holding banners and signs, and chanting. The two people were detached from the vehicles after about four hours. One person was arrested still attached to a large concrete block.
PVD City Council battles the self-created perception that the City isn't safe
Overall, crime is down in Providence, but you might not know that given the things said during an "emergency" meeting of the Providence City Council on Tuesday.
A march and vigil to remember Hiu Lui Ng, who died in Wyatt custody 14 years ago
"His pain and his suffering - it was at the hands of Wyatt guards - who knew he was sick and refused to do anything," said Arely Diaz, speaking about ICE detainee Hiu Lui Ng, who died 14 years ago. "And we know that ICE collaborated in torturing him."
What does the new CDC eviction moratorium mean for Rhode Island?
"I don't want to give a falsely positive view that it's just all roses out there, but if you're a family that's waiting for the help and struggling with the website, that's trying to fill in your application or that's having issues with your landlord's participation, what we see is that everything is trending in the right direction," Jennifer Woods, Executive Director of the Center for Justice. "More and more cases are getting paid. More and more they are paying tenants directly if landlords refuse to participate. If tenants bring that money to the court and pay the background, judges are taking that seriously. Even when landlords are not participating, all of those things are very positive."
As eviction moratorium ends, renters begin to call out landlords
"I need this [protest] to be an example of what's going to happen to every landlord who tries and comes to hurt our people," said renter said Sucely Murillo. "We're going to come at them as well."
RI Black Business Association issues state a failing grade after Disparity Report release
"Why did it take them this long [to release the Disparity Report]," asked RIBBA's Executive Director Lisa Ranglin. "Are you just protecting your political interests? … Are you just protecting your desire to get to higher office?