thepublicsradio.org
Rhode Island College recently announced it will cut 20 degree programs this fall, mostly in the humanities. We’ll hear from a professor and student at RIC who say the cuts are short-sighted, and were done with little input from faculty or students. And did the Rhode Island Department of Transportation miss the warning signs about the Washington Bridge? Our reporters talked with engineers who say that critical components deserved special attention years before the closure. Also, Newport Art Museum’s latest show features a 28-foot-long painting of a plaid whale. Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a few tips on what to do this week.
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
Butler Hospital announced plans this week to replace the roughly 800 unionized workers that have been striking for the past few weeks. We'll hear about how we got here, and why it might not be so easy to fill those roles. Also, it’s hurricane season. Although New England rarely takes a direct hit, emergency officials want residents to remember the basics needed to get through a storm. We’ll share some of those tips. And we give you a preview of the summer festival season – starting with this weekend’s Providence Porchfest. Plus, Ian Donnis takes a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics.
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
In Rhode Island, both the House and the Senate approved hikes to the state’s minimum wage on Thursday. Under the legislation, the current $15-an-hour minimum wage would go up to $16 next year and $17 in 2027. Providence State Rep. David Morales says while he supports the wage hike, $17-an-hour works out to just under […]
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved a bill that would ban student use of cell phones during school hours. The state Senate passed an identical bill in May, leaving Gov. Dan McKee’s signature as the final hurdle for the policy. Under the legislation, Rhode Island school districts would have to craft […]
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
Transit advocates in Rhode Island are concerned about looming service cuts to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. After Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed budget left RIPTA with a roughly $32.6 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, state House lawmakers on Tuesday passed a budget that provided RIPTA with an extra $15 million, in part by […]
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
Rhode Island businessman and philanthropist Alan Hassenfeld has died at age 76. Hassenfeld spent 15 years as chief executive officer of Hasbro, the Pawtucket-based toymaker that was founded by his grandfather and grand-uncle. He later served as company chairman. Author and journalist G. Wayne Miller, who has written extensively about Hasbro over the years, says […]
over 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
Higher Ground International, a nonprofit that provides services to West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities in Rhode Island, is preparing to move into its new headquarters in Providence. The RUKIYA CENTER, located in the city’s West End, will replace the organization’s current space at 21 Peace St. “We are thrilled to open the […]
about 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
Nearly four months after the Trump administration paused federal research funding to Brown University, the Ivy League school said Wednesday that it reached an agreement with the government to restore that funding. Brown also agreed to settle three open investigations into the university regarding federal nondiscrimination laws, including allegations that Brown didn’t do enough to […]
about 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
There’s not much that can be done to prevent a series of proposed service cuts to RIPTA, according to the results of an operational efficiency study released today by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The report, conducted by an independent consultant, shows that RIPTA’s operating costs are comparable to similar transit providers, while administrative […]
about 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is going back to the drawing board, after its Board of Directors postponed a vote on proposed service cuts. The RIPTA Board was scheduled to vote this morning on a proposal to eliminate 16 bus routes and reduce service to dozens of others as part of an effort to […]
about 1 year ago
thepublicsradio.org
A small earthquake was recorded in Rhode Island around 11:30 Thursday night. The 1.8 magnitude quake happened just south of Jamestown, according to the United States Geological Survey. University of Rhode Island geosciences professor Brian Savage says although they’re rare, earthquakes do happen in the northeast. “The whole east coast is built up of large-scale […]
about 1 year ago
