Environmental Justice on the Polluting Waterfront
Question: What do junkyards, hazardous waste processors, hospitals, and Environmental Justice areas have in common? Answer: They’re all located adjacent one another in Providence. Projo reports that the DEM has ordered waterfront junkyards, Sims Metal Management and Rhode Island Recycled Metals, to cease operations for “[failing] to obtain the necessary approval for their scrap metal [...]
Full Story »
Hard to Tell Who Knew of 38 Studios Deal
Rhode Island is hyperfocused on Curt Schilling. But unlike eight years ago when he heroically hurled us to a World Series victory, this time we have to rely on his business – not athletic – acumen. His video game company, 38 Studios, was given a taxpayer guaranteed $75 million loan to move from Massachusetts to [...]
Full Story »
‘Two Handfuls’ of Senators Block Marriage Equality
Forget about a marriage equality bill making it out of the Senate this session, such legislation hasn’t even been heard in committee this year. It was introduced on February 16, but still hasn’t received its customary hearing. “I think you know what my position is on this,” said Sen. Michael McCafffrey, a Warwick Democrat, when [...]
Full Story »
Help RI Future Succeed: Donate Now!
To date, my new business plan for RI Future has consisted mostly of me wearing sweaters on cold nights and eating a lot of peanut butter and bread for meals. But this state’s only source of progressive news and information now needs a new computer. Since our readership is growing just as rapidly as the [...]
Full Story »
Gemma Said He Wouldn’t Vote For Cicilline
Anthony Gemma says he running against Congressman David Cicilline to help keep the CD1 seat in the hands of the Democrats. But he also said that he wouldn’t vote for Cicilline in the general election if the incumbent beats him in the primary. “I said in good consciousness I cannot support David Cicilline,” Gemma told [...]
ACLU Questions Legality of Barrington Tuition Idea
The Barrington School Committee finally has a legal opinion on its idea to allow a small number of out-of-town students to to pay tuition to attend its high-performing public schools. It’s from the RI ACLU. “The Barrington School Department has no obligation to establish a special program to accept students from out-of-town, but once it [...]
38 Studios and the ‘Job Creator’ Logic
Word started buzzing around the State House just prior to Gov. Chafee making his historic executive order recognizing same sex marriages from other states – but the rumors weren’t about marriage equality, they were about 38 Studios. By the end of the day, Bill Rappleye of Channel 10 broke what very well could become the [...]
Deb Tevyaw, Pat Baker Never Got to Enjoy Equality
Deb Tevyaw and Pat Baker would have benefited greatly from Gov. Chafee’s executive order recognizing same sex marriages from other states. The two women married in Massachusetts in 2005 and resided in Rhode Island. But after impassioned efforts on behalf of marriage equality last session, they didn’t get to testify together this year, or watch [...]
RI Recognizes Out-of-State, Same Sex Marriages
Saying Rhode Island should pass its own marriage equality law, Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed an executive order today that asserts this state recognizes same sex marriages performed in other states. “Let’s get there ourselves,” he said to an enthusiastic crowd packed into the State Room of the State House. “This is the home of Roger [...]
Woonsocket: How Tax Equity Can Reduce Burden
There’s no debate about it, Woonsocket, and many other distressed communities, are in trouble. However, while the residents wait for the General Assembly to vote on whether they can issue a supplemental tax bill, there are other measures on the calendar on Smith Hill that could also help the city’s already maxed-out taxpayers. Tonight (Monday, [...]
Chafee Announcement: RI Recognizes Same Sex Marriages from Other States
I’ve confirmed that Gov. Chafee will anounce today that he will sign an executive order affirming that Rhode Island recognizes same sex marriages from other states. “The governor will direct all offices in state government to recognize as valid all out of state same sex marriages,” said a source who asked not to be identified. [...]
With Little Proof, Gemma Claims Progressive Mantle
The Democratic primary between Congressman David Cicilline and challenger Anthony Gemma will likely be decided by Providence voters and progressives. As such, it should come as no surprise that Gemma is claiming the mantle of being the more liberal candidate in the contest. “I’m every bit as progressive and as liberal as David Cicilline,” Gemma [...]
Governor Chafee On RI: ‘We’ve Hit Rock Bottom’
In an Economist article entitled “Bankruptcy in Rhode Island“, Governor Lincoln Chafee is quoted as saying “We’ve hit rock bottom in this state”. And, frankly, I don’t know how to take it. The article is about the municipal budget problems that are cropping up across the Rhode Island. Essentially, as we well know, Rhode Island is [...]
RI Progress Report: Education Disparity, Homeless Bill of Rights, Brendan Doherty, Citizens United, the Ocean Mist
What you’ll notice when you look at GoLocal’s annual list of best high schools is the ones at the top of the list are in affluent towns and the ones near the bottom are in poorer urban areas. It’s that simple: we have a tiered education system in this state. Rich kids, and those lucky [...]
Americans Care for Political Parties More than Policies
Imagine turning on your car radio and hearing of the baseball trade of the century. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox had just traded their entire rosters to each other. That’s right, Jeter and Rivera are now Red Sox and Pedroia and Lester will suit-up for the Bronx Bombers. How do you [...]
Matunuck Plan Could Spell End for the Ocean Mist
MATUNUCK — This coastal community in the far reaches of South Kingstown harbors all the working ingredients of a self-sustaining village. The corner store, surf shop, pizza parlor and hometown pubs play host to local residents, tourists and daily beach-goers every year. In the heart of Matunuck village stands the Ocean Mist, sitting high on [...]
RI Future needs you! Support independent, progressive news for Rhode Island.
New Comments