Rhode Island Current
@rhodeislandcurrent.com
The Rhode Island Current is an independent, nonprofit news outlet covering state government and the impact of public policy decisions in the Ocean State.
Hundreds gather at the 195 District Park near downtown Providence Tuesday as part of a nationwide #DayofAction protest on the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s second term. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/day-o...
Day of Action protest in Providence draws hundreds • Rhode Island Current
Organizers estimated as many as 400 demonstrators came out for Providence’s portion of the “Day of Action” on the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of President Donald Trump’s second term, desp...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Hundreds gather at the 195 District Park near downtown Providence Tuesday as part of a nationwide #DayofAction protest on the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s second term. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/day-o...
The race to be Rhode Island’s next attorney general became more crowded Tuesday after Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr., a Warwick Democrat, announced his long-awaited primary bid. rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/warwi...
Warwick's Rep. Solomon is the latest to join the Democratic race for AG • Rhode Island Current
State Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr., a Warwick Democrat, on Tuesday became the fourth candidate to enter the race to replace term-limited Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:18 PM
The race to be Rhode Island’s next attorney general became more crowded Tuesday after Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr., a Warwick Democrat, announced his long-awaited primary bid. rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/warwi...
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's first executive order of thed year: Declaring city property off limits to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/s...
Smiley establishes ICE-free zones in Providence • Rhode Island Current
City property — including parking lots, public schools, parks and municipal buildings — is off limits to federal immigration officers conducting enforcement operations, under an executive order signed...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's first executive order of thed year: Declaring city property off limits to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/s...
"The markets are speaking pretty loudly here that they don't see these institutions as desirable assets," Providence College health sciences professor Robert Hackey said of Centurion Foundation's $18M ask. "From a financial perspective, I think they're toxic." rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/r...
Roger Williams, Fatima buyer needs $18 million from the state, and they need it now. • Rhode Island Current
Ben Mingle, CEO and president of The Centurion Foundation, asked state officials in an email Friday for $18 million to backstop to the private investment needed to close the sale of Roger Williams Med...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:48 PM
"The markets are speaking pretty loudly here that they don't see these institutions as desirable assets," Providence College health sciences professor Robert Hackey said of Centurion Foundation's $18M ask. "From a financial perspective, I think they're toxic." rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/r...
Centurion Foundation seeks $18M taxpayer-funded reserve to close the sale of Roger Williams, Fatima by Feb. 28. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/r...
Roger Williams, Fatima buyer needs $18 million from the state, and they need it now. • Rhode Island Current
Ben Mingle, CEO and president of The Centurion Foundation, asked state officials in an email Friday for $18 million to backstop to the private investment needed to close the sale of Roger Williams Med...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Centurion Foundation seeks $18M taxpayer-funded reserve to close the sale of Roger Williams, Fatima by Feb. 28. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/20/r...
A loan forgiveness program for educators of color is “no longer in effect,” Rhode Island and Providence education officials reveal in documents filed Friday in response to a U.S. Department of Justice complaint. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social
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Teachers of color loan forgiveness program is over. Not lawsuit against RIDE, Providence schools. • Rhode Island Current
Court documents filed Friday by the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence schools say a loan repayment program for educators of color that prompted a federal lawsuit is no longer active.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:01 PM
A loan forgiveness program for educators of color is “no longer in effect,” Rhode Island and Providence education officials reveal in documents filed Friday in response to a U.S. Department of Justice complaint. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social
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A Jamestown oyster farm is poised for expansion, after receiving unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council last week. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
CRMC approves Jamestown oyster farm expansion • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council has unanimously approved a 3.5-acre expansion to an existing oyster farm in Jamestown's Dutch Island Harbor. The expansion by Rocky Rhode Oyster…
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM
A Jamestown oyster farm is poised for expansion, after receiving unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council last week. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
Decades of uneven deportation enforcement allowed at least a half dozen Laotian men to rebuild their lives in Rhode Island after serving time for crimes they committed as young adults. Until last year. By @phileil.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Decades of uneven deportation enforcement allowed at least a half dozen Laotian men to rebuild their lives in Rhode Island after serving time for crimes they committed as young adults. Until last year. By @phileil.bsky.social
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January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Subscribe to our morning newsletter SWELL and get your news coverage of Rhode Island state government and public policy in your inbox at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday!
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One year since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has acted on some of his most extreme campaign hyperbole, and then some. Via @statesnewsroom.com rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
One year of Donald Trump: Alarms sound over relentless expansion of presidential powers • Rhode Island Current
Since President Donald Trump's second inauguration, his administration has dramatically shifted away from the system of checks and balances at the foundation of U.S. democracy. Let's take a look at th...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:24 AM
One year since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has acted on some of his most extreme campaign hyperbole, and then some. Via @statesnewsroom.com rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
The missed deadline by The Centurion Foundation now puts the onus on the state to take over hospital operations — and pay for the costs associated with payroll, taxes and insurance — by Jan. 30
Transfer of Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals to state ownership set for Jan. 30 • Rhode Island Current
The Centurion Foundation failed to meet the Jan. 15 deadline to close on the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. The two safety net hospitals are set to be transferred...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM
The missed deadline by The Centurion Foundation now puts the onus on the state to take over hospital operations — and pay for the costs associated with payroll, taxes and insurance — by Jan. 30
Johnston Democratic Rep. Deborah Fellela introduced a bill in the Rhode Island House of Representatives to require businesses to clearly disclose any fees or surcharges that are added when customers pay by credit card. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
R.I. House bill would require clearer notices for credit card surcharges • Rhode Island Current
A bill introduced by Johnston Democratic Rep. Deborah Fellela would Rhode Island require businesses to post notices of any fees or surcharges they add when customers pay by credit card.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Johnston Democratic Rep. Deborah Fellela introduced a bill in the Rhode Island House of Representatives to require businesses to clearly disclose any fees or surcharges that are added when customers pay by credit card. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
The Centurion Foundation is still looking for financing after missing the court-ordered deadline to secure the investor-backed bonds needed to finalize its purchase of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/t...
Transfer of Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals to state ownership set for Jan. 30 • Rhode Island Current
The Centurion Foundation failed to meet the Jan. 15 deadline to close on the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. The two safety net hospitals are set to be transferr...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:26 PM
The Centurion Foundation is still looking for financing after missing the court-ordered deadline to secure the investor-backed bonds needed to finalize its purchase of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/t...
Consumers may not be aware that they are paying a surcharge at the time they make a credit card purchase, says Rhode Island Rep. Deborah Fellela, a Johnston Democrat. Her bill aims to eliminate any potential surprises for customers. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
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R.I. House bill would require clearer notices for credit card surcharges • Rhode Island Current
A bill introduced by Johnston Democratic Rep. Deborah Fellela would Rhode Island require businesses to post notices of any fees or surcharges they add when customers pay by credit card.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Consumers may not be aware that they are paying a surcharge at the time they make a credit card purchase, says Rhode Island Rep. Deborah Fellela, a Johnston Democrat. Her bill aims to eliminate any potential surprises for customers. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
A year since his inauguration, Trump has acted on some of his most extreme campaign hyperbole, and then some. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social and @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
One year of Donald Trump: Alarms sound over relentless expansion of presidential powers • Rhode Island Current
Since President Donald Trump's second inauguration, his administration has dramatically shifted away from the system of checks and balances at the foundation of U.S. democracy. Let's take a look at th...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:45 PM
A year since his inauguration, Trump has acted on some of his most extreme campaign hyperbole, and then some. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social and @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/19/r...
As Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. makes its move to Boston later this year, one Rhode Island lawmaker thinks the state should stop issuing new license plates featuring one of the company’s most iconic toys. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/w...
With Hasbro on the move, lawmaker wants to stick a fork in Mr. Potato Head license plate • Rhode Island Current
A bill introduced Wednesday by Rep. Brian Newberry, a North Smithfield Republican, would repeal the 2002 law that created the Mr. Potato Head license plates to commemorate the toy’s 50th anniversary a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:09 PM
As Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. makes its move to Boston later this year, one Rhode Island lawmaker thinks the state should stop issuing new license plates featuring one of the company’s most iconic toys. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/w...
A Jamestown oyster farm is poised for expansion, after receiving unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council on Tuesday. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
CRMC approves Jamestown oyster farm expansion • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council has unanimously approved a 3.5-acre expansion to an existing oyster farm in Jamestown's Dutch Island Harbor. The expansion by Rocky Rhode Oyster C...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:45 PM
A Jamestown oyster farm is poised for expansion, after receiving unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council on Tuesday. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/c...
Trump threatens tariffs on Greenland, countries that oppose US takeover. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/r...
Trump threatens tariffs on Greenland, countries that oppose US takeover • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened Friday to place tariffs on Greenland and any country that opposes his efforts to take over the Arctic island, as members of Congress from both political ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Trump threatens tariffs on Greenland, countries that oppose US takeover. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/r...
Two women and two men made the list of nominees for the bench Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/m...
McKee makes his 2026 judicial picks • Rhode Island Current
A former Senate Majority leader whose opposition to legalizing same sex marriage over a decade ago drew renewed scrutiny last summer is one of four attorneys Gov. Dan McKee nominated Friday to lifetim...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Two women and two men made the list of nominees for the bench Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/16/m...
McKee's record-high proposed FY27 state budget taxes millionaires but offers aid for health insurance, energy bills and child care. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/u...
Under a federal buzzsaw, McKee pitches affordability in nearly $15 billion budget • Rhode Island Current
Helping Rhode Islanders afford health insurance, home energy bills and child care is an expensive proposition: nearly $15 billion in fiscal 2027 under Gov. Dan McKee’s budget proposal unveiled on Thur...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:34 PM
McKee's record-high proposed FY27 state budget taxes millionaires but offers aid for health insurance, energy bills and child care. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/u...
U.S. Senate Democrats launched affordability agenda with a focus on housing. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/r...
US Senate Dems launch midterm affordability push with focus on housing costs • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democrats began detailing their affordability agenda Thursday ahead of the November midterm elections, starting with a focus on housing. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said du...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM
U.S. Senate Democrats launched affordability agenda with a focus on housing. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/r...
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act and deploy military in Minnesota. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/r...
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act and deploy military in Minnesota • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday morning to send the military into Minnesota to stop protests, following another shooting by immigration agents that injured one person, seven...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act and deploy military in Minnesota. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/15/r...
War powers resolution fails in US Senate after 2 Republicans flip, Vance breaks tie. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/14/r...
War powers resolution fails in US Senate after 2 Republicans flip, Vance breaks tie • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance broke a tied Senate vote to block advancement of a war powers resolution that would have stopped President Donald Trump from taking further military action against...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:19 AM
War powers resolution fails in US Senate after 2 Republicans flip, Vance breaks tie. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/14/r...
Recovery grants will soon become available to help Providence East Side businesses impacted by Brown University shooting. Via @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/recov...
Recovery grants available for East Side merchants who lost business after Brown shooting • Rhode Island Current
Recovery grants will soon become available to help Providence East Side businesses impacted during the roughly five-day manhunt for the gunman responsible for killing two students and injuring nine ot...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Recovery grants will soon become available to help Providence East Side businesses impacted by Brown University shooting. Via @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/recov...
Better late than never... CRMC files a counterclaim in Providence Superior Court against Quidnessett Country Club to force the North Kingstown country club to remove illegal stone wall built roughly three years ago. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/14/c...
CRMC asks RI Superior Court to force Quidnessett Country Club to take down rock wall • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) filed a counterclaim against Quidnessett Country Club in Providence County Superior Court Tuesday. It wants a judge to force the North King...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Better late than never... CRMC files a counterclaim in Providence Superior Court against Quidnessett Country Club to force the North Kingstown country club to remove illegal stone wall built roughly three years ago. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/14/c...