Rhode Island Current

A GOP fundraiser Saturday at the Crowne Plaza may draw more than one crowd • Rhode Island Current Protesters plan to rally outside Crowne Plaza Warwick on Saturday as Rhode Island 2nd Congressional District GOP candidate Vic Mellor hosts a fundraiser headlined by former Trump national security adv...

Michael Flynn is headliner at GOP campaign fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza Warwick is hosted by Vic Mellor, who is running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/06/a...

What's the cost of Trump’s war in Iran? US House Dem asks budget agency to add it up • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — The top Democrat on the U.S. House Budget Committee sent a letter to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on Thursday, asking its experts to determine how much the war in Iran coul...

The Trump administration has not publicly disclosed how much it’s spent on the war or what it expects the total price tag will be for what is dubbed Operation Epic Fury. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/05/r...

US House also rejects restraint on Trump’s war power in Iran • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — House Republicans and a handful of Democrats followed the Senate in blocking a measure Thursday to stop President Donald Trump from furthering the war in Iran without authorization from C...

US House also rejects restraint on Trump’s war power in Iran. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/05/r...

State House panel weighs restrictions on federal Immigration enforcement in Rhode Island • Rhode Island Current For over five hours Wednesday, the Rhode Island House Committee on Judiciary heard testimony on a pile of bills seeking to curb the activity of federal immigration enforcement officers, including proh...

Rep. José Batista’s bill was one of 15 pieces of legislation heard during the five-hour hearing by the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee Wednesday — many of them seeking to restrict the activities of federal immigration officers. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/05/s...

AG Neronha backs Helena Foulkes. But endorsements whisper. Money talks. • Rhode Island Current Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha threw his weight behind Helena Foulkes in the 2026 gubernatorial race, marking the latest in a string of endorsements for general office candidates in the f...

@peterneronha.bsky.social's endorsement of Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Rhode Island governor is hardly a surprise; the state’s top prosecutor has openly criticized her incumbent opponent. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/05/a...

Kristi Noem out as DHS secretary; Trump to nominate Oklahoma Sen. Mullin • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Thursday said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be leaving the post for a job as a special envoy, following an appearance before a U.S. Senate panel this...

As members of Congress and other officials reacted to the sudden news of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s ouster Thursday, she spoke at a previously scheduled event with local law enforcement leaders at a conference in Nashville. By @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social
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State-mandated paid leave programs now cover millions of American workers • Rhode Island Current Nearly one-third of the nation’s private sector workers are covered by paid leave programs as more states require employers to provide medical and family leave, according to a new analysis released th...

Rhode Island is one of 13 states with a state-mandated paid leave program. Via @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/05/r...

New Hampshire House advances rodenticide restrictions, but blanket ban falls flat • Rhode Island Current The New Hampshire House advanced a restriction on the commercial sale of certain rodenticides Thursday.

New Hampshire House advances rodenticide restrictions, but blanket ban falls flat. By @newhampshirebulletin.com rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/new-h...

AG details scope of Catholic Church child sexual abuse and cover-ups in RI over decades • Rhode Island Current A new report from Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha says the Diocese of Providence concealed decades of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, identifying at least 315 victims and 72 credibly…

“The numbers are staggering, shocking, astounding,” @peterneronha.bsky.social told reporters during a more than two-hour press conference Wednesday. “And we know we didn’t get it all.”

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One year into a three-year contract, RI Life Science Hub’s first CEO departs • Rhode Island Current Dr. Mark Turco will step down as CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub on March 11. His abrupt departure, one year into a three-year contract, comes amid what some board members described as…

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is losing its first permanent leader, just over a year into President and CEO Dr. Mark Turco's three-year contract, amid what some board members described as strained relations with the 15-member politically appointed panel. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social

School sports anti-hazing bill sees no opposition during RI House panel hearing • Rhode Island Current The Rhode Island House Committee of Education heard unanimous support for Warwick Democratic Rep. Joseph McNamara’s anti-hazing bill Tuesday. The bill would require the state education department and ...

A bill to create a zero tolerance hazing policy for scholastic sports in Rhode Island received only supportive feedback from legislators and the public at its initial hearing Tuesday. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/04/s...

HUD seeks to reduce time allowed for tenants to receive notice before evictions for nonpayment • Rhode Island Current The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to rescind a 2024 regulation requiring public housing agencies and certain federally subsidized landlords to give 30 days’ notice before fili...

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to rescind a 2024 regulation requiring public housing agencies and certain federally subsidized landlords to give 30 days’ notice before filing for eviction based on unpaid rent. Via @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/04/r...

Pentagon IDs four US soldiers killed in Iran drone strike, all assigned to Iowa unit • Rhode Island Current The U.S. Defense Department on Tuesday named four of the six U.S. soldiers killed by an Iranian drone strike, the first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran that President Donald Trump launched over t...

The first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran that President Donald Trump launched over the weekend were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines. They ranged in age from 20 to 42. Via @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/r...

Republicans stand by Trump’s war against Iran, reject war powers role for Congress • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers said Tuesday after classified briefings on Capitol Hill they don’t intend to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to continue the war in Iran, though some said send...

Republicans stand by Trump’s war against Iran, reject war powers role for Congress. By @jennifershutt.bsky.social & @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/r...

Pentagon IDs four US soldiers killed in Iran drone strike, all assigned to Iowa unit • Rhode Island Current The U.S. Defense Department on Tuesday named four of the six U.S. soldiers killed by an Iranian drone strike, the first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran that President Donald Trump launched over t...

Pentagon IDs four US soldiers killed in Iran drone strike, all assigned to Iowa unit. By @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/r...

As state waits for federal approval of Washington Bridge permits, RIDOT interim director takes over • Rhode Island Current In his first briefing as Rhode Island’s interim transportation chief, Robert Rocchio said Tuesday that the start of physical work on the westbound Washington Bridge depends on pending U.S. Coast Guard...

As state waits for federal approval of Washington Bridge permits, RIDOT interim director takes over. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/a...

‘Disgraceful’: What McKee’s remark says about his warped view of primary elections • Rhode Island Current When Gov. Dan McKee called his primary election challenge from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, “disgraceful,” it spoke volumes about his view of the democratic process and himself.

COMMENTARY: "McKee’s 'disgraceful' comment is merely the latest indication that the governor takes umbrage at the norms and everyday pushback that come with elected office. By @phileil.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/d...

Trump: ‘I might have forced Israel’s hand’ in launching Iran war • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he “might have forced Israel’s hand” in launching the war on Iran that has already cost the lives of six American troops.  Trump’s statement came less ...

Congress is poised to vote this week on a War Powers Act resolution that has drawn limited Republican support to stop Trump’s unilateral military actions in Iran without congressional authorization. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social & @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/r...

Middletown senator launches survey to learn more about students with extended school absences • Rhode Island Current An Aquidneck Island state lawmaker has launched a survey for parents of children who missed 10 or more consecutive days of school during the 2024-2025 school year because of medical, social or emotion...

Rhode Island Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, has launched a new survey for parents of children who missed 10 or more consecutive days of school during the 2024-2025 school year because of medical, social or emotional needs. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social

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Iran war drives gas price uncertainty ahead of busy summer season • Rhode Island Current The national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline topped $3 Tuesday for the first time this year, and is expected to keep going up. The average price Tuesday was $3.11, up about 11 cents from...

Gas prices rose Tuesday after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. By @statesnewsroom.com rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/03/r...

Foulkes supports millionaire’s tax and would designate the revenue to building more homes • Rhode Island Current Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Helena Buonanno Foulkes on Monday formally backed the growing call within Rhode Island’s Democratic Party to enact an 8.99% tax rate on personal income over $1…

Gov. Dan McKee and his Democratic rival, Helena Buonanno Foulkes, agree on at least one point this campaign season: Rhode Island’s highest earners need to pay more in taxes. What they still don’t agree on is where that new revenue should go.

Bankruptcy judge agrees to give Centurion till Friday to buy Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals • Rhode Island Current A federal bankruptcy judge in Texas has given the Centurion Foundation until Friday to close its purchase of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital until Friday to close the…

A Texas federal bankruptcy judge has given The Centurion Foundation one more week to secure private financing and close on its purchase of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, according to court documents submitted Monday.

Death toll for US service members in Iran war rises to 6 as Trump projects weeks of conflict • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday he expects war with Iran will continue however long it takes to achieve his objectives, which include eliminating the country’s missile program, prevent...

Death toll for US service members in Iran war rises to 6 as Trump projects weeks of conflict. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social & @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/r...

Foulkes supports millionaire’s tax and would designate the revenue to building more homes • Rhode Island Current Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Helena Buonanno Foulkes on Monday formally backed the growing call within Rhode Island’s Democratic Party to enact an 8.99% tax rate on personal income over $1 million...

Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial challenger Helena Foulkes agrees with McKee on creating millionaire's tax, but would restrict all the revenue to creating housing. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/f...

Judge blocks Noem policy limiting congressional visits to immigrant detention facilities • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — A federal judge Monday temporarily blocked a Department of Homeland Security policy that instituted a seven-day notice requirement for members of Congress to conduct oversight visits at f...

The Department of Justice appealed the decision shortly after the order was given. By @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/r...

Lieutenant governor’s race expands as Khamsyvoravong kicks off campaign • Rhode Island Current Newport City Councilor and former mayor Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong on Monday officially announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor, ending weeks of speculation. His campaign account has the lar...

At-large Newport City Councilor and former mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong intends to focus on strengthening primary health care in Rhode Island in announcing his bid for the lieutenant governor's office. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social

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Bankruptcy judge agrees to give Centurion till Friday to buy Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals • Rhode Island Current A federal bankruptcy judge in Texas has given the Centurion Foundation until Friday to close its purchase of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital until Friday to close the sal...

Bankruptcy judge agrees to give Centurion till Friday to buy Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/bankr...

Ethics panel sets hearing date as supervisor during infamous Philly trip fights to clear his name • Rhode Island Current The Rhode Island Ethics Commission will hold a rare adjudication hearing on March 17 to publicly litigate findings of probable ethics violations by Jim Thorsen, the state's former director of administ...

Former state administration director Jim Thorsen, who faces up to $52K in fines for ethics violations over the infamous Philly trip scandal, finally gets his day in adjudication before the Rhode Island ethics Commission on March 17. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/e...

Death toll for US service members in Iran war at 4 as Hegseth refuses to specify timeline • Rhode Island Current WASHINGTON — The U.S. war on Iran will continue unabated on President Donald Trump’s terms, with more troops on the way and more casualties expected, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters e...

Death toll for US service members in Iran war at 4 as Hegseth refuses to specify timeline. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/r...

Invest now in improving RI’s urban stormwater drainage systems. Or pay dearly later.  • Rhode Island Current Investing more in stormwater drainage systems with better pollutant filtering systems will reduce expenses from flood damages, minimize disruption to daily life during a heavy storm, and protect Narra...

COMMENTARY: "Why not instead, prevent or mitigate these flash floods entirely? This way people don’t have to go through the process of rebuilding or even fully replacing their properties." By Deem Quinn rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/03/02/i...