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6 days ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
The city of Woonsocket is moving forward with a new ordinance that makes it illegal to camp on public property and carries a fine of up to $250 for repeat violators. Critics say the change is going to harm unhoused people who will be burdened with legal troubles and fines they can’t pay. Months after West Warwick passed a similar ordinance, in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that opened the door to these kinds of laws, advocates said that dozens of people had been displaced.
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6 days ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Alex Nunes |James Baumgartner
Earlier this week Woonsocket city leaders followed the actions of many communities across the country. They voted to fine people who camp out on city property. . One unhoused advocacy group says the fines that are part of a new city law will make things even harder for those struggling to find shelter. Also, Rhode Island PBS is shining a light on youth mental health. We’ll talk with one of their contributors about the effect violence has on mental health.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
In this episode of Artscape:Mark Allan, interim executive director of WaterFire Providence. Margo Saulnier, of New Bedford Creative and Tracy Silva Barbosa, executive director of the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition. Both are organizers of ArtWeek SouthCoastThis Transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: As we move closer to summer, we edge closer to the first WaterFire lighting ceremony of the year. It will take place at the end of the month.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
Should Rhode Island high schools be required to offer an Ethnic Studies course? State lawmakers are considering a bill that would do just that. Some supporters say it’s a crucial step at a time when the Trump administration is targeting curriculum that the president has described as “discriminatory equity ideology.” That can include teaching about native and indigenous peoples, Black Americans, Latin Americans, and other histories that may not be included in the standard curriculum.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
Study after study has shown young people across the country are facing a mental health “crisis.” And that’s no different here in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. That’s one reason why this week, Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio are launching “Finding Hope,” a project spotlighting how local youth are facing mental health challenges with resilience.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner has been taking to the House floor to protest President Trump’s cuts to funding for life-saving food for malnourished children. We talk with him about that, and some of the ways Rhode Island has been impacted by the president’s first few months in office. Also, State Senator Tiara Mack is against Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s efforts to raise property taxes. She says there are better ways to raise the much-needed revenue for the city.
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1 week ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez
With the city facing a major budget shortfall, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in April proposed a 7.5% property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year. State law prohibits municipalities from imposing a tax hike over 4%, so the mayor’s proposal must be approved by the General Assembly. Providence state Sen. Tiara Mack is strongly opposed to the tax increase, saying it would hurt residents who are struggling to pay their rent and mortgages.
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2 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | James Baumgartner |Luis Hernandez
There’s a painting on display right now in the Rhode Island Statehouse that tells an important tale of American history: It’s the story of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment — a military regiment composed mostly of Black enlistees. The painting is called “Brave Men as Ever Fought.” It’s by historical military artist Don Troiani.
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2 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |Mareva Lindo |Joe Tasca |James Baumgartner
Dominic Ruggerio was a force in Rhode Island politics. His death this week leaves a power vacuum in the senate. Ian Donnis tells us when a new Senate president could be picked. This weekend many will celebrate Arbor Day. The annual celebration of trees takes on new meaning as climate change continues to put pressure on our forests. Also we hear from local Catholic church leadership on the passing of Pope Francis and their hopes for the Vatican’s next leader.
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3 weeks ago | 
thepublicsradio.org | Luis Hernandez |James Baumgartner |Joe Tasca |Mareva Lindo
Thousands of Rhode Islanders could lose Medicaid benefits if congress passes new work requirements. We hear about who would feel the greatest impact of such changes, including many people who already work full-time jobs. Also, DOGE has cut more than half a million dollars that was to go to Rhode Island Humanities, money that was appropriated for the nonprofit’s operating funds as well as grants for cultural programming.
