Archive for January 2026
The Critical Importance of Flu Shots – Christopher Ottiano, MD, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI
by Christopher Ottiano, MD, Medical Director at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island Flu season is here and it’s hitting hard. Across Rhode Island and the country, cases are climbing quickly, and hospitals throughout Rhode Island are taking extra precautions – requiring masks for patients, visitors and staff – due to rising cases of the…
Read MoreRIPEC Study Finds Rent Control Has Negative Long-Term Impacts on Housing
The Providence Foundation (The Foundation) announced findings from an extensive report on rent control policies to inform ongoing discussions locally. The report found that rent control policies have consistently had negative long-term impacts on housing markets, including reducing supply and worsening overall affordability. Meanwhile, reforms that intentionally increased supply and provided means-tested rental assistance have…
Read MoreGriefSPEAK: Widow’s Fire – Mari Nardolillo Dias
by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, NCC, FT, contributing writer on grief and grieving Katherine came to me shortly after her husband had passed following a very brief illness. As expected, Katherine was distraught, anxious, and overwhelmed at the prospect of the role as a young, single mom. We worked bi-weekly for several months. Janice came…
Read MoreAsk Chef Walter: Dietary Regulation a Historic Reset. What do you think? – Walter Potenza
by Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer “Ask Chef Walter” Hey, friends: did you see the new federal nutrition guidelines that dropped this week? The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines just came out, and they seem like a big shift from what we’re used to. The release calls it a “historic reset” focused on “real food” to help…
Read MoreRhode Island Weather for January 9, 2026 – a “C-” Day!
The day starts unsettled with a rain/snow mix possible during the morning, especially inland, as temperatures hover near the freezing mark. By midday and afternoon, precipitation should transition to plain rain statewide, with cloudy skies and damp conditions continuing through much of the day. Evening brings gradual improvement as showers taper off and skies slowly…
Read MoreRhode Island is a ‘YES’ to De La Comunidad Bilingual School and a ‘NO’ to New England Technical Academy
RI Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Votes to Approve De La Comunidad Bilingual School and Reject New England Technical Academy The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted yesterday to approve De La Comunidad Bilingual School (DLC-B), the state’s first K–12 dual-language, full-service charter public school, which will serve students from Providence,…
Read MoreThe NEW Food Pyramid is Here – Eat Real Food is a Message Too Long in Coming
For decades we’ve been misled by guidance that prioritized highly processed food, and are now facing rates of unprecedented chronic disease. A new website has been released – EAT REAL FOOD to show the new pyramid and the rationale behind the changes. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 These Guidelines mark the most significant reset of…
Read MoreRhode Island Weather for January 8, 2026 – a “B-” Day
Morning: Expect mostly sunny to partly sunny skies with cool temperatures starting near freezing (upper 20s to low 30s°F). It should be a dry and bright start to the day, with sun increasing through the morning. Afternoon: Mostly sunny conditions continue into the afternoon with highs likely in the mid-40s°F. Clouds may build slightly later,…
Read MoreRI Veterans: Did you know? 08.01.26 (Desert Shield/Storm, Local Events, Resources) – John A. Cianci
by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues Wanted : Desert Shield / Storm Veterans  On January 17, 2026, Desert Shield/Storm Veterans from New England and several other states will gather at Tri-City Elks, West Shore Road , Warwick, RI, on the 35th Anniversary of the commencement of the combat phase to extract Iraqi troops…
Read MoreWe Cook! Oui! French Meat Pie – Anthony Salemme
by Chef Anthony Salemme Serves 6-8 Back to meat and potatoes is so comforting during the cold winter months. This tried and true recipe is very filling and all it needs is a green salad to go with it. Can be made the day before and reheated. Meat Pie 1 ½ pounds ground pork ¾…
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