Jack’s Angle: “Putting politics into RIPTA is a bad idea…” – Jack Partridge

An image of a bus with a man in front of it.

by John J. “Jack” Partridge, contributing writer, commentary What is the motivation behind Senate President Dominic Ruggeiro calling for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to take over the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)? It can’t be because RIPTA is not doing its job, despite being under stress related to the Covid epidemic, and while…

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In the Arena: Joseph Polisena, Jr., Mayor of Johnston

A man in a suit sitting in front of a desk.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interview leaders in Rhode Island. This week he speaks with the new Mayor of Johnston, Joseph Polisena, Jr. They talk about plans for the city, including the new Amazon warehouse, the renovation and building of Johnston’s schools, the old school Democrats, Johnston as a community for families, and some politics.…

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Nursing home workforce crisis deepens with minimum staffing standards – Herb Weiss

A nurse hugs an elderly woman in a wheelchair.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on senior issues “The long-term care industry is enduring the worst workforce crisis in its history, in Rhode Island, and across the country. Although providers are committed to recruiting and retaining staff to provide quality care for residents, despite our best efforts, many nursing homes have fallen short of the…

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In the Arena – with Gov. Dan McKee

A man in a suit sitting in front of an american flag.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews leaders in Rhode Island. Last week the interview was with Gov. Dan McKee. They talk many issues such as ARPA funds, the State of the State address, sales tax and car tax, housing, the appointment of Stefan Pryor and the budget and authority he has been given. They go…

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It’s been a long time comin’ – The Pawtucket / Central Falls Transit Center

A group of people standing in front of a red ribbon.

Photo: Gov. McKee office The opening of the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center took place as the culmination of years of planning and completion of a $63 million design-build project that began four years ago. More than two-thirds of the project cost, approximately $43 million, was paid for with federal funds. Governor Dan McKee and other…

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Governor submits FY24 “RI Ready” budget

An image of a statue on top of a building with an orange sky.

Governor Dan McKee has submitted his FY24 “RI Ready” budget to the General Assembly. The housing portion of the budget includes: hiring of 21 new full time staff and $30 million to expand shelter capacity for those experiencing homelessness. The establishment of a Department on Housing would include transition of employees from other departments, bringing…

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In the Arena – RI Speaker of the House, Joseph Shekarchi

A man wearing glasses and a tie in front of a tree.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews leaders in Rhode Island. This week he speaks with the RI Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi. They talk about the budget, COVID money, top priorities for the year, affordable housing, etc. Watch In the Arena each week on Sunday at 7am on ABC6. ___

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