local feature

Bonus Q+A: Newberry on Chafee, the GOP Outlook, and the Superman Building

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

House Minority Leading Brian Newberry takes part in Bonus Q+A to discuss a possible public subsidy for the Superman Building; his evaluation of Governor Lincoln Chafee; and the outlook for increasing GOP representation in the General Assembly.

Political Roundtable: Newberry on the Budget, 38 Studios, and Economic Development

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

House Minority Leader Brian Newberry (R-North Smithfield) joins the Roundtable this week to discuss his expectations on the budget; whether the state should pay back moral obligation bonds related to 38 Studios; what the General Assembly will accomplish this year to boost the economy; and more.

The Bottom Line: Business Revival in Downtown Providence

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday they look at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

This week Dave and Mark talk with Providence Foundation Executive Director Dan Baudouin about the new business revival that is happening in downtown Providence.

When to Listen

You can hear The Bottom Line each Friday at 5:50pm.

Edwards Says Sakonnet Tolls Will Hurt More Than They'll Help

Ian Donnis — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Residents and merchants in the East Bay are sharply opposing tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Local lawmakers have joined them in asserting the tolls will hurt the economy in communities near the bridge.

SVF Foundation Works to Preserve Endangered Livestock Breeds in Newport

Elisabeth Harrison — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:47 +0000

On Saturday Rhode Islanders have a rare opportunity to visit the Swiss Village Foundation in Newport. It’s an organization working to preserve heritage livestock breeds in collaboration with Tufts University. The site opens its doors to the general public just once a year because of concerns about microbes that could hurt the animals living there.

Rhode Island Public Radio’s Education Reporter Elisabeth Harrison arranged special tour to take you inside the foundation’s bucolic campus.

Bonus Q+A: Walsh Offers a Labor Perspective on the Democratic Gubernatorial Field for 2014

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Robert Walsh, executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island, joins Bonus Q+A for a discussion of pensions, President Obama, public education, and the Democratic field in next year's race for governor.

Political Roundtable: Walsh on Gist, 38 Studios, Economic Development + more

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Robert A. Walsh Jr., executive director of the National Education Association Rhode Island, joins the Roundtable this week to discuss state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist; conflicting views on economic development; the debate over defaulting on bonds for 38 Studios; and Council 94's hiring of a prominent critic of state Treasurer Gina Raimondo.

Gist on the Bumpy Road to NECAP: This Will Get Better

Elisabeth Harrison — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:03:04 +0000

The Rhode Island Board of Education is expected to vote tonight on a contract extension for State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist. She’s been weathering heavy criticism over the last few months from some parents, students and teachers, who complain that she ignores their concerns about all of the changes happening in Rhode Island public schools. One of the most controversial issues has been a new policy of standardized testing as a requirement for a high school diploma.

The Bottom Line: Creating a Major Water Authority

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 31 May 2013 21:07:05 +0000

Political Roundtable: O'Neill on Chafee's Change, Economic Development + the House

Ian Donnis — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

State Representative J. Patrick O'Neill (D-Pawtucket) joins the Roundtable this week (along with guest panelist Dan McGowan of WPRI-TV, Channel 12) to discuss Governor Lincoln Chafee's move to become a Democrat; the way forward for economic development, and legislative questions.