Politics

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – South Kingstown police say they're conducting an internal investigation into why State Representative Robert Watson wasn't given a sobriety test when he was charged with marijuana possession early Sunday morning. The police report on the incident says he appeared, quote, "highly intoxicated."

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Pressing issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and struggling cities and towns. Last week, we heard from Senate president Teresa Paiva-Weed and House Speaker Gordon Fox. Today, we hear from Governor Lincoln Chafee, who talked with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis about the urgency of helping struggling cities and towns.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Yesterday, we heard from the president of the Rhode Island Senate, Teresa Paiva-Weed. Today, we talk with House Speaker Gordon Fox, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Over the next two days, we'll hear from the leaders of the House and the Senate. We start with Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – State treasurer Gina Raimondo said passage of the pension reform bill is proof that government can work when people focus more on problem solving than politics.

Raimondo's comments were made in New York, as she received the Manhattan Institute's "Urban Innovator" award. Previous honorees include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former Washington D.C. Schools chancellor Michelle Rhee.

By IAN DONNIS

Providence, RI – The State Redistricting Commission approved new boundaries last night for Rhode Island's legislative and congressional districts. The new districts include one that offers a boost to Congressman David Cicilline.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The two Republicans hoping to run against Congressman David Cicilline are sharply criticizing a plan for redrawing Rhode Island's congressional lines. Cicilline's Democratic colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin, also opposes the plan.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – One of the two men running to be the next state Republican Party chairman heads a conservative group called the Rhode Island Republican Assembly. Raymond McKay thinks the GOP needs to be more independent in setting its own direction.

By CATHERINE WELCH

PROVIDENCE, RI – The latest maps for state and congressional political districts go before the public Monday night at a meeting in Johnston. It's the first of several meetings this week where the public will get a chance to comment on maps for most of the state districts and the two congressional districts.

Commission member Ray Rickman said now's the time for public input.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – The U.S. Attorney's office is investigating ProCAP, the anti-poverty agency that came under fire last week amidst allegations of financial mismanagement.

Bill Fischer, a spokesman for ProCAP, said federal prosecutors subpoenaed copies of all applications and receipts for assistance five months ago. He said investigators have not been satisfied with the Providence agency's response.

Jim Martin, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha said the probe is focused on the expenditure of federal funds.