Rhode Island's community advocate, covering local government, human rights, capitalism, and issues of importance. Creators of BillBuddy and The Helping Hand.
Providence, RI
Joined November 2017
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A new federal suit alleges Expedia charges hotels 15% commission, up to 25%-30% for extra visibility, and that hotels pass it on everywhere. Expedia strongly disagrees. That 30% is a commission, not a measured price hike.
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New Sentencing Project report puts Rhode Island among 32 jurisdictions restricting office eligibility beyond prison, parole and probation. Vote returns at release; office waits three years after the full sentence.
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Rhode Island employers reported 1,600 fewer payroll jobs in September, bringing nonfarm positions to 513,100. Even with the drop, the state jobless rate dipped to 3.6% as fewer residents were counted in the active workforce.
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A new primer for Maine's next governor targets utility returns. In RI, the PUC already rejected Rhode Island Energy's bid for a 10.75% return, keeping 9.275%. But the winter supply rate the company filed is 17.029 cents/kWh.
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Trademark records list the Beckham Hotel Collection pillow mark under a Thrasio affiliate. Thrasio went through Chapter 11 in 2024. Amazon listings must name the seller, not the company that owns the brand.
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Rhode Island's LIHEAP Enhancement Charge: DHS proposes keeping it at 78 cents a month for 2027, unchanged from 2026. State law caps it at $10 per customer a year. PUC comments due Nov. 20.
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A new RI House study commission meets Thursday to explore sharing school district services like curriculum and payroll, looking for administrative savings as student rolls shift.
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RIDOT plans a full overnight I-95 closure in both directions at Route 10 on Oct. 16-17, then southbound closures Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31. Three ramps close 10 p.m.-5 a.m. each weekend. Detours inside.
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Hasbro filed a state notice covering 587 Pawtucket employees with layoffs effective Dec. 24. While management says jobs were offered in Boston, the company hasn't disclosed how many staff can actually make the move.
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The RI PUC is weighing whether to recommend grants covering legal and expert costs for people and nonprofits that intervene in utility cases. A key question: should ratepayers fund it? Comments due November 1.
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Narragansett Town Beach had 13 rain-closure days, and admission revenue fell an unaudited $68,000, the parks director said. The council president floated opening the South Lot to paying visitors earlier on weekdays. No vote.
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Medicaid work requirements are scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2027. Rhode Island projects about 24,600 beneficiaries at risk of disenrollment. Members don't need to report yet, but the state says update your HealthyRhode contact info now.
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RIDE's proposed 'Ready for Excellence' plan would alter high school expectations across RI, introducing career-learning requirements and opt-out Algebra 1 enrollment. The Council considers opening public comment on Oct. 27.
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The First Circuit heard DOJ's appeal Wednesday of a Rhode Island ruling that quashed a subpoena for Rhode Island Hospital records on minors who got gender-affirming care. The state's Child Advocate wants that ruling upheld. No decision yet.
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A review of ICE records says its investigative arm gathered tens of millions of voter records. DHS now says no ICE operations targeting polls, with a caveat.
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The First Circuit heard the government's appeal Wednesday over an NEA policy letting perceived "gender ideology" count against arts grants. Rhode Island Latino Arts is defending the ruling that struck it down.
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Rhode Island is steering $200,000 to CCRI for a new HVAC and heat pump training lab in Lincoln, aiming to train technicians as state climate goals ramp up.
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Cumberland Town Council votes 6-1 to authorize ending Flock license plate camera use. Councilors cited data misuse and sharing; one member said they backed the cameras until researching them. Councilor Timothy Magill voted no.
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