Politics | WPRI TV

Docs get pink slips in Lifespan cuts

By Nancy Krause — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:48:18 GMT

Fifteen doctors are among the 122 people being laid off as Rhode Island’s largest hospital network tries to cut nearly $150 million in expenses.

Warwick, New Bedford losing population

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:51:50 GMT

Rhode Island's biggest cities are among the slowest-growing in the United States, and one of them is actually losing population, according to new U.S. Census estimates released on Thursday.

Lifespan cuts 107 jobs

By Angie Angers — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:33:40 GMT

Rhode Island’s largest hospital network announced on Wednesday they will be laying off dozens of workers.

Coventry schools' pension plan orphaned

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:28:11 GMT

Coventry's pension plans have racked up a $121 million liability for promised benefits, and now town officials are saying the shortfall in the biggest plan isn't their problem.

Ken Block to run for governor in '14

By Tim White, Target 12 Investigator — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Moderate Party founder Ken Block will once again be the face of his party's 2014 gubernatorial run, according to a website that went live this morning.

Cicilline introduces student loan bills

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:56:43 GMT

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline is co-sponsoring three bills designed to maintain low interest rates on student loans, hoping to prevent young people from ending up with excessive debt.

Doherty: No plans to run for governor

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:14:29 GMT

Former State Police superintendent and congressional candidate Brendan Doherty on Friday said he has no plans to run for statewide office in 2014, likely clearing a path for Cranston Mayor Allan Fung to run unopposed in a Republican primary for governor next year.

Unemployment rate in RI falls to 8.8%

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:05:23 GMT

Rhode Island's unemployment rate fell to 8.8% in April, the lowest level in four and a half years, new data released Thursday shows.

Almonte to run for treasurer, not gov

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:19:03 GMT

Former Auditor General Ernie Almonte announced Thursday that he will run for general treasurer in 2014, abandoning his long-shot campaign for governor.

Caprio eyes return, regrets 'shove it'

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:32:35 GMT

In his first television interview since losing the 2010 race for governor, the former treasurer said he regrets his infamous comment about President Obama and wants to return to office.

Newsmakers 5/14: Frank Caprio

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:48:55 GMT

This week on Newsmakers: Former General Treasurer Frank Caprio.

Bill to arm URI cops goes to first vote

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:33:05 GMT

Legislation that would allow University of Rhode Island police officers to carry firearms is going to its first test in the state legislature.

RI delegation slams IRS over audit news

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:56:26 GMT

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse suggested the scandal over IRS audits of conservative groups reflects a broken campaign-finance system.

EngageRI raised $900K over last 2 years

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:19:36 GMT

Engage Rhode Island has raised slightly more than $900,000 since it was formed in 2011 to help advocate for Treasurer Gina Raimondo's pension overhaul.

Chafee taps Montalbano for Superior Cou

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:28:58 GMT

Rhode Island's governor has picked a former leader of the state Senate for a vacant seat on the Superior Court.

Newsmakers 5/13: Congressman Cicilline

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:33:22 GMT

This week on Newsmakers: Congressman David Cicilline, D-R.I.

Hispanics, blacks gave RI Dems the edge

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:26:16 GMT

Congressman Cicilline and other Democrats were propelled to victory last November by a surge in voting among Hispanics and blacks and a sharp drop among whites.

RI same-sex marriage bill wins final OK

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:23:47 GMT

Same-sex marriage will be legal in Rhode Island starting Aug. 1 after Governor Chafee signed a bill into law Thursday allowing it.

Tobin warns Catholics over gay weddings

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:04:57 GMT

Prior to Thursday's historic vote to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, Bishop of Providence Thomas Tobin said he was "profoundly disappointed" and warned Catholics to think hard before going to the weddings of local gays and lesbians.

Raimondo campaign war chest hits $1.7M

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:19:58 GMT

Treasurer Gina Raimondo continued to raise campaign cash at a rip-roaring pace during the first three months of 2013, far outpacing the other leading candidates for the state's top job.

Chafee will sign marriage bill Thursday

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:27:19 GMT

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island is set to be signed by Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Thursday evening after a key legislative panel approved the legislation.

Kennedy pal is first out gay NBA player

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:49:17 GMT

A former Boston Celtics player is crediting Congressman Joe Kennedy III with helping him become the first openly gay active athlete in a major U.S. sport.

Caprio eying 2014 comeback as treasurer

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:58:44 GMT

Former General Treasurer Frank Caprio may be getting back into Rhode Island politics.

Newsmakers 4/26: Gay marriage in RI

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:57:11 GMT

This week: Sen. Donna Nesselbush, Rep. Art Handy and the Ocean State Current's Justin Katz discuss same-sex marriage.

RI businesses back internet sales tax

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:53:24 GMT

Local businesses says a bill now being considered in Congress that would end tax-free shopping online would help them right here in Rhode Island.

Providence mayor proposes tax increase

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:26:40 GMT

The average Providence resident would see his or her property taxes increase by 6% under a proposal introduced Thursday by Mayor Angel Taveras.

House Dems: Revamp EDC to fix economy

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:11:04 GMT

House Democrats led by Speaker Fox proposed a major overhaul of state economic agencies as part of a sweeping legislative package to fix the economy.

RI Senate approves same-sex marriage

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:04:18 GMT

Rhode Island's senators voted 26-12 to legalize same-sex marriage in the state starting Aug. 1, and top lawmakers said the bill could be sent to Governor Chafee next Thursday.

Landmark same-sex marriage vote at hand

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:21:55 GMT

Rhode Island moved another step closer to legalizing same-sex marriage on Tuesday as a key legislative panel approved allowing gays and lesbians to wed.

Pacheco running for secretary of state

By Ted Nesi, WPRI.com Reporter — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:10:27 GMT

R.I. Democratic Party Chairman Edwin Pacheco announced Monday he will run for secretary of state next year, becoming the second member of his party to jump into the race for the open job.