Local Politics | WPRI TV

5/26: Farming revival takes off in RI

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:03:59 GMT

This week: Noah Fulmer, executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island, and Christina Dedora, owner of Blue Skys Farm, a 2-acre farm in Cranston.

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.

Bill to increase min wage heads to Sen

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:59:42 GMT

The Rhode Island Senate Labor Committee approved an amended version of a bill that would raise the state's minimum hourly rate from $7.75 to an even $8.

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.

RI conservative reacts to IRS scandal

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:09:31 GMT

The IRS has recently been slammed by people across the nation for giving an unbalanced amount of scrutiny to more conservative political groups, and one local Tea Party member says the allegations are "inexcusable."

5/19: ShapeUp CEO on 'social wellness'

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:06:28 GMT

This week: Dr. Rajiv Kumar, co-founder and CEO of ShapeUp Inc. and founder of Shape Up Rhode Island.

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.

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.

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.

Mayor Lombardi discusses changes

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:45:30 GMT

Mayor Charles Lombardi discussed the upgrade in the bond rating for North Providence, the tax increase due to the town deficit, and potentially replacing the DPW with private services.

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.

5/5: Verizon in RI; a new coffee syrup

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:28:20 GMT

This week: Verizon executive Donna Cupelo discuss its RI presence; Dave's Coffee CEO David Lanning on his new syrup.

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.

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.

Final vote on gay marriage bill Thurs.

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:28:27 GMT

Legislation to allow gay couples to marry in Rhode Island will probably be signed into law by the end of the week.

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.

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.

How RI Senate shifted on gay marriage

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:01:22 GMT

A savvy political campaign and changing opinions has the Rhode Island Senate poised to approve same-sex marriage during a vote Wednesday afternoon.

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.

Warren to help Reed with re-election

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:59:10 GMT

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is getting some fundraising help from a colleague next door.

Senate to take up same-sex marriage

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:41:53 GMT

The Rhode Island Senate will be taking up gay marriage when lawmakers return next week for the final work of their annual session.