Rhode Island Current
@rhodeislandcurrent.com
The Rhode Island Current is an independent, nonprofit news outlet covering state government and the impact of public policy decisions in the Ocean State.
COMMENTARY: Avian research and nutrition expert says lawmaker’s bill to ban pet stores from selling psittacine birds unfairly vilifies ethical local businesses that follow the rules. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/r...
RI lawmakers, please don’t cage ethical birdkeeping • Rhode Island Current
A bill in the Rhode Island House of Representatives that would prohibit pet stores from selling parrots, parakeets, lovebirds, and other species from breeders and brokers could end up driving bird lov...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:07 AM
COMMENTARY: Avian research and nutrition expert says lawmaker’s bill to ban pet stores from selling psittacine birds unfairly vilifies ethical local businesses that follow the rules. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/r...
“The work performed with our state agency partners in 2025 is unprecedented,” Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff writes in the agency’s 64-page annual report submitted to the Rhode Island General Assembly on Jan. 30. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/s...
State’s technology office more than doubles number of completed projects in 2025 • Rhode Island Current
2025 was a busy year for the state of Rhode Island’s IT department, which saw the successful completion of 114 projects, more than double the number completed the previous year, according to the agenc...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:18 AM
“The work performed with our state agency partners in 2025 is unprecedented,” Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff writes in the agency’s 64-page annual report submitted to the Rhode Island General Assembly on Jan. 30. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/s...
Gov. Dan McKee is scheduled Wednesday to sign legislation providing $18M taxpayer-funded backstop allowing The Centurion Foundation to close on Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital before deadline. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/1...
$18M state guarantee for Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals sale heads to McKee’s desk • Rhode Island Current
An $18 million backstop intended to help the buyer of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital is slated to become the state’s first law of the year after both chambers of the Rho...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Gov. Dan McKee is scheduled Wednesday to sign legislation providing $18M taxpayer-funded backstop allowing The Centurion Foundation to close on Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital before deadline. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/1...
Some mayors view confrontation with the White House as the right approach to leading their cities, while others are opting for accommodation — or just keeping their heads down. Bia @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/r...
Mayors ignore, flatter or confront Trump to serve their cities • Rhode Island Current
Cities rely on federal money, and Trump has made it clear that more ICE agents and fewer federal dollars will flow to cities that don’t respond to his requests.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Some mayors view confrontation with the White House as the right approach to leading their cities, while others are opting for accommodation — or just keeping their heads down. Bia @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/10/r...
ICYMI: On his first official visit to Rhode Island Monday morning to celebrate and inspire workers at America’s shipyards and defense manufacturing facilities, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth kept about 250 of them standing around waiting for him. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/h...
Hegseth touts speed and innovation in tour of Quonset Point facilities • Rhode Island Current
On his first official visit to Rhode Island, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Monday toured Quonset Point as part of his "Arsenal of Freedom” campaign to accelerate military production.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:23 PM
ICYMI: On his first official visit to Rhode Island Monday morning to celebrate and inspire workers at America’s shipyards and defense manufacturing facilities, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth kept about 250 of them standing around waiting for him. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/h...
A spokesperson for Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the city had 67 requests for public records related to the shooting — “the highest volume of requests the City has received for a single event during the Smiley Administration.” By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/s...
Smiley releases ‘full and complete response’ to flood of records requests on Brown shooting • Rhode Island Current
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said Monday that bodycam video, audio files, fire and police incident reports, and logs of phone calls now posted on the city’s website will be the final collection of re...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM
A spokesperson for Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the city had 67 requests for public records related to the shooting — “the highest volume of requests the City has received for a single event during the Smiley Administration.” By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/s...
Protestors gather in subfreezing temperatures to ‘unwelcome’ U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Quonset Point. His Electric Boat and Seabees Museum visit were closed to press but his 8 minute speech at Anduril was open. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/h...
Hegseth touts speed and innovation in tour of Quonset Point facilities • Rhode Island Current
On his first official visit to Rhode Island, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Monday toured Quonset Point as part of his "Arsenal of Freedom” campaign to accelerate military production.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Protestors gather in subfreezing temperatures to ‘unwelcome’ U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Quonset Point. His Electric Boat and Seabees Museum visit were closed to press but his 8 minute speech at Anduril was open. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/h...
The Trump administration’s stop work order on the Revolution Wind project just days before Christmas cost project co-developer Orsted A/S more than $10 million, the company reported in year-end earnings on Friday. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/r...
Revolution Wind developer records $10M Q4 impairment from Trump suspension order • Rhode Island Current
The developer of Rhode Island's signature offshore wind project recorded a $10.2 million fourth-quarter impairment tied to a second suspension order from the Trump administration. But Orsted A/S still...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The Trump administration’s stop work order on the Revolution Wind project just days before Christmas cost project co-developer Orsted A/S more than $10 million, the company reported in year-end earnings on Friday. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/r...
COMMENTARY: Ensuring that older Rhode Islanders have full access to the Social Security they paid into is AARP Rhode Island’s top legislative priority in 2026. Via @aarp.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/t...
The truth about Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security income • Rhode Island Current
Nearly two-thirds of Americans who claim Social Security before age 67, are more likely to have low income, work-limiting health conditions and physically demanding jobs. In Rhode Island, they get no ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:28 PM
COMMENTARY: Ensuring that older Rhode Islanders have full access to the Social Security they paid into is AARP Rhode Island’s top legislative priority in 2026. Via @aarp.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/09/t...
If current trends continue, about 47% of U.S. adults will be living with obesity by 2035, according to the researchers. Obesity rates are projected to increase among Americans of all ages and racial groups. Via @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/08/r...
In the next decade, states will see a surge in obesity • Rhode Island Current
Over the next decade, obesity rates across the nation could surge to close to half of U.S. adults, a new study published in the medical journal JAMA estimates. If current trends continue, about 47% of...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:48 PM
If current trends continue, about 47% of U.S. adults will be living with obesity by 2035, according to the researchers. Obesity rates are projected to increase among Americans of all ages and racial groups. Via @stateline.org rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/08/r...
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February 8, 2026 at 1:40 PM
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“Happy Land,” Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s historical fiction novel tracing an African American community in the hills of western North Carolina, is the 2026 statewide read for Reading Across Rhode Island.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/12/r...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/12/r...
Reading Across Rhode Island 2026: ‘This story reminded me why I love books.’ • Rhode Island Current
“Happy Land,” Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s historical fiction novel tracing an African American community in the hills of western North Carolina, is the 2026 statewide read for Reading Across Rhode Island…
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
“Happy Land,” Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s historical fiction novel tracing an African American community in the hills of western North Carolina, is the 2026 statewide read for Reading Across Rhode Island.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/12/r...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/12/r...
Your Super Bowl office pool is technically illegal in RI. Not if this lawmaker can help it. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/y...
Your Super Bowl office pool is technically illegal in RI. Not if this lawmaker can help it. • Rhode Island Current
Ahead of Super Bowl 60, Rep. William O’Brien, a North Providence Democrat, is renewing his bid to revise Rhode Island's anti-gambling laws to legalize small bets among friends.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Your Super Bowl office pool is technically illegal in RI. Not if this lawmaker can help it. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/y...
RI lawmakers fast-track $18M reserve to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
RI lawmakers fast-track $18M reserve to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals • Rhode Island Current
Both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly are set to vote Tuesday on legislation offering an $18 million, taxpayer-funded backstop to The Centurion Foundation to close its purchase of Roger W...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:34 PM
RI lawmakers fast-track $18M reserve to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms. By @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Rhode Island Current
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms. By @fischler.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
Rhode Island lawmakers prep for floor vote Tuesday to authorize $18M state backstop for bond sale to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
RI lawmakers fast-track $18M reserve to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals • Rhode Island Current
Both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly are set to vote Tuesday on legislation offering an $18 million, taxpayer-funded backstop to The Centurion Foundation to close its purchase of Roger W...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Rhode Island lawmakers prep for floor vote Tuesday to authorize $18M state backstop for bond sale to save Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
Rep. William W. O’Brien, a North Providence Democrat, is looking to decriminalize small bets among friends and coworkers. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/y...
Your Super Bowl office pool is technically illegal in RI. Not if this lawmaker can help it. • Rhode Island Current
Ahead of Super Bowl 60, Rep. William O’Brien, a North Providence Democrat, is renewing his bid to revise Rhode Island's anti-gambling laws to legalize small bets among friends.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Rep. William W. O’Brien, a North Providence Democrat, is looking to decriminalize small bets among friends and coworkers. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/y...
Update: the White House has taken down the video, says staffer put it up rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
White House takes down meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media and slammed as racist • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political pa...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Update: the White House has taken down the video, says staffer put it up rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
“Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House,” wrote South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott. “The President should remove it.”
By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
GOP senator calls Trump's Obama meme ‘the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House’ • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — Members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and disappointment Friday after President Donald Trump shared a video on social media depicting former President Barack Ob...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:51 PM
“Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House,” wrote South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott. “The President should remove it.”
By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
By @jennifershutt.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/06/r...
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company a state vendor and major provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island, confirmed it was the victim of a cyberattack in January. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/b...
Beacon Mutual hit by ransomware attack • Rhode Island Current
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, a state vendor and major provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island, has confirmed it was the victim of a cyberattack in January.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:57 PM
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company a state vendor and major provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island, confirmed it was the victim of a cyberattack in January. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/b...
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February 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
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Beacon Mutual Insurance Company in Warwick says its live systems remain safe from harm as investigation into potential data affected by January cyberattack continues. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/b...
Beacon Mutual hit by ransomware attack • Rhode Island Current
The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, a state vendor and major provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island, has confirmed it was the victim of a cyberattack in January.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:25 AM
Beacon Mutual Insurance Company in Warwick says its live systems remain safe from harm as investigation into potential data affected by January cyberattack continues. By @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/b...
Michael McCaffrey, former RI Senate majority leader, confirmed as District Court judge in 27-8 Senate vote
By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/f...
By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/f...
Former Senate majority leader confirmed as District Court judge • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Senate voted 27–8 Thursday to confirm former Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey as a District Court judge, approving Gov. McKee’s full slate of judicial nominees.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Michael McCaffrey, former RI Senate majority leader, confirmed as District Court judge in 27-8 Senate vote
By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/f...
By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/f...
Renewed legislation to allow disabled, military and overseas voters cast to ballots online clears Rhode Island House in 57-8 vote along party lines. But security watchdogs still wary. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/l...
Letting disabled and military voters cast ballots online once divided RI Democrats. Not anymore. • Rhode Island Current
Four years ago, Rhode Island Democrats were divided over letting military, overseas and disabled voters cast ballots online amid security concerns. But the same measure passed with unanimous Democrat ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Renewed legislation to allow disabled, military and overseas voters cast to ballots online clears Rhode Island House in 57-8 vote along party lines. But security watchdogs still wary. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/l...
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/r...
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimo...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:32 PM
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files. By @ashleymurray.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/02/05/r...