Chris Shea
@krish-eh.bsky.social
Reporter for Rhode Island Current covering politics, cannabis, and transportation. Previously editor of Dartmouth Week. He/him
Reposted by Chris Shea
“Where does the buck stop?” Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Barrington Democrat, asked during Thursday's five-hour oversight hearing on the Washington Bridge. “It can’t always stop with consultants.” By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com?p=26308
Alviti in the hot seat for the third time, stands by use of third party inspectors • Rhode Island Current
Under questioning from the state’s most recent top federal prosecutor, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. defended the hiring of third party inspectors Thursday at a f...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:29 AM
“Where does the buck stop?” Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Barrington Democrat, asked during Thursday's five-hour oversight hearing on the Washington Bridge. “It can’t always stop with consultants.” By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com?p=26308
Reposted by Chris Shea
"If we don’t know what our policies are, literally from week to week, that gives a lot of room for maneuver by people who don’t wish us well," Hillary Clinton says during Brown University visit. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/30/h...
Hillary Clinton opens up about the past, present and future in Brown lecture • Rhode Island Current
Hillary Clinton reflected on her career — and her 2016 loss — during a talk at Brown University Thursday evening, where she discussed global instability, Putin, and the challenges facing U.S. democrac...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 AM
"If we don’t know what our policies are, literally from week to week, that gives a lot of room for maneuver by people who don’t wish us well," Hillary Clinton says during Brown University visit. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/30/h...
Reposted by Chris Shea
R.I. cannabis retail applicants who’ve already navigated local approvals object to 60-day window state regulators tacked on to new timeline approved Monday to grant licenses. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com?p=25644
New R.I. cannabis retail licenses could be ready by May 2026. Not soon enough for some applicants. • Rhode Island Current
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission on Monday set a May 2026 target to start awarding the state's 24 available retail licenses , approving a timeline that gives applicants up to 60 days to secu...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:23 PM
R.I. cannabis retail applicants who’ve already navigated local approvals object to 60-day window state regulators tacked on to new timeline approved Monday to grant licenses. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com?p=25644
From myself and @ohnocastro.bsky.social:
Renovations at T.F. Green will require the removal of an abstract public sculpture and two boats on display, only one of them seaworthy. The people who made them are at different stages of acceptance.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/29/l...
Renovations at T.F. Green will require the removal of an abstract public sculpture and two boats on display, only one of them seaworthy. The people who made them are at different stages of acceptance.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/29/l...
Longtime T.F. Green decor soon to be unmoored • Rhode Island Current
Renovations at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport will require the removal of an abstract public sculpture and two boats on display, only one of them seaworthy. The people who made them ar...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:44 PM
From myself and @ohnocastro.bsky.social:
Renovations at T.F. Green will require the removal of an abstract public sculpture and two boats on display, only one of them seaworthy. The people who made them are at different stages of acceptance.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/29/l...
Renovations at T.F. Green will require the removal of an abstract public sculpture and two boats on display, only one of them seaworthy. The people who made them are at different stages of acceptance.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/29/l...
There needs to be a federal investigation into why this promo isn’t happening in Rhode Island.
August 23, 2025 at 6:12 PM
There needs to be a federal investigation into why this promo isn’t happening in Rhode Island.
Reposted by Chris Shea
Walked a mile in @krish-eh.bsky.social's shoes today and covered the big RIPTA vote
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/08/07/r...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/08/07/r...
RIPTA board tables sweeping cuts after receiving last minute letter from McKee • Rhode Island Current
Just minutes after receiving a letter from Gov. Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Board of Directors voted Thursday morning to table a proposal that would have slashed or reduced se...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
August 7, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Walked a mile in @krish-eh.bsky.social's shoes today and covered the big RIPTA vote
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/08/07/r...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/08/07/r...
Did you notice these ads meant to sway lawmakers against passing the new 340B protections?
Well I did some digging on the group behind them.
Read here:
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/07/14/b...
Well I did some digging on the group behind them.
Read here:
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/07/14/b...
Behind the ad blitz to get R.I. lawmakers to reject bills protecting patient access to discount meds • Rhode Island Current
Community Action for Responsible Hospitals spent over $400,000 on ads in the final weeks of the 2025 Rhode Island legislative session in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade state lawmakers to reject l...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
July 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Did you notice these ads meant to sway lawmakers against passing the new 340B protections?
Well I did some digging on the group behind them.
Read here:
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/07/14/b...
Well I did some digging on the group behind them.
Read here:
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/07/14/b...
Reposted by Chris Shea
R.I. lawmakers keep their cool as compromises on assault weapons, casino smoking and CRMC reform mark end of 2025 session. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social @krish-eh.bsky.social & @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/20/c...
Compromises on assault weapons, casino smoking and CRMC reform mark end of 2025 session • Rhode Island Current
Rhode Island lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 session with compromises on a ban on assault-style weapons and casino smoking, and reforming the state's coastal regulatory council. But payday lending refor...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
June 21, 2025 at 2:53 AM
R.I. lawmakers keep their cool as compromises on assault weapons, casino smoking and CRMC reform mark end of 2025 session. By @nancyklavin.bsky.social @krish-eh.bsky.social & @ohnocastro.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/20/c...
Big Lemon controls all on the Senate floor.
June 20, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Big Lemon controls all on the Senate floor.
Reposted by Chris Shea
Looks like Rhode Island casinos could all go nonsmoking before the new westbound Washington Bridge is completed. @krish-eh.bsky.social covered today's big contract reveal at the State House. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/06/w...
Washington Bridge rebuild to cost up to $427M. Expect to drive on it by late 2028. • Rhode Island Current
A new westbound Washington Bridge is expected to be rebuilt by November 2028 and will cost the state upward of $427 million, Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday. The new bridge will be built by Walsh Cons...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Looks like Rhode Island casinos could all go nonsmoking before the new westbound Washington Bridge is completed. @krish-eh.bsky.social covered today's big contract reveal at the State House. rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/06/06/w...
The Department of Homeland security states that R.I. made the list because of a “Court Order Requiring State Sanctuary Requirements.” I reached for specific details and received a statement reiterating the designation factors on the department’s website.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/30/d...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/30/d...
Dept. of Homeland Security puts R.I. on notice as a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction.’ It’s unclear why. • Rhode Island Current
The Trump administration put Rhode Island and the cities of Providence and Central Falls on a list of 500 so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions” released Thursday night, meaning they face the possibility...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The Department of Homeland security states that R.I. made the list because of a “Court Order Requiring State Sanctuary Requirements.” I reached for specific details and received a statement reiterating the designation factors on the department’s website.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/30/d...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/30/d...
Reposted by Chris Shea
Big drama coming to the smallest state. What to know. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/07/b...
Bravo show ‘Real Housewives’ drops anchor in the Ocean State • Rhode Island Current
Rhode Island is joining Bravo’s "Real Housewives" empire, the network announced Wednesday. Just don’t expect state film subsidies on this production.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
May 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Big drama coming to the smallest state. What to know. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/07/b...
Today I learned that the TSA tracks wait times by handing a yellow card to the last passenger in line at the top, middle and bottom of the hour.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/01/a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/01/a...
Airport officials consider privatizing TSA screening duties at T.F. Green • Rhode Island Current
Airport officials are considering replacing TSA screeners at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport with private contractors, citing long wait times — a move already facing union and political ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
May 1, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Today I learned that the TSA tracks wait times by handing a yellow card to the last passenger in line at the top, middle and bottom of the hour.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/01/a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/05/01/a...
Reposted by Chris Shea
If costs spiral under Trump tariff policies, Rhode Island will see ripple effects, representatives from building trades, hospitality, and medical equipment sectors tell @sethmagaziner.bsky.social at Cranston roundtable. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/04/16/b...
Business and labor leaders share concerns about Trump tariff policies with Magaziner • Rhode Island Current
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner heard firsthand Wednesday from Rhode Island industries about how President Donald Trump’s tariffs are threatening jobs, delaying projects, and driving up prices.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
April 16, 2025 at 9:49 PM
If costs spiral under Trump tariff policies, Rhode Island will see ripple effects, representatives from building trades, hospitality, and medical equipment sectors tell @sethmagaziner.bsky.social at Cranston roundtable. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/04/16/b...
Reposted by Chris Shea
Owners of 31 acres of undeveloped land in Johnston the town is attempting to seize by eminent domain speak out for the first time. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/19/j...
Johnston land owners have no plans to back down from eminent domain battle • Rhode Island Current
An ongoing dispute in Johnston has intensified after a judge reverses the town’s eminent domain takeover to halt an affordable apartment complex.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
March 19, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Owners of 31 acres of undeveloped land in Johnston the town is attempting to seize by eminent domain speak out for the first time. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/19/j...
Reposted by Chris Shea
Since the new wage increase took effect last winter, RIPTA CEO tells lawmakers the bus agency has hired 44 new drivers. If RIPTA doesn’t get more funding, those drivers may be out of a job. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/12/r...
RIPTA CEO tells lawmakers: ‘We want to do more.’ Proposed state budget still gives agency less. • Rhode Island Current
Over a dozen bus Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) drivers packed into a State House basement hearing room Tuesday evening to watch their new CEO make the case for state lawmakers to plug ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
March 12, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Since the new wage increase took effect last winter, RIPTA CEO tells lawmakers the bus agency has hired 44 new drivers. If RIPTA doesn’t get more funding, those drivers may be out of a job. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/12/r...
After nearly eight months of turbulent negotiations, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport’s unionized airport employees have landed a new three-year contract.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/13/w...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/13/w...
Wage hikes, bonus in new contract approved for Rhode Island’s airport workers • Rhode Island Current
After nearly eight months of negotiations, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation's board of directors on Thursday approved a three-year contract with the union representing 103 police, fire, airfield a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
March 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
After nearly eight months of turbulent negotiations, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport’s unionized airport employees have landed a new three-year contract.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/13/w...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/13/w...
Reposted by Chris Shea
Settlement proposed in class-action lawsuit over 2021 RIPTA data breach. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/10/a...
ACLU announces proposed settlement in lawsuit over RIPTA 2021 data breach • Rhode Island Current
The ACLU of Rhode Island on Monday announced a proposed settlement in class-action lawsuit against the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and UnitedHealthcare over a 2021 data breach that exposed t...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
March 10, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Settlement proposed in class-action lawsuit over 2021 RIPTA data breach. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/03/10/a...
Reposted by Chris Shea
Bill by Providence senator would set retirement age for judges and magistrates, excluding Supreme Court justices, at 75. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/25/h...
How old is too old for a judge to stay on the bench? • Rhode Island Current
All Rhode Island judges currently serve for life, but the Senate Committee on Judiciary on Tuesday heard a bill that would set a mandatory retirement age of 75 for most judges.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 25, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Bill by Providence senator would set retirement age for judges and magistrates, excluding Supreme Court justices, at 75. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/25/h...
A quiet promotion to Rhode Island’s acting U.S. attorney for Sara Miron Bloom
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/a...
A quiet promotion to Rhode Island’s acting U.S. attorney for Sara Miron Bloom • Rhode Island Current
Sara Miron Bloom is now Acting U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island following the resignation of Zachary Cunha on Feb. 17, 2025. She was previously First Assistant U.S. Attorney, a position she held since J...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 20, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A quiet promotion to Rhode Island’s acting U.S. attorney for Sara Miron Bloom
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/a...
Reposted by Chris Shea
R.I. traffic court judge suspends license of Providence Rep. Enrique Sanchez, who was charged earlier this month with drunk driving, but grants hardship license allowing work-related travel. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/j...
Judge suspends license of state rep charged with drunk driving, allows work-related travel • Rhode Island Current
A Rhode Island traffic court judge has suspended Rep. Enrique Sanchez’s license following his DUI arrest, but granted him limited driving privileges for work under a conditional hardship license.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 19, 2025 at 9:44 PM
R.I. traffic court judge suspends license of Providence Rep. Enrique Sanchez, who was charged earlier this month with drunk driving, but grants hardship license allowing work-related travel. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/19/j...
Reposted by Chris Shea
R.I. Department of Housing has an ambitious target of 15,000 new homes in four years. But there are roadblocks. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/13/1...
15,000 new homes in four years? R.I. housing officials set ambitious target. • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Department of Housing envisions 15,000 building permits issued for new homes within the next four years — assuming each of the state’s 39 municipalities are on board.
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 13, 2025 at 11:20 PM
R.I. Department of Housing has an ambitious target of 15,000 new homes in four years. But there are roadblocks. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/13/1...
The pallet shelters within the 146 on-ramp in Providence are scheduled to open next week!
February 4, 2025 at 6:17 PM
The pallet shelters within the 146 on-ramp in Providence are scheduled to open next week!
It’s unclear who shot a video of a construction crane knocking down a large portion of the westbound Washington Bridge last Friday, sending debris slamming down onto two barges.
After the video was widely shared on social media, more uncertainty followed.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/03/a...
After the video was widely shared on social media, more uncertainty followed.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/03/a...
About that Washington Bridge demolition video … RIDOT says work is going according to plan • Rhode Island Current
A viral video of Washington Bridge demolition work sparked online debate over the weekend, but the Rhode Island Department of Transportation says the collapse of a portion of the bridge went exactly a...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
February 3, 2025 at 9:45 PM
It’s unclear who shot a video of a construction crane knocking down a large portion of the westbound Washington Bridge last Friday, sending debris slamming down onto two barges.
After the video was widely shared on social media, more uncertainty followed.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/03/a...
After the video was widely shared on social media, more uncertainty followed.
rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/03/a...
Reposted by Chris Shea
RIDOT opens final bidding window to rebuild Washington Bridge. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/01/24/r...
RIDOT opens final bidding window to rebuild Washington Bridge • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Department of Transpiration on Friday posted its finalized request for proposals to replace the westbound Washington Bridge. The bid documents incorporated comments received from the ...
rhodeislandcurrent.com
January 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
RIDOT opens final bidding window to rebuild Washington Bridge. By @krish-eh.bsky.social rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/01/24/r...