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Workers deploy a whale monitoring buoy in state waters.

Article

Climate & Environment

Detecting Whales by Acoustic Signature: New Tech Deployed for Underwater Monitoring

April 17, 2025

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Gilda Geist

Crystal Serenity, a cruise ship owned by Crystal Cruises visiting Newport, is anchored in the Anchorage D area west of Goat Island on Oct. 3, 2024.

Article

Climate & Environment

NOAA Calls for Rhode Island Officials to Fill Open Seats on CRMC

Federal evaluation praises expert staff but notes weaknesses in financial reporting requirements and delays to online permitting database

April 17, 2025

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Nancy Lavin

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner, right, holds a roundtable discussion with business and labor leaders inside the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11’s Cranston offices on April 16, 2025. From left to right: Justin Kelley, a business representative and political director for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11; Ryan Moot, manager of business development and government affairs for the Rhode Island Hospitality Association; Lauryn Estrella, executive director of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England; and Darryl Lindie, owner of AA Sign & Awning in Warwick.

Article

Politics

Business and Labor Leaders Share Concerns About Trump Tariff Policies With Magaziner

If costs spiral, Rhode Island will see ripple effects, representatives from building trades, hospitality, and medical equipment sectors say

April 17, 2025

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Christopher Shea

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget will rely on property tax hikes to help the city meet its obligations under a settlement with the state over funding city schools.

Article

News & Culture

Smiley Puts Faith in General Assembly in Unveiling $624.1M Fiscal 2026 Budget

Mayor calls historic investment in schools a win, but budget relies on state approval to exceed tax cap and avoid deep cuts

April 17, 2025

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Alexander Castro

Article

The Public’s Radio

Smiley Outlines Tax Increases for Property Owners

The Providence mayor is proposing to increase property taxes and other city revenue in order to fill the budget gap left by a settlement with the state over the city’s school department

April 17, 2025

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Olivia Ebertz

The Fall River Police Department has churned through four chiefs in five years.

Article

The Public’s Radio

Conflict Escalates Amid Leadership Shakeup in Fall River Police Department

A power struggle in the city’s troubled police department has blocked an interim chief from serving permanently, and cost her predecessor a job

April 17, 2025

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Ben Berke

Don Fox faces tariffs of up to 160% on products his Rhode Island-based business imports from China.

Article

News & Culture

Caught in the Crossfire: Burrillville Business Owner Backs Trump, Even as Tariffs Threaten His Livelihood

Don Fox’s luxury sweater company faces soaring import costs due to Trump’s trade war with China — but in a Rhode Island town turning deep red, economic pain hasn’t shaken political faith

April 17, 2025

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Ian Donnis