News

Rhode Island Gaming May Take a Hit Once Massachusetts Casinos Open

Elisabeth Harrison — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:26:03 +0000

Casino gambling just like in Las Vegas is scheduled to begin Wednesday at Twin River in Lincoln.

The one-time dog track has become the first venue ever in Rhode Island to offer table games thanks to voters, who approved the change to stave off competition from new casinos proposed for Massachusetts.

Gambling is a major part of the state budget, and to better understand how games like blackjack and roulette will affect the budget, Rhode Island Public Radio's Elisabeth Harrison sat down with Paul Dion from the State Department of Revenue.

This I Believe Rhode Island: Opportunity From Political Oppression

Elena Yee — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:03:41 +0000

You know that expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? What it means, of course, is that we should do what we can to make the best of difficult circumstances we encounter, to extract something positive out of the unbidden events that come our way. This isn’t always feasible, but isn’t it wonderful when we manage to figure out a way to turn life’s traumas into meaningful, sometimes glorious, even magnificent, opportunities? That’s what Elena Yee has experienced in her life.

Elena Yee is a born and bred Bostonian and the daughter of immigrants from China and Hong Kong. She has worked as an engineer, a teacher in Asia and Alaska, and with students at a college in Santa Barbara, California. She is currently director of the Multicultural Activities Office at Providence College.

NY Mayor Bloomberg switches from Chafee to Raimondo

Scott MacKay — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:11:14 +0000

It appears that New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire media mogul, has switched his affinity from Gov. Lincoln Chafee to RI General Treasurer Gina Raimondo in the 2014 Ocean State campaign for governor.

RI Transitioning Into a Greener Fleet of State Vehicles

Catherine Welch — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:02:56 +0000

While kicking off a push to install a network of 50 electric vehicle charging stations, Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced the state will replace much of its fleet with hybrid and electric vehicles. Chafee made the announcement at Roger Williams University, where the first charging station was unveiled.

Director of Administration Richard Licht said the program started this spring, and so far the state has replaced 30 gas-fueled vehicles with hybrids. He notes that a waiver will be given to agencies, such as law enforcement, that can’t find a comparable substitute.

Artwork Coming to RIPTA Shelters

Talia Ghazal — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:27:18 +0000

The City of Providence is teaming with Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to spruce up 17 bus shelters along 2 major bus routes. City art, tourism and planning officials will search for artists and artist groups with experience in public art design.

Artists are asked to generate concepts based on North Main Street’s history or Broad Street’s multicultural heritage. Besides these renovations, the city states that the “artwork will reflect the unique characteristics of the neighborhoods along each route.”

Gov. Chafee Shrugs off Bloomberg Fundraiser for Treasurer Raimondo

Catherine Welch — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:23:42 +0000

Gov. Lincoln Chafee is shrugging off news that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is holding a fundraiser this week for state Treasurer Gina Raimondo.

Bloomberg stumped for Chafee in the 2010 governor’s race calling him one of the nation’s most effective leaders. Channel 12 reports that Bloomberg is hosting a fundraiser Thursday for treasurer Gina Raimondo, who is expected to run for governor.

Harrop Planning Third Run For Providence Mayor

Flo Jonic — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:11:12 +0000

A Providence psychiatrist has announced his candidacy for mayor of the capital city, and this is a man with a lot of experience running for the job.

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

John Bender — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:54:41 +0000

On today's podcast, Moody's downgrades the state's 38 Studios bonds, and the Water Supply board of Providence may increase rates.

Plus, Rhode Island Public Radio's healthcare reporter Kristin Gourlay looks at the state's new prescription drug monitoring program.

Moody's Downgrades the State's 38 Studios Bonds

Ian Donnis — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:56:57 +0000

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the state’s bonds for its failed deal with 38 Studios. Moody’s has put those and other state bonds under review for possible additional downgrades.

In explaining the move, Moody’s points to uncertainty in the General Assembly about whether to allocate money for paying back the 38 Studios’ bonds. The investors’ service downgraded the 38 Studios bonds from a low credit risk to a moderate risk.

Changes to the State Budget to Be Unveiled

Ian Donnis — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:45:24 +0000

State lawmakers continue to meet behind closed doors as they prepare to unveil their changes to the budget introduced by Governor Lincoln Chafee. The legislative spending plan will be vetted Tuesday by the House Finance Committee.

Filling a budget hole of about 30 million dollars is the top challenge facing lawmakers. The deficit is a result of lower than expected state revenues. Linda Katz of the liberal Center for Economic Progress is concerned that social programs for the needy may take a hit when legislators try to clear the red ink.