The destruction in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of how vulnerable many of our communities in Rhode Island are to wildfires. We hear about what the state and residents can do to prepare for a predicted increase in wildfires due to climate change. Also, dozens of community members recently sent a letter to the Board of Trustees for South County Hospital. In it they criticized leadership and expressed concern for the hospital's long-term financial viability. We hear from a doctor at the hospital who signed the letter. Plus, we take a trip to a Pawtucket museum filled wall to wall with pinball machines, some more than 70 years old. That and more on this week’s show.

The post The uncertain future of South County Hospital, wildfire risk in R.I., and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

After more than five years under state control, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is asking state lawmakers to force the Department of Education to return the city's schools to local control. Meanwhile, during the recent drop in temperatures, the Providence City Council opened its doors this week as an emergency warming center. We talk with the mayor about his plans for the city's schools and the homelessness crisis. Plus, the Weird Island podcast delves into strange and little-known stories from Rhode Island history. We hear from the creator, Sara Corben. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Mayor Smiley on plans for Providence schools, homelessness crisis appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

Rhode Island lawmakers return to the capital on Tuesday for a new session. A massive budget deficit, continued troubles with the Washington Bridge, healthcare, and housing remain some of the top issues politicians face in the Ocean State. Our reporters roundtable shares what to watch this legislative session. Also, president-elect Trump has promised to roll back anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, and restrict access to transgender health care. We hear what members of the LGBTQ community can do to prepare. And we look ahead to the year in local arts and culture, and share a few of the productions, concerts and exhibits we're most excited about. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Legislative session preview, LGBTQ rights under Trump, and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

A week after the state announced a massive security breach at Rhode Island’s online portal for health and public benefit programs, a lot of questions remain about who’s responsible and what happens next. We’ll hear from Jim Langevin, the head of the cybersecurity program at Rhode Island College. And a new investigation from ecoRI News found that Rhode Island has many environmental laws on the books that aren’t being funded or enforced. We’ll talk to the reporters behind the story. Plus, a studio session with the Vox Hunters, a trio defined by their affinity for unaccompanied vocal music and the traditional songs of Rhode Island. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Unfunded and unenforced environmental laws, cyber attack fallout, and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

Rhode Island is now home to the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center in the country. Advocates hope the new facility will lead to fewer overdose-related deaths, and more people getting connected with drug treatment. And the Quidnessett Country Club is trying to get retroactive approval for an illegal sea wall that they *already* built. But they hit a hurdle this week with a subcommittee of the state Coastal Resources Management Council. Also, we hear about the centuries-old process of woodblock-printed wallpaper, from the curator of the RISD Museum’s exhibit, “The Art of French Wallpaper.” That and more on this week’s show.

The post A new strategy for overdose prevention, a bid to allow an illegal seawall, and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

Residents in Narragansett and South Kingstown have complained that URI isn't providing enough housing for its growing student body, affecting the town's strained housing market. This week, the university announced plans to build more student housing. What will that look like, and will it be enough? Also, author and podcaster Nate DiMeo built up his chops as a storyteller living and working in Providence. He comes back to his hometown this week to discuss his new book, “Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past.” And Tony Estrella of the Gamm Theatre looks back on the life of longtime Rhode Island theater critic Bill Gale, who passed away recently. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Behind URI’s plan to build more student housing, remembering Bill Gale, and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

What could Trump's second presidency mean for reproductive health in Rhode Island? A reproductive rights advocate tells us what they expect, what they're hearing from people in our communities, and how they're preparing for the difficult fights ahead. Also, Fall River has been a Democratic stronghold politically for a century. So how did Trump and the Republicans flip it in this past election? Plus, we’ll hear a studio session with two Lithuanian American siblings who have been singing traditional Lithuanian folk music for as long as they can remember. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Reproductive rights under Trump, how Democrats lost Fall River, and more  appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

Providence school officials have persistently warned that if the city continues to underfund education, they will have to make some painful cuts. We hear from two PPSD leaders about what’s at stake if they don’t get the additional $10 million they’re asking for. Also, president-elect Trump has vowed to enact what he calls the “largest deportation operation in American history.” The head of a New Bedford advocacy organization tells us what they’re hearing from local immigrants, what people should know, and how to prepare. Plus, we hear about the community that’s formed around a popular weaving class at a Providence library. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Providence schools budget feud, preparing for Trump’s mass deportation plan, and more appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

With Republicans soon in control of the White House, Senate, and possibly the House, what could it mean for Rhode Islanders? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Wendy Schiller join us to talk about that and other takeaways from Tuesday's elections. Also, how are the state’s young voters feeling about the election results? We talk with a group of students from Johnson & Wales University to get their take. And the Rhode Island Philharmonic has a new music director. She won’t take the seat until early next year, but she is conducting the orchestra in a concert this weekend. That and more on this week’s show.

The post What do the election results mean for Rhode Islanders? appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

In this final episode before Nov. 5, we’ll be talking all about the election. With just four days left, what can we expect in Rhode Island, and what do we know about how the outcome will affect our region? Political reporter Ian Donnis and political scientist Adam Myers will break it down. Also, five students at Johnson & Wales University tell us what they’re feeling and thinking about as they make their voting decisions. Plus, what exactly is on the Rhode Island ballot? We’ll walk through the last statewide ballot question, which asks voters to approve a $10 million bond for arts and culture. That and more on this week’s show.

The post Election 2024: What to expect, young voters’ priorities, and what’s on the ballot appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.