Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has ordered a statewide pause on the installation of automated license plate readers (ALPRs). On Tuesday, he instructed the Rhode Island State Police and the Department of Public Safety to carry out a 60-day comprehensive review…
The City Plan Commission on July 28 reviewed a proposed student housing overlay ordinance aimed at managing the growth of student housing near Providence College. Developed by the Department of Planning and Development and Ward 14 Councilor Shelley Peterson, t…
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council is seeking volunteers to support its annual fall gathering, an event that unites advocates, farmers, nonprofits, and community members to influence policy priorities for the next legislative session. Volunteers will assist…
During two Providence mayoral debates, incumbent Mayor Smiley and challenger Rep. David Morales clashed over the city’s "payment in lieu of taxes" (PILOT) agreements with local universities. Smiley claimed that Providence’s PILOT deal with Brown University was…
Providence has made progress in reducing elevated blood lead levels among young students, dropping from 43% in 2015-2016 to 17% in 2023-2024, though it remains the second highest rate in Rhode Island. Lead exposure, especially harmful to children’s intellectua…
A federal judge has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release a Providence man who is facing deportation to Cambodia. The ruling comes as the man challenges the deportation order, highlighting concerns about his case and the circumstances su…
Since 2023, the City of Providence has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on automated license plate reader cameras through a contract with Flock Group, Inc. In October 2023, Providence signed a three-year agreement valued at $480,000 for 60 cameras. The c…
Providence faces a severe housing crisis, with rents more than doubling since 2016, making affordability a major challenge for residents. To address this, the city has focused on building more housing, but available land is limited. Former Mayor Jorge Elorza c…
At its July 27 meeting, the Providence Historic District Commission approved the demolition of a deteriorating, century-old tire shop at 113 Broadway in the Broadway Historic District. The wood-frame building, clad in brick since the early 20th century, has su…
Nadine Jean-Baptiste, a supervisor at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court to charges of fraud and conspiracy related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She admitted to participating…
Ward 10 City Council candidate Aubrey Planitz engaged with constituents on July 30 at the Washington Park Library to discuss key neighborhood issues, including education, housing, pollution, and public safety. Incumbent Council Member Pedro Espinal did not att…
The Providence Eye is hosting 11 candidate forums for city council races in Providence’s wards with contested elections ahead of the September 9 primary and November 3 general election. Partnering with the Community Libraries of Providence, three forums have a…
