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Boston Globe
a day ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
New faces emerge as potential candidates for Rhode Island attorney general
a University of Pennsylvania and Fordham Law graduate, left his job as Neronha's chief of policy on Friday as he gears up to run as a Democrat. Hoffmann said he isn't ready to make a formal announcement and he hasn't yet opened up a campaign account, but his decision to leave the attorney general's office is a sign that he's serious about joining what could be a crowded field. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up If he does decide to run, Hoffmann's campaign could receive an immediate boost with an endorsement from Neronha, who speaks glowingly of his former staffer. Advertisement The attorney general's race is always going to be on the undercard when the governor's race is the main event, but the result could be just as important. Like him or not – and most Democrats do – Neronha has emerged as Rhode Island's most consequential statewide elected official since Gina Raimondo left office in 2021. He is the most outspoken leader when it comes to fixing the state's fragile Advertisement The health care crisis won't be solved by the time Neronha leaves office, and Trump will still have two more years in the White House, so the next attorney general will inherit plenty of high-profile work, in addition to their own agenda. It's unclear who else might take a shot at running for the job, although former Providence City Council president John Igliozzi has long been eyeing the job. Another interesting name is This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Dan McGowan can be reached at
Boston Globe
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Providence's new flag policy isn't just about flags. It's about who gets to be seen, and who is silenced.
Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up One major problem with the new flag policy is inconsistency. There was no need for special approvals before. Why now? Advertisement Second, the policy gives too much power to a few. It lets either the mayor or the Providence City Council decide who gets to be represented. This is dangerous because it makes public visibility subject to the comfort of a few officials rather than any clear or fair process. Third, this move discredits the real message behind raising the Palestinian flag: solidarity with people experiencing deep suffering. feels bad to those of us who are part of the Muslim and Arab community. It feels like we are being told our pain is too controversial to acknowledge. Advertisement This incident isn't isolated. It reflects a broader pattern known as the 'Palestine Exception' to free speech, where advocacy for Palestinian rights is often met with disproportionate censorship and suppression. A report by So what should happen now? Either the city allows all communities to be represented through flag-raising, or it stops the practice altogether. There's no middle ground that's fair. The policy must apply equally and without favoritism or fear. If Providence wants to stand for diversity, it must stand for all of us, not just the ones who make people comfortable. If the city is serious about equity, it needs to show it — not just say it. Khaled Soulaiman is a first-generation Syrian Lebanese Muslim and a student at College Unbound in Providence.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opponents put in their two cents on a proposed $2 event ticket tax at R.I. House panel hearing
The VETS, shown center left in a view from the Rhode Island State, is among the venues that would be affected by a bill that would allow municipalities to add a $2-per-ticket tax for venues with more than 800 seats. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Members of the House Committee on Finance on Thursday appeared to see the need for a bill that would let municipalities impose a $2 tax on tickets to large venue events despite opposition from event promoters and business owners. Providence Democratic Rep. Rebecca Kislak introduced her bill with a shout-out to her mom in Miami by recounting her mother's words: ''Why are you in the news about this ticket tax? What's the big deal? All big metropolitan areas and cities have taxes like this to support the cities where events are held.' So thanks, Mom, for that.' Kislak's H6334 was submitted at the request of the Providence City Council as part of a multipronged approach to fend off budget chaos following a multimillion dollar settlement last November between the city and the state education department. Kislak is also the sponsor of H6162, by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, which would allow the city to increase its total tax levy in fiscal year 2026 beyond the state-mandated 4% growth cap. The tax levy bill passed the House floor 56-17 Tuesday after about an hour of heated discussion, with House Republicans joining progressive Democrats in opposing the bill's passage. The legislation lingers still in the Senate, where it was heard in committee for the first time, also on Tuesday. Kislak's event ticket tax bill bears the signature of at least one Providence Democratic co-sponsor, Rep. David Morales, who opposed the levy bill, plus five other Providence Democrats, and Democratic Reps. Brandon Potter of Cranston and June Speakman of Warren. While the bill was designed with Providence in mind, it would authorize any municipality to adopt a local tax of up to $2 per ticket on events held at 'large venues,' or those with 800 or more seats, per the bill's definition. The Division of Taxation would be responsible for collecting the tax and then redistributing it to municipalities. Revenue from ticket taxes would not count toward the tax levy hike cap codified in state law. That complements the tax levy hike legislation, by allowing towns and cities to up their tax income without risking the chance of going over the 4% annual limit on how much municipalities can raise taxes. 'Every city and town, increasingly, is facing difficulties in overreliance on property tax as the main workhorse for how we can do our business, how we can take care of city services,' Providence City Council President Rachel Miller told the committee Thursday, adding that the bill 'is one kind of tool in the toolbox' to help dig the city out of its fiscal hole. Miller estimated the new fee could generate around $3 million annually for Providence, which would help offset the rising cost of services in the capital city without discouraging event attendance. The bill was held for further study Thursday, as is standard practice. City Council Chief of Staff June Rose said in an email Friday that a Senate companion is in the works. Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for Mayor Smiley, said the city administration is still reviewing the bill. The state's Division of Taxation has read the bill, however, and thinks it needs to be redrafted. In a letter to the committee, Neena Savage, tax administrator, testified that parts of the bill as written are 'ambiguous' and suggested filing it under local tax statutes rather than the state's broader sales tax code. Asked about the tax official's take, Kislak said via text Friday that she was planning to review everything over the weekend, and 'would be glad to provide additional clarifications based on the feedback last night.' 'This is enabling legislation and I'm confident the cities and towns will refine this in locally appropriate ways as they write ordinances, if they so choose,' Kislak wrote. Kislak's bill managed to coalesce support among her colleagues. It also did the same for the opposition — venue managers and hospitality lobbyists — who showed up Thursday night to oppose the bill, many of whom argued that the proposed fee is small, it will disadvantage Rhode Island in a competitive live entertainment market. 'It's not so much about passing it on to the patron,' said Dan Schwartz, general manager of The VETS Auditorium. 'You know, what we hear when bills like this come up is, 'We're just going to skip bringing our show to Rhode Island.'' Written testimonies opposing the legislation also came from the legal counsel for the Providence Bruins, South Kingstown Town Councilor Jay G. Wégimont, and Joseph Paolino Jr., former Providence mayor and noted downtown real estate magnate. 'This legislation targets the very institutions that help drive Providence's economic engine, and at the worst possible time,' Paolino wrote, adding that his luxury hotel The Beatrice is always booked when a popular show or game is in town. Contrasting the naysayers was the Finance Committee, including a relentless Rep. Teresa Tanzi. The South Kingstown Democrat asked many questions of the industry advocates who came to testify, although she was befuddled as to why they even showed up. 'This $2 thing — I'm shocked that you guys are even here opposing it, to be quite honest with you,' Tanzi said. 'Because in the larger scheme of things, your ticket holders are being ripped off on so many other levels, and the city is being inconvenienced on so many other levels.' Tanzi suggested that if proprietors were truly concerned about ticket prices, they would investigate different options for ticket delivery — like Dice, a platform that allows people to resell tickets only at face value, and only through its own app, rather than secondary markets. Tanzi also grilled Lawrence Lepore, the general manager of the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Tanzi asked Lepore to what extent the state subsidizes its largest concert venue at 14,000 seats. Lepore replied it's about $27 million a year, including debt service. 'So you're not self-sustaining anyway,' Tanzi said. 'The operation is self-sustaining. But of course, the debt service is not,' Lepore replied. 'We subsidize it to a tune of $27 million a year?' Tanzi asked. 'That's correct,' Lepore said, and Tanzi concluded with a 'Thank you. Thank you very much.' Rich Lupo sold his titular concert venue in 2017, but the longtime music promoter warned that Providence is already 'a secondary city in the booking world.' '[This bill] would just piss them off,' Lupo said of booking companies. 'I think it could be $1, it could be $10. You just don't want to anger the powerful agencies, and bands as well.' From his seat on the committee, bill co-sponsor Hull was canny with Lupo, pointing out that he's known him for decades, and fondly recalls how Lupo grew his titular venue since opening it in 1975. 'I've seen what you're capable of doing,' Hull told Lupo. That's why Hull was firm that the businesses should be capable of weathering a $2 surcharge — especially places like the Amica Mutual Pavilion, which is housed in the tax-exempt Rhode Island Convention Center but still benefits from city services. Sharon Steele, speaking on behalf of the Jewelry District Association, disagreed. She pointed to another Smiley proposal and Kislak bill for a 7% 'consumption tax' on the city's parking lots and garages. The ticket tax would add 'insult to injury' for downtown venues already burdened by tax policies, she said. Hull told Steele he subscribes to the Rhode Island Philharmonic — Steele was once on its board — then narrowed his eyes, smiled, and made a case for the value of expression: 'The arts are special. And if I had to pay an extra $2 to see the arts, I'd be more than happy to pay it.' 'I appreciate that, but the Philharmonic's not doing well these days,' Steele said, adding that such plights are common right now for nonprofits. 'And we're sure not getting any help from the feds.' 'The $2 is necessary,' Hull replied. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Providence mayor issues new policy after turmoil over Palestinian flag
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Mayor Brett Smiley has signed an executive order creating a new flag policy that requires a more stringent approval process, following a dispute over a recent decision to fly the Palestinian flag over City Hall. According to the order, the city will display flags 'as an expression of the city's official sentiments.' Additionally, flags of governments recognized by the United States can be 'displayed by proclamation of the mayor or by resolution and passed by the Providence City Council for a period of no more than 24 hours unless outlined in the proclamation.' The order also states that 'other flags' may be displayed at official city events or ceremonies for up to 24 hours, also under the same approval process. Smiley's executive order comes just one week after city councilors raised the Palestinian flag at City Hall. The mayor said he first learned about the request from Council President Rachel Miller to raise the flag as he was returning from a weeklong trip to Israel. RELATED: Should Providence City Hall have a flag policy? Mayor Smiley thinks so Smiley said last week that while he would not have flown the flag himself, he approved the council's request because 'Providence is and will remain an inclusive and welcoming city that supports diverse opinions and voices.' Last Friday's ceremony (led by Miller and Councilor Miguel Sanchez) led to a large rally and counterprotest outside City Hall. Dozens gathered on Dorrance Street waving both Palestinian and Israeli flags. 12 News reached out to a Providence City Council spokesperson for comment but did not immediately hear back on Friday. Councilman John Goncalves told 12 News he felt the mayor's order established 'clear guidelines.' 'This thoughtful step brings transparency and consistency while honoring the distinct and diverse communities that make up our city. It's a positive move toward unity in Providence,' Goncalves said. Friday's executive order is Smiley's third ever since taking office. The only other two orders signed by the mayor were to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for city employees. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Providence police cite three striking Butler workers, one motorist for noise violations
Butler Hospital employees demonstrate on Blackstone Avenue near the hospital entrance in Providence on the first day of the strike on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Unionized Butler Hospital workers are likely to see their final paychecks arrive Friday if the now seven-day long strike continues. Some now have another expense to handle: A possible $500 fine for allegedly violating one of the city of Providence's noise ordinances. A Tuesday press release from the Providence City Council praised the striking workforce for 'their commitment to making their voices heard in a way that minimizes disruption for the surrounding neighborhood,' the release read, adding that organizers agreed to 'observe quiet hours before 8:00 AM and avoid the use of bullhorns or other noisemakers during that time.' Yet Providence police issued four summons — three on Monday, and one more on Tuesday — to people demonstrating outside the private psychiatric hospital on Blackstone Boulevard. Josh Estrella, spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, confirmed Wednesday that each fine was for $500. 'While the City recognizes and respects Butler Hospital workers' right to peacefully and lawfully strike, we have received multiple complaints from neighbors and providers in the area concerned about the excessive levels of noise resulting from this demonstration,' Estrella said. Three of the fines were for striking workers who used megaphones without a permit, and the other summons was for a motorist who honked when passing the picket line. Estrella said in an email Wednesday night that the four people cited can pay the fine online or choose to contest the fine and get assigned a Municipal Court date. 'Warnings were given to all four individuals prior to issuing the summons and an explanation of the City's noise ordinance policies was given to the organizers of the demonstration,' Estrella said. 'Unfortunately after that engagement, summons were issued following a warning to individuals that were found in continued violation of ordinances in accordance with our standard enforcement practices.' The city's actions drew condemnation from Providence Democratic Rep. David Morales, who issued a news release and posted to Bluesky Wednesday morning that the Smiley administration had 'chosen to punish' the workers, many of whom reside in Providence. Morales has marched with workers consistently over the course of their seven-day strike. 'This isn't leadership. It's intimidation. This is a page out of the MAGA Republican playbook,' Morales wrote. The city's noise ordinance permits up to 65 decibels during the daytime and 55 decibels at night in residential zones. Areas bordering schools, churches and hospitals still need to stay under the 65 decibel limit, but violations can be issued for lower volumes considered 'unnecessary, excessive or offensive' if 'a person of reasonably sensitive hearing' at 200 feet away can hear them. The Butler campus includes the hospital, elderly housing, and a child care facility. The open-ended strike began May 15 and the union, SEIU 1199NE, and Care New England, the hospital's parent company, have yet to return to the negotiating table. The approximately 800 workers — who include mental health staff, nurses, and clerical, custodial and dietary staff — are demanding wage increases and safety reforms after their set of four contracts expired March 31. Both parties last gathered to discuss terms on May 7. Tensions have not subsided in the week since the strike began. The union announced Thursday that it plans to rally at the Rhode Island State House — for the second time in three days — with photos and testimonies about injuries they received at work. Jesse Martin, executive vice president of the striking workers' union SEIU 1199NE, said in a statement Wednesday that workers are exercising their First Amendment rights to 'shine a light on the ongoing safety crisis at their facility that impacts workers and patients alike.' 'They take care of all who need support, including those right here in this community,' Martin wrote. 'Though it may be slightly inconvenient for some, it is vastly more uncomfortable for Butler workers who are forced to sleep in their cars because of poverty wages or have to take months off of work because they were assaulted at work.' Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island, said in an email Wednesday that the citations misrepresent the municipal code. 'The police are blatantly misleading people by issuing citations that refer to $500 fines,' Brown wrote. The ordinance outlines penalties of $200 for first-time offenders or $300 for second-time offenders who plead their case, Brown said, citing section 16-106 of the municipal code. 'Somebody who contests the charges in court can be punished with up to a $500 fine. This deceptive tactic is very disturbing,' Brown wrote, bolding the phrase 'up to.' But Estrella said Wednesday night the violations and fines were derived from ordinances about noise from bullhorns and vehicle horns — separate parts of the municipal code, located at sections 16-105 and 16-93, respectively. Of the four people who received summons, one person received three tickets for bullhorn use, categorized in the city code as 'amplified sound.' There was one more amplified sound violation for a different person, and two people were ticketed under the 'excessive noise' category, Estrella said. Section 16-106 specifies the fine structure for violations within the entire set of laws on 'noise control,' as the municipal code phrases it. Neither 16-93 nor 16-105 specify the fine structure for violations. The section on bullhorns does specify that use of such equipment must be registered at least five days in advance with local police. Mary E. Marran, Butler's president and COO, wrote in a statement posted online Monday that striking workers will receive their final paychecks on Friday, May 23, with hospital-sponsored health plans set to expire on June 1. Other benefits like life insurance have already lapsed because of eligibility rules tied to active employment, Marran wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
