In Depth
What are Governor Lincoln Chafee’s three Ts of economic development, again? Is it talent, technocrats, and tolerance? Or is it technology, tolerance, and twee ideological fashion? It can be so difficult to keep these gimmicky strategies straight. This particular strategy is also turning out to be difficult to make work. In fact, it may just…
According to Kim Kalunian’s story on 630WPRO.com, 30 out of 50 of the adult test takers received a score that wouldn’t allow them to graduate from high school. At least on the first try. However, what does that tell us? Does the correlation say that these people who scored poorly will not be a success…
I try to be an equal-opportunity curmudgeon, but when the General Assembly does some good, it’s only fair to point that out as well. Referred by a tip from Ian Donnis’ twitter feed I found out that Capitol TV is now available online, both streaming and archived video on demand. This is great for someone…
The message making the rounds on Rhode Island’s January employment numbers is that it represented a slight, if mixed, improvement, because the unemployment rate fell to 9.8%, the lowest it’s been since early 2009. A large reason for that fact, however, is that a methodological revision by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics made more…
In light of the recent outcry over the NECAP graduation requirements, here are the actual requirements as published on the RI Dep’t of Ed. website: First Chance: Score 2 on first attempt (2 out of 4, 2 is partial proficiency) in 11th grade. If they fail the first try, the student and his parents are…
When is our stuff actually, you know, our stuff? Recently a stir was caused when cell-phone unlocking—the practice of enabling your cellphone for use on any cell network with any SIM card—became illegal. Now, with legislation pending in Congress to re-legalize(?) the practice, Kyle Wiens writes that we need to focus on “unlocking” much more…
Local Impact: Johnston, Middletown 2 Inobvious Priorities: S0513 > Requires school districts to develop plans to promote purchases of locally grown fruits, vegetables and dairy products. 20. S0012: The father-daughter dance bill. (S Education; Wed, Mar 20) 19. H5579: Changes to zoning regulations intended to facilitate the development of “small wind energy systems”. (H Municipal…
In a separation of powers system, the legislature is made to be the most powerful branch of government precisely because no one person is supposed to be able to easily dominate its proceedings. Rules of a legislative body are supposed to support this principle. Indeed, early on in the parliamentary manual used by the Rhode…
A friend remarked yesterday that Sarah Palin made some great points in her CPAC speech. Undoubtedly. But this was my favorite moment. (Apologies for the preceding ad.) Click here for audience reaction in a double screen shot. Click here for an explanation which, of course, stars New York City’s power-mad mayor. And a great rebuttal,…
The piece detailing “EBT day” in Woonsocket in the Washington Post this Sunday was sad and frustrating all at once. That’s what made it a good piece. It showed how Woonsocket has come to rely on 12 days a year for its economic health: the first day of each month when SNAP EBT cards are…