Basic Government Functions

The Schrodinger Legality of RIDOT Paying a Losing Bidder

By Monique Chartier | December 8, 2024 |

This is not the biggest question pertaining to Rhode Island’s handling of the failed Washington Bridge – it is secondary, for example, to WHY the state had to offer a serious incentive for what would seem to be a juicy public contract, not to mention what Ken Block is in the process of turning up…

Warriors, Not Culture Warriors, in the US Military, Please

By Monique Chartier | November 17, 2024 |

There has been a “Well I Swan” reaction this week in certain quarters to President-Elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense.  The big concerns seem to be that Pete Hegseth is a Fox News host; that he lacks defense policy experience or foreign policy chops that he has certain tattoos; and – oh, hey,…

No, Gene, Do Not Redirect Professor Schiller’s Excellent Questions About the Bridge Fiasco

By Monique Chartier | September 4, 2024 |

Gene Valicenti’s weekly Tuesday conversation on WPRO with Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller took a slightly unexpected turn yesterday when Gene honored her request to comment on the handling of the Washington Bridge closure. (Starts at Minute 06:45.) Schiller: This is a significant, major problem that if something goes wrong with the eastbound side, for…

Washington Bridge: Full Investigation Now

By Monique Chartier | July 7, 2024 |

In mid-March, the day after his administration announced that a full replacement, not just repair, of the Washington Bridge would be needed, Governor Dan McKee promised accountability and the day of reckoning for those who are responsible for the position we’re in … further promising to hold any responsible parties fully accountable. even if that…

Fictional movie poster for Day of Reckoning

Politics This Week: Day of Reckoning!

By Justin Katz | March 18, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz explore who can expect days of reckoning in Rhode Island.

Children dance near a burning RI State House

Politics This Week: RI Bridges Falling Down

By Justin Katz | January 29, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz wonder whether Rhode Island can withstand deterioration with its current leadership.

A 1950s coach has a bad idea

Politics This Week: RI Pols Put the Exploitation in “Team”

By Justin Katz | January 22, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review the ways in which RI’s self-appointed “coach” and self-presumed captains manipulate the “team” of Rhode Islanders.

Man with a knife sneaks up behind a Republican girl

Politics This Week: The Danger of Political Innocence

By Justin Katz | January 9, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz detail gaps in political awareness in RI.

RIDOT About Bridge Inspections: Psych! You Need a Data Key

By Monique Chartier | January 7, 2024 |

The featured image is by RIDOT of a broken steel rod on the Washington Bridge Westbound, one of the critically failed components that caused the sudden closure of Interstate 195 west on December 11. How these components went critical between July, its most recent inspection (link to report) until December 8, when they were purportedly…

A bridge on fire

Politics This Week: RI’s Bridge to Self Awareness

By Justin Katz | December 19, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review the moments of clarity following the Washington Bridge fiasco.