Education

A water drop and ripples

Education mandates are among the games we have to learn not to play.

By Justin Katz | March 12, 2025 |

This effort from Republican State Representative Mike Chippendale is worthwhile: Drawing attention to the mandates state and federal law impose on local school districts has the healthy effect of encouraging people to learn about education funding, generally, and rationalizing the budgets in this way should have broad electoral support. BUT this entirely misses the fundamental…

A water drop and ripples

“Education is an investment” is mostly a useless, misused statement.

By Justin Katz | February 28, 2025 |

One could pick apart on its own terms Nicholas Ferroni’s commentary suggesting that most states can’t be trusted to run their own education systems and “education is not an expense; it’s an investment”: For context, Ferroni is a teacher in New Jersey who calls himself an “activist” (apparently for left-wing social causes) and moonlights as…

A young family approaches a school with foreboding

Why a petition is needed to make RI state government acknowledge rights, law, and reality.

By Justin Katz | February 27, 2025 |

The state Department of Education’s “guidance” on transgender students exposes more than its radical beliefs.

A horse-riding general leads his troops off a cliff

Politics This Week: Our Uncredible Elite

By Justin Katz | February 4, 2025 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz break down some of the latest political news in Rhode Island.

Politicians speak to a freezing audience from a heated stage

Politics This Week: RI’s Political Ice Age

By Justin Katz | January 12, 2025 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz talk about the gap between RI’s ruling Democrat elite and the people of the state.

A heavy man races casually without competition

Politics This Week: Corruption Without Competition

By Justin Katz | October 15, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss ways in which corruption thrives without competitive elections.

Toys march out of the playroom

Politics This Week: Why Should They Stay?

By Justin Katz | September 23, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz check in on politics in RI.

A Democrat self-interviews

Politics This Week: The Primary Party

By Justin Katz | September 16, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the political news of the week.

A machine with its screws coming loose

Politics This Week: Increasing Signs of Systemic Failure

By Justin Katz | September 9, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review the latest signs that Rhode Island’s bolts are loosening.

A girl walks through a haunted graveyard whistling

Politics This Week: Does Anything Really Matter in RI Politics?

By Justin Katz | September 3, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the relevance of local, state, and national political news.