Rhode Island Politics

A bored RI governor waits for the work day to end

Politics This Week: When “Public Service” Is the Day Job

By Justin Katz | October 7, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz wonder where the will for public service has gone.

A water drop and ripples

Lack of General Assembly competition shows the progressive-union-Democrat axis has things locked up.

By Justin Katz | August 22, 2024 |

Further to yesterday’s post on Johnston politics, don’t forget this corresponding news about the state legislature: In 2022, just 20 percent of Rhode Island’s 113 General Assembly seats went uncontested in a primary and/or the general election. But this year, 52 percent of those Assembly seats will go uncontested thanks to a sharp drop in…

Man with a knife sneaks up behind a Republican girl

Broader factors may be making Johnston politics Republican-free.

By Justin Katz | August 21, 2024 |

I suggest the title of this post acknowledging I don’t know a whole lot about Johnston’s unique political scene.  Locally, things can be very specific to the individuals involved and their disputes, but I have been a keen observer of factors that make it more difficult for Republicans to work through those disputes. Apparently, Johnston…

Rhode Island’s Tiny Greenhouse Gas Emissions: the Obvious and the Not-So-Obvious

By Monique Chartier | August 4, 2024 |

The above pie chart speaks for itself.  Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions are so small, they barely register on the chart. That Rhode Island, the smallest state in the country and, on top of that, one with a poor business climate that has further driven down its carbon footprint [because that’s the highest priority, right?…

Offshore Wind on the Electric Grid: Emperor’s New (50%) Energy Source

By Monique Chartier | August 1, 2024 |

In 2021, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed and Governor Dan McKee signed a law that mandates for the state net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. What this would mean in real terms is, no more fossil fuels for Rhode Island. No gas or diesel to power our vehicles. No heating oil, natural gas…

A young man smiles as somebody falls out the window

Politics This Week: The One Area of Democrat Coordination

By Justin Katz | July 24, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the areas in which state and national Democrats are able to succeed.

Special interests tug on a fraying rope in tug of war

Politics This Week: Special Interest Tug of War

By Justin Katz | June 24, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz look for the hidden dynamics of local politics.

McKee Antoinette serves cake

Politics This Week: Let Them Eat Leftovers

By Justin Katz | June 18, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review the undercurrents of politics in RI and nationally.

A crowd mocks a mismatched boy while not noticing people getting away with things

Politics This Week: What People Don’t Care About

By Justin Katz | June 11, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz put a spotlight on the aspects of controversies that nobody seems to notice.

A woman in a business jacket walks on stage

Politics This Week: A New Stage for the Self-Promoter

By Justin Katz | April 22, 2024 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz check in on politicians’ emphasis on promotions.