Rhode Island Politics

Young adults play volleyball

Politics This Week: RI’s Shift to Democrat Intramurals

By Justin Katz | August 28, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the indications that RI has moved so far left we’re getting a preview of what those internecine battles look like.

Sledge hammer

Matos’ Home Depot attack on Amo is a lesson in progressive thinking.

By Justin Katz | August 23, 2023 |

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos’s attempt to tar competitor Gabe Amos for — get this — having ties to Home Depot is fascinating: He wants voters to focus on his work as a public servant and to ignore the fact that he was a registered lobbyist for Home Depot despite the company’s ties to the far-right…

Sabina Matos takes the oath of office.

Politics This Week: Mostly Matos Muddling

By Justin Katz | August 21, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the RI’s political dance… or stumbling.

"I Voted" sticker in a pile of leaves

Fewer Rhode Islanders are qualifying for the ballot.

By Justin Katz | August 18, 2023 |

Decreasing political participation is unhealthy, limiting voters’ choices, tilting incentives toward corruption, and separating We the People from the exercise of government authority, and campaign regulation reform would be a good place to start looking for a fix.

A house made of money

Politics This Week: Rights and Diversity

By Justin Katz | August 9, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss recent developments in RI politics.

Ballot Integrity, Not Unrealistic Deadlines, Needs to be Paramount for RI BOE

By Monique Chartier | August 8, 2023 |

Update: The RI BOE voted 5-2 today to review all of the signatures on Sabina Matos’ nomination papers. Ms. Matos is on the Democrat primary ballot for the RI CD1 special election and ballots have already been mailed out to military and out-of-country voters. It is unclear if the outcome of the BOE’s review would…

Office worker sleeping with Post-It Note eyes

Politics This Week: A Political Class Without a Care

By Justin Katz | July 31, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the curious lack of real disagreement in RI politics.

A hand reaches for chains

Politics This Week: Unions Versus the People in RI

By Justin Katz | July 17, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss evidence of unions’ tightening grip on Rhode Island and other political topics.

Business people leap over a chasm.

Politics This Week: Media, Population Changes, and a Poll

By Justin Katz | July 10, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz review the political news of the day in Rhode Island.

Providence and Newport featured on a cartoon map of Rhode Island.

Politics This Week: Pols Pandering to “Rhode Island Values”

By Justin Katz | July 5, 2023 |

John DePetro and Justin Katz discuss the latest political news of the state.