Before the Ocean State’s Constitution gets around to mentioning freedom of the press, freedom of speech or the right to bear arms, it enshrines the concept of “shore privileges.” “The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery and the privileges of the shore,” reads Article 1, Section 17, “including […]
CRMC
Posted inEnvironment, Political Roundtable, Politics
Save The Bay’s Jed Thorp on climate change, Narragansett Bay, and more
The intense downpours causing more street flooding in the region in recent years reflect the impact of climate change. At the other end of the weather spectrum, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee this week issued a statewide drought advisory.
But there’s some good news when it comes to the health of Narragansett Bay. Water quality has improved so much that Crescent Park Beach in East Providence will be reopened as a swimmable beach in 2026, after more than a century of non-use.
Jed Thorp is on the frontlines of these issues as director of advocacy for Save The Bay. The nonprofit environmental organization was founded in 1970 to protect Narragansett Bay. More than a half-century later, Rhode Island continues to wrestle with myriad environmental issues. So how does Thorp see the outlook, and is Rhode Island prepared for the environmental future? Political reporter Ian Donnis goes in-depth with Thorp on this week’s episode of Political Roundtable.
Posted inLocal, Shoreline Access, South County Bureau
CRMC approves incomplete yacht club dredging application over public protest
On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council unanimously approved an incomplete dredging application for Watch Hill Cove, despite public opposition from shoreline access advocates who faulted the proposal for failing to disclose a town-designated right-of-way that will be obstructed while the work is being done. State regulations say dredging applications must disclose all […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Environment, The Weekly Catch
A fight over an illegal sea wall at a North Kingstown country club, the uncertain fate of WaterFire, and more
A North Kingstown country club is clashing with state coastal regulators, environmentalists and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after building an illegal sea wall along Narragansett Bay. Now the country club is trying to retroactively change the law. Also, WaterFire is an iconic Providence experience, but the nonprofit that runs it is in dire straits. We talk with the founder and CEO about what needs to happen to keep WaterFire afloat. And we hear from the composer behind a piece making its world premiere tonight at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival. Jerod Tate combines classical traditions with music from his Chickasaw heritage. Plus: political reporter Ian Donnis on the week in Rhode Island politics, and our picks for what to do this week.
Posted inEducation, Shoreline Access, The Weekly Catch
Mayor Smiley on his plan for struggling Providence schools, a fight over shoreline access heats up in Weekapaug, and more
There’s a growing anticipation as to when the state of Rhode Island will hand over control of Providence schools back to the district. Mayor Brett Smiley says that the city and the district need at least another year. We’ll ask him what he believes needs to happen before that transfer of power. Also, we hear about one of the state’s most hotly-contested battles over shoreline access – all centered around a tiny patch of coastline in Westerly. Plus, a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a studio session with Providence hot jazz band Paper Moon. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Politics, The Weekly Catch
For some lawmakers, LEOBOR reform doesn’t do enough to address police misconduct
The death of George Floyd in 2020 shined a light on the issue of police misconduct and use of force. Here in Rhode Island, there’s been an effort to reshape how we deal with this problem by changing LEOBOR – the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. This week, Gov. McKee signed into law a bill that marks the first reforms to LEOBOR since its creation in 1976. But some believe it doesn’t go far enough. Also, attempts to reform the state’s Coastal Resources Management Council failed again this legislative session. And we meet artist Bob Dilworth, whose brilliantly textured and colorful paintings earned him a Pell Award this week from Trinity Rep. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inEnvironment, Local, South County Bureau
‘Rhode Islanders don’t trust the council’: Environmental advocate laments lack of CRMC reform in 2024
TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Dave Fallon: There was a lot of effort, resources behind the call for reform. Many grassroots activists were pushing for it. So why didn’t it happen this time? Topher Hamblett: The CRMC reform bill did not pass this year, I think in the end, because […]
Posted inEnvironment, Politics, The Weekly Catch
What’s behind the push to reform Rhode Island’s powerful Coastal Resources Management Council
Environmental advocates are pushing for changes to Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council. We hear from State Sen. Victoria Gu, who is sponsoring legislation to reform the agency. Also, a manager of a Market Basket in New Bedford is facing numerous charges of sexual harassment. The four alleged victims are women facing challenges with their immigration status. And as COVID-19 relief money dries up, Rhode Island is in danger of losing shelter beds for the state’s growing number of homeless residents. Finally, we hear about O&G Studio in Warren, known for their modern approach to making furniture inspired by New England historical craft. That and more on this episode of The Weekly Catch.
Posted inLocal, South County Bureau, Stories
Weekapaug Fire District takes new legal action against Westerly and Rhode Island
The Weekapaug Fire District filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island Superior Court on Dec. 6, arguing the state’s review of the Sand Trail at the Quonochontaug Barrier Beach for potential designation as a public right-of-way to the ocean should be closed by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. Weekapaug’s suit says the review that […]
Posted inArticle
The Weekly Catch: April 28, 2023
We break down some of the top local stories from the past week.
