FIND GREAT CONTENT
Search through articles, research, and policy papers. Search by keyword, tag, author, date range, and category.
This author has not written his bio yet.
But we are proud to say that Larry Gillheeney contributed 119 entries already.
The Knights of Columbus Rhode Island State Council will host its annual Mother of Life Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Mother of Life Center, 400 Atwells Ave. The event is co-sponsored by the Rev. Richard A. Donnelly Council No. 322. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility, learn about its programs, and socialize over sausage and peppers or hot dogs. Donations of diapers, baby wipes and clothing are welcome. Knights of Columbus members may apply participation toward Faith in Action or pregnancy center support credit for the Columbian Award and Star Council.
The annual Single Audit of the state of Rhode Island for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, resulted in 71 findings related to the administration of federal programs and the state’s key financial operations. Expenditures of federal programs totaled $7.05 billion for fiscal 2025, of which $519 million was COVID-related, compared with $791 million in fiscal 2024 and $1.4 billion in fiscal 2023. Total federal expenditures in 2025 increased by $294 million over the prior fiscal year, largely driven by growth in the Medicaid program.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block released a poll on Monday showing him as currently in second place in hypothetical matchups that include either incumbent Governor Dan McKee or Democratic challenger Helena Foulkes, with Republican candidate Aaron Guckian in third place in either scenario.
The Rhode Island House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Boylan that would let properly trained nurses deliver routine foot care to elderly and homebound patients in their homes. The bill aims to prevent serious complications for seniors with diabetes and mobility issues while supporting aging in place and easing the burden on family caregivers.
Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced a six-bill package to enhance online safety for minors, targeting social media, gaming, school devices, and AI companions. The legislation includes age verification and an under-18 ban on social media (2026-H 7953), default-disabled open chats and parental purchase approvals (Rhode Island Children’s Online Safety Act), restrictions on addictive features and geolocation in school-issued devices (Safe School Technology Act), an Age-Appropriate Design Code for tech companies, safety standards for AI companions, and a commission to study third-party education platforms. Proponents aim to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks, while critics raise concerns over free speech, privacy, and enforcement challenges. Bills are in early stages in the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Rhode Island ranks near the bottom nationally with a score of just 1 on the 2026 EdChoice Friedman Index, placing it in the “Good Start” tier. The Ocean State has funded eligibility for private school choice under 1% and choice awards equal to only 2% of public per-pupil spending. While 14 states now offer universal choice, Rhode Island’s limited scholarship program continues to lag far behind the national expansion of educational options for families.
Antisemitic Attack at Cranston Pro-Israel Rally: An unidentified man shouting “Fuck Israel” and antisemitic slurs assaulted Rhode Island Coalition for Israel (RICI) supporters on March 31, 2026, ripping an Israeli flag from a young woman and attempting to push and kick demonstrators at Park Ave and Reservoir Ave. Police de-escalated; no injuries. RICI Executive Director Maria Friedman condemned rising Jew-hatred fueled by misinformation.
Defending Education exposes radical Sunrise Movement and Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) guides in Rhode Island, including the “Schools: Drop ICE Toolkit” and “Wide Awake Guide,” urging students to stage campus sit-ins, May 1 boycotts, indefinite campouts, and overnight noise protests at Hilton hotels and Enterprise rentals for ties to ICE.
A national tracker documents 486 student walkouts and protests in U.S. based K-12 schools since 2022, with a sharp spike in 2026 tied to opposition against immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, according to Defending Education. The organization’s K-12 Student Walkout and Protest Tracker relies on social media, news reports and press releases. It logs events across 48 states and the District of Columbia, affecting 245 districts and 523 schools.
K-12 students across Rhode Island are invited to create and post a short patriotic video explaining why they are proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with a focus on America’s founding principle of liberty. Sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, the contest will award $250 gift cards to three winners, $100 gift cards to six additional finalists, and copies of American History in No Time to all nine finalists. Full details and submission instructions are available at RIFreedom.org/America250RI.
Rep. William W. O’Brien, a Democrat from North Providence, introduced legislation (H 7594) that would increase the state earned income tax credit to 30% of the federal credit for tax years beginning in 2027. Rhode Island’s credit is currently set at 16%. The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.
A Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil hosted Tuesday inside Salve Regina University’s Our Lady of Mercy Chapel has prompted concern among Catholic community members who say the event conflicted with the chapel’s sacred purpose and with established Catholic teaching on gender ideology and the human person.
The West Warwick School Committee is facing questions from parent rights advocates and community members about a Rainbow Club (LGBQT Alliance) at John F. Deering Middle School, after a July 29, 2025, job posting described the club as a space for “all members of the school community” to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity.
This week, Larry and Adam tackle Sten’s explosive editorial exposing the political corruption, media silence, and blind ideology driving Rhode Island’s march toward Net Zero chaos. From unelected bureaucrats to out-of-touch elites, they unpack how a radical agenda is crushing families and small businesses.
Search through articles, research, and policy papers. Search by keyword, tag, author, date range, and category.
The Ocean State Current is an alternative, multi-media news source for Rhode Island and southern New England. Content is honest, opinion-journalism tailored for those who seek commonsense policy solutions. Please join our community by subscribing to our email list.
