Entries by Larry Gillheeney

Knights of Columbus to host Mother of Life Open House in Providence

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.

RI Single Audit flags problems in unemployment, TANF and CHIP programs

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.

Rhode Island House Passes Bill Allowing Nurses to Provide In-Home Foot Care

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 Introduce Package of Bills Aimed at Boosting Online Safety for Kids

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.

Study Highlights Limited School Choice Access for Rhode Island Families

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.

RICI Executive Director Maria Friedman Condemns Rising Antisemitism After Cranston Attack

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 Uncovers Leftist Plans to Cause Mass Nonviolent Disruption

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.

Madison’s Warning Rings True: No Sunshine, No Liberty

Sunshine Week (March 15-21, 2026) is here to honor the birthday of James Madison. Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors that shines a light on the importance of public records and open government.

Surge in K-12 Student Protests Tracked Nationwide, Including Rhode Island Walkouts

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.

Center Launches Student Video Contest for America’s 250th Anniversary

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.

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