#RIPolitics

Kim Ahern for Rhode Island

@ahernforag.bsky.social

2 days ago

I am honored to have the support of UNAP. As Attorney General, I will work hard every day to address the issues facing healthcare workers in Rhode Island.

#TeamKim #RIPolitics

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

1 week ago

House Judiciary Committee Hears Immigration and Civil Rights Bills The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee reviewed several bills on March 4, 2026, addressing policing transparency, civil rights enforcement, and court protection. Key proposals include House Bill 7211 (Rhode Island Community Protection Act) requiring law enforcement to identify themselves and remove face coverings during public interactions to build trust; House Bill 7352 (Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act) establishing state court remedies for U.S. constitutional rights violations like First and Fourth Amendment infringements; and House Bill 7360 (Protect Our Courts Act).

Big day at the RI House Judiciary. Bills on policing transparency and civil rights are on the table. Should cops ID themselves in public? Can state courts protect our rights better? What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIpolitics #CivilRights #Transparency

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

1 week ago

Rhode Island AG Releases Report on Catholic Clergy Child Sexual Abuse, Sparking Debate on Statute of Limitations Reforms On March 4, 2026, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a comprehensive report detailing decades of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence, calling for legislative reforms to expand criminal and civil statutes of limitations for abuse claims. The Diocese criticized the report as a political tool intended to influence lawmakers to suspend statute of limitations laws for civil suits, amid ongoing debates on accountability, transparency, and legal changes.

AG Neronha dropped a heavy report on clergy abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Decades of pain laid bare, pushing for statute of limitations reform. Diocese calls it political. What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIpolitics #Accountability

Kim Ahern for Rhode Island

@ahernforag.bsky.social

1 week ago

As we continue to dig our way out of this record breaking snowfall, one thing’s for sure: our family will always remember the Blizzard of 2026!

Grateful to all the first responders, city and state workers and assistance from other states helping us to dig out! 🙏

#TeamKim #RIpolitics

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

2 weeks ago

Rhode Island Activist Criticizes Adult-Run Nonprofit for Organizing Student Anti-ICE Protest A Rhode Island activist has criticized an adult-run nonprofit that organized a student walkout in Providence against ICE, revealing the donor-funded group paid over $76,000 to its leaders while using students in the protest.

Hey Rhode Island, should adults be bankrolling student protests? An activist is callin’ out a nonprofit for droppin’ $76K on leaders while organizin’ a Providence anti-ICE walkout. What’s your take on this? #RIpolitics #Providence

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

1 month ago

Ongoing Payroll Problems Plague Rhode Island State Workers Rhode Island state workers are facing continued payroll issues, with recent complaints about improper payments linked to a new payroll system that short-changed employees, prompting separate checks. Additionally, W-2 forms incorrectly listed the employer as the 'State of Rhode Island Umbrella Company,' leading to new forms being issued.

State workers in RI are still getting shorted on paychecks thanks to a glitchy new payroll system. Even W-2s got messed up—labeled under some fake 'Umbrella Company.' When will the state fix this mess? #RIPolitics #RhodeIsland

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

1 month ago

Warren Rejects State Police License Plate Camera Expansion Over Privacy Concerns Rhode Island State Police plan to install dozens of Flock license plate reading cameras on state roads across multiple communities to aid in solving crimes like stolen vehicles, but Warren is the only town to reject the proposal due to privacy fears and potential civil liberties violations. Town leaders, including Vice President Keri Cronin, cited resident concerns about data use, surveillance, and lack of regulation, with the ACLU noting Flock cameras remain virtually unregulated in the state. Other towns like Cranston are approving it.

Warren’s saying no to State Police license plate cameras over privacy worries. Only town pushing back on this surveillance tech. Are they right to dig in, or is this safety vs. freedom again? #RIPolitics #PrivacyMatters #OceanState

Sam Spencer

@packerfansam91.bsky.social

1 month ago

Former Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey nominated for state judgeship McCaffrey was nominated by Governor Dan McKee.

#USPolitics #RIPolitics #Substack
packerfansam.substack.com/p/former-rho...

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

2 months ago

Rhode Island Statehouse Rotunda Reopened to Protesters for Gov. McKee’s State of the State After ACLU Lawsuit Rhode Island officials have agreed to keep most of the **first floor and rotunda of the State House open to the public, including protesters, immediately before and during Gov. Dan McKee’s upcoming State of the State address**, following a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island over prior restrictions on protest access.[1] The ACLU sued in October on behalf of activists who said they were intentionally denied entry and threatened with arrest when they attempted to hold a “People’s State of the State” rally in the rotunda before McKee’s 2025 address, after the Governor’s office allegedly instructed State Police and Capitol Police to block access to the rotunda and upper floors.[1] The new agreement is described by the ACLU as an important **preliminary victory for First Amendment rights** and reaffirms the State House as a “quintessential forum for free speech activity” for peaceful demonstrators during major gubernatorial events.[1]

Good news, RI! The State House rotunda is back open to protesters for McKee’s State of the State, thanks to an ACLU lawsuit. Free speech wins a round in the Ocean State. What do you think—should the State House always be this accessible? #RIpolitics #FreeSpeech

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

2 months ago

Trump Administration Suspends Revolution Wind Project in Rhode Island Over National Security Concerns The Trump administration suspended five East Coast offshore wind projects, including Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, citing national security risks. Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse criticized the move as 'vindictive harassment,' noting the project was fully vetted and permitted. The action follows a federal judge striking down a similar executive order as unlawful, prompting legal challenges from state officials.

Trump admin just hit pause on Revolution Wind off RI, citing 'national security.' Sen. Whitehouse calls it vindictive. Fully vetted project, now stalled. What’s the real play here? #RIpolitics #OffshoreWind

New York, New England News

@newenglandtopnews.bsky.social

2 months ago

RI GOP chair to resign citing scheduling conflicts with full-time job • Rhode Island Current Rhode Island GOP Joe Powers will resign on Jan. 15, citing the demands and rigorous travel schedule of his job as a business consultant. His departure prompts a special election to choose the new lead...

Internal drama catches up. After a contentious 2025 internal election that saw police called to the venue, Joe Powers is resigning, citing the "rigorous travel schedule" of his day job.

The party has until mid-February to pick a successor.

#RIpolitics #GOP

rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/01/05/r...

Gigi

@gigiwrites.bsky.social

3 months ago

If you were looking for another reason to avoid Brewed Awakenings, the overrated RI coffee chain run by a Trump lover who treats his employees like shit and cheats the customers, here ya go. #Rhodeisland #RIpolitics eu.providencejournal.com/story/news/p...

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

3 months ago

Rhode Island Legislator Proposes Bill to Decriminalize Small Amounts of Hard Drugs A Rhode Island legislator introduced a bill aiming to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs, including heroin and cocaine. The proposed legislation would treat such possession as a civil violation punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense, shifting the approach from criminal prosecution to civil penalties.

Big news, Ocean State. A legislator wants to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs—think a $100 fine instead of jail. Smart pivot to treatment over punishment, or a risky move? What’s your take? #RhodeIsland #RIPolitics

@resilientnancy.bsky.social

3 months ago

2/2 felony crime in my own home. This official administrative failure is continuing a forced mobility crisis for a senior citizen ahead of another winter. @peterneronha.bsky.social @whitehouse.senate.gov @gabeamo.bsky.social @magaziner.house.gov #ConsumerProtection #RIPolitics

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

3 months ago

Flock Cameras Expand Across Rhode Island Amid Civil Liberties Concerns Flock cameras, a form of automated license plate recognition surveillance, are being installed in multiple Rhode Island municipalities including South Kingstown, Newport, North Providence, and Bristol. Despite ongoing advocacy for privacy protections, these cameras remain largely unregulated, raising concerns about data retention, sharing with law enforcement agencies, and potential misuse by federal authorities such as ICE. There are currently no state laws or municipal ordinances requiring public hearings or council votes before installation, and critics warn that the lack of oversight undermines civil liberties and privacy rights for residents and visitors.

Flock cameras are poppin’ up all over RI—South Kingstown, Newport, you name it. No laws, no votes, just surveillance. Who’s watchin’ the watchers? We gotta draw the line on privacy. What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIPolitics #PrivacyMatters

Sam Spencer

@packerfansam91.bsky.social

3 months ago

Ex-State House Minority Whip John J. Loughlin II running for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island Was previously a high-ranking military officer and an official with NASA.

#USPolitics #RIPolitics #Substack
packerfansam.substack.com/p/ex-state-h...

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

4 months ago

Constitution Pipeline Project Projected to Boost Rhode Island Economy and Support Jobs A recent analysis by S&P Global forecasts that the Constitution Pipeline could generate up to $11.6 billion in total energy savings, including $8.5 billion in net savings after costs, by lowering natural gas prices in the U.S. Northeast region, including Rhode Island. This reduction in energy costs is expected to stimulate up to $4.4 billion in additional gross state product across the region and support nearly 2,000 jobs annually. The project would also contribute up to $432 million in combined federal and state tax revenues and up to $8.5 billion in total revenues for businesses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. The pipeline aims to mitigate extreme winter price spikes and provide consistent savings through increased access to low-cost gas supply, thereby fostering economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island.

Big news for RI: the Constitution Pipeline could save billions in energy costs and boost our economy with nearly 2,000 jobs a year. Lower gas prices? More cash in our pockets. What’s your take on this pipeline plan? #RIPolitics #OceanState #EnergySavings

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

4 months ago

Common Cause Files 57 Ethics Complaints Against Trump Administration for Violating Federal Ethics Laws On October 30, 2025, Common Cause filed 57 ethics complaints against the Trump administration, alleging violations of federal ethics laws. This action highlights ongoing concerns about legal and ethical compliance within the administration, reflecting civil liberties and rights-based debates related to government accountability and regulation enforcement.

Yo, Common Cause just dropped 57 ethics complaints on the Trump admin for alleged federal law violations. Accountability matters, but do we trust these watchdogs or handle oversight ourselves? What’s your take, RI? #RIPolitics #Ethics #Accountability

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

4 months ago

ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Rhode Island Governor McKee for Denying Protesters Access to Statehouse Rotunda On October 28, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee for denying protesters access to the Statehouse rotunda. The lawsuit challenges the governor's actions as a violation of protesters' civil liberties, specifically their rights to free speech and assembly within a public government building. This legal action highlights ongoing debates in Rhode Island regarding the balance between public order and constitutional rights in the context of protests and demonstrations.

Yo, the ACLU is suing Gov. McKee for blocking protesters from the Statehouse rotunda. Free speech ain’t just a suggestion, right? Should the heart of RI politics be off-limits to voices? Let’s hear ya. #RIpolitics #FreeSpeech

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

4 months ago

Rhode Island Attorney General Candidate Kim Ahern Launches Campaign Kim Ahern has opened a campaign account and announced her run for Rhode Island Attorney General, signaling a potential shift in the state's legal and civil rights landscape. This development may influence future legal policies and rights-based debates in Rhode Island.

Kim Ahern just threw her hat in the ring for RI Attorney General. Could shake up how we handle legal and civil rights issues in the Ocean State. What do you think she’ll prioritize? #RIpolitics #RhodeIsland #AttorneyGeneral

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

4 months ago

South Kingstown Councilman Acquitted of Assault Charges Following Political Confrontation South Kingstown Councilman Jay Wegimont was found not guilty of assaulting Narragansett Republican Chair Anthony D'Ellena during a June confrontation. The verdict, delivered by Judge Mary McCafrey, cited inconsistencies in the accuser's testimony and insufficient evidence from video footage and witness accounts. The case has sparked political tensions, with D'Ellena expressing frustration and accusing local corruption, while Wegimont emphasized his acquittal and readiness to move forward.

South Kingstown's Jay Wegimont cleared of assault charges in that messy June clash. Judge pointed to shaky testimony and weak evidence. Political sparks still flying—whaddaya think, Ocean State? #RIPolitics #SouthKingstown

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

5 months ago

Rhode Island Attorney General Candidate Ends Campaign Amid Civil Liberties Concerns State Representative Bob Craven ended his campaign for Rhode Island attorney general shortly after it began due to scrutiny over past domestic violence accusations and a misleading claim about an endorsement from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Craven acknowledged his past mistakes and emphasized hope for redemption, highlighting issues related to personal history and public trust in legal and civil rights leadership.

Bob Craven’s bid for RI Attorney General just tanked over old domestic violence claims and a sketchy endorsement story. Trust matters when you’re the top law dog. Should past mistakes define a leader forever? #RhodeIsland #RIPolitics

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

6 months ago

Rhode Island Joins Coalition Supporting Employee Discrimination Case Against Liberty University Rhode Island's Attorney General joined a coalition of states filing a legal brief supporting an employee's discrimination lawsuit against Liberty University. The case involves allegations that Liberty University violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by terminating an employee based on sex discrimination. The coalition argues that the university's claims of First Amendment protections do not apply to the employee's secular and administrative role, challenging the university's use of expressive association and ministerial exception defenses. This legal action reflects Rhode Island's engagement in rights-based legal debates concerning employment discrimination and religious institution exceptions.

Rhode Island’s AG is backing a discrimination case against Liberty University. It’s about an employee canned over sex discrim, and the state says religious exemptions don’t apply here. What do you think—should personal rights trump institutional claims? #RIpolitics #CivilRights

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

6 months ago

Rhode Island Joins Multi-State Brief Supporting Petitioner in Supreme Court Case on Legal Fees On August 30, 2025, Rhode Island was among several states that filed a brief supporting the petitioner in the U.S. Supreme Court case Perdue v. Kenny A., which involves important legal questions about statutory fee awards in public interest litigation. The case was decided with a 5-4 judgment reversing and remanding lower court decisions, reflecting significant legal debate over civil rights enforcement mechanisms.

Rhode Island’s got skin in the game with a Supreme Court case on legal fees for public interest cases. Joined a multi-state brief in Perdue v. Kenny A. Should states be meddlin’ in how these fees get awarded? What’s your take? #RIpolitics #SupremeCourt

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

6 months ago

Rhode Island ACLU Urges Privacy Protections for Providence's New Real Time Crime Center The Rhode Island ACLU has raised concerns about the City of Providence's rapid implementation of a new integrated surveillance system called the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Funded by a $1 million federal grant, the RTCC combines data from drones, license plate readers, and private cameras to enhance public safety. Despite city officials' assurances that privacy is prioritized and the system complies with all laws, the ACLU argues that there are no existing statutes providing meaningful privacy protections for such technology. They have called on city leaders to enact a municipal ordinance to safeguard privacy rights and prevent the expansion of surveillance beyond its intended scope, warning that current safeguards are insufficient and the system poses an Orwellian threat.

Hey, Rhody fam—Providence’s new Real Time Crime Center is live, mixin’ drones and cameras to “keep us safe.” But the ACLU’s screamin’ Orwell, sayin’ our privacy’s at risk. Should we trust the system, or demand more rules? What’s your take? #RIPolitics #PrivacyMatters

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

6 months ago

Advocates Push for Stronger Police Body Camera Regulations in Rhode Island Following recent incidents including a Pawtucket shooting and a Providence ICE arrest, advocates in Rhode Island are calling for stronger state regulations on police body camera footage. Current state law requires sharing footage from extreme or deadly force cases after evidence collection, expected within 30 days, but does not mandate a strict 30-day deadline. Proposed revisions include requiring full audio and video footage to be publicly accessible within 30 days of use-of-force incidents. Efforts to reform the state's public records act to enforce this timeline stalled in the 2025 legislature due to objections from Governor Dan McKee's office and other officials, with proponents planning to reintroduce similar legislation next year.

Hey folks, RI advocates are pushin’ hard for tougher rules on cop body cams after incidents in Pawtucket and Providence. They want footage out in 30 days, no excuses. Shouldn’t we see what’s really goin’ down? Why the holdup, McKee? #RIPolitics #BodyCams

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

7 months ago

President Trump Places Washington Police Under Federal Control, Deploys National Guard On August 11, 2025, President Trump took the unprecedented step of placing the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police under federal control and deploying the National Guard in the city. This move has been widely criticized as an authoritarian act that undermines civil liberties and local governance. The American Constitution Society condemned this misuse of law enforcement and military power, emphasizing that it threatens the constitutional rights of D.C. residents and visitors, particularly impacting Black, Brown communities, and immigrants. The ACS called on Congress to intervene to restore local control and protect First Amendment rights related to peaceful protest.

Hey, Rhode Islanders, ya hear about Trump takin’ over DC police and rollin’ in the National Guard? Straight outta a movie! Should the feds really be callin’ all the shots like this, or is it overreach? What’s next, tanks on Thayer Street? 🤔 #RIPolitics #Liberty

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

7 months ago

American Constitution Society Condemns President Trump's Federal Control Over D.C. Police On August 11, 2025, the American Constitution Society (ACS) condemned President Trump's unprecedented use of law enforcement and military forces to assert federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. This action bypasses local autonomy guaranteed under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act and is viewed as an authoritarian power grab unrelated to crime or safety concerns. ACS called on Congress to end this dangerous federal intervention that threatens civil liberties, particularly targeting Black, brown communities and immigrants, while emphasizing the importance of protecting First Amendment rights for peaceful protestors.

Hey folks, heard the latest? The American Constitution Society is callin’ out Trump for takin’ federal control of D.C. police. Should any prez have that kinda power over local law enforcement? Ain’t that a slippery slope? What’s your take, Rhode Island? #RIPolitics #Liberty

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

7 months ago

Democratic Attorneys General Sue Trump Administration Over Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions On August 9, 2025, more than a dozen Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging recent actions by President Trump's administration that severely restrict access to gender-affirming care. This legal challenge represents ongoing rights-based debates and legal changes concerning civil liberties related to transgender healthcare.

Hey Rhode Islanders, did ya hear? A bunch of Democratic AGs, includin’ ours, are suin’ the Trump admin over restrictions on gender-affirmin’ care. Shouldn’t folks have the freedom to make their own medical choices without Big Gov interferin’? Thoughts? #RIpolitics #Freedom

Rhode Rash

@rhoderash.com

7 months ago

Rhode Island Updates Regulations on Sunday and Holiday Premium Pay On August 8, 2025, Rhode Island updated its regulations concerning Sunday and holiday premium pay, affecting labor and employment standards within the state. This regulatory change impacts workers' rights related to compensation for work performed on Sundays and holidays, reflecting government action on labor policies.

Hey folks, Rhode Island just tweaked the rules on Sunday and holiday premium pay. More bucks for working those odd hours—nice, right? But should the state even be dictating pay like this? What’s fair for workers AND businesses? Let’s chat. #RIPolitics #LaborLaws