fb-pixel Skip to main content

Rhode Island political news: February 2023

Regular updates about Rhode Island politics and political leaders.

Latest Metro Headlines

RI politics
Rhode Island political news: January 2023
Regular updates about Rhode Island politics and political leaders.

One victim dead after double shooting at Dollar Tree store in Brockton
One of the victims in Tuesday’s double shooting at a Dollar Tree store in Brockton has died, authorities said.

Box falls through Market Basket ceiling, man taken to hospital with minor injuries

Suspect arrested after throwing rock through window at Brookline elementary school, police say

It’s going to be dangerously cold in Boston this weekend. Here’s how frigid it could get.

Top stories

Prosecuting the unthinkable: Experts question handling of cases where mothers are accused of killing their children

A day after Lindsay Clancy was accused of strangling her three children in Duxbury, the Plymouth County DA filed homicide charges that could send her to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. But legal analysts and health experts said other options should be considered.
Duxbury father writes of deep love for family, forgives his wife in deaths of their three children

Mom recalls 13-year-old son killed in Mattapan as a ‘kid with high energy’ who had felt safe in the community
Tyler Lawrence was shot to death on a Mattapan street in what authorities have called a targeted attack.

Kevin Cullen: A child was murdered on a quiet Sunday morning in Mattapan. Let that sink in.

Mass. Republican Party elects new leader, rejecting chairman Jim Lyons’s bid for third term
The Republican State Committee voted 37-34 to make Amy Carnevale its new chair, turning to a longtime state committee member and Trump supporter from Marblehead who has worked in the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Lawmakers urge state, federal officials to secure funds to replace Cape Cod bridges

Members of Congress described the nearly 90-year-old Bourne and Sagamore bridges as “vital assets for the Cape Cod economy and surrounding communities” but also “functionally obsolete.”

Tell us about your commute and your experience with the MBTA

A Globe report highlighted the commutes of six people, and showed how when the T doesn’t work, Boston doesn’t work. You've heard their stories, now tell us yours.

The Globe’s Fresh Start initiative: Submit your appeal

Globe journalism was never meant to be a permanent obstacle to someone’s success, with the worst decisions and moments in regular people’s lives accessible by a few keystrokes for the rest of time. This initiative aims to empower all people who want to have a fresh start. We will consider updating past coverage with new information and changing how accessible stories are in search engines.

Black News Hour presented by The Boston Globe

Run by Black journalists at The Boston Globe, “Black News Hour,” a new radio program, delivers reliable news that connects with our community and expands on deeper issues impacting our city.

Most Read

It’s going to be dangerously cold in Boston this weekend. Here’s how frigid it could get.

Mom recalls 13-year-old son killed in Mattapan as a ‘kid with high energy’ who had felt safe in the community

A child was murdered on a quiet Sunday morning in Mattapan. Let that sink in.

‘Newly retired group meets on the golf course’: Ex-NFLers, celebs offer Tom Brady congrats on retirement

Metro video

Politics

Mass. Republican Party elects new leader, rejecting chairman Jim Lyons’s bid for third term

The Republican State Committee voted 37-34 to make Amy Carnevale its new chair, turning to a longtime state committee member and Trump supporter from Marblehead who has worked in the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Panel recommends Mass. House declare Democrat the winner in race decided by a single vote

The special legislative committee's report, filed on Tuesday, could clear the way for Kristin Kassner to officially fill the Second Essex seat, roughly four weeks after the majority of House members took their oath of office.

Troubled Massachusetts GOP to hold election for chair, with party’s future on the line

Contending with internal chaos, legal and financial challenges, and dwindling political influence, the Republican State Committee is set to convene in Marlborough on Tuesday to decide on its leadership.

Health

Tell us about your experience supporting maternal mental health

We want to shine a light on those who have served as a support system to mothers dealing with postpartum depression.

Prosecuting the unthinkable: Experts question handling of cases where mothers are accused of killing their children

A day after Lindsay Clancy was accused of strangling her three children in Duxbury, the Plymouth County DA filed homicide charges that could send her to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. But legal analysts and health experts said other options should be considered.

Campbell announces new abortion hotline for patients and providers seeking legal advice

The hotline, which went live 7 a.m. Monday, was created by Reproductive Equity Now Foundation in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, the Women’s Bar Foundation, the ACLU of Massachusetts, and five law firms that will offer pro bono services.

Education

Nantucket Public Schools closed Wednesday after ransomware attack

The island's schools will be closed Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution” after a ransomware attack on the district’s computer system caused an early closure Tuesday, officials said.

Dr. Megan Ranney named dean of Yale’s school of public health

She will succeed Interim Dean Melinda Pettigrew, who led the school after outgoing dean Dr. Sten Vermund returned to full-time teaching in July 2022.

Seattle police provide more details about investigation into Northeastern University student’s death

Seattle police said the officer driving the police cruiser that fatally struck a student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus had his emergency lights on and was using a siren.

Courts and crime

Man surrenders after barricading himself in Norwood hotel room

The man was apparently experiencing a mental health issue and was taken to a hospital, police said late Tuesday night. A firearm was recovered.

Mayor Wu, advocates take to streets in annual homeless census

Mayor Michelle Wu leads the annual count of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city to guide future efforts and resources to aid unhoused individuals

‘Family was everything’ to married father, 33, slain in weekend Holyoke Mall shooting, coworker says

The 33-year-old man fatally shot inside a nail salon Saturday at the Holyoke Mall was a devoted family man and hardworking employee of the business, his manager said Tuesday.

Climate

Difficulty measuring methane slows plan to slash emissions

Even energy companies that have begun developing systems to reduce their methane emissions are likely years away from being able to make comprehensive calculations

Protesters: ‘Cop City’ activist’s killing doesn’t make sense

At a police training center known to activists as Cop City near Atlanta, Georgia, a Jan. 18 police operation ended in gunfire, leaving 26-year-old Tortuguita dead and a state trooper hospitalized. Outrage over the events has galvanized leftists around the world.

Replacing US coal plants with solar and wind is cheaper than running them

Nearly all existing US coal plants require more cash to operate than the cost of replacing them with new wind or solar projects, according to a report published Monday.

More Metro Headlines

Bone chilling temperatures predicted on Mount Washington during weekend cold snap

The dangerously frigid temperatures rolling into the region this weekend could make it feel as cold as 101 degrees below zero at the summit of Mount Washington, according to forecasters. 1 hour ago

‘Newly retired group meets on the golf course’: Ex-NFLers, celebs offer Tom Brady congrats on retirement

Luminaries of sports and media reacted with surprise, appreciation, and a few pithy jokes to Tom Brady’s announcement Wednesday morning that he’s retiring from the NFL “for good.” 1 hour ago

Another $31 million Mega Millions winning ticket sold in Massachusetts

For the second Tuesday in a row, the winning ticket for a $31 million Mega Millions jackpot came from Massachusetts, officials said. 1 hour ago

Beyonce announces world tour, including Gillette Stadium date this summer

The superstar announced Wednesday that her long-awaited “Renaissance World Tour” will kick off this summer with a stop in Foxborough on Aug. 1. 1 hour ago

RHODE MAP

Police reform, housing top the wish list for R.I. municipalities

The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns is out with its annual priorities for state lawmakers. 2 hours ago

RI FOOD & DINING

RI VegFest returns with plans for more vegan food, less waste

This year the organizers plan to work with Bootstrap Compost, a residential and commercial food scrap pickup service operating in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Dangerous intersections and roads in Boston and Springfield are about to get multi-million dollar upgrades

The money will pay for new speed humps, raised sidewalks, and other improvements to reduce speeding and increase visibility.

RI EDUCATION

Students in Central Falls got $10k to upgrade their high school. It drove a citywide ‘wave of democracy’

A budgeting model originated in Brazil launched as an elective class in Rhode Island’s poorest city. The approach is now taking hold statewide.

Globe’s Fresh Start initiative

The Globe’s Fresh Start initiative: Submit your appeal

Globe journalism was never meant to be a permanent obstacle to someone’s success, with the worst decisions and moments in regular people’s lives accessible by a few keystrokes for the rest of time. This initiative aims to empower all people who want to have a fresh start. We will consider updating past coverage with new information and changing how accessible stories are in search engines.

↘ Submit

↘ Frequently Asked Questions

OBITUARIES

Dave Durenberger, censured by Senate in ethics breach, dies at 88

William Agee, leading art curator and teacher, dies at 86

Barrett Strong, whose ‘Money’ helped launch Motown, dies at 81

‘Laverne & Shirley’ actor Cindy Williams dies at 75

Globe Local

Norwell voters fail to pass proposal for new town hall

The current building at 345 Main St. was built in 1950 and has been in failing condition for more than a decade, according to town officials.

Latest Globe Local

Police department to get eye in the sky thanks to donated drone

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drone will be deployed by officers for a variety of purposes, from water and ice rescues to searches for missing persons.

Norwell voters fail to pass proposal for new town hall

The current building at 345 Main St. was built in 1950 and has been in failing condition for more than a decade, according to town officials.

Milton’s plan to buy convent for early education center fails

Town Administrator Nicholas Milano said the Sisters wanted to retain use of the playing field and to continue to use space in the convent for six years, terms that the town could not accept.

BLOTTER TALES
Firefighters rescue a toy doll that fell into a storm drain
Firefighters save the day when a girl drops a doll down a sewer drain, a man finds a shard of a kitchen knife in his sandwich, and other odd tales from local police departments.

Genocide education grants distributed to local schools
An Act concerning genocide education, a law passed in December 2021, requires all Massachusetts school districts to include genocide education in middle and high schools.

Most Read

New Reading website wins statewide accolades

The keys to success

As new stores open, Wellesley Square starts hopping again

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria is Massachusetts’ highest-paid mayor, but he faces blowback over his $40,000 ‘longevity bonus’

More Globe Local Headlines

SOUTH OF BOSTON

Local orchestras, bands heat up the winter music scene

The Bailey Street Brass, a South Shore-based brass quintet composed of Brockton Symphony Orchestra players, consists of two trumpets, a horn, trombone, and tuba.

INFORMER

A behind-the-scenes food tour, a jazz concert, and a nature sketching workshop

Foodies looking to try local eateries can join the Union Square Somerville Food Tour in Somerville.

Newton

Newton Community Pride announces Black History Month events

Black History Month is being commemorated this year in Newton with five free events in February meant to celebrate the “spirit, history, and culture” of Black America, according to organizers.

WEST OF BOSTON

Nominations sought to honor business leaders of color in western suburbs

Nominations are open to honor the most influential business leaders of color in Boston’s western suburbs, as well as recognize the region’s emerging top talents, organizers said.

Newton

City of Newton’s NewMo rideshare service offering all customers one free trip until Feb. 15

NewMo, which is short for “Newton in Motion,” rolled out three years ago as a transportation service for seniors, and expanded to take anyone as a customer in October 2021.

Quick getaways to the slopes

Blue Hills in Canton, Ski Bradford in Haverhill, and Nashoba Valley in Westford offer great escapes from indoor COVID confinement.

THE ARGUMENT

The Argument: Should Massachusetts give public school teachers the right to strike?

Read two views, then vote in our poll.

BEVERLY BECKHAM

Two little girls laughing until someone told us to stop

Janet’s timing was spot on and her laugh was contagious. She would laugh and then I would laugh, as we walked every morning to the school bus stop in Randolph, or on Saturday afternoons home from confession.