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Rhode Island
Hopkins vs. Fenton-Fung: Republicans split on range of issues in Cranston mayoral primary – The Boston Globe
They even disagreed about whether they would go to dinner at Twin Oaks or Mike’s Kitchen.
On the Rhode Island Report podcast, just about the only thing that Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins and state Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung agreed on was their criticism of City Council member Robert Ferri, the Democratic candidate for mayor.
Fenton-Fung is challenging Hopkins in a rare Republican primary on Sept. 10, and the race has become the most closely watched contest in Rhode Island this election cycle. The winner will face Ferri, a former Republican, in the Nov. 5 general election.
For the podcast, we brought both candidates into the studio separately to explain where they stand on the major issues. Then we put their responses together so voters can easily compare and contrast.
Hopkins and Fenton-Fung weighed in on issues ranging from Cranston’s business climate to flooding in the city. They sparred over a Hopkins campaign mailer that attacked Fenton-Fung’s legislative voting record, and the state Ethics Commission’s dismissal of a complaint accusing Hopkins of nepotism.
At one point, Fenton-Fung rejected Hopkins’ accusation that her husband, former Cranston mayor Allan W. Fung, tried to get Hopkins to hire his law firm to do legal work for the city. “Does he have dementia now?” she asked, referring to Hopkins. “He should realize that Allan’s firm was already doing business for the city of Cranston.”
At another point, Hopkins talked about what role Allan Fung might play in city government if Fenton-Fung wins. “He’s probably going to tell her what to do,” he said. “He’s going to advise her. They’re a good political team. And politics aside, that’s not what I’m all about. You know, they bring politics into everything that they do.”
The discussion even included references to former Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. and former Governor Edward D. DiPrete.
To get the latest episode each week, follow Rhode Island Report podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, or listen in the player above.
Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.
CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island State Police are investigating a crash that happened on I-295 North in Cumberland Tuesday night.
The crash happened in the right lane near Exit 22 just before 9 p.m.
It’s unclear exactly what caused the crash or if anyone was injured.
12 News has reached out to Rhode Island State Police for more information but has not heard back.
Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.
Scandals shake up Capitol Hill ahead of midterm elections
Congressional reporter Zachary Schermele dives into the latest scandals on Capitol Hill and how they’re shaking up politics ahead of midterms.
Rhode Island’s Democrat and Republican primary elections will officially be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 this year, instead of the usual Tuesday election day.
Lawmakers passed the bill at the urging of state and local officials, who were concerned that an election day falling the day after Labor Day would not give them enough time to set up polls for the arrival of voters.
Gov. Dan McKee signed the bill on April 20, officially moving the primary day for 2026.
Which races will be on the ballot? The Republican and Democrat nominees for a swath of local offices – most notably governor but also lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Why was RI’s primary day moved?
At a hearing on the bill earlier this year, Randy Rossi, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns explained the “significant logistical and financial challenges” municipalities otherwise would have faced having an election the day after Labor Day.
“Beyond cost, municipalities face serious logistical challenges accessing and setting up more than 430 polling locations on a major federal holiday, a process that often requires many hours and access to facilities that are typically closed and unstaffed on Labor Day,” he said.
“Compounding these challenges, many municipalities conduct early voting in city or town halls that must also serve as primary day polling locations,” Rossi noted.
Without changes to current law, he said, “municipalities would be required to conduct early voting and primary day polling simultaneously, often in the same limited space and with the same poll workers, requiring additional staffing and facilities.”
By the time this legislative hearing took place in January, other states facing similar issues, including Massachusetts, had already adjusted their primary dates, “and Rhode Island itself has demonstrated that alternative scheduling can be successful, as occurred during the statewide Wednesday primary in 2018,” Rossi said.
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — If you’re looking to satisfy you’re sweet tooth, look no further than Division Street.
Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its first Rhode Island bakery in East Greenwich earlier this month. The new bakery is situated within East Greenwich Square, which is also home to the Ocean State’s first Crumbl.
The bakery is known for its handcrafted specialty Bundt cakes, as well as smaller “Bundtlets,” and bite-sized “Bundtinis,” that come in a variety of flavors.
“There’s a strong sense of local pride, creativity, and community here that aligns perfectly with our values,” said Jake Williams, who owns the East Greenwich bakery. “We were drawn to the area’s vibrant small business culture and the opportunity to contribute something special.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes is also expected to open another bakery at Chapel View in Cranston later this year.
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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.
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