Rhode Island

Bottle bill would hurt RI small business; missing points in AG gun report | Letters

Published

12 months ago

April 13, 2025

Bottle bill would hurt RI small business; missing points in AG gun report | Letters

Bottle bill a burden on small business

I read that state legislators are considering implementing a bottle deposit system in Rhode Island (“Could this be the year of a bottle bill in RI?” News, March 7) and I have real concerns about what the increased costs of this idea would do to working families and small businesses like mine.

I care about reducing litter and protecting our environment. But a bottle bill would force small businesses like mine to spend more up front and take on the administrative burdens of running this program. Small businesses are having a tough time dealing with high prices. We cannot afford to take on more costs.

I hope that lawmakers stand with small businesses, our employees and customers who need relief from higher prices and costs and will reconsider moving forward with a bottle bill. It would be better if lawmakers focus on ways to protect our environment that do not add financial burdens on business owners.

One of these ways that’s been proposed by state leaders is an Extended Producer Responsibility program that boosts recycling for all recyclables, not just bottles and cans. This modern system has been used successfully elsewhere to increase recycling rates. And the cost is covered by the producers of packaging materials, not by consumers or small businesses. I hope that leaders will consider this more cost-effective and less burdensome approach instead of adding more costs to Rhode Island’s working families and small businesses.

Reyes Galindo, Providence

Missing points in AG’s gun-crime report

A couple of things were glaringly missing from the article about the attorney general’s report on gun crime in Rhode Island (“AG releases report on gun crime in RI,” News, April 5).

First, not a single word about any arrests involving so-called ”assault weapons.” Arrests for possession of large-capacity magazines were mentioned, but nothing about arrests for possession or use of “assault weapons.” Yet, our legislators want to ban possession of these rifles by law-abiding citizens? Apparently, they want to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.

Second, the AG says the report is meant to show how successful his office has been in enforcing current gun laws. If he has been so successful, why does he need additional gun laws?

Most bothersome is the AG’s statement that “hundreds if not thousands” of older gun cases are still pending, one dating back to 1978. Doesn’t this statement prove that he’s not enforcing current gun laws? Yet, he wants to add more gun laws to the books.

Unbelievable!

Lonnie Barham, Warwick

Cannabis harmful to pregnant women

In response to the column by John J. Tassoni Jr. (“State’s cannabis profits should fund drug treatment, prevention,” Commentary, April 8), I say ditto. The chemicals in marijuana, particularly THC, can pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth.

Repeated research has shown that cannibis use while pregnant or breastfeeding will lead to several complications that include lower birth weight, premature birth, and brain developmental problems for the baby.

It is crucial for all people to understand these risks and make informed decisions. It is critically important that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid using cannabis in any form ‒ whether by smoking, vaping, edibles, or oils.

Might I suggest requiring an escrow of cannabis profits to fund the extra resources and special education services required by these newborns.

Dr. John Concannon, Cranston

RI enriched by Endowment for the Humanities

Rhode Islanders should be deeply concerned about the latest efforts by DOGE to dismantle the very institutions that enrich our communities and preserve our shared history. By targeting the National Endowment for the Humanities, DOGE is threatening to substantially reduce staff, cut grant programs, and even rescind funding that has already been awarded.

The consequences of these cuts would be devastating. NEH funding supports vital programs in education, public history, libraries, and cultural institutions across Rhode Island. It helps teachers bring history to life in classrooms, sustains museums that showcase our local heritage, and funds research that deepens our understanding of the world. Without NEH support, many of these programs will disappear, leaving a void that will be difficult ‒ if not impossible ‒ to fill.

Rhode Islanders have long understood the value of the humanities in shaping our communities, fostering civic engagement, and driving economic development through arts and cultural tourism. The attack on the NEH is an attack on the very fabric of our state’s cultural and educational institutions.

We must not allow this to happen. Congress must take action to prevent these reckless cuts and protect the NEH’s critical role in supporting education and the humanities. The people of Rhode Island ‒ and the nation ‒ deserve better.

William Stark, Newport

Let Trump balance the budget

Looking at the front page of The Journal I see the headline “Trump’s cuts have cost RI $91.6M” (News, April 2).

Well, maybe our political leaders, who are constantly voting themselves more raises, should have waited instead of tripping over themselves grabbing for more pay and more benefits! How about cutting back on the number of politicians in this state.

Yes, President Trump has a responsibility to balance the budget, not give away the house like Joe Biden. Yes, we must pull up our bootstraps and be efficient as well as cost effective in government, to clean up the Biden Hole in our nation’s bank account.

Donald Trump will be the first POTUS to balance the budget. Get some tough skin for the sake of others!

Arthur Russo, Cranston

Questions for the protesters

I am a retired Air Force veteran and a lifelong Rhode Island resident. I consider myself an independent voter who believes our political leaders past and present have not always done what was best for Rhode Islanders.

If the people of Rhode Island want to spend their time protesting like in the recent “Hands Off!” rally, here are some valid and true concerns that should reflect in the chants and signs. Why do we have a higher cost for taxes, utilities, medical care, and automobile insurance in Rhode Island? Why does a small state like ours spend more dollars per resident than states that are larger in population?

No matter what political preference, we need to begin electing local and congressional politicians that are going to support policies that are best for Rhode Islanders no matter who the president happens to be.

David Zinno, Wakefield

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Rhode Island

Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg reflects on 35 years on Rhode Island’s high court

Published

12 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg reflects on 35 years on Rhode Island’s high court

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Judge Maureen McKenna Goldberg walks into the Rhode Island Supreme court with reverence even after serving 35 years in the court building on the East Side. Goldberg points to a statue in back and tells the story.

“There is lady justice up there. She is really the guidepost for us all. Justice is blind, even and the sword for enforcement,” she said.

Thirty five years on the bench and one of only three women to ever serve the high court. Goldberg’s office said she is the second-longest serving justice in state history. She’s served under seven governors and three chief justices.

Goldberg is the queen of the court and a trailblazer. She attended St. Mary’s Academy Bay View, Providence College and Suffolk Law school in Boston.

Judge Maureen McKenna Goldberg spoke with NBC 10’s Dan Jaehnig. (WJAR)

Goldberg served as the only women on the court for span of 20 years, and in a male-dominated world, she quickly earned her reputation.

“I remember I had a witness in the grand jury, and we took a break and he came out and said ‘if you were a man I’d punch you in the mouth.’ I said go ahead. And there was a couple of state troopers there and they immediately went to headquarters and reported it,” she said.

The photo behind her desk is of famed State Police Col. Stone. Both friends and tough cookies. Goldberg was known as a fierce prosecutor before she put on the robe. She prosecuted big cases from the mob to Buddy Cianci’s attack on a man he thought his then wife was having an affair with.

“He was a very difficult case. You know he committed a serious crime and he’s lucky he didn’t go to jail for it,” said Goldberg.

She has a love for the law, is studied, and passionate about the Bill of Rights. Goldberg revealed for the first time the Rhode Island law she would like to see changed.

“Well, I don’t think the mandatory consecutive life sentences for a gun crime, where the judges have no discretion but to impose that. Where there is a homicide committee with a firearm and a conviction for a murder, mandatory life sentence,” said Goldberg.

She is known for her tough sharp questioning of lawyers before the court. Goldberg said she got that toughness from growing up in a family of seven.

Born in Pawtucket, she grew up in East Providence in an Irish Catholic family with strong parents where dinners at the table and education were a priority. Goldberg said her father was tough in teaching her to stand up for herself.

“Honesty, integrity and character were the most important aspects of his life. And he was an alcoholic. A prominent member, to the extent you can be prominent of alcoholics anonymous for 45 years. He was a wonderful father and my mother was too. We had a wonderful home life,” she said.

Goldberg has been married to her husband Robert for 45 years. He is a prominent attorney and Republican lawyer which forced her to recuse herself in some cases.

They are career-driven and met in Matunuck in a typical Rhode Island story. Her aunt worked for his father, who also became a judge.

“I’m lucky very lucky and I think he’s lucky too,” she said.

When Goldberg is not whipping up a veal dish or reading a Robert Gresham novel, the two are avid boaters.

“We spent a lot of time on block island and sailing waters of New England,” she said.

No surprise, her favorite movie is “The Godfather,” and their favorite restaurant is a toss-up between 22 Bowens in Newport or the University Club which she is a member of.

She has a good sense of humor and a contagious smile and when you ask her about her legacy.

“I’ve always said to family and friends and everybody else. Make sure you remember me as a good sport, but I’d like them to know I tried my best,” said Goldberg.

In retirement, she still has court responsibilities, but she is not finishing up cases she will be on the boat or spending time with her 13 nieces and nephews who she is close to.

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Rhode Island

Michael Douglas’ First Comic Con Appearance Is Happening Here

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Michael Douglas’ First Comic Con Appearance Is Happening Here

It’s not every day a Hollywood legend makes a first-ever appearance like this—especially in Rhode Island. This fall, Michael Douglas is doing just that.

The Oscar-winning actor, known for iconic roles in films like Wall Street and Fatal Attraction, will make his first-ever convention appearance at Rhode Island Comic Con next November.

Fans of the Academy Award-winning star will get a rare chance to see him in person—and even grab a photo or autograph—when the annual event returns November 6-8, 2026, to the Rhode Island Convention Center and Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Of course, getting up close with an A-lister like this won’t come cheap.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TCM

While specific appearance times haven’t been announced yet, early listings show photo ops and autographs priced at $329.99 each—a significantly higher price than some of the other big names already confirmed.

Items and Activities Banned From Rhode Island Comic Con

Before you show up at this year’s Rhode Island Comic Con, be aware of the items and activities banned by the management.

Gallery Credit: Ariel Dorsey

15 of the Weirdest Laws in Rhode Island

The world has changed and yet some laws have stayed the same.

These are some of the strangest laws still on the books in Rhode Island.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

20 Things To See at Roger Williams Park (Other Than the Zoo)

There are over 427 acres of beautiful landscaping, historical buildings and family friendly spaces at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Gifted to the city in 1872 by the last descendant of Roger Williams, Betsey Williams, the park has become primarily known for its amazing zoo. But throughout this historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, there are plenty of other stunning things to see.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

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Rhode Island

100+ Rhode Island water bodies stocked with 60,000 fish before start of trout season

Published

2 days ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

100+ Rhode Island water bodies stocked with 60,000 fish before start of trout season

RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) — Break out those fishing rods. Opening day for trout season in Rhode Island is this Saturday, April 11.

In a press release Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management shared that it has stocked over 100 freshwater locations, including children’s only ponds, with more than 60,000 fish.

The stocked fish include brook, brown, rainbow and golden rainbow trout. Anyone who catches a golden rainbow trout between April 11 and May 3 will be eligible to receive a golden trout pin.

Anglers who catch a golden rainbow trout between those dates must snap a picture of their catch and email it to dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov. Submissions received after May 4 will not be considered. There is a limit of one pin per person.

ALSO READ: New pedestrian bridges open on East Bay Bike Path with new spots for fishing

Due to a study being conducted by the DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health on how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals, accumulate in stocked trout, Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth will be closed to fishing from May 4 until July 2. The pond, also known as Thurston Gray Pond, will be open for the start of the season, but not stocked with fish.

A 2026 fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. Anglers between the ages of 15 and 65 must have a Trout Conservation Stamp to keep their catch, with some exceptions. You can find information on size and creel limits here. Fishing licenses can be purchased here.

The annual free fishing weekend in Rhode Island will be on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3. Residents and visitors alike can fish for all species of freshwater fish without a license or trout conservation stamp on those days.

Fishing in trout-stocked waters before April 11 is prohibited. You can find a full list of stocked waters here.

DEM: Designated trout waters in Rhode Island

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