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    Portrait of former Providence RI Mayor Buddy Cianci

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    University of Rhode Island campus where a legislative commission recommended creating a public medical school to address Rhode Island’s primary care physician shortage.

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    Kenneth K. Libby, Air Force veteran and former Newport, Rhode Island resident

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    Marilla (Whitty) Cervasio of Newport, Rhode Island and Orlando, Florida

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    Kenneth K. Libby, Air Force veteran and former Newport, Rhode Island resident

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A legislative commission is recommending Rhode Isl A legislative commission is recommending Rhode Island take a major step toward solving the state’s worsening primary care shortage: create a public medical school at the University of Rhode Island. After more than a year of study, the commission recommended establishing an MD-granting school at URI as part of a broader strategy to build a long-term pipeline of doctors trained and retained in Rhode Island. Commission leaders said pairing a medical school with expanded in-state residencies, loan forgiveness, scholarships tied to service in Rhode Island and higher primary care reimbursement rates could make it easier for young physicians to enter primary care — and stay. “Rhode Island is deep in a primary care crisis,” said Sen. Pamela J. Lauria, the commission’s co-chair. She noted Rhode Island is among the last states without a public medical school, limiting access for local students and contributing to physician shortages. A feasibility study by consulting firm Tripp Umbach found a URI medical school is realistic and a strong investment. The proposal calls for a $20 million initial state investment and about $150 million in private fundraising, with the first class enrolling in 2029. The consultant projected the school would be financially stable by its third year and, once fully operational, generate $196 million in annual economic activity, support about 1,334 jobs and bring in $4.5 million a year in state and local tax revenue. URI President Marc Parlange, also a commission co-chair, called the school a “natural and strategic extension” of URI’s research and public health work, saying it would strengthen both health care and the economy. The report says a state medical school would help reduce student debt that often pushes graduates toward higher-paying specialties, while boosting diversity in the physician workforce by recruiting locally. Still, commissioners said a school alone will not fix the crisis. They also recommended more residency slots, reimbursement reforms and the creation of a new Primary Care Commission to coordinate retention efforts. #uri #rhodeisland #newportbuzz
Rhode Island transit funding and highway spending Rhode Island transit funding and highway spending are headed for a showdown at the State House. Sen. Samuel D. Zurier is pushing a pair of bills he says would stabilize RIPTA’s shaky finances — and put RIDOT under the microscope. Zurier (D-Dist. 3, Providence) wants to double the share of state Highway Maintenance Account money going to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, bumping it from 10% to 20% starting July 1, 2026. That shift would cut the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s slice from 90% to 80%. “Last summer’s efficiency study showed that RIPTA operates at least as efficiently as its peer organizations,” Zurier said, noting lawmakers left the transit agency with a nearly $10 million gap that triggered service cuts. He argues more funding and a closer look at RIDOT’s books could reveal savings to cover the difference. Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) is set to introduce a House companion. Transit advocates are cheering the move. Providence Streets Coalition board president Liza Burkin said boosting RIPTA’s share to 20% — in line with the federal Highway Trust Fund standard — would help undo what she called generations of underfunding and support economic, environmental and education goals. A recent coalition report said service cuts tied to the budget shortfall led to lost riders and stranded passengers. Zurier’s second bill orders the Department of Administration to commission an independent efficiency and performance audit of RIDOT. He points to a 2025 Reason Foundation report ranking Rhode Island 30th in cost efficiency per highway lane-mile for capital and bridge work — behind the rest of New England — and to a Nov. 13, 2025 oversight hearing where RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. couldn’t say if contractors tied to the Washington Bridge failure were still working for the state. “With a billion dollars a year in construction activities,” Zurier said, “we should apply the same standards of fiscal prudence to RIDOT that we apply to RIPTA.” #rhodeisland #newportbuzz
Snow crews are rolling — and parked cars are in th Snow crews are rolling — and parked cars are in the way. City officials have issued an emergency overnight parking ban for two of Newport’s busiest streets as snow removal efforts ramp up following the winter storm. The ban hits Thames Street and Spring Street starting 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, and runs through 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. This isn’t citywide — but it’s targeted where it matters most. Crews need a clear path to clear snow from two major arteries that see constant traffic. Where you CAN’T park: * Thames Street: Poplar Street to Morton Avenue * Spring Street: Morton Avenue to Bull Street/Broadway Cars still sitting there 30 minutes after the ban begins risk getting towed. Officials say the move is critical to speed up plowing and keep downtown streets safe and passable as cleanup continues. Drivers looking for a spot can use free off-street parking at: * Gateway Center * Mary Street lot * Touro Street lot Meanwhile, daytime snow removal continues citywide as crews work to dig Newport out and restore normal traffic flow. #newportri #newportbuzz
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