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Amy Russo Profile
Amy Russo

@amymrusso

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Former journalist. Amateur boxer. Runner. Meat-free for the planet. Love all dogs. ๐Ÿถ

Providence, RI
Joined January 2011
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
For eight months, I followed the story of Andrew Avakian, a 66-year-old Pawtucket homeowner who lives in the same house as he did when he was a kid. Because of an unpaid water bill totaling less than $1,300, he lost ownership. Now he's a tenant.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
6 years
Responding to our story @Mediaite about his encouragement of violence against reporters, Milo Yiannopoulos sent me an ominous message:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
In a chaotic scene earlier tonight, @ripolcoop 's Jennifer Rourke said she was punched in the face at least twice by her senate race opponent and police officer Jeann Lugo. Lugo tells me Rourke became physical with him -- which Rourke flatly denies -- but did not deny punching her
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
5 months
As of 6am this morning, Brown University students started their own encampment on the main green, again calling on the school to divest from weapons manufacturers. Brown now part of a growing list of elite colleges dealing with on-campus encampments.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
5 months
Hey, all! After more than three years, my last day with the @projo will be May 23 as I'm stepping outside journalism. It's been a joy being a reporter, and I'm proud of the work I've gotten to do for almost a decade (!) in this field.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Rourke filed a police report this evening and plans to press charges.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Nothing says New England like three โ€œwicked big stormโ€ alert signs on I-95 within a four mile stretch. ๐ŸŒจ๐Ÿšจ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
4 years
Some personal news: Today is my first day as a city reporter for @projo ! Thrilled to be returning to print with a fantastic paper, and after six years in New York, excited to have found a new home in a new city.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Twitter friends, please send good vibes to my Buddy. He got a couple shots today and isnโ€™t feeling himself. Heโ€™s totally fine!! But heโ€™s been happier.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Starting Sunday, I'll be writing a column for @projo . It works like this: As a transplant in RI, each week I'll try something new -- whether it's clam cakes, a trip to Block Island or something else -- and I'll tell you how it went. Ideas? Get in touch!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
5 months
The scene on the Brown main green this morning. Students say theyโ€™ve already been warned about disciplinary action but no warnings of arrest so far. Counted more than two dozen tents.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Lugo: "I'm not going to deny. It was very chaotic, so I can't really tell you right now. Everything happened very fast."
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
4 months
On my final day in RI, we went for ice cream โค๏ธ๐Ÿพ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
10 months
Absolutely wild story from one commuter, Lia Pimento, a kindergarten teacher who was trying to get to her job in Cranston this morning. She spent FIVE HOURS stuck in traffic then her boss told her to just turn around and go home.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
4 months
On my final day at @projo , Buddy came to work! Shoutout to @LSullivan73 for my very Rhode Island gift bag complete with a City Hall coaster โค๏ธ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
11 months
Job news! The @projo is hiring TWO reporters, one general assignment and one for sports. It's a big deal for us to get two additional reporters on the team, so share with any journalists looking for a job. Maybe that's you? Here are the links to the jobs:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
7 months
. @NBCNews , please cite local sources when you very obviously have pulled a story from them. (Even some of the phrasing is the same as our @projo story.) Respect and support local news, folks! โœŠ And you're welcome, NBC.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
10 months
Brown is moving forward with trespassing charges against 41 student protesters. I talked with a few of them yesterday. They say their court dates fall during winter break, and they'll need to find their own housing during that time.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Brown University is again denying media access to campus to report on student activism, this time telling reporters they cannot enter campus to report on a hunger strike.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Taking my dad, who is in town, to his first WaterFire, which he keeps calling โ€œThe Burning River.โ€
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
RI lawmakers are pushing for a mandatory free breakfast and lunch program for public school students regardless of income. Advocates say it will improve learning and erase the stigma of participating in free meal programs designed for low income families.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Note from a colum reader passed along at a bar in Providence. Having passed the one-year anniversary of my move from NYC a short time ago, this makes it all worth it.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Rhode Island AG @PeterNeronha and RIDOH have just filed a complaint against Pioneer Investments in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court -- A historic moment for tenants who have been fighting for better conditions with @reclaimri . More to come.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Those of you who follow my weekend work know that when Iโ€™m not the city reporter, Iโ€™m a Sunday columnist. Usually I write lighthearted accounts of my travels around the state, but hereโ€™s a thought: Readers, would you be interested in a column on tenantsโ€™ rights?
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
More news: Gannett employees are breaking from work from 2-3pm in protest of layoffs threatened last week. Their message: Cut excess spending, not journalists' jobs. CEO Mike Reed made $7.74 million last year.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Today marks my one year @projo anniversary! ๐Ÿฅณ That means the next installment of the "New to RI" column will no longer be "New to RI." The column adventures will go on, but the newbie name will not. Stay tuned for Sunday's edition in which I use a blowtorch. ๐Ÿ”ฅ Thx for reading!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
9 months
Renewing my general request for people in positions of authority to please answer comment requests in a timely manner, or at all. Journalists ask questions *on behalf of the public.* When you fail to answer them, and you're paid by taxpayers, you're not doing your job.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Spotted in North Kingstown: (cc @antoniafarzan )
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Mayor Elorza has just signed the cityโ€™s $10M reparations budget. Says it โ€œwas met with a whole lot of skepticismโ€ in the beginning, but now feels it is a national model.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
As a trans man, Mar Keller hasn't felt at ease in traditional gyms. Now, he's on a mission to open Providence's first LGBTQ+ focused gym. Here's what it might look like:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
After I spent yesterday morning in court to dismiss a Providence parking ticket I never received (and found out about through my car dealer), today I am ticketed again, this time for not having an overnight pass when one is right in my window. Found a new column topic!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
4 months
Amazing farewell photo collage from former @projo photog Bob Breidenbach who reminded me of my days as a baby columnist! So many good memories. ๐Ÿฅน
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
In other news, while reporting in Kennedy Plaza today on the bus driver shortage, I was persistently cat-called by a man who became irked that I did not respond to his remark that he liked my hair. So he began yelling. While I was working. And once again I sigh.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Emailing me a story pitch in a condescending tone is definitely the best way to get me to write about it.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
A piece of @projo history: While I was looking into lead poisoning cases in recent weeks, the attorneys at Motley Rice gave me this incredible 23-page, ad-free look at lead in RI. I'm told it was nominated for a Pulitzer, though it was 2001, and 9/11 would occur months later.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
6 months
Time for testimony has been maxed out at tonightโ€™s council hearing on the S. Water bike path removal. In addition to spoken testimony, council got 294 letter against and just one in support.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
It may be another 50 years before I'm officially a Rhode Islander in the eyes of the general public, however, I am pleased to report I was asked for directions today from two English tourists... who somehow had trouble finding the First Baptist Church.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
7 months
Best feeling: Sitting in Wayland Square Diner, looking over my shoulder to see the patron behind me reading about the tiny unicorns. In print! ๐Ÿฆ„ I love our readers! ๐Ÿ—ž๏ธ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Some good news: Perry Raso of Matunuck Oyster Bar just told me he's donating leftover lobster rolls from the festival to police departments, schools and local businesses. "Iโ€™m actually driving up the Providence police station now with 100 lobster rolls," he says.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
11 months
Councilman Miguel Sanchez is here protesting alongside the Party for Socialism and Liberation. He says the Governorโ€™s office had told him to โ€œturn it downโ€ when he was terminated. He says this is a place for him to speak out.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Increasingly, sources have asked me whether they can view my work before it's published. The answer is always no. Folks, journalists are independent, and that independence needs to be preserved. The only people who get to see the story first are our editors.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
@TaraGranahan Providence is generally safe โ€” no question. A quick look at our crime stats makes that apparent. This is a retweet of a social media user who posts outrage bait and lists their hometown as YouTube. ๐Ÿง
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
5 months
Meanwhile over at Providence College, E. Corry Kole gave their first public remarks on their discrimination charge against the school, filed with the RI Commission for Human Rights. Kole, an ex-DEI staffer at the college who is nonbinary, described their experience:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Some news -- After 17 months of quahogging, clam cake sampling, museum touring, polar plunging, WaterFire lighting, and so much more, I'm wrapping up my column! Hoping to focus more on my beat and investigative work when possible.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
New: Food vendors that were at PVDFest tell me they lost huge profits this year. Ja Patty tossed out thousands of dollars in fresh food. Matunuck Oyster Bar's sales tanked by more than 50%. Poppin Minis may not return next year.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
7 months
Need a fun Friday read? Someone is 3D printing numerous tiny unicorns and hiding them throughout the city. No one seems to know why. But looking for them is becoming a local pastime.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Proud of @projo for earning an award from the West Broadway Neighborhood Association for our reporting on the Cranston Street Armory. A handful of reporters contributed meaningful, well-reported stories. ๐Ÿฅณ Congrats all!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Speaking of Jamie Lee Curtis in R.Iโ€ฆ this was recently recovered from storage: Jamie Lee Curtis with my dad in 1988. Dad studied journalism then crossed over to PR. Was with Hertz at the time.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
@IanDon @AshleyKalus A long-winded reply that in no way answers the question.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Ten years of crash data show cars hit pedestrians and bikes more than 3,000 times in Providence from 2012-2021. More than 600 people were injured, and 25 died. Here are just a few stories from those whose lives have been altered:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
I would like to take a moment to note, for the clarity of anyone who doesnโ€™t work in a newsroom, that reporters do not select photos. If anyone needs any further context on my work, please check my most recent column. I think youโ€™ll find all you need to know.
@JohnGPVD
Councilman John Goncalves
2 years
A little late to this, but this is unacceptable, @projo . Bias is pervasive in Providence's local journalism market, unfortunately. Reporters, PLEASE do better as your stories shape public perception. Beautiful photos to uplift this Black woman below!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
9 months
Scenes from Valley and Helme in Providence, which the city has closed to traffic:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
"Cutthroat," "bonkers," "extremely difficult" -- those are the words Providence city councilors are using to describe the housing market. And they're not immune to its toll.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
No one has ever been cuter eating carrots ๐Ÿฅ•
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Found my new roommate! ๐Ÿถ This is Buddy. Likes: Belly rubs, more belly rubs, stuffed duck toy. Dislikes: Any time I leave the house.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
While have reported on tenants' rights and landlord neglect in Providence, I am at times faced with similar issues to those on which I report. Today, my water was shut off. Why? Management won't pay our water bill, which is now more than $1K with late fees.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
A box I've been waiting to check since my arrival in Rhode Island: My first @WaterFireProv lighting! ๐Ÿ”ฅ What an experience. Photo cred: @ddelpoio
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
11 months
Just in: Brown tells me a public safety officer TODAY gave the Providence Police prosecution unit case packets with charging documents for the 20 arrested student protesters. The school says this formalizes trespassing charges it recommended to police.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
A Charlestown official raised concern about "people from Providence" entering the town for upcoming summer events, warning that police detail would needed. Mayor Elorza is now calling for an apology, panning the comment as "coded, derogatory language."
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
The impact of RIPTA's bus driver shortage appears to be getting worse. This morning, 11 school routes were canceled, impacting five high schools: Central, Classical, Hope, Mount Pleasant and Alvarez.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
NEW: Jeann Lugo recommended for termination. Providence police dept. says he faces a slew of internal charges and the administration believes this is the proper penalty.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
11 months
Sites I love and did not realize I would visit so much as a reporter: SOS corporate database, tax assessor database, land records database. Journalism students could really benefit from getting acquainted with these resources early on!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
. @brettpsmiley just spoke to media on Atwells Ave. where part of the street is crumbling as rain continues. Smiley is using this as a moment to tout his camapaign message, and says city is โ€œnot focused on basic infrastructureโ€ and doesnโ€™t hold vendors accountable.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
CD1 dark horse candidate?
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
๐ŸŸ Spotted in Warren:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
The developer working on this project is the same individual multiple tenants said neglected repairs and left them in chilly, leaky units. He then became irate with the @projo for publishing two investigative stories on the matter. Will link to them in this thread...
@BF_Providence
Providence Business First
1 year
Two buildings would be torn down to make way for the five-story project at Wickenden and Brook streets.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Opened my inbox to see yet another alert about a pedestrian struck on North Main at Rochambeau โ€” same area where a pedestrian was fatally hit on NYE. Have yet to see any major changes on the street. This no doubt adds to pressures on state to act.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
6 months
Itโ€™s Buddyโ€™s Gotcha Day! Today marks two years since this fur ball of joy entered my life. To celebrate, I gave him a shout out on PBSโ€™ @ALivelyExp this morning. ๐ŸŽฅ Raise a coffee mug to Buddy!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Icy view from College Hill ๐Ÿฅถโ„๏ธ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Not going out today.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Little portrait of my best friend almost done. From a photo I snapped of his first time on the beach in Nantucket. ๐ŸŒŠ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Providence Police Officer Jeann Lugo ACQUITTED of assault
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
My son and I made it to the Bean boot:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
. @RISecState Gregg Amore is putting to work his nearly three decades as a civics teacher, touring schools around the state to tell kids about voting rights and voter suppression. Here's why:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Bye, bye, blue check. I wonโ€™t be contributing a cent to this platform, so here it is for posterity: Would rather use the $8/mo on Buddyโ€™s poop bags.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Unbearable cuteness alert ๐Ÿšจ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
10 months
Second briefing today during which McKee refused to answer a reporter's question. Earlier, in Wayland Square, McKee said GoLocal asked a "not appropriate" question when it asked if McKee thinks there should be an independent review of how the bridge issue developed.
@TedNesi
Ted Nesi
10 months
NEW: @GovDanMcKee bridge crisis briefing goes sideways as he lashes out at a reporter for a question about resignations at DOT "the people I'm talking to are very pleased with what's happening right now," McKee says Here's my story on the whole briefing
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Hi, @thehill . Please attribute to @projo higher than the third graf as the entirety of this is our local reporting. #supportlocaljournalism
@thehill
The Hill
3 years
Hundreds of University of Rhode Island students gain vaccine exemptions
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
11 months
Brown just confirmed it had 18 students arrested tonight and transported to the Providence Police Dept for refusing to leave a campus building after operating hours. The university has a lengthy statement out -- here's a snippet:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Best decision of 2022 was definitely this little guy. Hereโ€™s to a new year of adventures!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
3 years
Central Falls Mayor Rivera is handing out 2,000 at-home COVID tests from now until 4 p.m. to Central Falls residents. Rivera spoke to Gov. McKee and is told that the Broad Street Rite Aid will be a new test site come Monday. Fwiw, this is also Riveraโ€™s vacation time.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Just heard back from Julia Broome, owner of Kin Southern Table which is downtown where the festival once was. She says this year, she made about one third of the sales the did last year. She was happy to just break even. Her message for Mayor Smiley: "Change it back, please."
@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
New: Food vendors that were at PVDFest tell me they lost huge profits this year. Ja Patty tossed out thousands of dollars in fresh food. Matunuck Oyster Bar's sales tanked by more than 50%. Poppin Minis may not return next year.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Itโ€™s Buddyโ€™s birthday! Heโ€™s super excited to turn a whole two years old today. The morning started with peanut butter banana pancakes and gifts, and later heโ€™s off to a play date.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Breaking: Providence has negotiated new PILOT agreements with Brown, RISD, Johnson & Wales and PC. Over 20 years, those agreements will give the city about $223.5M, a 138% increase over revenue from the previous agreements.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Providence's reparations commission is now unveiling a draft of the 11-point investment plan it will present to the mayor in a matter of days. It starts with a formal municipal apology for slavery and urban renewal, as well as an indigenous land acknowledgement.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
Providence's noise ordinances are good reading. "No person shall yell, laugh, hoot, holler, scream, sing, or otherwise amplify their vocals in a residential zone of the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m." NO LAUGHING!
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Not a raindrop in sight. โ˜€๏ธ
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Tenants of Pioneer Investments and landlord Anurag Sureka say they've long faced deplorable conditions from structural issues to major leaks and lead concerns. Data from @reclaimri shows nearly 60 Pioneer properties have missing/expired lead certs.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Want to take a moment to shed light on the reporting process when it comes to contentious issues. These questions were sent to both RIDE and PPSD at 3:49 pm on Thursday. I have yet to receive any answers.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Polls have closed. Time to go refresh a link for the next hour.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Stunned -- my doctor's office tells me because of the national primary care provider shortage, annual physicals are now being booked for 2024. My doctor left the practice a few months ago and now there's a set of patients without permanent PCPs.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
8 months
Media news: So excited that James N. Rhea, the @projo 's first Black reporter, will be posthumously inducted into the Rhode Island Journalism Hall of Fame this year. I had the honor of writing his nomination letter. More about this extraordinary figure:
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Several pro-tenant bills are being heard today by the House Judiciary Committee. Here's one I find particularly interesting -- landlords would have to put your security deposit in an interest-bearing bank account. As a renter, I didn't know this wasn't law in RI. It is in NY.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
2 years
Rediscovered an (extremely) old hobby! Not quite painted to scale, but I had fun. Captures my favorite vacation view in Rockport, MA, looking out onto Bearskin Neck at night.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
1 year
I'm at the point where my brain doesn't know if it's ARPA, APRA, American Plan Rescue Act, American Rescue Plan Act, or something about public records.
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@amymrusso
Amy Russo
6 months
One important note from tonight: Councilors @JohnGPVD and @AnderBois slammed the massive price tag on the removal of the bike lanes as an obscene waste of city funds. Reminder: It's been quoted at $750K, which includes the addition of a raised crosswalk.
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