Former gubernatorial candidate Matt Brown is co-chairing a new progressive coalition to elect at least 25 new progressive candidates to the Rhode Island Legislature and unseat incumbent Democrats in the process.

After hearing Providence residents testify about the luxury development project Fane Tower, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission voted to approve the tower design released Monday. The commission also approved three waivers to zoning laws, which the design plan required.

The board overseeing the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility postponed a highly anticipated vote on the facility’s future over unspecified “concerns,” before closing its meeting to the public Monday evening.

Testimony at a standard legal hearing grew personal and searing Friday, when students, parents and community members packed into a room to advocate for a formal role in the upcoming R.I. state takeover of the Providence Public School District.

Interim Providence Superintendent Frances Gallo spent nearly $200,000 on the inspirational book “Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life” to distribute to all middle and high school students this month before asking educators to pause the use of the book in class, according to the Boston Globe.

The public board of directors meeting at Wyatt Detention Facility, originally scheduled for Monday evening, was postponed hours before the event over concerns about the large number of people expected to attend. The date of the rescheduled meeting has not yet been announced.

At the State House: What Passed, and What Didn’t

On Wednesday, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha spoke at a press conference to provide further details about the state’s investigation into violence by correctional employees that disrupted a peaceful protest by the advocacy group Never Again Action outside the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility August 14. 

Last month, Rhode Island Representative Joseph McNamara was elected chairman of the New England Board of Higher Education, according to a NEBHE press release.

For the modern woman, silk garments are a rarity. “How many of you (women) have any silk clothing?” A smattering of hands responded. “One … two …three … four … not bad!”