Month: April 2021


The Thin Line Between Compassion and Crime: RI physicians navigate an ethical and legal landscape

Proponents of the physician-assisted Suicide, or “Death with Dignity,” movement seek to legalize a terminally ill patient’s wish to end life with a doctor’s help. The controversial topic is the subject of a recent bill introduced in the Rhode Island legislature (see The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act, H5572 deathwithdignity.org/states/rhode-island/). The bill provides certain […]

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Are We There Yet?: Stakeholders discuss Governor McKee’s cannabis legalization plan

With 68% of Americans supporting legalization of cannabis, and activists calling for the related criminal justice reforms and broad social and economic justice measures, Rhode Island politicians have taken notice. Senate Majority Leader McCaffrey, in collaboration with Senate President Ruggerio, released a legalization blueprint earlier this session. And Governor Dan McKee is including a plan […]

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Felonious Bunk: Punishment can’t solve complex social problems and decriminalization might not go far enough

Last November a ballot measure approved by Oregon voters decriminalized the possession of small amounts of heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, oxycodone and cocaine. The Oregon initiative did not legalize the use of hard drugs, it just ended the practice of destroying drug users’ lives to save them. Instead, citizens found in possession of these drugs face […]

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Sam and Mattie Make a Zombie Movie: The documentary behind Spring Break Zombie Massacre to be released April 6

“On a mission to save spring break, two badass bionic bros must fight and (more importantly) party their way through the zombie apocalypse. And hopefully defeat Satan, who killed both of their moms.”          That is the IMBd description for the film Spring Break Zombie Massacre. The film is the brainchild of two friends from Rhode […]

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Mixing It Up With Skylar Batz: This local artist is comfortable on stage and behind the scenes

Ranging from dance music to soft emotional ballads, music by Skylar Batz has all the glittering potential of a six-ring circus. As a current student of Berklee School of Music, she’s been learning all the ins-and-outs of production for a while now, but her artistry extends far beyond the mixing board. Heading up the new […]

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A Rather Nice Interview: Local band Rather Nice discusses their latest release

Rather Nice is an indie pop rock band composed of lead singer Joe Johnson, guitarist Mike Tenreiro, bassist Nick Reagan and drummer Oliver Littlefield. Together, they write tunes that are equal parts melodic and quirky, while assigning new feelings to familiar emotions. My favorite songs off their latest release Volume 1 have to be “Diversions” […]

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