News Analysis – Iran War Update: The world faces deadlines only weeks away
The Iran war cannot continue as it is for much longer, and this is a result of simple math.
Opened & Closed
Opened Black Sheep: Reopening under new management, the venue that serves both comfy food and strong drinks, set to live performances ranging from bands to drag shows, wants to welcome you back with its grand reopening party on May 9. The night will feature live music by The Moon Trippers starting at 6pm as well […]
Feds to Regard Cannabis as Medicine: Recreational use expected to follow within months
In the face of decades of evidence that cannabis has safe and effective medical uses, the federal government moved it on Apr 23 from Schedule I, which is for drugs such as heroin and LSD that have a high risk of abuse and no legitimate medical purpose, to Schedule III, which is for drugs that […]
Mural Wars: New public art puts backs up against a wall
PVD-based artist Ian Gaudreau got a tip from a friend about a grant-sponsored mural project. Ten thousand dollars (the advertised amount) is a pretty good commission in the working artist world, so he looked into it. He discussed it with the sponsoring organization, who conveyed the tragic life-cut-short story of Iryna Zarutska. Gaudreau declined to […]
Pothole Construction Season a Sign of Spring: RI DOT seeks public help finding where to repair
The RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced a major initiative to repair potholes caused by a harsh winter. A new Pothole Service Requests Dashboard site on the web – https://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/potholes.php – allows the public to report locations needing repair, and monitor progress. It includes overall counts and a map that can zoom down to individual […]
ECORI NEWS ROUNDUP
Providence Creates Green Revolving Fund for Municipal Projects PROVIDENCE — In a political environment where federal officials — and even some Rhode Island officials — have proposed rolling back climate funding and resources, others are deciding it’s time to double down. Mayor Brett Smiley announced on April 7 that city officials were creating Providence’s first […]
The Impossibility of Satire: Trump-world is an inherent self-parody
On the “Weekend Update” satirical news segment on Saturday Night Live. anchor Colin Jost displayed a snapshot of an unhinged rant laced with profanity in the form of a Donald Trump post to Truth Social, before admitting he made it up – but until he said that, any viewer would assume it was real. I […]
Fake RI DMV Text Message Scam: Tries to entice following a risky web link
Readers made Motif aware they received text messages trying to entice them into following a web link that presumably would lead to a scam, collecting financial information or infecting the user with malware. The messages threaten dire legal consequences due to unpaid violations at the RI Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), citing general laws references […]
Music Awards 2026 Photos
By Lillian MK Photography By Olivia Lunger By Izzy Cooke
Motif’s 2026 RI Music Awards Winners
The Music Awards went off without a hitch this year, and over the course of the evening more than 400 local music lovers dropped by to dance, listen, and cheer on fellow musicians. We’ll have more photos and a fuller description soon, but for right now, here are the picks over 5,000 voters selected this […]