ABOUT US
The Rhode Island Current is an independent, nonprofit digital news site dedicated to bringing readers a steady stream of high quality, nonpartisan reporting about state government and public policy in the Ocean State. We are committed to exploring the ways policy decisions affect how we live and learn, work and play, and plan and prosper.
We believe in holding those in power accountable for their actions — and their inertia — on matters that impact the lives of Rhode Islanders. We do so without regard to party or ideology. Our focus will always be on providing unbiased, fact-based information and ethical journalism essential to our democracy.
We also believe in seeking out diverse perspectives. That’s why you will find a lively mix of commentaries and op-ed pieces on our site. We welcome submissions that adhere to these guidelines.
You will find no ads on our website. Nor will you find any paywalls. Our coverage is free to share and publish under the Creative Commons license. For information about republishing, email [email protected]andcurrent.com.
Rhode Island Current is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The Current retains full editorial independence. To make a donation and support our work, please visit our donation page.
Janine L. Weisman
Editor-in-Chief
Janine L. Weisman spent 25 years in the newsroom of The Newport Daily News, including 13 as editor of the popular free weekly Newport Mercury. An adjunct professor in the journalism program at Roger Williams University, Janine earned a master's degree in speech communication from the University of Maine and is a graduate of Rhode Island College.
Kevin G. Andrade
Senior Reporter
Kevin G. Andrade covers education, housing and human services for Rhode Island Current. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Kevin was previously a reporter for The Providence Journal and The (New Bedford, Mass.) Standard Times. His work has appeared in O Jornal: The Portuguese Journal, The Boston Globe, and several NPR stations in the region. He has a master’s degree in Latin American studies from the University of Arizona and is a graduate of Rhode Island College.
Nancy Lavin
Reporter
Nancy Lavin is an award-winning reporter covering Rhode Island politics and energy issues for States Newsroom. She previously reported on banking and finance, energy and entrepreneurship for Providence Business News. Nancy also spent three and a half years at the Frederick (Md.) News-Post and worked at The Westerly Sun. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.
Christopher Shea
Reporter
Christopher Shea covers politics, the criminal justice system and transportation for States Newsroom. He previously was editor of Dartmouth (Mass.) Week for nearly two years after rising from a reporter position. During his time there, he broke the story of the closure of the former ICE facility at the Bristol County House of Corrections. A Wisconsin native who is fluent in Spanish, Chris graduated from the University of Minnesota and interned at The Minneapolis Star Tribune.