By Alexander Castro | Reporter
What’s up, doc?
Eighty-six years ago today, Bugs Bunny debuted in his first Merrie Melodies short — A Wild Hare, directed by the inimitable Fred “Tex” Avery — and assumed his post as nemesis eternal of Elmer Fudd, that most exquisite example of the hunter who gets captured by the game. But aficionados know that Bugs’ predecessor, the so-called Happy Rabbit, appeared in several Warner Bros. shorts before Avery’s iconic take on the cunicular character emerged.
Freelance contributor Philip Eil finds a likewise complicated tale in his review of claims gubernatorial contender Helena Buonanno Foulkes has made about her efforts to address the opioid crisis when she was president of CVS Pharmacy. Eil finds a record more nuanced than cartoonish attack ads or campaign shorthand would allow.
Democrat Helena Buonanno Foulkes, is shown speaking at at Grow Smart RI’s 2026 Power of Place Summit Gubernatorial Forum on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)
By Philip Eil
A review of Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes' record leading CVS Pharmacy examines campaign claims about opioid prescribing, pill mill doctors and drug takeback efforts.
Westbound afternoon traffic is backed up on Interstate 195 at Exit 2B (Route 114) at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera)
By Alexander Castro
A new study in the Rhode Island Medical Journal found that ambulance travel times from the East Bay increased by about a minute following the Washington Bridge closure, impacting the time it took patients in need of specialty care to reach hospitals in Providence.
Voters line up outside Shiloh Hills Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, on Election Day, May 19, 2026. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
By David Lightman | D.C. Bureau
Political party poll watchers are showing up more and more, usually outside polling places. They have a different mission than the nonpartisan election observers long regarded as bulwarks of credibility, and there’s concern that voters will be confused who’s there to influence them and who’s there to protect them.
Michelle Reddish leads her first Cannabis Control Commission meeting as chair on July 24, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Christopher Shea
Seventy-five prospective Rhode Island cannabis retailers will soon receive $7,500 refunds as state regulators prepare to restart the licensing process that was halted under a federal court order.
ICYMI
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