250th Anniversary of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” - This Wednesday, Roger Williams University hosted an event reflecting on Paine’s pamphlet and connecting the words to today’s world
This week marks a major milestone in American history, the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
This Wednesday, Roger Williams University hosted The People Speak: Common Sense at 250 and American Independence Today, a community event reflecting on the powerful pamphlet that helped spark the American revolution. Written in 1776, Common Sense argued boldly for independence from Great Britain and challenged colonists to rethink government authority.
Professor Sarah Moon says Paine’s message still carried weight today.
“He was trying to communicate to them – no, this is how it is, and you need to act, and I feel that’s what we need to hear today as well.”
Moon says while the original text is lengthy, its core ideas about civil responsibility can still inspire students and voters.
The event also highlighted how Paine’s words connect to modern immigration debates.Teddi Jallow of the Refugee Dream Center says America’s identity is rooted in immigration.
“America is America because of immigrants, because immigrants built this country to what it is now.”
Jallow says now more than ever, people need what she calls “Common Sense in action,” urging empathy and engagement in today’s political climate.
250 years ago, a small pamphlet challenged colonists to rethink their loyalty and imagine something entirely new today, that same spirit of questioning authority and demanding accountability is being revisited– not to spark a revolution, but to remind people that democracy depends on participation.
Researcher: Roslyn IaDerosa
Writer: Roslyn IaDerosa
Reporter: Mckalah Gaine
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Shots Fired at Lincoln Mall - The Lincoln Police Department responded to a report of shots being fired at Lincoln Mall on Tuesday night
The Lincoln Police Department responded to a report of shots being fired at Lincoln mall on Tuesday night. Officers responded to the parking lot of the mall around 9:42 p.m. and spoke to the individuals who heard the gunshots.
According to the town manager, no one was hurt in the incident. Police believe this was not a random act but an isolated incident. No victims have come forward at this time.
Researcher: Sarah Price
Writer: Sarah Price
Reporter: Elizabeth Chant
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
Shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket - Five injured, two people dead from a mass shooting Monday afternoon during a high school hockey game
A mass shooting occurred Monday afternoon in
Pawtucket at the Dennis M. Lynch arena during a high school hockey game. The shooter opened fire inside the arena, firing a rapid series of shots.
Police have identified the shooter as Roberta Dorgan, also known as Robert Dorgan, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gun wound.
The two victims, Roberta’s son and ex-wife, are confirmed dead.
Three others, Roberta’s ex-in-laws and ex’s boyfriend, sustained critical injuries and were transported to hospitals for treatment.
According to police, Roberta had purchased the gun legally and had a license to carry permit out of Florida.
Researcher: Alexa Benson-Amarante, Brianna Frissora
Writer: Alexa Benson-Amarante
Reporter: Brianna Frissora
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
“Sticks out for Rhode Island” - The hockey community is making their support known after fatal Pawtucket shooting
The hashtag “Sticks Out for Rhode Island” is trending on social media right now as houses around the state and all over New England are leaving hockey sticks and skates at their front doors.
The term sticks out has been a long standing tradition in the hockey community where fans and community members leave their sticks and skates at their doorsteps after a tragedy as a way to signify their support and sense of community. This recent stickout stands as a sign of solidarity and compassion after the recent shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
The hockey community encourages everyone to rally together in support of the lives lost. Keep the hashtag going, let the community hear your care.
Researcher: Elizabeth Chant
Writer: Elizabeth Chant
Reporter: Elizabeth Chant
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant
New Garbage Cans for Providence Residents - Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is replacing trash cans in hope to enhance city services and help the environment
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is rolling out new garbage carts for Providence residents.
“Transitioning to new carts will assist in reducing recycling contamination rates, streamline waste collection, and support our city’s long-term sustainability goals,” said the Providence Mayor.
The initiative to replace old trash cans with new ones is a hope to enhance city services and help the environment. The new trash and recycling carts will be introduced to the city between March and June of 2026.
Researcher: Sarah Price
Writer: Sarah Price
Reporter: Elizabeth Chant
Copy-Editor: Elizabeth Chant