Jan 28 Creator of Rhode Island's beloved Big Blue Bug landmark dies at 88 By Associated Press The creator of the Rhode Island landmark, the Big Blue Bug, which advertises a local pest control business on Interstate 95 in Providence, has died. Continue reading
Nov 04 Voters strip 'Providence Plantations' from Rhode Island's formal name By Philip Marcelo, Associated Press Officially, Rhode Island was incorporated as The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations when it declared statehood in 1790. Calls to cut "Plantations" out of the state's name have intensified as protesters nationwide demand racial justice. Continue reading
Oct 14 Racial justice movement a factor for 5 state ballot measures By David Crary, Associated Press The nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice are major factors in several states, including California and Mississippi, for ballot measures with distinctive racial themes. Continue reading
Aug 13 High court rules Rhode Island mail-in voters don't need witnesses By Jessica Gresko, Associated Press State officials had agreed to suspend the normal requirement because of the coronavirus pandemic. They have said that fulfilling the requirement results in close contact between voters and others. Continue reading
Jul 17 Voters to get say in dropping 'plantations' from R.I.'s name By Associated Press Rhode Island voters will get another chance to strip the words “and Providence Plantations” from the state’s formal name. Lawmakers on Thursday approved a joint resolution to put the question on the November ballot. Continue reading
Mar 27 Coronavirus deals one-two financial punch to state budgets By Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press The sharp drop in revenue could jeopardize some states' ability to provide basic services. Continue reading
Nov 06 Incumbent governors of Arkansas and Rhode Island win re-election By Associated Press Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Rhode Island Democrat Gov. Gina Raimondo have won re-election. Continue reading
Nov 14 Watch 7:32 After-school STEM programs inspire kids to keep learning By Lisa Stark, Education Week At an after-school STEM club in Rhode Island, students are working on an engineering challenge -- because they want to be. The low-stakes, fun environment offers time for exploration when resources or hands-on activities may be in short supply during… Continue watching
Oct 06 Watch 12:09 Former drug users work on the front lines of the opioid crisis in Rhode Island By William Brangham, Mike Fritz, Frank Carlson They visit overdose victims in the hospital. They hand out lifesaving drugs on the streets and educate their peers about their own relapses. In Rhode Island, former drug addicts are the most valuable fighters on the front lines of the… Continue watching
Aug 04 Watch 8:17 Why musicians and fans still flock to Newport Folk Festival By PBS News Hour From legendary masters to emerging stars, everyone wants to play the Newport Folk Festival. The relatively small, intimate three-day event sells out before the lineup is announced, attracting musicians who stretch the definition of the genre while retaining the original… Continue watching