Rhode Island

Rhode Island Becomes First State to OK Drug Injection Sites

Advocates say sites where people can use drugs under supervision can save lives. But cities that have tried to establish such centers have faced opposition from their states and the federal government.

  • By Andrea Noble

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Not All Jobs Are Coming Back Post Covid: How States Can Help Retrain Workers

Rhode Island’s Back to Work program focuses reskilling workers through partnerships with local industries for in-demand jobs.

  • By Andrea Noble

Biden Wants to Offer More Housing Vouchers. Many Landlords Won’t Accept Them

Over 2.2 million households receive subsidies through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

  • By Kristian Hernández, Stateline

Push to Remove Racist Names Draws Support—And Backlash

"We need to have this conversation."

  • By Marsha Mercer, Stateline

Fast Moving Colorado Wildfire Still Raging in State

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Michigan prohibits voters from carrying guns to the polls … Virginia home health workers to get one-time bonus pay … Rhode Island cracks down on break rooms.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A Blueprint for How State Leaders Can Achieve Better Results

COMMENTARY | Data and evidence can help state policymakers make thoughtful decisions on public health, economics, equity and other issues.

  • By Timothy Blute and Jed Herrmann

Rhode Island Moves to Remove ‘Plantations’ From Official State Name

The full name of the country’s smallest state, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” will be changed on official documents to remove the words that have an association with slavery.

  • By Emma Coleman

New Hampshire Latest State to Try to Limit Out-of-State Tourists

New Hampshire is reopening certain recreational sites, but trying to limit them to residents. Other states have attempted similar measures, with mixed results.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

This State Has Figured Out How to Treat Drug-Addicted Inmates

More jails and prisons are starting to offer medication-assisted treatment for inmates addicted to opioids. But it's available at just a very small fraction of correctional facilities across the country.

  • By Christine Vestal, Stateline

Granting Anonymity to State Lawmakers—Behind Tinted Windows

State law in Rhode island requires tinted car windows to let in a certain amount of light. One lawmaker wants to exempt General Assembly members from the rule, saying it's necessary to ensure safety.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

States Seek to Keep Climate Change Lawsuit Out of Federal Court

Thirteen states filed a brief this month hoping to keep a Rhode Island lawsuit against oil and gas companies in state rather than federal court.

  • By Andrea Noble
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In the One State that Tested the Census, Concerns About Reaching Hard-to-Count Residents

The census deployed the only end-to-end test for the 2020 census in Rhode Island. But it didn’t assess efforts to reach communities of people who could be hesitant to participate, something local leaders are now trying to figure out.

  • By Andrea Noble

Why Rhode Island’s Governor Is Taking Over Providence’s Public Schools

The city’s schools have been failing for decades. The state believes it can fix them by stepping in.

  • By Adam Harris, The Atlantic

A State Slow to Come Back from the Recession Pushes for Economic Wins

Rhode Island is recruiting companies and looking for long-term growth.

  • By Timothy B. Clark

Why States Should Be Watching Rhode Island’s Election Audit Pilots

The state is expected to be the second to turn to risk-limiting audits but the first with polling places to do so, and it has yet to choose from among three methods.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

States Are Crafting Laws to Help Determine Pet Custody in Messy Divorces

Lawmakers are looking at a California law that just went into effect this month.

  • By Elaine S. Povich

To Digitize, Rhode Island IT Must First Fill Its Talent Pool

State CIO Bijay Kumar himself comes from the private sector.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

Rhode Island Plans Autonomous Shuttle Pilot for Winter

The service will initially be free for commuters, while bus drivers have raised concerns about their futures.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

The Students Suing for a Constitutional Right to Education

A new federal complaint with a unique argument accuses the state of Rhode Island of failing to provide students with the skills they need to participate effectively in a democracy.

  • By Alia Wong, The Atlantic

R.I. Gov. Pledges Help for PawSox-less Pawtucket After Minor League Team Bolts

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Hurricane will test Honolulu shelters … Las Vegas pipeline might not be dead … and school districts scramble for bus drivers.

  • By Michael Grass