http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ri-news/ en-us Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:15:19 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284635/posts WOONSOCKET — The quick-thinking owner of a Social District package store turned the tables on a man who had a knife to his throat and threatened to kill him for money Tuesday, police said. After a violent struggle with the robber, the owner of U-Save Liquors at 399 Clinton St. convinced him that he was too tired to fight anymore and he was giving up. In an attempt to put the robber at ease, John Quinn then offered him the keys to the store and invited him to lock the front doors before he looted the store. As 20-year-old Kevin... Woonsocket Call http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2284635/posts#comment Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:15:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280690/posts PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) ― The country's smallest state has the longest official name: "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." A push to drop "Providence Plantations" from that name advanced farther than ever on Thursday when House lawmakers voted 70-3 to let residents decide whether their home should simply be called the "State of Rhode Island." It's an encouraging sign for those who believe the formal name conjures up images of slavery, while opponents argue it's an unnecessary rewriting of history that ignores Rhode Island's tradition of religious liberty and tolerance. The bill permitting a statewide referendum on the issue... WCBSTV.COM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280690/posts#comment Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:11:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280518/posts See link below source material cannot be posted http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280518/posts#comment Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:32:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280302/posts FoxNews TV http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2280302/posts#comment Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:43:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279822/posts PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The country's smallest state has the longest official name: "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." A push to drop "Providence Plantations" from that name advanced farther than ever on Thursday when House lawmakers voted 70-3 to let residents decide whether their home should simply be called the "State of Rhode Island." It's an encouraging sign for those who believe the formal name conjures up images of slavery, while opponents argue it's an unnecessary rewriting of history that ignores Rhode Island's tradition of religious liberty and tolerance. The bill permitting a statewide referendum on the issue next... yahoo! via AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279822/posts#comment Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:49:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275412/posts The unemployment rates in eight states hit record-highs last month and only two -- Nebraska and Vermont -- did not report increases. The Labor Department says 48 states and the District of Columbia saw employment conditions deteriorate last month. The fallout from the longest recession since World War II, was the worst in Michigan. Its unemployment rate rose to 14.1 percent. The eight states that set records are: California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. The West region reported the highest jobless rate at 10.1 percent. The last time any region had a rate of... FOXNEWS.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275412/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:27:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275146/posts The Cape Cod Commission has submitted an appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, claiming the state Energy Facilities Siting Board overstepped its authority when it overruled the commission and gave Cape Wind all the local and regional permits it needs to move forward; Gov. Deval Patrick sent some folks to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to hear people's thoughts on placing wind turbines on public lands; the first floating wind turbine has been installed; and a new survey finds that a goodly portion of Massachusetts residents are concerned that NIMBYism has impeded the Cape Wind project. We'll get to all... WGBH http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275146/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:39:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275132/posts Rhode Island’s unemployment rate jumped sharply to 12.1 percent in May, up from 11.1 percent in April, according to a report issued Friday by the state Department of Labor and Training. The number of jobless Rhode Islanders increased by 5,800, to 68,500. It’s the highest unemployment rate for the state since at least 1976, when the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics began keeping records. “I was certainly looking for a different number,” Sandra Powell, director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, said in an interview. The state shed 1,100 jobs in May, marking the 16th consecutive month... The Providence Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275132/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:21:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270964/posts Troubled Rhode Island congressman Patrick Kennedy’s slide back into rehab may have been triggered by stress related to his senator father’s grim cancer diagnosis, a relative said. “It’s sad,” Kennedy’s stepgrandfather, Edmund Reggie, told the Herald. “He’s been wrapped up in the senator so much. All of us expect (U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.)) to progress better than what’s realistic. I think it really gets to Patrick,” Reggie said of the senior senator’s diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) checked himself in to an undisclosed rehab center once again this week. The lawmaker... The Boston Herald http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270964/posts#comment Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:24:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270360/posts Enters rehab again. WCVB TV http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270360/posts#comment Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:07:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270479/posts Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who has struggled with depression, alcoholism and addiction for much of his life, said Friday that he has checked into a medical facility for treatment. The Rhode Island Democrat said in a statement that his recovery is a "lifelong process" and that he will do whatever it takes to preserve his health. "I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery," Kennedy said. He did not disclose where he was being treated. Kennedy, who has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, an addiction... Fox News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270479/posts#comment Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:33:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270291/posts WASHINGTON—Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who has struggled with depression, alcoholism and addiction for much of his life, said Friday that he has checked into a medical facility for treatment. Discuss COMMENTS (17) The Rhode Island Democrat said in a statement that his recovery is a "lifelong process" and that he will do whatever it takes to preserve his health. "I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery," Kennedy said. He did not disclose where he was being treated. Kennedy, who has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar... Boston Globe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270291/posts#comment Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:59:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2266421/posts PROVIDENCE — California is not the only state to oppose same-sex marriage. According to a new USA Today/ Gallup poll, the majority of Americans continue to oppose gay marriage. Gallup found 57 percent of Americans oppose legalizing same-sex marriage. On May 26, the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage will remain banned in the state of California, upholding Proposition 8, which declares that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Those who married before the initiative was passed will not be affected by this decision. Researchers at Brown University released a poll... http://thericatholic.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2266421/posts#comment Sun, 7 Jun 2009 01:11:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260921/posts snip... "On the other end of the spectrum, it was traditionally Democratic states that earned the title of "least free," according to the study. Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York-all of whom voted Democratic in the past three presidential elections-came in at 48th, 49th and 50th, respectively. However, it is important to note that the study's findings do not all fall along these predictable party lines. Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Louisiana, for example, all fall in the bottom eleven among states with the most Personal Freedom. Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri, meanwhile finish fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively in... Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260921/posts#comment Sat, 30 May 2009 00:01:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260929/posts Blogger claims he received visit from FBI after sending letters to lawmakers. BY CHELSEA SCHILLING A tea party protester claims he was investigated as a terrorist by the Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI after he sent letters to his representatives criticizing the government for spending money he says the U.S. does not have. Steve Shirk, a Tea Party Patriots blogger who attended the Atlanta Tea Party, said he began a letter-writing campaign in September 2008 to representatives, senators and the White House to express his frustration with what he considers to be irresponsible spending. He said he sent... World Net Daily http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260929/posts#comment Sat, 30 May 2009 00:13:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257477/posts Names of the six senators who voted to fund the closing of GITMO: Durbin - Illinois Harkin - Iowa Leahy - Vermont Levin - Michigan Reed - Rhode Island Whitehorse - Rhode Island Source: michellemalkin.com michellemalkin.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2257477/posts#comment Sun, 24 May 2009 21:51:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2250307/posts PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The mayor of Providence wants to slap a $150-per-semester tax on the 25,000 full-time students at Brown University and three other private colleges in the city, saying they use resources and should help ease the burden on struggling taxpayers. Mayor David Cicilline (sis-ah-LEEN-ee) said the fee would raise between $6 million and $8 million a year for the city, which is facing a $17 million deficit. If enacted, it would apparently be the first time a U.S. city has directly taxed students just for being enrolled. The proposal is still in its early stages. But it has... Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2250307/posts#comment Wed, 13 May 2009 21:42:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2253110/posts The tale begins and ends with Pocahontas Cooley (photo here), whose very name lends a fictional tone to a true story of justice deferred. The travesty is the number of times the setting has been the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Ojetta Rogeriee Thompson, Rhode Island Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse's pick to fill a vacancy in the first U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The case itself defies all reason, but the explanation could be precisely the judicial empathy for "underprivileged" groups on which President Barack Obama has placed such emphasis. The person who is actually disadvantaged in the... Anchor Rising http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2253110/posts#comment Mon, 18 May 2009 11:40:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2248701/posts While racy photos of Miss California Carrie Prejean could cost the outspoken first runner up in the Miss USA pageant her crown, pageant officials don't seem to care about even steamier photos of Miss Rhode Island that appeared in a men’s magazine. So is Prejean being targeted simply for her beliefs? Fox http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2248701/posts#comment Mon, 11 May 2009 19:25:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2247248/posts Gay marriage could soon become the law of the land across New England — except in the heavily Roman Catholic state of Rhode Island. A string of sudden successes for gay marriage advocates has left Rhode Island a political outlier. Maine became the fourth state in New England to legalize same-sex unions on Wednesday, while New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is now deciding whether to sign similar legislation.... Yet the movement has stalled in Rhode Island, perhaps even lost ground, after a stalemate at the Statehouse, a loss in the state's top court and continued opposition from religious leaders. "I... Yahoo! News (AP) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2247248/posts#comment Fri, 8 May 2009 22:57:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2242760/posts PROVIDENCE — The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday evening swiftly approved a bill to criminalize prostitution that occurs indoors, with a full vote on the House floor expected as early as next week. The bill, which the committee approved in an 8-to-4 vote, with 3 members absent, seeks to rewrite a nearly 30-year-old law that outlaws streetwalkers and soliciting for prostitution outdoors, but has no prohibition against prostitution that occurs indoors. Rhode Island is the only state, except for certain counties in Nevada, that has no prohibition against indoor prostitution. “Why should Rhode Island have this dubious distinction?” Rep. Joanne... Rhode Island news http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2242760/posts#comment Sat, 2 May 2009 16:44:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2239044/posts Providence College has blocked a campus speech by former Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo, a vocal opponent of illegal immigration. It also said Tancredo's stance on illegal immigration "directly contrasts" with Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, a member of the college's Board of Trustees. Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2239044/posts#comment Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:25:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2235461/posts It's been said that conservatism has different meanings for different people. It may not be textbook, but without a whole lot of navel gazing, here's what it means to me and what Free Republic is all about: In a word, Freedom! In two words, Preserving Freedom. In a handful of words as stated by our Founding Fathers, to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity! America was founded on the proposition that all men are created equal by God and that our unalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness are granted directly by God... Click here to support your favorite conservative website! http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2235461/posts#comment Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:10:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2236130/posts RI GOP Chair Calls on RI Congressional Delegation to Give Back Their AIG "Bonuses" RI Delegation Raked in More Than Thirty-Six Thousand Dollars Directly from AIG Rhode Island GOP Chairman Giovanni Cicione today called for the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to give back the money they received from AIG to fund their campaigns. "I hear our delegation calling for AIG executives to give back their bonuses, even though those same members of our delegation voted to allow the bonuses, but when are they going to give back the money they took from AIG?" ,said Cicione. “Perhaps they didn’t read... http://rigop.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2236130/posts#comment Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:42:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2235732/posts Several high-ranking senators led by Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) on Tuesday relaunched their push to require gun sellers to conduct background checks on purchases of all types of guns at state gun shows. On the heels of the 10-year anniversary of the Columbine shootings the lawmakers pushed to close the gun show “loophole” that exists in more than 30 states. These states do not require personal gun sellers, who are authorized to hawk their own firearms at gun shows, to conduct a background check on buyers of the guns. This allows people with criminal histories to easily obtain weapons like those... The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2235732/posts#comment Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:13:31 GMT