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Rhode Island will receive nearly $30 million in a national settlement over Purdue Pharma’s marketing of opioids like OxyContin, a long-acting version of oxycodone first sold in 1995.

Article

Health

Rhode Island to Receive Nearly $30M in Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement

June 17, 2025

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Alexander Castro

The new lawsuit claims Christian inmates have greater freedoms like being allowed to meet with their chaplains weekly.

Article

Religion

Lawsuit Claims Rhode Island Prison Officials Still Denying Native American Religious Practices

June 17, 2025

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Christopher Shea

Advance America, which offers short-term loans that can reach up to 260% interest and fees per year, operates eight storefronts in Rhode Island, including one in Pawtucket off North Main Street, pictured.

Article

Economy

Longstanding Payday Lending Reform Policy Poised for Passage in Rhode Island This Year

Compromise would make cap on loans take effect in 2027

June 16, 2025

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Nancy Lavin

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha at a news conference Monday, May 5, 2025.

Article

Politics & Justice

RI House GOP Lawmakers Challenge Neronha’s $10M Dental Health Fund for Providence Kids

Two House Republicans say Attorney General Peter Neronha overstepped his authority by steering settlement money to children’s dental care, arguing the funds belong in the state’s general fund. Neronha says the move is legal—and necessary

June 16, 2025

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Ian Donnis

Article

Bridge Questions

You Asked: Why Did the State Stop Offering Ferry Service After the Bridge Shutdown?

We’re answering your questions as part of our project Breaking Point: The Washington Bridge. Here’s what happened with the short-lived ferry between Bristol and Providence

June 16, 2025

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Ian Donnis

Fabian Schmidt and his fiancée, Bhavani Hodgkins, stroll along the Nashua River near their apartment in downtown Nashua, N.H., with their black Lab named Django.

Article

Immigration

He Thought a Decade-Old Misdemeanor was Behind Him. Then he Took a Vacation in Europe

Fabian Schmidt is readjusting to life back home in Nashua, N.H., after being detained by ICE for two months at the Wyatt Detention Center — despite having a green card

June 16, 2025

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Philip Eil

June 16, 2025

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi acknowledged the difficulty in crafting a state budget due to uncertainty in D.C. during a State House briefing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Article

Politics & Justice

Hoping for the Best, Planning for the Worst: Rhode Island FY26 Budget Anticipates D.C. Drama

Spending plan prescribes working groups to keep tabs on fiscal tax changes, Medicaid, food assistance and more

June 16, 2025

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Nancy Lavin

Richard Godfrey is an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University.

Article

News + Culture

Why It’s So Hard to Buy a Home in Rhode Island

With high prices, strict zoning, and limited new construction, Rhode Island is now the least affordable state for homebuyers. Housing expert Richard Godfrey explains the unique challenges driving the crisis—and what might help

June 15, 2025

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Isabella Jibilian

Podcast Episode

Rhode Island PBS Weekly Podcast

June 15, 2025 - Priced Out of Home Ownership / Providence Centenarian’s Life of Service / Weekly Insight

On this episode, Isabella Jibilian looks at why many Rhode Islanders are being priced out of the housing market. Then, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s interview with a Providence Centenarian who embodies what it means to live a life of service, even when it wasn’t always welcome. Finally, Anaridis Rodriguez our contributor, WPRI 12’s Politics Editor Ted Nesi discuss the revised State budget for the new fiscal year and the plans and the cost of rebuilding the Westbound side of the Washington Bridge.

June 15, 2025