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Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy, a Westerly Democrat, rises to defend his bill that would regulate the psychoactive compound kratom during the Rhode Island House of Representatives’ floor session on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Article

Health

Kratom Regulation Bill Clears Rhode Island House

Backed by Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Kennedy on his first day back from medical leave, the bill to legalize and regulate kratom passed 40–23 — reigniting debate over public health risks, regulatory consistency, and the potential for new state revenue

May 30, 2025

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Alexander Castro

Advocates hold signs in support of raising taxes on Rhode Island’s highest earners outside the State House on May 29, 2025.

Article

Politics & Justice

Unions Draw Striking Butler Workers, RIPTA Driver in Push to Pass ‘Tax the Rich’ Legislation

With just 20 days left in the legislative session, union workers, activists, and striking Butler Hospital staff rallied at the State House, urging lawmakers to pass a surtax on Rhode Island’s wealthiest residents to fund public services and close critical budget gaps

May 30, 2025

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Alexander Castro

Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022, during her murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass.

Article

News + Culture

Prosecution Rests in Trial of Karen Read Who’s Charged in Death of Boston Police Officer Boyfriend

After weeks of testimony and a streamlined approach, prosecutors rested their case in Karen Read’s second trial, focusing on forensic evidence and her own statements while avoiding controversial witnesses from the first mistrial

May 29, 2025

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Patrick Whittle

Article

Finding Hope

AS220 Youth Artists Use Music as a Lifeline for Mental Health

In a powerful songwriting exercise, young creatives turn personal pain into healing, connection, and hope through music

May 29, 2025

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Dewey Raposo

McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket is being demolished. It served as home to the PawSox for 50 years.

Article

History

A Parting Shot From the PawSox

Time capsules unearthed in the rubble of McCoy Stadium contain final treasures from Pawtucket’s beloved baseball team

May 29, 2025

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David Wright

Article

Immigration

Masked Federal Agents Descend on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for Immigration Arrests

May 29, 2025

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Gilda Geist

Dan Tritle

May 29, 2025

Steve Junker

May 29, 2025

Sophia Gorriaran learned the running fundamentals with the Providence Cobras and is now a star at Harvard.

Article

Sports

From One Rhody Track Star to Two Others: Trust the Process

West Warwick sprint stars Xenia and Lisa Raye prepare for their last high school showdown before heading to the University of Georgia — with advice from Harvard standout Sophia Gorriaran on what comes next

May 29, 2025

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Mike Szostak

Virgil Soares, 46, head chef at Butler Hospital, on the East Side of Providence, cooks dinner for workers on their second week of a strike.

Article

Health

Butler Hospital’s Striking Workers and Management Resume Talks With Federal Mediators

About 800 unionized hospital staff will lose their health benefits if they don’t return to work by May 31

May 29, 2025

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Lynn Arditi