Rhode Island in the news: a Rhode Island hospital got DOJ subpoenas tied to transgender patient data amid federal investigations. Rhode Island: tiny state, big headlines. Biog: smallest U.S. state, rock-ribbed New Englander, capital Providence.
A comprehensive investigation into the Catholic Diocese of Providence reveals over 75 priests molested more than 300 children since 1950. The report criticizes the diocese's handling of abuse cases, highlighting transfers of accused priests and limited accountability, with ongoing legal actions and calls for reform.
Maine's lobster catch has fallen annually since 2021, reaching its lowest since 2008 at 78.8 million pounds in 2025. Factors include warming oceans, market uncertainty, and regulatory pressures, impacting the state's key industry and economy.
Colin Dorgan, a senior at Blackstone Valley Co-op, scored a double overtime goal to win the state Division 2 hockey title, weeks after his family was killed in a targeted shooting at a Pawtucket rink. The shooter, Robert Dorgan, died from a self-inflicted gunshot. The team honored the victims with stitched hearts on their jerseys.
Powell, a college basketball player, pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic violence and threatening behavior in Rhode Island. He was released on a recognizance bond, with restrictions on contact with the victim. The incidents involve an argument, injury, and threats to kill, with police arresting him at gunpoint.
New York is delaying green energy projects and extending Diablo Canyon's operation to 2045 amid rising costs and energy demand. The state is reconsidering its 2019 Climate Act goals, with officials citing economic and reliability concerns. These developments reflect ongoing challenges in balancing climate ambitions with practical energy needs.
Alaska has filed a lawsuit against the state Division of Elections over sharing detailed voter data with the Justice Department. The lawsuit alleges violations of privacy rights and due process, following federal efforts to obtain unredacted voter lists from multiple states. Courts have rejected similar cases across the US today.
The DOJ has sent a request for voting records from Wayne County, Michigan, prompting strong opposition from state officials. The move is part of ongoing efforts to scrutinize election integrity, with Michigan officials accusing the DOJ of attempting to interfere in state elections amid claims of election fraud.
The Justice Department has faced multiple challenges as federal courts have limited or quashed civil subpoenas seeking transgender-care records for minors. NYU Langone has publicly acknowledged receiving a subpoena in a federal criminal probe, while Rhode Island Hospital and other centers face ongoing court battles and class-action suits over patient privacy and access to care.
Lemon and others have had federal civil rights charges dismissed after concerns over grand jury conduct; Lemon has sought release of grand jury transcripts, arguing distrust in the Justice Department’s use of the process.
Rising fuel prices and travel costs have prompted Americans to favor nearby getaways over long international trips. Domestic leisure travel is growing modestly while households face cost pressures, with some opting for local beaches, rail journeys, and budget-conscious experiences.
Gas prices have stayed high amid ongoing tensions in the Hormuz Strait and the Iran conflict. Analyses suggest a slow rebound in prices, with travel costs and fuel affecting consumer budgets for the coming months.