WASHINGTON (AP) — Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, expressed concern Thursday about policies of each other’s governments following Chinese raids on consulting firms and U.S.
Raimondo seeks to rally US behind $52 billion chip program
February 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday called on the country to unite around a $52 billion effort to restore the U.S. as the world leader in advanced computer chips, saying it will require training of tens of thousands of workers.
Democrat Dan McKee sworn in as Rhode Island’s governor
January 3, 2023 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Democrat Dan McKee was sworn in for his first full term as Rhode Island's governor Tuesday, saying he has never believed more strongly in the state's future.
“Rhode Island, this is our time, our moment to shine, our turn to raise everyone up,” he said in his remarks.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee wins 1st full term in office
November 9, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee has defeated Republican challenger Ashley Kalus to win his first full term in office.
McKee is a former lieutenant governor who became the state’s chief executive in March 2021 when two-term Gov.
Man who helped torch police cruiser gets 3 years in jail
July 14, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island man who poured a flammable liquid into a police cruiser during a night of violent unrest in Providence in the summer of 2020, turning a small fire into an inferno that turned the vehicle into a charred wreck, was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison.
Rhode Island State Police to get first commander of color
April 27, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Dan McKee announced Wednesday that he has appointed Lt. Col. Darnell Weaver to be the next superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, making him the first person of color to command the department.
Former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung seeks congressional seat
April 26, 2022 GMTEAST GREENWICH, R.I. (AP) — Former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung officially launched his campaign Tuesday for the state’s seat in Congress being vacated by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin.
Fung, a two-time Republican gubernatorial candidate in Rhode Island, said he'd help end hyper-partisan politics as part of a “new wave of leaders” laser-focused on solving problems.
Man pleads guilty in torching of Providence police cruiser
April 15, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island man who according to authorities helped burn a Providence police cruiser during a night of vandalism in the summer of 2020 has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit arson.
Rhode Island State Police head departing to be town manager
March 22, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The head of the Rhode Island State Police is stepping down to become the town manager of South Kingstown.
The South Kingstown Town Council named State Police Col. James Manni as town manager Monday night.
Gov Dan McKee formally announces gubernatorial bid
February 22, 2022 GMTEAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Dan McKee, touting his history as a small business owner and his work in helping Rhode Island pull through and recover from the coronavirus pandemic, announced as expected Tuesday that he will seek a full four-year term as governor.
State Senate president seeks commitment to renewable energy
February 20, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s Senate president wants to require the state to be powered completely by renewable energy by 2030.
Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio introduced legislation this week.
Former Langevin aide announces run for Congress
January 31, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A former top aide to retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin announced Monday that she plans to run for his seat in Rhode Island.
Joy Fox, who also worked in the administration of former Gov.
Progressive candidate says he’ll run for RI governor
September 22, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A former Rhode Island secretary of state said Wednesday he's running for governor again in the hopes of “overhauling” the entire state government.
Democrat Matt Brown said in a campaign launch video that Rhode Island is run by “the most corrupt political machine in America,” and spoke of “a revolution.” He's running with Democratic state Sen.
Rhode Island budget director steps down, takes role at Brown
August 13, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Director of the Rhode Island Office of Management and Budget has announced his resignation and will be leaving Aug. 27 for a position at Brown University.
Jonathan Womer will be joining The Policy Lab next month at Brown, the Providence Journal reported. He first became budget director under former Gov.
More cases of delta variant confirmed in Rhode Island
July 9, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Health has identified three more cases of the highly transmissible delta variant of the coronavirus, for a total of 12 in the state, authorities said.
McKee extends Rhode Island’s pandemic state of emergency
June 11, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Daniel McKee has signed an executive order that extends Rhode Island's state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic until next month.
The order signed Thursday, when the previous order was set to expire, extends the state of emergency until July 9, WJAR-TV reported.
Governor swears in newest Rhode Island state court judge
March 27, 2021 GMTCUMBERLAND, R.I. (AP) — The newest judge to the Rhode Island Superior Court was sworn in Saturday...
Man charged in Providence cruiser burning pleads guilty
March 25, 2021 GMTA man authorities say helped torch a Providence police cruiser last summer during a night of vandalism in the city pleaded guilty Thursday, federal prosecutors said...
McKee announces 5 finalists to be his lieutenant governor
March 24, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The list of finalists to be Rhode Island's next lieutenant governor has been trimmed to five, Democratic Gov...
McKee announces 10 finalists for lieutenant governor’s job
March 19, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has announced a list of 10 finalists to be his lieutenant governor...
Democrat Dan McKee sworn in as Rhode Island’s 76th governor
March 3, 2021 GMTDemocrat Dan McKee was sworn in as Rhode Island’s 76th governor Tuesday, while Gina Raimondo officially resigned the role and joined President Joe Biden’s cabinet as U...
Senate confirms Raimondo as Biden commerce secretary
March 3, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to confirm Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to serve as President Joe Biden’s commerce secretary and help guide the economy's recovery during and after the coronavirus pandemic...
Officials: Rhode Island’s vaccination efforts improving
February 25, 2021 GMTRhode Island is doing a better job of getting coronavirus vaccines into the arms of more people and at a much faster rate than before, Lt...
Raimondo defends vaccination rollout in now-rare comments
February 10, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — While acknowledging there have been “bumps in the road,” Rhode Island Gov...
Biden’s Commerce pick, Raimondo, voices tough line on China
January 26, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s pick to oversee the Commerce Department took a tough line on China in her confirmation hearing Tuesday, though she stopped short of singling out which Chinese companies should remain on a list that limits their access to advanced U.S.
Lt. Gov: No impact to COVID response with governor leaving
January 8, 2021 GMTRhode Island's coronavirus response will not be impacted by Gov. Gina Raimondo's imminent departure to join President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet, Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee promised on Friday.
In his first public statement since Raimondo was named Biden’s pick for commerce secretary, McKee said he's committed to retaining many of the top officials and experts Raimondo has tapped to lead the state’s pandemic response.
Boston mayor, RI governor among Biden adds to economic team
January 8, 2021 GMTWILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden on Friday introduced the governor of Rhode Island, the mayor of Boston and a small-business advocate from California as the newest members of his economic team...
Biden picks Rhode Island Gov. Raimondo as commerce secretary
January 8, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has picked Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to lead the Commerce Department, helping set trade policy and promote U...
EXPLAINER: Why the smallest state has a big virus challenge
January 5, 2021 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — For a few days in December, Rhode Island was one of the worst places on the planet when it came to new cases of COVID-19 per capita...
RI to relax some COVID rules after pause helped slow spread
December 18, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) —
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo will end a three-week “pause” of the state's recovery plans after she said it helped slow the spread of the coronavirus...
Rhode Island sends alert: hospitals reach COVID-19 capacity
November 30, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's hospitals reached their COVID-19 capacity on Monday, the same day the state's two-week pause, meant to control the rise in new coronavirus cases that threatens to overwhelm the state's health care system, took effect...
Some businesses to close after Thanksgiving in 2 week pause
November 19, 2020 GMTSome businesses will be required to close and capacity at restaurants and houses of worship will be reduced for a two-week period after Thanksgiving to help control Rhode Island's surging coronavirus numbers, Gov...
Governor urges Rhode Islanders to scale back Thanksgiving
October 21, 2020 GMTWith the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the rise, Gov. Gina Raimondo on Wednesday urged Rhode Islanders to scale back their Thanksgiving holiday plans by avoiding out-of-state travel and limiting celebrations to just those who live within the same household...
Report points out inequities in school reopenings
October 20, 2020 GMTStudents from low-income families in urban areas who stand to benefit most from a return to in-person lessons during the coronavirus pandemic are more likely to be learning remotely, exacerbating educational inequities that already exist, according to a report released Tuesday...
Governor: School will look very different this fall
September 3, 2020 GMTOutdoor classes under tents, designated seats on the school bus, and lunch in the classroom are just some of the changes Rhode Island children might notice when they return to school later this month, Gov...
Providence to offer more students remote learning option
August 3, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence public schools are offering remote learning to any student whose parents request it this fall, school officials said Monday.
Originally, remote learning was only being made available to students with special needs and health issues, but parents of other students requested the option as well.
Gov limits house parties to 15 people after virus cases rise
July 29, 2020 GMTRhode Islanders hosting parties during the coronavirus pandemic will need to tone things down.
Gov signs bill ensuring parental rights for same sex couples
July 21, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed into law Tuesday legislation to enshrine parental rights for same-sex couples and others who rely on assisted reproduction...
Rhode Island school district reopening plans due Friday
July 17, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Friday is the deadline for school districts across Rhode Island to submit their reopening plans to the state Education Department for review and revision...
Curfews imposed, National Guard activated following violence
June 3, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo activated the National Guard and major cities imposed curfews on Tuesday in response to unrest in Providence that officials say was not a protest over the death of George Floyd, but an organized effort to cause destruction...
Rhode Island seeks to prevent virus spread at protests
June 2, 2020 GMTRhode Island officials are exploring ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at large gatherings such as the protests over the death of George Floyd, Gov. Gina Raimondo said Tuesday.
Raimondo said it will be difficult to tell whether any COVID-19 outbreaks in the next few weeks are due to the reopening of businesses or to protests.
Youth sports returning; hair salon virus guidelines released
May 28, 2020 GMTYouth sports programs will be allowed to resume in Rhode Island starting Monday, though there won’t be any league play, tournaments or other organized competitions for now, Gov...
Program that collects devices for COVID-19 patients expands
May 8, 2020 GMTNORTHFIELD, N.H. (AP) — It’s one of the many cruelties of the pandemic: Many people hospitalized with COVID-19 are cut off from loved ones who are not allowed to visit them, for fear of the disease spreading...
Governor: Social distancing working to keep virus cases down
April 16, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo urged residents to continue adhering to social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home recommendations Thursday to keep the number of coronavirus cases in the state at the lower end of her administration's projections...
Rhode Island door knocks in search of fleeing New Yorkers
March 29, 2020 GMTWESTERLY, RI (AP) — The Rhode Island National Guard started going door to door on Saturday in coastal areas to inform any New Yorkers who may have come to the state that they must self-quarantine for 14 days while Gov...
States impose new restrictions on travelers from New York
March 28, 2020 GMTBOSTON (AP) — States are pulling back the welcome mat for travelers from the New York area, which is the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak, but some say at least one state’s measures are unconstitutional...
Governor asks for no large events in Rhode Island
March 11, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo on Wednesday called for people to avoid attending or organizing events with more than 250 people amid concerns about the new coronavirus...
Lawmakers meet to hear testimony on medical marijuana bill
January 20, 2020 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a bill to undo a change to how medical marijuana dispensaries are regulated, to address a lawsuit by the governor...
Senate leaders say they won’t support recreational marijuana
December 18, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Senate leaders said they won't support legalizing recreational marijuana if Democratic Gov...
Rhode Island lawmakers to address flavored vaping products
November 21, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says he’ll consider whether to ban the sale of flavored vaping products in the next legislative session.
Massachusetts lawmakers passed a groundbreaking ban Thursday on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products, sending it to the governor.
Lawmakers seek to dismiss governor’s suit over marijuana law
November 10, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers are asking a judge to dismiss Gov. Gina Raimondo's challenge to a new medical marijuana and hemp law...
Rhode Island governor sues over control of marijuana rules
October 22, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's governor is asking a judge to declare the legislature's control over new marijuana and hemp regulations unconstitutional...
Climate activists press politicians on ‘Green New Deal’
September 9, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Climate activists have called on politicians to reject campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests at a rally in downtown Providence.
The Sunrise Movement drew over 150 people to Burnside Park in a call for political leaders to respond to global warming by committing to a series of measures, including adopting the "Green New Deal...
The Latest: Rhode Island governor signs abortion rights bill
June 20, 2019 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Latest on the debate in Rhode Island over a bill to preserve federal abortion protections in state law (all times local):
9 p.m.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed a bill to preserve federal abortion protections in state law.
Raimondo to celebrate lighting of State House Christmas tree
November 24, 2018 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Gina Raimondo is inviting Rhode Islanders to the annual lighting of the State House Christmas tree.
The festivities will take place beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Democratic governor, first gentleman Andy Moffit and their kids will light the tree at 6:15 p.m.
Women who become governor will have to manage expectations
October 29, 2018 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Inspired by how the GI Bill helped her father become the first in his family to attend college, Rhode Island Gov...
Rhode Island governor defeats liberal primary challenger
September 13, 2018 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, who made a case for a second term by highlighting the state's improving economic fortunes, has survived a grassroots challenge from the left to win her party's nomination for re-election...
The Latest: Fung gets Rhode Island GOP nod for governor
September 13, 2018 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Latest on primary election day in Rhode Island (all times local):