Metro

Mural, mural on the wall

Teacher hiring plan draws lawsuit

As the school year begins for more than 20,000 students and teachers in Providence public schools, a change in hiring policy has led to praise, concern — and now a lawsuit.

'Indoor prostitution' may be coming to an end in R.I.

Rhode Island is one of just two places in the union where prostitution is currently legal. But legislators could vote to put an end to that when they return from recess before the end of the summer.

State medical marijuana centers get green light

The Rhode Island General Assembly passed a bill last month to allow the creation of up to three state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, becoming the third state in the country to legalize so-called "compassion centers" after both the House and Senate voted to override the veto of Gov. Donald ...

Legislature moves to remove 'Plantations' from state's name

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations might lose the distinction of having the longest name of any state if lawmakers and residents favor an amendment to the state constitution.

Taxes on private colleges advance in R.I. legislature

Two bills have made progress in Rhode Island's General Assembly that could cost Brown and its students millions of dollars if they become law.

Local relations director to leave Brown

Darrell Brown, director for state and community relations, will leave his post at Brown this May to start a new job in Washington, with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

Community argues against restaurant

Problems with rowdy crowds at a Providence nightclub, including reports of fights, underage drinking and weapons, may keep the owner from getting the city's permission to open another establishment in Fox Point. 

Forbes: Providence a tough place to live

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere — at least according to Forbes.

Laid-off ProJo workers print 'stimulus' paper

Four former Providence Journal employees have teamed up to have "a little fun in the face of potential economic ruin" — by creating their own newsletter.

Rep. calls for 'product stewardship'

State Representative Donna Walsh, D-Dist. 36, has introduced a bill in the General Assembly that calls for manufacturers to regulate the disposal of waste from certain consumer products.

Changes in store for Thayer Street

The recession has hit Rhode Island hard, and Thayer Street businesses have not been immune to the slumping economy.

Liberian refugees get extra year in U.S.

Liberians in Rhode Island rejoiced last month at news that refugees from the West African country would be granted an additional 12 months of amnesty in the United States, thanks to an executive order signed by President Obama.

Mall owner files for bankruptcy

Though General Growth Properties Inc., the national real estate investment company that owns Providence Place Mall, filed for bankruptcy last Thursday, students will still be able to shop and catch a movie as usual.

Stimulus money goes to local arts

Of the $1.1 billion allotted to Rhode Island under the economic stimulus bill signed by President Obama in February, $291,500 is on its way to local art projects.

M VERNON ARTS

Thayer Street congestion fix awaits new parking boss

Last spring, a task force released recommendations to reduce parking problems and congestion on College Hill. A year later, implementation of those recommendations is on hold while the city waits for a new parking administrator to take control.

M SPEYER TEA PARTY

City schools end teacher placement policy

Providence Public Schools will end the practice known as "bumping" — filling teaching vacancies based mainly on seniority — at six schools later this year and throughout the city in 2010. The move to end bumping has angered the teachers union, which may sue to stop it.

Thousands protest taxes at TEA Party

More than 2,000 protesters gathered on the steps of the State House Wednesday afternoon at a rally against "runaway" government spending and taxes.