Common Cause Rhode Island - Providence Business News

21 independent candidates seek to disrupt R.I.’s 2-party hold

Economic Activity 07/13/2026

When Rep. Jon Brien of Woonsocket refers to Rhode Island’s independent caucus, he’s talking about himself – the lone nonpartisan in the 113-person state...

THE CHAMBERS MAY be full, but challengers for the House and Senate seats at the R.I. Statehouse are few and far between in 2026. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Unopposed elections for General Assembly are a growing problem

Editor's Choice 07/10/2026

The increasing number of Rhode Island legislators running unopposed this election season is raising concerns about an erosion of the democratic process and about...

Virginia education group files ethics complaint against R.I. Senate president

Government 06/25/2026

A Virginia-based organization known for mounting legal challenges to DEI initiatives and LGBTQ-inclusive school policies across the country has filed an ethics complaint against R.I....

Party leaders, lawmakers champion R.I. joining Super Tuesday states

Elections 06/18/2026

How to recast Rhode Island’s reputation as a flyover state and increase turnout in presidential primary elections? Vote earlier. Newly approved legislation sent to Gov. Daniel...

GOV. DANIEL J. MCKEE has nominated Michelle Reddish, the administrator of the R.I. Cannabis Office, to become the next chairperson of the R.I. Cannabis Control Commission after a seven-month vacancy. The governor's office said an interim administrator will be name once Reddish is confirmed by the Senate. PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

New cannabis chair tabbed, but delays remain

Government 06/05/2026

Seven months after the chairperson of the R.I. Cannabis Control Commission stepped down, Gov. Daniel J. McKee has found a replacement. But his pick for...

Should political candidates be allowed to spend up to $10,000 in...

Government 05/29/2026

The state Senate on May 19 unanimously approved a bill allowing political candidates to spend up to $10,000 in campaign contributions on home and...

STATE LEGISLATORS are considering allowing political candidates to use up to $10,000 of their campaign finance money to pay for home and office security systems. PBN FILE PHOTO/WILLIAM HAMILTON

Bill would make home security an allowable campaign expense for candidates

Editor's Choice 05/29/2026

Legislation that would allow political candidates to spend up to $10,000 of campaign money on home and office security systems is making its way...

Shekarchi will be 1 of 5 interviewed for R.I. Supreme Court...

Economic Activity 05/20/2026

Former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi has made the cut for a formal interview to join the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Following two hours behind...