Topic: Rhode Island

All teachers fired at R.I. school. Will that happen elsewhere?

All the teachers at Central Falls High School in Rhode Island were fired by the board of trustees this week. More such cases are likely to arise across the US in the coming year because of pressure from the Obama administration – and the incentive of billions of federal dollars.

To improve school performance, fire all the teachers?

When high school teachers refused to work extra hours without pay, Central Falls, R.I., fired them all. Will that improve performance?

Pew Center on the States: Top eight states with worst pension woes

State pension funds are $1 trillion short, according to the Pew Center on the States. How does your state stack up?

Patrick Kennedy's planned retirement deals Democrats another blow

Patrick Kennedy will officially announce Sunday that he will not seek another term in the House. Republicans were already targeting his Rhode Island seat.

In California, quest for cleaner power hits tortoise-sized speed bumps

Golden State lawmakers ask which is more important: building the nation's largest solar-energy farm or protecting a fragile ecosystem?

What can Robert Gates achieve in extra year at Pentagon?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced recently that he will stay on at least another year. That will help him shepherd some of his Pentagon reforms – and perhaps start new ones.

California voters will decide whether to legalize marijuana

The first state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, California leads the country in decriminalizing the sale and use of cannabis. Other states are considering the issue, too, but critics warn of the impact on young people.

Opinion: Obama can create jobs by modeling two good ideas

He should combine New Deal-era solutions with Germany's successful work-share program.

Catholics face moral crisis between healthcare reform and abortion

Catholics have long supported healthcare reform. But many now worry that it might compromise existing restrictions on federal funding of abortions, leaving them with a tough choice.

‘Buy local’ movement gives new life to corner stores

Communities urge residents to think and spend locally in a bid to boost area businesses.

Top 5 things to know about Scott Rothstein

South Florida megalawyer Scott Rothstein is indicted on charges that he used a $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme to peddle influence.

Patrick Kennedy communion clash reveals split in Catholic church

Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Sunday that he is being barred from taking communion because he favors abortion rights. The disagreement points to broader tensions in the Catholic church regarding abortion measures in the healthcare reform bill.

Pew report: nine states join California in facing fiscal crisis

Ten states from Arizona to Oregon now face a fiscal crisis, says a Pew report. Some economists say additional stimulus is needed to soften the economic impact of impending state budget cuts.

Why 20-somethings are crucial to healthcare reform

To make healthcare reform work, insurers need to bring 20-somethings into the system. But the House and Senate differ on how much to penalize people who refuse to buy health insurance.

Don't prosecute medical-marijuana use, Obama administration says

A Justice Department memo issued Monday tells federal prosecutors to ease off medical-marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug.

Here's where stimulus money is putting people to work

A first report card shows the federal Recovery Act money means hiring more electricians, carpenters, and others across the country. But it’s not necessarily in states with the highest unemployment rates.

Not safe from layoffs in this recession: the public sector

The unemployment report on Friday showed 53,000 fewer government jobs in September.

Another Biden for Senate?

Beau Biden, son of the vice president, is back from a year in Iraq. He'd start a Senate run in Delaware with a leg up, but 2010 looks to be a tough election for Democrats.

Craigslist goes down: apartment hunting, job searching comes to a halt

How Washington lobbyists peddle power

The equivalent of six health-care lobbyists for every member of Congress are registered for this year's biggest political battle.

Ted Kennedy's friend Paul Kirk now favorite for Senate seat

Kirk has received the endorsement of widow Victoria Kennedy and sons Patrick and Edward Jr. He is the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

A major price drop for solar panels

Solar power has suddenly become more affordable.

For more hard-pressed Americans, a campsite is home

Camp grounds and tent cities become permanent addresses.