Rhode Island Politics

(Stations: Please substitute the following for V3958, slugged RI Bishop-Kennedy, which moved at 5:05 a.m. Eastern time. The new version CORRECTS Kennedy not disclosing how bishop told him of ban sted in discussions.) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rep. Patrick Kennedy says Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin has barred him from receiving communion because of his support of abortion rights. The Providence Journal reports on its Web site Sunday that Kennedy said in an interview that Tobin issued the order, further escalating a simmering ideological dispute between the two men. Under church rules, Tobin can prevent Kennedy from receiving communion within his diocese, which covers ... Read Full Story

Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEHR'-ee), a gay marriage opponent, has opened the door slightly to the limited recognition of same-sex relationships in Rhode Island. The Republican governor still opposes gay marriage and said during the 2006 election that he opposed civil unions for same-sex couples. But after a closed-door meeting with a gay rights group, Carcieri told reporters Thursday he would consider creating a domestic partnership system similar to one approved this month by voters in Washington state. That Washington plan will allow same-sex couples benefits such as the right to use sick leave to care for a domestic partner and rights related to adoption, ... Read Full Story

The Providence Arcade was once the heart of the capital city's downtown. Built in 1828, it was a bustling commercial center with a skylight-topped center atrium surrounded by three levels of shops and offices. It's also a nationally important example of Greek Revival architecture, boasting 12 massive granite Ionic columns and elaborate iron railings lining walkways that ring its upper floors. The oldest enclosed shopping center in the country, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. But while the building is striking to look at, it was built for another time. It has now stood empty for months, casualty of the financial ... Read Full Story

A struggling slot parlor in Lincoln plans to start offering around-the-clock gambling beginning next week. Twin River announced on Monday that 24-hour weekday slots will begin Nov. 19. Gov. Don Carcieri's administration gave Twin River permission last week to expand its hours on the weekdays. It already operates around-the-clock on weekends and holidays. The expanded hours are an attempt to help bring in extra money at the slot parlor, which filed for bankruptcy protection in June as it struggled to repay a half-billion dollars in debt. It's the state's third-largest source of income. Carcieri agreed to support extended gambling hours as part of a ... Read Full Story

Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri has signed legislation closing a loophole that made indoor prostitution legal and allowed more than 30 suspected brothels to operate around the state. The bills signed Tuesday end Rhode Island's status as the only state that allowed indoor prostitution statewide. The practice is legal in parts of Nevada. The new law took effect immediately. Carcieri praised the new law as a step forward and said it ended Rhode Island's "terrible" distinction. Rhode Island lawmakers inadvertently created the loophole in 1980 when they passed a law cracking down on prostitutes and their customers who operated in public. But it was ... Read Full Story