To understand how Rhode Island became the only state in America to decriminalize prostitution, you have to go back to the mid-1970s, when a powerful Rhode Island politician helped advance the cause of a former prostitute.
R.I. in 'eye of the storm' in sex trafficking, prostitution
Providence mayor backs prostitution ban, says legislators could do more
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Frank J. Williams, the retired chief justice of the state Supreme Court, whose constant presence has been cited as a cause in the divorce case of his former driver, announced Tuesday that he will no longer sit on the state's highest court.
Former R.I. chief justice hired godchild's grandmother
Williams barred from visiting former driver's family
Former R.I. chief justice Williams cited in divorce case involving his ex-driver
Johnston dad says he felt 'intimidated' by ex-RI chief justice
Kerr: It's too late to repair damage done to Williams' reputation
Driver worked for Chief Justice Williams for 4 years
Eight years ago, as a lobbyist for the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, Patrick C. Lynch played a role in persuading the General Assembly to pass legislation that helped the agency develop a controversial industrial park next to the state Central Landfill in Johnston.
R.I. General Treasurer seeks to collect on Resource Recovery Corporation's insurance policies
Case closed on RI landfill but it could reopen
Carcieri's audit: R.I. landfill "mismanaged and corrupt"
Extra: The 155-page state audit on the R.I. Resource Recovery (12mb PDF)
Continuing Reports
Borrowing Trouble

State of the Mob
Journal investigative reporter and mob expert W. Zachary "Bill" Malinowski takes an in-depth look at the history of organized crime in Rhode Island.
Operation Dollar Bill A wide-ranging corruption case involving at least seven politicians and seven corporations that began late in 2003.
The Immigration Debate
DOT Investigation
Turning the tide: Megan Boudreau's first baby died after being born prematurely. Pregnant again, she's taking steps to have a healthy full-term baby, and at 35 weeks, she's close to succeeding. But what can be done nationwide to turn back the rising tide of premature births? Read the stories
Laboratory mice offer clues to preventing preemies
What you can do to lower your risk of premature birth
After two problem pregnancies, the courage for a third
Video: Building strength, with help from a pony: No longer tethered to a ventilator, Teagan Grant gets "hippotherapy," riding a pony to strengthen her neck and back.
Your Turn: Have you ever worried about having a premature baby? What did you do to try to prevent it?
From Our Archives
More Special Reports
News Extras: Enhanced reports and the big stories
Sights & Sounds: Featuring multimedia narratives, imagery and audio
Galleries: A collection of photo slideshows
Audio Reports: Stories you can hear
Art Specials: Galleries with an artistic touch












