Our focus continues to be journalism about issues that often are neglected or under-reported in this era of media changes.

NEWPORT – Ocean State Stories debuted four years ago this coming Saturday. In our letter of introduction, co-founder Jim Ludes, director of Salve Regina University’s Pell Center, and I wrote that our focus would be:

 “Journalism about issues that often are neglected or under-reported—stories that explore healthcare, education, public policy, socioeconomic and racial disparities and injustices, domestic violence, food and housing insecurities, ageism, suicide prevention, mental health, veterans affairs, and developmental and intellectual disabilities, among others.” In the hundreds of stories and Q&As that we have published since Feb. 7, 2023, we have been true to our word.

All of the content produced by Ocean State Stories continues to be widely available—on our website and on our partners’ websites and print editions—free of charge. We also regularly publish content from our partners—also for free. These arrangements help fill the gap as traditional news outlets in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts downsize or cease publication. Our 10 partners are listed here.

In addition to the stories that I report and write, we publish stories by a corps of freelance writers, including college students and established writers. In 2026, we are seeking more freelancers. Anyone interested can apply via the link in this story. https://www.oceanstatestories.org/freelance-journalists-wanted/

Adding to our 2024 Silver Anthem Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Public Service, in 2025 we were a finalist in the 2025 LION Publishers Sustainability Awards contest, public service category.

Ocean State Stories wins Silver in international Anthem Awards competition
Ocean State Stories named finalist in national contest

We are founding members of the Rhode Island News Collaborative, RINC.

And we are proud members of the Rhode Island Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, New England First Amendment Coalition, Alliance of Nonprofit News Outlets (ANNO), Education Writers Association, the Association of Health Care Journalists, and LION Publishers: Local, Independent, Online News.

Along with English, we can be read in Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

These are some of the many stories we published during 2025 and early 2026:

— Feb. 13

A new home for long-established drop-in center Oasis

— March 19

Women under 40 are experiencing increased rates of breast cancer

— March 31

New Samaritans website offers calm and resources for people with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide.

— April 13

Ocean State Stories asked rabbis to reflect on the meaning and observance of Passover. Here’s what they said.

— May 1

Therapy animals a win-win for hospital patients and staff in Rhode Island

— May 23

Parenting while living with behavioral health challenges

— June 11

CODAC’s new community center a ‘one-stop shop’ to meet health and many other needs of Rhode Islanders

— June 26

Ocean State Stories named finalist in national contest

— June 30

Ocean State Stories asked a sampling of Rhode Islanders what freedom means to them today. Here’s what they said.

— July 15

Ongoing study demonstrates the power of physical activity to help children and adolescents with ADHD

— Aug. 11

Two nursing students primed for careers in oncology after graduating from innovative fellowship program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

— Sept. 3

Pioneering program helps victims of sexual violence

— Oct. 22

R.I. Centers serving refugees and immigrants continue their work under new Trump policies

— Dec. 14

Two dead, nine injured in Brown University mass shooting

— Dec. 29

Q & A with Alisha Pina, new head and lead organizer of the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty

— Jan. 12, 2026

Q & A with The Studio principal Dr. Francois I. Luks

Q & A with The Studio principal Dr. Francois I. Luks