Published July 28, 2010

Is Rhode Island on a nefarious mission to chip away at our state coffers?

First we got news that Sen. John Kerry docked his new yacht there, a tax haven for boaters. After the manufactured uproar, Kerry has voluntarily agreed to pay about a half-million dollars in taxes to Massachusetts. Take that, Rhode Island.

The Herald as-sails the senior skipper this morning and quotes state Republicans who say Kerry voters will jump ship. Bostonist has a roundup of the important work Kerry is doing, overshadowed by recent controversies.

Meanwhile, former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling throws a change-up and moves his video game venture, 38 Studios, to Rhode Island, promising 450 new jobs there. C’mon, Curt. Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, it probably doesn’t even have 450 people. The Globe’s Hiawatha Bray reports on the reignited debate over business incentives in the Bay State.

Finally, it turns out Rhode Island and Massachusetts are among 19 states competing for a share of $3.4 billion in “Race to the Top” education funding. Rhode Island is asking for $75 million. Massachusetts wants $250 million.