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Rhode Island
Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Auto Insurers from Charging More for Widowed Policyholders – Newport Buzz
In a move aimed at protecting widowed individuals from discriminatory insurance practices, the Senate today approved a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Valarie Lawson. The legislation, known as bill 2024-S 2269, seeks to prevent auto insurers from imposing higher premiums solely based on the policyholder’s marital status as a widow or widower.
Under the provisions of the bill, auto insurers are prohibited from treating widows or widowers differently than married individuals in terms of classification or rates. This regulation is set to take effect for policies issued after January 1, 2025.
The initiative garnered bipartisan support and now proceeds to the House, where a companion legislation (2024-H 7606) introduced by Representative Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) has already been passed.
Senator Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) emphasized the personal impetus behind the bill, citing a constituent’s experience as a driving force. “This issue first came to my attention when a constituent of mine reached out to share her story with me,” said Lawson. “Adding an additional expense to the lives of those mourning a loved one is unnecessary and unfair.”
The proposed legislation received backing from the local insurance industry, which acknowledged the need for fair treatment of policyholders. Insurers highlighted that widowed individuals, unlike other rating factors, pose minimal to no additional risk as drivers.
The bill’s passage represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable treatment in the insurance sector and alleviating financial burdens for widowed individuals during periods of grief and transition.
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The vehicle’s three occupants are believed to still be inside.
A car carrying a family of three went into the Seekonk River in Rhode Island Sunday evening, authorities said.
The vehicle entered the river near the Taft Street boat ramp shortly before 7:30 p.m., Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said in a statement.
A bystander riding a jet ski heard the car dive into the water and attempted to help, while another witness called 911, according to Goncalves.
First responders arrived within three minutes of the emergency call, Goncalves noted.
The vehicle’s three occupants are believed to still be inside, The Boston Globe reported.
Recovery efforts resumed Monday, with Pawtucket police and fire personnel working alongside Rhode Island State Police and other state agencies to remove the vehicle from the river, Goncalves said.
“Conditions are extremely challenging for dive teams due to the strong current and poor underwater visibility,” she added.
A video released by the Globe shows the car being recovered from the water Monday afternoon.
Authorities have not released the identities or conditions of the occupants.
“We ask that you please keep the family and their loved ones in your prayers as our first responders continue recovery efforts,” Goncalves said.
(WJAR) — Rhode Island leaders will announce millions in funding for road improvements in Aquidneck Island on Monday.
Members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation will announce $19,250,000 in federal funding for the project.
File image of traffic in Aquidneck Island. (WJAR)
It’s meant to improve road and sidewalk conditions on the island.
This will include high-visibility crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
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Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Gabe Amo are expected to attend.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 28, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from June 28 drawing
Midday: 7-7-1-0
Evening: 6-7-5-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from June 28 drawing
04-05-07-13-32, Extra: 18
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 28 drawing
04-11-31-54-58, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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