Rhode Island

Hopkins vs. Fenton-Fung: Republicans split on range of issues in Cranston mayoral primary – The Boston Globe

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2024

Hopkins vs. Fenton-Fung: Republicans split on range of issues in Cranston mayoral primary – The Boston Globe

They even disagreed about whether they would go to dinner at Twin Oaks or Mike’s Kitchen.

On the Rhode Island Report podcast, just about the only thing that Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins and state Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung agreed on was their criticism of City Council member Robert Ferri, the Democratic candidate for mayor.

Fenton-Fung is challenging Hopkins in a rare Republican primary on Sept. 10, and the race has become the most closely watched contest in Rhode Island this election cycle. The winner will face Ferri, a former Republican, in the Nov. 5 general election.

For the podcast, we brought both candidates into the studio separately to explain where they stand on the major issues. Then we put their responses together so voters can easily compare and contrast.

Hopkins and Fenton-Fung weighed in on issues ranging from Cranston’s business climate to flooding in the city. They sparred over a Hopkins campaign mailer that attacked Fenton-Fung’s legislative voting record, and the state Ethics Commission’s dismissal of a complaint accusing Hopkins of nepotism.

At one point, Fenton-Fung rejected Hopkins’ accusation that her husband, former Cranston mayor Allan W. Fung, tried to get Hopkins to hire his law firm to do legal work for the city. “Does he have dementia now?” she asked, referring to Hopkins. “He should realize that Allan’s firm was already doing business for the city of Cranston.”

At another point, Hopkins talked about what role Allan Fung might play in city government if Fenton-Fung wins. “He’s probably going to tell her what to do,” he said. “He’s going to advise her. They’re a good political team. And politics aside, that’s not what I’m all about. You know, they bring politics into everything that they do.”

The discussion even included references to former Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. and former Governor Edward D. DiPrete.

To get the latest episode each week, follow Rhode Island Report podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, or listen in the player above.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

Published

2 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha will release on Wednesday findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to the attorney general’s office, the report will detail the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse over decades.

While the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is home to the country’s largest Catholic population per capita, with nearly 40% of the state identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Neronha first launched the investigation in 2019, nearly a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 1,000 children had been abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state since the 1940s. The 2018 report is considered one of the broadest inquiries into child sexual abuse in U.S. history.

Neronha’s investigation involved entering into an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to gain access to all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy dating back to 1950. Neronha’s office said in 2019 that the goal of the report was to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse, identify any prosecutable cases, and ensure that no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.

Rhode Island State Police also helped with the investigation.

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Rhode Island

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Published

14 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders who plan to join in the global celebration of Irish culture can choose from big and small events, including a parade in Providence.

The March 17 holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, and many big events will be held the weekend of March 14-15. Originally a modest, religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day today is a vibrant, boisterous holiday observed by millions of people regardless of their heritage.

The Providence parade is March 21.

We’ve rounded up 10 more events to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But first, are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day fun in Rhode Island:

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Rhode Island

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Local News

The two victims were identified as a husband and wife from Rhode Island, local officials said.

A Rhode Island husband and wife in their 50s were identified as the two people killed in a Swansea car crash Friday night.

Carlolyn Carcasi, 54, and James Carcasi, 53, of Bristol, Rhode Island, were killed in the Feb. 27 crash, the office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said in a press release Monday.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 6 in Swansea, Quinn’s office said.

Police in Cranston, Rhode Island identified the driver who allegedly hit the couple as Demitri Sousa, 28. Sousa allegedly shot and killed a man in Rhode Island nearly four hours before the crash, Cranston police said.

At around 12:18 a.m. Friday, Swansea police spotted Sousa’s Infiniti barreling down Route 6, Swansea officials said previously.

The couple was driving southbound on Route 136 when the Sousa crashed into the side of a Subaru Ascent. Both cars had “catastrophic damage,” and the Subaru was engulfed in flames, Swansea fire and police officials said.

Both occupants of the Subaru were declared dead at the scene, Swansea officials said.

Sousa was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries. He is expected to live and will be held in Cranston police custody until he is medically cleared, police said Sunday.