Rhode Island
Historic Afternoon: Rhode Island Defeats Central Connecticut in Epic Playoff Battle – Newport Buzz
In a cold and raucous Meade Stadium, No. 10 Rhode Island snapped a 39-year postseason drought with a gritty 21-17 victory over Central Connecticut State in the opening round of the FCS playoffs Saturday. A record-breaking performance from Malik Grant and a suffocating defensive effort sent the Rams (11-2) to the second round, earning a date with No. 7 Mercer.
The Rams dominated early, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Hunter Helms connected with Tommy Smith on a 38-yard touchdown strike to open the scoring. Moments later, Emmanuel Gomes intercepted CCSU quarterback Brady Olson and returned it 42 yards for a pick-six.
Central Connecticut State, the NEC champions, clawed back into the game. Olson threw touchdown passes to Isaac Boston in the second and third quarters to tie the game at 14.
In the fourth quarter, Rhode Island regained control. A 23-yard punt return by Shawn Harris Jr. set up the Rams at the CCSU 32-yard line. Six plays later, Smith took a direct snap in the Wildcat formation and powered through the right side for a 6-yard touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner.
Rhode Island’s defense was stifling throughout, holding CCSU to just 271 total yards and forcing three interceptions. Gomes’ pick-six was a game-changer, while lineman Westley Neal Jr. sealed the victory with a late interception after Carson Primrose tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Running back Malik Grant led the offensive charge for the Rams, rushing for 223 yards on 30 carries. His performance set a new single-season rushing record for the program with 1,390 yards and marked his second consecutive 200-yard game.
The win marked Rhode Island’s 11th of the season, a program record. The Rams now turn their attention to No. 7 Mercer for a second-round matchup on Dec. 7. With a balanced team effort and momentum on their side, Rhode Island looks poised for a deep playoff run.
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Rhode Island
RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for March 5, 2026
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 5, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from March 5 drawing
Midday: 8-6-6-2
Evening: 8-1-9-8
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from March 5 drawing
03-08-09-14-30, Extra: 31
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 5 drawing
17-20-23-30-33, Bonus: 05
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.
Rhode Island
Attorney General Neronha endorses Democrat Helena Foulkes for Rhode Island Governor
(WJAR) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha endorsed Democrat Helena Foulkes in her bid for Rhode Island Governor on Thursday.
Neronha spoke at a campaign event with Foulkes.
The term-limited Attorney General says he hadn’t been comfortable endorsing people because of his position.
Neronha said he had gotten to know Foulkes after she reached out to him about health care, an issue Neronha has been vocal about.
“I found Helena to be a great listener, a great thought partner, a person of integrity and character, and that is foremost why I’m endorsing her today,” he said.
“What Rhode Island needs today and into the future is strong capable leadership,” he said. “This is not a state that can afford to keep muddling around in the four, eight, ten, fifteen years.”
He said Foulkes could offer bold leadership.
Neronha has publicly admitted to having a strained relationship with Gov. Dan McKee.
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This story will be updated.
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Powerball, Numbers Midday winning numbers for March 4, 2026
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from March 4 drawing
07-14-42-47-56, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from March 4 drawing
Midday: 2-7-4-4
Evening: 7-6-0-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from March 4 drawing
08-11-12-18-24, Extra: 15
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 4 drawing
12-13-36-39-58, 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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