WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn appeared at a “Rhode Island First” rally in Warwick Saturday night with Vic Mellor, a congressional candidate running to unseat Rep. Seth Magaziner in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District.

Protestors gathered near the entrance of the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick ahead of the rally, where Flynn and Mellor gave remarks along with other conservative speakers and musicians.

“The purpose of this is to motivate the base, because there’s such a high percentage of Republicans and Independents that don’t vote,” Mellor said.

Devin Bates reports on a rally for Vic Mellor, a Republican challenger to Rep. Seth Magaziner, that featured Michael Flynn. (WJAR)

Protestors picketing outside the hotel felt differently, with organizers calling out the hotel’s owners for hosting “individuals associated with the January 6 insurrection, election denialism, and extreme rhetoric.”

“We don’t agree with Crowne Plaza letting them be here, we think it’s kind of sad that they do,” said Kristen Lancaster. “They’re not pro-democracy, they’re anti-healthcare, anti-science.”

Ahead of the rally, Flynn shared his thoughts about Rhode Island’s current federal delegation as Mellor seeks to become the first GOP candidate elected to statewide office since 2006, when Donald Carcieri was re-elected as governor.

“You’ve got manufacturing potential here, you have a workforce that really could be first class, but you don’t have a federal elected body of people right now that are bringing that back, because they’re fighting opportunity,” Flynn said.

NBC 10 News reached out to IHG Hotels and Resorts for comment on protestors’ frustration over the Crowne Plaza hosting this event, but the company had not responded.

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Rhode Island Foundation awarded more than $5.2 million in grants to Newport County nonprofits in 2025, contributing to a record-setting year for the organization as it marked the largest grant-making total in its 109-year history.

Among the local organizations receiving support were Strategic Prevention Partnerships (SPP) in Portsmouth and Turning Around Ministries in Newport, both working to address urgent community needs.

SPP received $125,000 to expand its No Wrong Door initiative, a program designed to help Newport County firefighters, EMTs and police officers cope with trauma-related anxiety, PTSD and depression.

“Behind their uniforms, many First Responders face mental health challenges stemming from the high-stress nature of the job,” said Rebecca Elwell, SPP’s executive director. “From the increasing day-to-day traumatic events to large-scale incidents, critical calls are becoming more frequent.”

Turning Around Ministries received $70,000 to continue its work helping residents facing financial hardship access affordable housing, workforce development programs and long-term financial stability.

“The number of unhoused and un- or under-employed people in Newport County is increasing, and so is the number of people needing our help,” said Cheryl Robinson, the organization’s president. “Participants know we are there for them and committed for the long haul.”

Other Newport County nonprofits receiving grants include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Newport Community School, East Bay Community Action Program, Conexion Latina Newport, Little Compton Community Center, Jamestown Community Food Pantry and the Newport County YMCA.

Statewide, the Rhode Island Foundation awarded a record $93 million to more than 2,600 nonprofit organizations in 2025, while also launching a new Five-Year Action Plan aimed at addressing some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

“Our work last year reflects what the community identified as their priorities and the areas where we could play a deeper role,” said David Cicilline, the foundation’s president and CEO.

The plan focuses on five community priorities: civic and cultural life, climate action and sustainability, education and student success, healthy and strong communities, and housing and economic mobility.

In addition to its record grant-making, the foundation raised $82 million in donations in 2025, its third-best fundraising year.

“The generosity of Rhode Islanders allows us to respond to emerging issues and invest in initiatives that strengthen communities across the state,” Cicilline said.

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Related

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 6, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 6 drawing

08-19-26-38-42, Mega Ball: 24

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from March 6 drawing

Midday: 8-6-2-3

Evening: 1-8-7-4

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 6 drawing

02-08-16-26-32, Extra: 24

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 6 drawing

04-10-29-48-50, 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.