Rhode Island
DCYF pauses St. Mary’s Home expansion pending reorganization • Rhode Island Current
The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) has decided to hold off on additional construction at the embattled St. Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence.
A construction contract for a new building with 12 beds on St. Mary’s campus was approved in February 2023 and enjoyed the support of lawmakers, DCYF and Gov. Dan McKee, all of whom pointed to the need for more facilities that can provide intensive psychiatric care for the state’s youth, especially adolescent girls and transgender kids.
But Kerri White, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, said via email late Thursday afternoon that DCYF has asked the Division of Purchases at the Department of Administration to pause the contract.
“This is a pause in construction, not a termination,” White wrote. “The reason for the pause is that DCYF is waiting for additional leadership and organizational decisions to be made by St. Mary’s and Tides Family Services.”
The nonprofit Tides Family Services provides services in youth and families’ homes and schools around Rhode Island. In a joint announcement on May 8, the two organizations revealed Tides Family Services was taking over the management of residential clinical services at St. Mary’s, which was the subject of a scathing report from the Office of the Child Advocate highlighting abuse, neglect and misconduct there. The report made public in January led to a number of sanctions from DCYF and the Rhode Island Department of Health. It also generated numerous discussions at the State House over whether the construction, tentatively priced at $11 million and funded by pandemic dollars, should continue.
DCYF manages child protective services as well as the foster care system in Rhode Island. It can also coordinate behavioral health services, like residential treatment at St. Mary’s, for children not in state custody. That’s partially due to a Medicaid extension the state filed in 2018, one which allows kids otherwise ineligible for Medicaid to receive treatment in a psychiatric residential treatment facility, or PRTF — a federally regulated form of intensive, residential psychiatric treatment for people under age 21. The extension does not require parents to give up custody to DCYF.
The discovery of contaminated soil at the Fruit Hill Avenue site had already delayed construction earlier this year. During a March hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance, DCYF Director Ashley Deckert expressed hope that the new facility could begin taking patients as early as April 2025.
Deckert also underlined the need for the facility at a House Oversight Committee hearing in January, shortly after the release of the child advocate’s report. “We can’t lose this capacity. So it’s almost like a too big to fail sort of situation,” she said then.
Katelyn Medeiros, who leads the Office of the Child Advocate, which completed the report on St. Mary’s last December, was recently confirmed by the Senate as the state’s permanent child advocate after serving as the interim leader for two years. In a May 23 committee hearing before her final confirmation, senators were curious about the ongoing St. Mary’s situation. What was she going to do about it?
“I am hopeful that we are going to see an improvement at this facility,” Medeiros told senators. “But right now, I’ll say my sole focus is the safety and well being of the children that are still placed there.”
That also seems to be the focus of DCYF and the office of human services.
“At this point, our focus is on supporting St. Mary’s and Tides’ collaboration efforts,” White said. “We will continue to monitor the situation before we determine when construction will start.”
St. Mary’s announced last month that the children currently residing there would be placed elsewhere. That leaves another gap in the state’s array of psychiatric residential treatment and other intensive behavioral care services. The lack of services was the subject of an investigation by U.S. District Attorney Zacahry Cunha, who released a report last month documenting overhospitalization practices at Bradley Hospital, another provider of intensive psychiatric services for youth.
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Rhode Island
Flight restrictions over World Cup sites: Unpermitted drones could be destroyed if they fly in certain areas – The Boston Globe
The drone restriction is centered around the soccer practice field adjacent to Beirne football stadium at Bryant University, and the Graduate by Hilton Providence hotel, which are being used by Team Ghana.
“The FAA exempts drone operations that directly support national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting or search-and-rescue missions,” Breitenfeldt said. “Commercial operators with a valid statement of work must submit requests at least 72 hours before operating within a restricted area to allow for coordination and approval.”
According to the notice, The Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Justice may seize, damage, or even destroy drones that they deep to be a credible safety or security threat.
Providence law enforcement is handling safety efforts on the ground.
“This is unlike any event Providence has hosted in terms of duration and international reach, but our police, fire, emergency management, and city teams have been preparing extensively,” said Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez in a press release.
The PVD FanZone at Station Park, between the Providence Place Mall and train station, will host fans from around the world. According to the press release, the city will have a layered security plan throughout the FanZone and surrounding downtown area and police presence throughout the district. A mobile command center will be located nearby where the public can seek help.
There will be four staffed entryways with security screening, and alcohol service will end 30 minutes prior to the FanZone’s closing each night.
Guests will not be allowed to bring coolers or outside food and drinks, drones, or weapons of any kind, according to the press release.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at carlos.munoz@globe.com. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
BRISTOL, R.I. (WJAR) — A bill that puts restrictions on self-checkout lanes is headed to the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
The legislation would require grocery stores to have one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkouts.
The bill was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 21.
Senate President Valarie Lawson said it is to help cashiers, as well as customers who may struggle with checking out their groceries, and Rep. Megan Cotter said the bill is about both cashier and customer protection.
Coastal ABC’s Cate Hanewich spoke with customers about the bill. (WJAR)
However, Scott Bromberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association, sees the bill in a different way.
Bromberg said he does not want limitations on self-checkout, and that consumers want the fast-shopping experience that self-checkout has to offer.
“The way modern consumers shop has changed, and they want a faster checkout,” he said.
However, Cotter claims that consumers want staffed registers.
Bristol resident Alan Gorbutt agrees and said he does not like self-checkout.
“I like the old-fashioned way. Just go to the regular checkout, seeing the regular lady with the happy smile. I get my groceries that way,” Gorbutt said.
Shopper Christine Auserwald said she will go between the two options but has a preference.
“I prefer manual checkout, but if the lines are too long, I do go to self-checkout,” Auserwald said.
Other customers said they only use self-checkout.
“More convenient, I’m mostly, in and out,” one shopper said.
Bromberg also voiced concern that the bill only limits grocery stores.
Customers using the self-checkout lanes. (WJAR)
“Right now, self-checkout is everywhere you can think of. It’s in hardware stores. It’s in pharmacies, dollars stores, craft stores, discount stores. And we just don’t understand why it only applies to grocery stores,” Bromberg said.
However, Cotter said the bill also includes retail stores Target and Walmart.
If passed, Rhode Island would be the first state in the country to have a statewide restriction on self-checkout.
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