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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — East Providence City Council President Bob Rodericks has released a letter he sent to Gov. Dan McKee urging the governor to declare a State of Emergency for the continuing Washington Bridge closure.
The release of the letter comes a day after the state was sent an order by the U.S. Department of Justice that requested documents on the bridge dating back a decade.
In the letter, Rodericks said that East Providence is impacted by the closure the most of any community in the state.
“Our police and fire departments are stretched to their limits,” he said. “The necessary repairs or possible bridge replacement will evidently take much more time than originally anticipated.”
He continues by saying that the Rhode Island Department of Transportation may not have the resources to properly deal with the situation, and that federal assistance may be required.
“Possibly the US Army Corps of Engineers can expedite the bridge repairs alongside our RIDOT,” the letter reads. “The Rhode Island National Guard could also help with traffic control to assist with local East Providence Police efforts during peak hours of gridlock. The State needs to pause all non-emergency DOT projects throughout R.I. and concentrate all its resources into fixing the Washington Bridge.”
Rodericks added that that he hoped an emergency declaration would help the city be reimbursed for the “crisis,” and possibly receive stipends for impacted neighborhoods and businesses.
“I’m asking the state to reimburse East Providence for all expenses tied to this problem,” he said. “Our streets are being worn down as many trucks and motorists in the East Bay and nearby Massachusetts are cutting through our side streets and neighborhoods looking for a bypass solution.”
Rodericks also released this statement to ABC 6:
“My intent is not to place blame at this time, but to work together to fix this problem swiftly. More than a ‘commuter crisis,’ East Providence businesses and residents are struggling everyday within our borders. I receive calls daily from people who can’t get out of their driveways. Motorists from throughout the region are cutting through our neighborhoods looking for a bypass solution. I know state officials want to solve this ASAP. I advocate pausing all non-emergency roadway projects until we get a better handle on the Washington Bridge.”
Local News
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.
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(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:
Midday: 7-7-1-0
Evening: 6-7-5-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
04-05-07-13-32, Extra: 18
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
04-11-31-54-58, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
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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