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Eclipse watchers in R.I. soaked up the sun (and the moon) across the state – The Boston Globe

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Eclipse watchers in R.I. soaked up the sun (and the moon) across the state – The Boston Globe


Rhode Island residents gathered for watch parties across the state, including at Brown, Roger Williams National Memorial, Tiverton Public Library, and at the University of Rhode Island. Many held impromptu eclipse parties, gathering near the Providence’s pedestrian bridge and surrounding park, which drew an informal crowd of more than 100 people. Sunny skies and warm temperatures called for what felt like a 3 p.m. statewide exodus outside.

Avi David, left, and Jess Brown, wore NASA suits to watch the eclipse in downtown Providence.Edward Fitzpatrick

In Rhode Island, the partial eclipse began around 2:15 p.m., and the eclipse reached 91 percent coverage at around 3:29 p.m, when temperatures dropped and the light resembled that of the golden hour. Seagulls squawked agitatedly overhead, swooping over Providence’s pedestrian bridge.

“It’s very exciting,” said Robyn Smith, who watched from downtown Providence with her twin daughters.

“It’s my first eclipse,” said Alailah Smith.

“It’s really amazing,” added Alanah Smith.

At Brown University, spectators could try using sunspotters and telescopes that were peppered throughout the Main Green. Brown’s physics department hosted the event in collaboration with the NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium and LunaSCOPE, and student volunteers were on hand to answer questions.

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Brown University’s physics department helped host Monday’s eclipse watch party, and had telescopes for students and community members to try.Brittany Bowker

Providence residents Bill and Linna Kite decided to walk down the hill to Roger Williams National Memorial to watch the eclipse, where the National Park Service held an event with free glasses, music, and activities for kids.

“We thought we’d drive down the hill and enjoy the eclipse with other people,” Linna Kite said as she soaked in the afternoon sun.

Chip Martin and her fiance Dwayna Inniss were in town from Virginia Beach, and stumbled onto the watch party at the Roger Williams National Memorial on their way to the airport.

“Everything lined up perfectly,” Martin said. “We wanted to find glasses anyways.”

Sparkle Bryant, a National Park Service ranger, reflected on the partial eclipse many got to see in 2017, and how the weather wasn’t as ideal then as it was Monday.

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“I remember it was a really cloudy day,” Bryant said of the 2017 eclipse.

Brown University student Lila David also remembered the partial eclipse from seven years ago.

“The fact that we get two in a short period of time is very special,” David said.

Johanna Garzon is a Brown University student who volunteered to help out at the eclipse watch party on campus. She showed people how to use spotspotters to view the eclipse.Brittany Bowker

Bill Samos and his colleagues experienced a different kind of eclipse day: 200 feet under the city of Pawtucket, in a tunnel they’re building to improve the area’s sewage system.

“A bunch of disappointed guys down here,” Samos said in a telephone interview a little after 2:30, just as the moon was starting to partially obscure the sun.

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Samos is a tunnel inspector for contractor Pare Corp. on the Narragansett Bay Commission’s massive combined sewer overflow project. The job involves taking an elevator down and then taking a train-like shuttle for about 40 minutes to get to the worksite. The eclipse that none of the 18 or so tunnel workers would see was the topic of conversation the whole ride in, Samos said.

“It’s just something that happens very rarely,” said Samos, a North Providence resident. “Some generations go without ever seeing it.”

The next chance to see a full eclipse in Rhode Island will be in 2079.

“If nature’s going to provide us a show, we’re here for it,” said Kevin Klyberg, who watched from Roger Williams National Memorial.

Brian Amaral and Steph Machado contributed to this report.

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Brittany Bowker can be reached at brittany.bowker@globe.com. Follow her @brittbowker and also on Instagram @brittbowker.





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Jamestown Swarm Chaser has unique talent for catching, moving bees

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Jamestown Swarm Chaser has unique talent for catching, moving bees


It was just a normal day at a home on Sloop Street in Jamestown until Stephen Santoro happened to glance up.

“I looked up at the peak and saw a very large nest of bees,” Santoro said.

Thousands of them.

“Well, I don’t mind honeybees, but just not that many,” he said.

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That’s when he knew he had to call the Jamestown Swarm Chaser, Jim Turenne.

NBC 10’s Patrice Wood reports on the unique talents of the Jamestown Swarm Chaser.

Turenne is a beekeeper and member of the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association.

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You can often find Turenne collecting honey at the Godena Farm, Conanicut Island Land Trust.

“They’ve actually been considered to be the most important species on the planet. They pollinate about one-third of the food we eat,” Turenne said.

But when someone needs help, the Swarm Chaser jumps into action, climbing up the side of the house on Sloop Street.

“The swarm basically had moved into the person’s house here,” Turenne said.

Turenne removed those on the outside and another beekeeper cut into the house to get the rest.

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“That was one of the biggest clusters I’ve ever seen. That had probably 20,000 to 30,000 bees,” he said.

The homeowner was relieved.

“Oh, I’m extremely grateful,” Santoro said.

Swarm-catching is a unique talent.

Turenne has had 14 swarm rescues so far this year, all volunteer.

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Nominate someone in your community volunteering to make our community better by filling out the short nomination form for “Community Treasures”



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Providence mayor, City Council dispute over RENT fund program

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Providence mayor, City Council dispute over RENT fund program


Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called on city councilors to take action so the city can launch the RENT fund program.

According to city officials, Rental and Essential Needs Transition (RENT) would provide one-time grants of up to $3,000 per household to prevent eviction during times of financial crisis.

At a Wednesday press conference, Smiley called on the Providence City Council to approve the ordinance before its summer recess so the program can launch in July.

“I am incredibly disappointed that the city council is blocking the final approval to launch the RENT fund. Providence families are struggling to stay in their homes. They need help now more than they need delays,” Smiley said. “This act by the council can’t be viewed as anything other than a baseless political ploy aimed at obstructing progress during an election year, while our neighbors are the ones that have to pay a price for it.”

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Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called on city councilors to take action so the city can launch the RENT fund program. (WJAR)

In a statement, City Council members said they have not yet approved the RENT fund ordinance because it does not include enough protections for tenants.

“The Council supports direct rental assistance—we already approved $1 million to fund it. But after vetoing rent stabilization, Mayor Smiley wants us to pass a program that sends public money directly to landlords without requiring them to limit rent increases or halt evictions. A landlord could take a $3,000 check from the City on Friday and raise the rent or evict the tenant on Monday. We are not going to be pressured into yet another Brett Smiley landlord giveaway. The Council will take the time necessary to put real tenant protections into this ordinance so that taxpayer dollars actually provide stability for neighbors in crisis,” Councilor Miguel Sanchez said.

Council members also said that they will continue working through the recess to strengthen the proposal.

Mayor Smiley disputed that claim, saying the organization selected to run the program, Community Action Partnership of Providence (CAP), would help protect tenants.

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According to Smiley, the agreement with CAP includes tenant protections, such as ensuring tenants remain housed after receiving assistance and requiring landlords to fulfill their lease obligations.

Smiley also said the city would take action if a landlord violated those obligations.

“If they had an issue with the ordinance, they’ve had multiple opportunities to fix this. This has been in their hands for months. We got a letter flagging these concerns last night,” Smiley said. “We believe these concerns have already been addressed in the agreement with CAP, and if they had these concerns, they should’ve asked in the last four months.”



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RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for July 14, 2026

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

Here’s a look at July 14, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 14 drawing

02-04-10-48-56, Mega Ball: 22

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Numbers numbers from July 14 drawing

Midday: 2-0-6-9

Evening: 4-2-7-2

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from July 14 drawing

12-28-29-32-33, Extra: 25

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 14 drawing

12-13-15-16-41, Bonus: 02

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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