Rhode Island

Ex-Chargers GM and RI native A.J. Smith dies at 75; played for Bishop Hendricken in ’60s

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2 years ago

May 13, 2024

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Ex-Chargers GM and RI native A.J. Smith dies at 75; played for Bishop Hendricken in ’60s

Journal Staff and Wire Reports

A.J. Smith, a Rhode Island native and former general manager of the then-San Diego Chargers, died Sunday. He was 75.

Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Kyle Smith, the son of A.J., and his family announced the passing on Sunday. The elder Smith died after a seven-year battle with prostate cancer.

Smith was a North Smithfield native who starred for Bishop Hendricken in the mid-1960s and dreamed of playing at the next level, but an injury during his senior year changed those plans. He worked as a part-time scout and film grader for the Patriots while teaching physical education at a Providence middle school.

Smith worked as a scout with the New York Giants in 1977, advancing in his career until his eventual promotion to general manager with the Chargers in 2003. He held that position for 10 seasons.

During that period, the Chargers won five division titles and finished with a .500 or better record for eight straight seasons. Smith was the winningest GM in Chargers history, as San Diego totaled 98 wins (including postseason) over his 10 seasons in charge.

“Belying a tough, matter-of-fact and no-nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a true football guy — was A.J.’s softer side, which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement on Sunday. “The architect of one of the greatest chapters in franchise history, A.J. made everyone around him better with a singular focus and intensity that elevated our organization.”

Smith had some high-profile moments during his tenure in San Diego.

Smith selected Eli Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft despite father Archie Manning having requested that the team not pick his son. Smith then traded Manning to the New York Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers (the fourth pick) and also obtained draft picks used to select linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.

The trade worked out for both teams with Rivers setting Chargers franchise marks of 59,271 passing yards and 397 touchdowns. Manning won two Super Bowls with the Giants.

After Rivers’ second season, Smith allowed Drew Brees to leave as a free agent and turned the club over to Rivers. Brees had injured his shoulder in the 2005 season finale and underwent major surgery before recovering to become a star with the New Orleans Saints.

The Chargers went 14-2 in 2006 but were upended at home, 24-21, in the postseason by the New England Patriots after holding an eight-point, fourth-quarter lead. That led to the firing of coach Marty Schottenheimer, to whom Smith had refused to talk during the campaign because of their frosty relationship.

The coaching search was held in February, leading to Norv Turner becoming the new head man. San Diego reached the 2007 AFC Championship Game before losing to the Patriots in Foxboro. The Chargers have not advanced that far since.

Smith famously signed tight end Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates, a college basketball player, holds the team’s all-time records for receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown receptions (116).

Smith and Turner were fired after a 7-9 season in 2012.

After his tenure with San Diego, Smith spent three seasons as a consultant with Washington before announcing his retirement in 2015.

In 2013, he returned to Rhode Island to speak at his former high school. “You can’t be a bigger dreamer than I am,” Smith told the Hendricken seniors. “You’re going to have your ups and downs. Life isn’t always going to be rosy. But don’t sit in a corner and sulk. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.”

Smith is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Kyle; daughter, Andrea; son-in-law, Noah; and three grandchildren.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Lucky For Life, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Dec. 21, 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 21, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

11-24-27-38-46, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Midday: 8-0-7-6

Evening: 5-8-6-7

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

13-30-34-35-38, Extra: 17

Check Wild Money 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 Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 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.
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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Rhode Island

Two Years Later, Police Renew Call for Help in Unsolved North Providence Murder – Newport Buzz

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Two Years Later, Police Renew Call for Help in Unsolved North Providence Murder – Newport Buzz

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two years after the killing of 61-year-old Claire Grady Flynn, police in North Providence are again asking the public for help, saying the case remains active and solvable.

North Providence Police Department renewed its call for information on Friday, marking the second anniversary of Flynn’s death and urging anyone with even the smallest detail to come forward.

Flynn, a retired nurse with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, was found dead inside her Centerdale Avenue home on Dec. 20, 2023. Police said her brother discovered her body after becoming concerned when he couldn’t reach her.

Despite an extensive investigation that has included assistance from outside agencies and specialized resources, no arrests have been made.

Detectives say public cooperation remains critical.

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knew Flynn or had contact with her during 2023 — especially in November — and anyone with insight into her daily routines, personal relationships, or places she regularly visited.

Police stress that even information that may seem insignificant could help move the case forward. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Burlingame at 401-231-4533, ext. 1115, or the anonymous tip line at 401-437-6418. Non-emergency calls to police can be made at 401-231-4533.

In a previous statement, Chief Alfredo Ruggiero emphasized the department’s commitment to solving the case, saying detectives remain determined to bring those responsible to justice and provide closure for Flynn’s family.

“Anyone who knew Ms. Flynn or had recent contact with her is urged to call,” Ruggiero said. “The cooperation of the community is vital to ensuring justice is served.”

Portrait of Brown University student Ella Cook, identified as first victim in campus shooting

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 20, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

08-21-30-41-47, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Midday: 3-3-0-8

Evening: 3-5-8-4

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

06-09-13-14-32, Extra: 27

Check Wild Money 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 Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 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.
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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