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Feds investigating Washington Bridge closure – Rhode Island Current

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Feds investigating Washington Bridge closure – Rhode Island Current


The U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General have opened an inquiry to review the condition of the Washington Bridge and the abrupt closure of its westbound lanes in December, Gov. Dan McKee’s office announced Friday evening.

McKee’s office said in an email at 6 p.m. that federal investigators contacted the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for documents and records related to the closure.

“This is not unexpected, and the Governor welcomes the review,” McKee spokesperson Olivia DaRocha said in a statement. “The Governor has instructed the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to fully cooperate.”

McKee has faced criticism this week on talk radio and on social media after he suggested in news media interviews that the delays caused by the westbound bridge closure amounted to an additional 10 to 15 minutes for motorists.

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“The governor is in La-La Land,” said one woman who called in to “The Tara Granahan Show” on Thursday morning.

The news comes four days after McKee and RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. held a hastily-arranged press conference to announce that the bridge may need to be entirely rebuilt. Alviti threw out the three-month timeline for its reopening.

McKee’s office said Alviti told East Bay legislators that he expects to have recommendations on next steps from engineers by the end of February or early March.

As we’ve said previously, we welcome oversight and review into this matter,” RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said in an email.

The House Oversight Committee plans to hold a public hearing about the status of the Washington Bridge on either Feb. 13 or Feb. 14, but it’s unclear why the date has not been solidified.

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In a statement Friday afternoon, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said “the Senate would be amenable to conducting a joint oversight hearing with the House prior to the February recess.”

Recess is scheduled for Feb. 19 through 23.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha agreed that the request from federal investigators would be something not unexpected.

“I wouldn’t read too much into it at this point,” Neronha said in a post on X. “Getting information in this situation happens all the time. The issue is whether the federal government paid for something they didn’t get.”

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GoLocalProv | Politics | Providence On Sunday Is One of the Sites for a National Protest Against ICE

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GoLocalProv | Politics | Providence On Sunday Is One of the Sites for a National Protest Against ICE


Saturday, January 10, 2026

 

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Protest in Providence in June against ICE PHOTO: GoLocal

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Organizers in Rhode Island and across the country are mobilizing against ICE after a pair of shootings in the past few days.

Organizers locally said, “Rhode Islanders will gather on Sunday to honor the life lost, make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions, and demand that state and federal leaders reject local contracts with ICE, take every action possible to stop ICE from operating in Rhode Island, and hold ICE agents accountable when they break the law.”

The RI event begins at 2 PM at the State House on Sunday.

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Nationally, it was a announced on Friday that, “A broad national coalition, including Indivisible, MoveOn Civic Action, the American Civil Liberties Union, Voto Latino, United We Dream, 50501, the Disappeared in America Campaign of the Not Above the Law coalition, and partner organizations across the country, is calling for a coordinated ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action.

“The mobilization comes in response to the escalation of ICE violence in our communities, the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old wife and mother of three, and the months-long pattern of unchecked violence and abuse in marginalized communities across America. Across the country, communities will gather in nonviolent, lawful, and community-led actions to honor the life lost, demand accountability, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions,” said organizers.

Organizers added, “Good and the Portland victims are part of a broader and deeply alarming pattern of unchecked violence and abuse by federal immigration enforcement agencies. In September, ICE reportedly shot and killed Silverio Villegas González, a father and cook from Mexico living in Chicago. In 2025 alone, more than 30 people have reportedly died in ICE detention.”

 

 

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Rhode Island General Assembly Begins 2026 Session With Focus on Affordability – Newport Buzz

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Rhode Island General Assembly Begins 2026 Session With Focus on Affordability – Newport Buzz


PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session this week with a focus on health care affordability, housing costs and economic stability, as leaders in both chambers warned of uncertainty tied to federal budget changes.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi outlined House priorities centered on expanding access to health care while lowering costs, calling it the chamber’s top agenda item for the year. He also said lawmakers will continue addressing housing shortages and rising home energy costs, emphasizing the need for community input as policy decisions move forward.

In the Senate, President Valarie J. Lawson convened the chamber by urging bipartisan cooperation and announcing plans to introduce legislation supporting education, small businesses and the state’s health care system. Stabilizing hospitals and strengthening the primary care workforce were identified as key goals.

Both chambers paused to honor victims of the Dec. 13 shooting at Brown University, passing resolutions recognizing the victims and commending first responders. Lawmakers also observed a moment of silence.

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New legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara would require the Department of Education to adopt a zero-tolerance hazing policy in partnership with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, mandating clear and consistent discipline statewide.

Meanwhile, Reps. David Morales and Jennifer Stewart called on Gov. Dan McKee to fully fund public libraries in the upcoming state budget.

Speaker Shekarchi also announced several committee leadership changes, appointing Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee as chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith as chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee.

The week also marked the first Senate session for Sen. Stefano V. Famiglietti, who received committee assignments following his election to fill a vacant seat.

Legislative leaders capped the week by joining faith leaders at the 18th annual Rhode Island Interfaith Poverty Vigil at the State House, calling attention to legislation aimed at reducing poverty statewide.

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Temporary erosion protection systems installed at Second Beach in Middletown, Rhode Island



 

 


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RI Lottery Lucky For Life, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Jan. 8, 2026

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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-12-13-39-48, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

Midday: 9-9-1-3

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Evening: 0-9-6-6

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

01-07-12-30-35, Extra: 26

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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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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