Rhode Island

Fighting against the return of Rhode Island’s \

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2024

Press Room

$Fighting against the return of Rhode Island’s \$

Joanne Giannini
| Guest columnist

Joanne Giannini is a freelance writer and a former state representative from Providence, 1994-2011.

We can fight many things in life. We as a society and human race have cured diseases, fought wars, put men on the moon and have made strides in all areas of human life. We all fight the good fight to protect and preserve our family and lives.

But the good fight continues when I read the bills introduced in the General Assembly by Sen. Tiara Mack and Rep. Edith Ajello to decriminalize prostitution and legalize its many activities. The bills that were introduced in both the House and Senate chambers would promote sex trafficking, prostitution and human trafficking.

Before October 2009, prostitution indoors was legal in Rhode Island and the state was considered as a safe haven for sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

In 2006, I filed the state’s first bill to ban human trafficking. Massage parlors were popping up all over Providence and stories were being reported in the news. The living conditions of the mostly young Asian girls working in the parlors were deplorable. As I have said so many times before, they were living like pets in a cage, living in one room with mattresses on the floor and cooking on sterno. Many were brought here from other countries and promised a better life. What they didn’t bargain for was a life of sexual exploitation, abuse, disease and, possibly, death.

More: Is it time to legalize prostitution in RI? The arguments for and against

There were about 30 illegal brothels posing as massage parlors throughout the state. Young girls were being trafficked here from neighboring states for sex. It was Rhode Island’s dirty little secret.

It took years to pass legislation to ban human trafficking for sex and forced labor, prostitution, and minors working in the adult entertainment industry. It wasn’t a popular issue and the many forces making big money weren’t happy at all. And now still they are trying to return to the dark days when Rhode Island was the only state other than Nevada to have legal indoor prostitution.

Finally, in October of 2009, in a special House session, we passed three important bills to become law:

A bill to ban indoor prostitution in Rhode Island.
An amendment to the 2008 human trafficking bill, which not only banned human trafficking for sexual exploitation but banned trafficking for forced labor. It also created a human trafficking task force which was made up of a diverse group of health specialists, law enforcement agencies, human service agencies and various women’s groups to provide services to victims of trafficking.
A bill to ban minors from working in the adult entertainment industry after young teens were found working in strip clubs.

Now, numerous bills have been filed in both the House and Senate chambers which would return Rhode Island’s dirty little secret.

The bills would fully decriminalize the sex trade in Rhode Island, including acts of pimping, purchasing sex, and brothels. The move not only threatens the well-being of vulnerable women and children throughout the state, but it will also increase sex trafficking throughout the region.

Specifically, the bills:

Decriminalize pimping.
Decriminalize sex buying.
Decriminalize brothels.
Position Rhode Island as a regional sex tourism destination once again.

More: Political Scene: From sex workers to shoreline access, there’s a legislative study

It’s 2024, and we are still fighting the good fight to stop sexual predators from exploiting young women, children and young men. We are still hearing the voices from victims who cried for help and tell their heart-wrenching stories of sexual abuse, drugs and sickness.

It saddens me that the bills’ supporters don’t hear the victims’ voices, but only the voices of those who will make money on the backs of the victims if these bills are passed.

I continue to add my voice to stop the passage of this legislation, and I hope you will do the same. Please call your state representative and tell them to vote no on these bills.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Feb. 14, 2026

Published

20 minutes ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

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

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

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 14 drawing

23-43-58-60-64, Powerball: 24, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 14 drawing

14-17-30-43-48, Lucky Ball: 10

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Feb. 14 drawing

Midday: 6-9-0-5

Evening: 0-2-9-6

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Feb. 14 drawing

08-21-23-27-30, Extra: 02

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

Komara Shines But Patriots Fall to Rhode Island – George Mason University Athletics

Published

12 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

Komara Shines But Patriots Fall to Rhode Island – George Mason University Athletics

FAIRFAX, Va. — George Mason (16-8, 11-2 Atlantic 10) battled hard but ultimately fell to Rhode Island (23-2, 14-0 Atlantic 10), 79-63, at EagleBank Arena. Despite forcing 15 turnovers and racking up 20 second-chance points, the Patriots couldn’t overcome the Rams’ offensive onslaught.

The first quarter saw George Mason flexing their rebounding muscles, especially on the offensive end, grabbing eight offensive boards. Hawa Komara’s relentless work in the paint paid off with crucial second-chance points, including a tip-in at 7:59. Komara also set a personal best with 16 rebounds, leading the charge on the glass. The lead seesawed between the Patriots and Rams, with a late layup by Louis Volker tying the game at 13. However, a 3-pointer by Valentina Ojeda at 0:22 gave Rhode Island a slight 16–13 edge to end the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Green & Gold showed grit, highlighted by Volker’s steal at 8:34 that sparked a brief scoring run. Yet, the Rams held their ground, building their lead with steady inside scoring. Kennedy Harris kept the Patriots in the fight, sinking a jumper at 3:45 and adding two free throws just before halftime. The Patriots headed into the break trailing 36-25.

George Mason mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter, driven by more offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, with Komara leading the charge under the basket. Her pivotal tip-ins, including one at 6:01, helped trim the deficit. Harris was clutch from the line, making all her free throws during the quarter. Despite their efforts, the Patriots were outscored 20-18 in the period, with the Rams holding a 56-43 advantage heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, George Mason pushed to close the gap, highlighted by Zahirah Walton’s effectiveness inside. MJ Johnson added a crucial tip-in at 7:10, converting a three-point play to keep the Patriots in the hunt. But the Rams’ offensive firepower, with Vanessa Harris making key plays, proved too much. The game wrapped up with Rhode Island securing the 79-63 victory.

PATRIOT POINTS

UP NEXT
The Patriots host a rematch with the Richmond Spiders on Monday, February 16 at 4 p.m. A live stream will be available on ESPN+.

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Rhode Island

Hospital Funding, Deed Theft Crackdown Lead Busy Week at State House – Newport Buzz

Published

1 day ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

Hospital Funding, Deed Theft Crackdown Lead Busy Week at State House – Newport Buzz

STATE HOUSE — Lawmakers moved swiftly this week on a series of bills touching everything from hospital stability and property taxes to vaccine access and ranked-choice voting.

Topping the list: a last-minute backstop to secure the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital. The General Assembly approved — and the governor signed — legislation setting aside $18 million from the state’s supplemental rainy day fund to reassure bondholders if the nonprofit Centurion Foundation defaults. Supporters say the move is critical to protecting the two safety-net hospitals and the patients who rely on them.

On the criminal justice front, House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy introduced a bill to make deed theft a felony. The proposal would target scammers who use forged documents, including fraudulent quitclaim deeds, to steal homes by recording fake property transfers.

Health care also took center stage. Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Susan Donovan filed legislation requiring state-regulated insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health without cost-sharing, aiming to safeguard access amid federal uncertainty. Separately, Rep. Enrique Sanchez introduced a bill to guarantee health care workers earn overtime pay for Sundays and holidays.

For seniors, Rep. Megan Cotter proposed allowing homeowners 62 and older — as well as permanently disabled residents and disabled veterans — to defer property taxes until their home changes hands. Rep. Marie Hopkins introduced a measure to ensure seniors who pay by paper check can receive the same automatic payment discounts offered to others.

Lawmakers also hosted a “candy election” to demonstrate how ranked-choice voting works, as companion bills are introduced to bring the system to presidential primaries and local elections.

Other proposals would allow residents to use an app to report vehicles illegally parked in accessible spaces, permit nurses to provide routine foot care to homebound patients, and require crisis hotline numbers on student ID cards.

Blurred still image from October 17 locker room incident at Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island

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