Rhode Island

GoLocalProv | News | From Leading Pride Parades to Chasing a National Title, Miss Wheelchair RI is Breaking Barriers

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2023

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GoLocalProv | News | From Leading Pride Parades to Chasing a National Title, Miss Wheelchair RI is Breaking Barriers

Saturday, June 10, 2023

GoLocalProv News Editor Kate Nagle

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Autumn Rain Johnson, when she was crowned Miss Wheelchair RI. PHOTO: Johnson

Autumn Rain Johnson did not envision she would one day be Miss Wheelchair Rhode Island — or that she would be leading “pride” parades around the state.

After publicly coming out as gay this year, Johnson recently led the first-ever North Kingstown Pride Parade, and has a number of other events coming up to celebrate the month.

In between, Johnson — who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from College Unbound — has been advocating for increased beach accessibility for the uniquely-abled.

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And on top of that, Johnson has been raising funds to compete in the Miss Wheelchair America national competition in Michigan later this summer.

“I’ve been pretty busy,” laughed Johnson.

In an interview with GoLocal, Johnson spoke about her journey, and how she hopes her voice — and work — can be an inspiration.

“It’s been super exciting. When I led the North Kingstown parade, that was importing to me,” said Johnson, who said she had spent time in North Kingstown schools before graduating from Narragansett High School. “I had experienced racism and bullying toward my disability there, so it was very moving to me. To witness and feel the love [during the parade] was pretty great.”

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“I like to share this picture I took of myself, because it shows my indigenous culture,” said Johnson. “I wore this war paint, in honor of the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls.”

Raising Awareness

Johnson said that was last year that she first connected with the mother of the previous Miss Wheelchair RI title holder, Katherine Moretti.

“We met in a spina bifida support group, and she offered me the opportunity to be the next title holder,” said Johnson. “On January 21 of this year, I was crowned.”

For Johnson, the ability to advocate for increased accessibility as Miss Wheelchair RI runs parallel to her pursuit of a degree from College Unbound.

“I like interacting with youth with unique abilities. I want to go into social work, and also do more public speaking,” said Johnson.

Now, as a member of LGBTQ community, Johnson is also using her platform to spread a message of love and inclusion.

“I think we’re making small changes as pride parades become a norm in towns like North Kingstown,” said Johnson. “I did see some negative feedback out there. That makes me feel like we’re being seen but we still have work to do.”

“My mom explained to me we’re not just the ‘LGBTQ community.’ We’re people, and people should just be accepting of us as people. We can love whoever we choose to — and everyone should learn from that,” said Johnson.

Johnson said doing so much advocacy work “does feel slightly like pressure” — but for Johsnon, it’s “more about passion.”

“The joy I get interacting with people, it’s more fun for me,” she said. “I’m enjoying this.”

You can follow Johnson’s journey on Facebook and Instagram, and support her effort to win the national title here.

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Rhode Island

Local patrolman nominated as #HolidayHero – Jamestown Press

Published

6 hours ago

December 26, 2024

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Local patrolman nominated as #HolidayHero – Jamestown Press

Liam Robberson was tabbed as Dec. 10’s #HolidayHero by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.

A local police officer was named a #HolidayHero by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association for his commitment and efforts to keep the community safe.

Liam Robberson, who joined the force in December 2023, was recognized Dec. 10.

“Serving in law enforcement has always been my aspiration,” he said. “It’s an honor to protect the community I once called home. Traffic safety, especially DUI enforcement, is a top priority because ensuring the wellbeing of residents is essential. The increase in impaired driving during the holiday season makes these efforts even more crucial during this time.”

The police chiefs launched its #HolidayHeroes campaign to honor an officer every day in December. The priority was to recognize them “for their exceptional work in traffic safety.”

“The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times on our roads,” said Bradford Connor, president of the association. “As law enforcement leaders, we are relying on our officers to be exceptionally proactive and engaged at this time of year and we want to recognize those who truly step up.”

This campaign is timely as impaired driving historically rises during the holiday season. In the five consecutive months of December beginning in 2018, which totals 155 days, there were 4,759 Americans who died from alcohol-impaired accidents, including 1,062 in December 2022.

Through December, the public is encouraged to nominate their own #HolidayHeroes by sending an e-mail to info@ripolicechiefs.org with the officer’s name, department and a description of why they are being nominated.

“Our holiday heroes are focused on keeping our roads and communities safe and we truly appreciate their hard work,” Connor said.

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Rhode Island

Newport crews extinguish house fire | ABC6

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

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Newport crews extinguish house fire | ABC6

Newport crews extinguished a fire on Green Street on Dec. 24. (WLNE)

NEWPORT, RI (WLNE) — The Newport Police Department said crews extinguished a fire on Green Street on Tuesday afternoon.

Around 2:22 p.m. Newport police were notified by the fire department of smoke coming from the basement of a home.

On the scene, crews reported a working fire, which was later extinguished.

Officials said the residents of the home were safety evacuated.

There are no reported injuries, according to police.

The cause of the fire, as well as where or how it started is under investigation.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 24, 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 24, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

11-14-38-45-46, Mega Ball: 03, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

16-22-24-43-47, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Midday: 0-9-5-1

Evening: 2-0-2-3

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

08-21-26-33-38, Extra: 36

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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