Rhode Island
‘Happy holidays’ for stores and retailers?
KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 26, 2025 – The rush to find the perfect gifts and gather with loved ones during the holiday season has commenced. How businesses both locally and nationally will fare this holiday season, though, is a bit murky.
According to S&P Global, holiday sales are expected to grow year over year, but price increases to offset tariffs will account for most of that growth. Also, S&P predicts that holiday retail consumer spending will remain relatively flat, which poses challenges for retailers.
In speaking with Rhody Today about the upcoming holiday shopping season, Nina Eichacker, associate professor in the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Economics, expects Rhode Islanders will be more selective in how much shopping they do this year and where. She also notes the rise of online shopping could impact seasonal employment locally.
Overall, do you feel the holiday economy is going to be strong this year, both locally and across the U.S.?
Spending always rises during the holiday season, compared to the months before and after. According to its consumer survey, the National Retail Federation is expecting close to 187 million people to shop from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year, up from about 183 million in 2024. Nationally, sales are expected to rise approximately 4%. While projected spending is high, consumers expect to spend 1.3% less than they did last year ($890 per person compared to $902 per person).
I expect that these trends will be similar in Rhode Island. In 2024, Rhode Islanders spent 3% more than they had in 2023. Rhode Island is a small state, so its annual spending is usually in the bottom fifth of the United States. Rhode Islanders, particularly those in vulnerable or volatile industries, will likely think hard about how much holiday shopping they commit to in 2025, and also what goods they decide to buy.
What do you feel will be a major factor in the holiday economy flourishing in Rhode Island in 2025?
Rhode Islanders have been shifting more toward online shopping in recent years. Combined with higher prices on many goods due to tariffs, the rising cost of living, and economic uncertainty that has flowed from the government shutdown and the fact that we don’t know much about the state of the U.S. job market and other sources of economic uncertainty, I would expect that holiday shopping within Rhode Island is likely to be similar to national trends.
However, there is a great deal of community support for local shopping across the state. Households who care to shop locally will most likely continue to make that a priority.
Retailers are expected to hire fewer seasonal workers this year than last year. What do you feel is contributing to this decreased need, the growth of online shopping notwithstanding? And, does this negatively impact the overall holiday economy in some way?
Apart from the growth of online shopping, I think that this reflects broader economic uncertainty. In the context of rising costs of living and higher prices due to tariffs, retailers are demonstrating that they believe the volume of shopping may not be as great, and it doesn’t make sense to have so many staff on hand. The Rhode Island state economy, as of August, appeared to be in a holding pattern – falling private sector jobs and the only source of employment growth appearing in state government.
Because of the government shutdown, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has been unable to gather data on employment trends at the national and state levels, so we may see an amplification of those job trends when we finally have the data.
How will retailers respond to potential challenges to help ensure businesses will profit during the holidays?
Retailers will generally do their best to introduce more sales and bundles to get shoppers in the door, such as by offering Black Friday deals earlier and for longer, to entice more shoppers into stores or onto webpages.
Will spending on holiday travel remain steady, or do you expect that to scale back a bit?
NerdWallet expects that Americans are going to travel a lot this year and spend $311 million on flights and hotels—or $2,586 per person—which is up nearly $260 per person from last year. Given the federal government shutdown and the prolonged period of air travel delays, cancellations, and complications, the potential for more complications exists.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argues that travel should proceed as normal. It’s worth noting that many Americans canceled or altered their plans in anticipation of a prolonged shutdown, which could mean lower-than-usual fares and potentially a bit more traffic on the roads.
Rhode Island
One Big Question After RHORI Renewal
Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.
READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations
Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.
It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.
The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season
At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.
The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.
Will Rulla Return for Season 2?
Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?
Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.
READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast
As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Bravo via Facebook
When and Where Filming Will Begin
If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.
For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.
So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.
40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale
Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.
Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates
A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home
Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…
Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS
The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale
It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.
Gallery Credit: EeE
Rhode Island
Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 2026
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
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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