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Highlights from the Rhode Island General Assembly: Week in Review (Jan 20 – Jan 24) – Newport Buzz

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Highlights from the Rhode Island General Assembly: Week in Review (Jan 20 – Jan 24) – Newport Buzz


The Rhode Island General Assembly tackled pressing issues this week, ranging from homelessness and health care to civil rights and insurance fairness. Here’s a roundup of the major developments:

Emergency Shelter Zoning Bill

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) introduced a bill (2025-H 5100) to ease zoning restrictions for temporary emergency housing. The legislation aims to help cities and towns provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness during severe weather or disasters.

Pathways for Foreign-Trained Doctors

Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) proposed legislation (2025-H 5108) to allow foreign-trained doctors to work in rural and underserved communities. The bill would create licensure pathways and mentorship alternatives to traditional residency requirements.

Auto Insurance Premium Equity

Rep. Arthur J. Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence) introduced legislation (2025-H 5104) to prohibit auto insurers from using ZIP codes to set rates. The bill aims to prevent discriminatory pricing practices that disproportionately affect low-income drivers.

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Reducing Health Care Authorization Hurdles

Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) introduced a bipartisan effort (2025-H 5120, 2025-S 0053) to streamline health care. The bill would eliminate prior authorization requirements for treatments ordered by primary care providers, improving access and reducing administrative burdens.

Life Science Hub Leadership

The Senate unanimously confirmed Mark Turco as the first CEO of Rhode Island’s Life Science Hub. Turco, a 25-year veteran of the industry, will lead efforts to position Rhode Island as a leader in life sciences.

Senate Committees Address Homelessness

Two Senate committees convened to review the Department of Housing’s response to homelessness and received an update on the Echo Village shelter project.

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission celebrated the civil rights icon with speeches, music, and awards. Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence), the commission chair, served as the event’s emcee.

Condemnation of Trump’s Executive Order

Reps. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) and Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. Both legislators pledged support for Attorney General Peter F. Neronha’s lawsuit against the order.

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RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 25, 2025

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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 25, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 25 drawing

08-15-17-53-66, Powerball: 14, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 25 drawing

08-26-28-38-46, Lucky Ball: 06

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Jan. 25 drawing

Midday: 4-8-3-0

Evening: 2-5-2-8

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Jan. 25 drawing

01-03-24-28-38, Extra: 26

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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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Why This Rhode Island Town Deserves More Attention

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Why This Rhode Island Town Deserves More Attention


Nestled in the southeastern corner of Rhode Island, Little Compton is a picturesque small town that often escapes the spotlight. While Newport and Providence draw millions of visitors each year, Little Compton offers an equally captivating experience with its tranquil charm and understated beauty. This idyllic New England destination is a treasure trove of natural landscapes, rich history, and a close-knit community that makes visitors feel right at home. With a commitment to preserving its historic character and natural environment, this coastal haven is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore a different side of Rhode Island.

Historical Significance

Little Compton, Rhode Island historic home.

Incorporated in 1682, Little Compton was originally part of the Plymouth Colony and later became a part of Rhode Island in the mid-18th century. The historic Wilbor House, built in 1692, serves as the headquarters for the Little Compton Historical Society. Visitors can tour the house and the surrounding grounds, learning about the area’s Native inhabitants, its early settlers, and its evolution over the centuries.

Another historical highlight is the Commons, the town’s historic district. This central area features a collection of Colonial and Federal-style buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The United Congregational Church, with its white steeple and classic New England architecture, is a striking focal point.

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Little Compton is also the final resting place of Elizabeth Pabodie, believed to be the first child of the Mayflower settlers born in the New World. Her grave, located in the Old Commons Burial Ground, draws history enthusiasts eager to connect with this fascinating piece of American heritage.

Natural Beauty

An aerial view of the beachfront campground in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

For nature lovers, Little Compton offers a wealth of stunning landscapes. South Shore Beach is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Its expansive shoreline and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Adjacent to the beach is Goosewing Beach Preserve, a protected area managed by The Nature Conservancy. This preserve is home to rare shorebirds and features a small nature center where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem.

Sakonnet Harbor in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Sakonnet Point is another natural highlight. This scenic spot offers sweeping ocean views and is a popular location for fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The nearby Sakonnet Greenway provides several walking trails that wind through the countryside, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the area’s pastoral beauty.

Additionally, Little Compton is dotted with vineyards, orchards, and family-owned farms, many of which welcome visitors. Picking fresh fruit at a local orchard or enjoying a glass of wine at a vineyard with views of rolling hills is an experience unique to this corner of Rhode Island.

Local Food and Wine

Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Little Compton’s culinary offerings reflect its agricultural roots and coastal location. The town boasts a variety of farm-to-table restaurants and seafood shacks that serve up fresh, locally sourced fare. The Commons Lunch, a beloved local institution, offers hearty comfort food and classic New England dishes like clam chowder and lobster rolls.

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For a more upscale dining experience, The Tap Room Restaurant at the Stone House Inn provides an elegant setting with menus that highlight seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and fishermen. The town’s proximity to the ocean ensures that seafood is always fresh, whether you are savoring oysters from local waters or indulging in a plate of scallops.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Sakonnet Vineyard, one of the oldest wineries in New England. Here, guests can sample award-winning wines while relaxing on the vineyard’s picturesque grounds. During the summer months, the vineyard often hosts live music and other events, adding to its appeal.

Arts, Culture, and Community

Group of people looking at abstract art in modern art gallery.

Despite its small size, Little Compton has a thriving arts and culture scene. The Little Compton Community Center frequently hosts events ranging from art exhibits to musical performances, providing a platform for local talent and fostering a sense of community. The town’s natural beauty has long inspired artists, and visitors will find galleries, such as Kathrine Lovell Gallery and Donovan Studio, showcasing works by local painters, sculptors, and photographers.

Little Compton is also home to the annual Summer Art Show, which attracts artists and art enthusiasts from across the region. This event is a celebration of creativity and offers a chance to purchase unique, locally made artwork. Local arts and crafts are also a big part of the annual Summer Fair, which includes a road race, family-friendly games, and the famous Lobster Luncheon.

Conclusion

Sakonnet Lighthouse and Harbor, Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Little Compton’s charm lies in its ability to transport visitors to a simpler time. While it may not have the high-profile attractions of larger cities, Little Compton’s understated allure is precisely what makes it special. It is a place where visitors can slow down, connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the timeless charm of New England. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination that combines history, natural beauty, and a welcoming community, Little Compton deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

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‘Proud moment’: Acting defense secretary grew up in RI, son of a retired Marine general

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‘Proud moment’: Acting defense secretary grew up in RI, son of a retired Marine general


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John J. Salesses is a retired major general who appreciates knowing, on a basic level at least, what his four grownup children are up to.

So the 91-year-old Rhode Islander was aware that his second-oldest son, Robert G. Salesses, had reached a pay grade of GS-15 in his job at the Pentagon. That’s the highest pay grade available for federal employees.

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Then, about a week ago, Salesses recalls, one of his other sons told him something interesting:

“Bob” was in line to serve as acting U.S. Secretary of Defense in the opening days of the second administration of President Donald J. Trump.

The magnitude of such a responsibility isn’t something that’s fuzzy to someone like Salesses, even at his advanced age.

The Warren retiree once directed the entire U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The reserve force has about 35,000 personnel serving all over the world, he says.

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The much bigger job that his son took over on Inauguration Day left the younger Salesses with enormous responsibility at a moment of growing global instability.

Ukraine is being ravaged by the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, with Russian leaders raising the specter of nuclear war on occasion. An Iranian missile attack was part of a recent exchange between Iran and Israel this past fall. Barely a month ago, the largest armada of Chinese warships since the 1990s took to the waters of the South China Sea.

A short assignment?

As of Wednesday, Robert Salesses’ tenure wasn’t expected to be lengthy. Just until the U.S. Senate had confirmed Trump’s pick, either Pete Hegseth or someone else.

The father of the acting secretary, or “SECDEF,” as it’s known in bureaucratic jargon, afforded his son some space. There would be time for catching up later.

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Raised in Barrington, exposed to Camp Lejeune

Robert G. Salesses was born in San Diego.

His mother, the late Dolores Ann “Lola” Salesses, and his father opted to raise their family in Barrington.

His father mostly worked the schedule of a Marine reservist. The elder Salesses tought English at Rhode Island College. He held administrative jobs as a dean and vice president for academic affairs.

He did not try to groom his sons for military life. But they were exposed to it during some of his reserve stints at Camp Lejeune.

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Robert Salesses went to Rhode Island College and graduated in 1980. He worked in the private sector.

His younger brother, a future military pilot, decided one day that he would join the Marine Corps.

“Bob said, ‘I’m going to go, too,’” their father recalled on Friday.

In the Marines, he would participate in the 1991 liberation of Kuwait during the Gulf War, according to a biography posted online by the Department of Defense.

Some of Robert Salesses’ other jobs in the Marines involved carrying out the withdrawal of critical nuclear stockpiles from former Soviet States, development of multinational counternarcotics policies with Central and South American allies; and crisis planning within the European and Pacific theaters of operation, according to the posted bio.

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Hefty U.S. defense responsibilities and a ‘proud moment’

After retiring from the Marines, during his career in the Defense Department, Salesses’ tasks put him in a range of positions. The bio says one of those jobs involved management of $1.2 billion in defense resources.

Another “sensitive” task, it says, involved making sure the secretary of defense and other senior leaders had “the means to execute DoD’s primary mission essential functions.”

The younger Salesses has worked as a professional staff member under the leadership of Democratic and Republican presidents.

“He got to know the defense system pretty well,” his father said Friday. “It’s a proud moment.”

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“I think this is his last day,” he added.

He anticipated that his son would continue to serve in the department under the secretary chosen by the president.

And late Friday night, Hegseth, an Army veteran and former “Fox & Friends” co-host, was confirmed by the Senate on a narrow 51-50 vote.



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