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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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Rhode Island

Weather Now: Showers, T’storm Today

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Weather Now:  Showers, T’storm Today


Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!

The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.

INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »

“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER

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“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES

TODAY

Hour-by-hour forecast for today…

Hour by Hour // A close look at the upcoming conditions »

We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.

Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.

A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.

Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.

“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS

TONIGHT

Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.

TOMORROW

That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.

Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.

LOOKING AHEAD

Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.

-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo

T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.

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Rhode Island Department of Health issues overdose alert for Johnston, North Providence

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Rhode Island Department of Health issues overdose alert for Johnston, North Providence


The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for Johnston and North Providence.

Health officials said over the past week, five Johnston and North Providence residents received medical care for a drug overdose.

According to RIDOH, these municipalities have historically lower overdose rates than the statewide average.

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Residents can visit Prevent Overdose RI connect with community harm reduction organizations and find treatment.



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RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for May 12, 2026

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

Here’s a look at May 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 12 drawing

17-32-35-40-47, Mega Ball: 17

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Numbers numbers from May 12 drawing

Midday: 1-5-2-0

Evening: 1-6-0-3

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from May 12 drawing

23-27-29-31-35, Extra: 12

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 12 drawing

19-21-35-38-53, Bonus: 01

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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