Rhode Island
LGBTQ Rhode Island Judge Takes Over Maine GOP Rep’s Censure Case Against Dem House Speaker
As a result of every federal judge in Maine recusing themselves from a Republican State Representative’s case against the Democratic Speaker of the House, the case will now be heard by a Biden-appointed Rhode Island judge with a history of eschewing judicial tradition in favor of strident left-wing activism.
The case in question—which will now be heard by Judge Melissa R. DuBose of the District of Rhode Island—involves Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn), who was censured on Feb. 25 in a 75-70 vote led by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). As a result of the censure, Fecteau claimed the House rules permitted him to strip Libby of her right to vote and speak on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives.
On Tuesday night, Libby was, in fact, blocked from voting on a $120 million MaineCare bailout package that Democrats are urgently trying to move through the State Legislature.
[ House Dems Strips Laurel Libby’s Voting Rights Over Viral FB Post of Male Athlete Beating Girls…]
The movement to censure Libby was prompted by a post the Auburn conservative made on Facebook that criticized the state of Maine’s policy of forcing female high school athletes to compete against male athletes. The post contained an image of a male high school athlete finishing in 5th place in a male track-and-field event, side-by-side with a later image showing the same athlete finishing first while competing against female athletes.
While orchestrating the censure vote against Libby, Fecteau presented the disciplinary measure as aimed not at Libby’s political views but at the act of posting an image of a minor on social media.
[ Rep. Libby Files Federal Lawsuit Against Speaker Fecteau for Violating Her Constitutional Rights..]
On Tuesday, Libby, joined by several of her constituents, filed suit against Fecteau alleging that depriving her of her right to vote over a Facebook post was unconstitutional.
The following day, every federal judge in the District of Maine filed orders recusing themselves from the case without explanation.
[ In Unprecedented Move, All Maine’s Federal Judges Recuse from GOP Rep’s Challenge to Democrat Speaker’s Vote-Stripping Censure Order – UPDATE…]
Wednesday afternoon, the Maine Wire reported exclusively that the reason for this recusal was a conflict arising from the employment of the male athlete’s mother. That athlete’s mother is a clerk for the U.S. District Court of Maine.
As a result of the unanimous recusal of Maine’s federal judges, the case has now been re-assigned to the District of Rhode Island, where it will be heard by Judge DuBose.
DuBose, confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 51-47 vote on March 12, 2024, was appointed by President Joe Biden. Her confirmation was hailed by NPR as providing “meaningful representation” to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals because she was, according to local Rhode Island media, the first openly lesbian judge to sit on the Rhode Island District Court.
Prior to her Senate confirmation to Rhode Island’s U.S. District Court, DuBose had served as an associate judge on Rhode Island’s state District Court.
[ Trump Will Block $280M+ in Federal Education Spending Over Maine’s Failure to Protect Female-Only Spaces, Sports…]
In that capacity, DuBose joined several colleagues in signing a March 31, 2021 letter bucking judicial tradition in favor of solidarity with left-wing activists.
“Traditionally, the Judiciary by way of both custom and judicial canons reserves comment and will not make extra-judicial statements regarding civic engagement,” the letter said. “But, recognizing that this is a moment of inflection for our state and the nation, it is imperative that we lift our voice and reaffirm our commitment to the just and equal treatment of every person who appears before us.”
[ Gov. Mills Vows to Resist Federal Ban on Boys in Girls Sports After Trump Singled out Maine and Threatened to Pull Funding…]
“It is important that we celebrate the unique contribution that our state’s founders played in infusing principles of religious freedom and separation of powers into the formation of our national identity,” the letter said. “Championed since Rhode Island’s founding in 1636, these principles were boldly codified and beautifully captured in both our state Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. However, it is equally important to recognize and acknowledge the unique and preeminent role that Rhode Island played in the devastating history of slavery in the United States.”
[ Trump and Mills Go Head to Head Over Trans Row]
“We want to instill confidence in the Black, Latino, Latina, LGBTQ and all under-represented communities that Rhode Island’s courts are their courts, and we will fulfill our constitutional mandate that they receive equal treatment under the law,” the letter said.
DuBose was joined in signing the letter by 12 other judges. According to the letter, DuBose performed a reading; however, the audio of that reading has since been scrubbed from the court’s website.
DuBose also admitted to U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) during her Senate confirmation hearing to having gone through a “Marxist phase.”
Full letter here.
Libby’s social media post, which went on to be shared tens of thousands of times, eventually caught the attention of the White House and prompted a high-profile and ongoing spat between President Donald Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills.
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
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.
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.
-
Technology43 seconds agoSam Altman says Elon Musk’s mind games were damaging OpenAI
-
World7 minutes agoMacron takes the stage uninvited at Africa summit to scold crowd for ‘total lack of respect’
-
Politics13 minutes agoPelosi, other Dems, and former Rep MTG dogpile on Trump over inflation, Iran war
-
Health19 minutes agoAlzheimer’s drugs slammed as ‘ineffective’ in major review, but critics push back
-
Sports25 minutes agoFlorida judge rules prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history after DUI arrest: report
-
Technology31 minutes agoAI robot changes your tires and balances them too
-
Business37 minutes agoCalifornia consumers accuse popular Italian food brand of tomato fraud
-
Entertainment43 minutes ago
Is ‘Blue Dot Fever’ a real problem for the concert industry?
