Rhode Island
Parents tote toddlers to D.C. to press for expanded child tax credit, child care funds • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — Families gathered outside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday to “make a fuss for babies,” who they believe are being left behind by lawmakers who direct only a fraction of U.S. resources to young children.
Parents and kids representing 50 states and the District of Columbia convened for the eighth annual “Strolling Thunder.” Moms and dads pushing strollers decked out in state license plates rallied on the Capitol’s East Lawn to lobby lawmakers to fund child care, establish national paid family leave, and permanently expand the child tax credit.
Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE, the organization behind the event, rallied parents to tell their representatives that the 11 million babies in the U.S. “make up 3.4% of our population, but 100% of our future.”
“You’re here with the pork producers and the insurance lobby and the pharmaceutical industry. Members of Congress don’t normally see real people, and they rarely see babies and toddlers, particularly babies and toddlers who need to have their diapers changed on their desks. And that’s what I encourage you to do if you need to have that happen,” Melmed told the crowd.
The nonprofit ZERO TO THREE bases its advocacy on health and developmental research findings in infants up to age 3, the years the group describes as “the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being.”
Melmed praised top Democratic appropriators Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut for achieving a $1 billion increase for child care block grants and Head Start in this year’s government funding bills.
DeLauro, who spoke to the crowd, said “families deserve better.”
“The cost of living has increased year after year, and more and more Americans simply do not get paid enough to live on, let alone to raise a family,” the Connecticut lawmaker said, promising to advocate for the reinstatement of a fully refundable child tax credit.
‘Diapers, child care, formula’
Candace Winkler, a former Alaska resident and current ZERO TO THREE leader, sat on the Capitol lawn next to Sabrina Donnellan who traveled to D.C. from Girdwood, Alaska, with her 13-month-old Blakely to advocate for lower child care costs and paid family leave.
Winkler, the organization’s chief development and strategy officer, said the group of families would divide up in the halls of Congress Tuesday to meet with their representatives about six key policy issues, including permanently expanding the child tax credit to pandemic levels.
“We’ve seen that time and time again that families are using those resources for diapers, child care, formula and things their babies and their family needs. And it’s really critical for their success,” WInkler said.
The current child tax credit is $2,000 a year after tax liability, but the amount a parent could receive per child under 17 in a refund check is capped at $1,600 in 2023. The credit phases in at 15% on every dollar after earnings of $2,500.
As the U.S. was digging out from under the COVID-19 economic crisis, Congress approved a one-year expansion of the tax credit to $3,000 per child under age 18, and $3,600 for those under age 6 — including for families who made $0 in income. Lawmakers made the entire amount refundable, and a portion of it was sent to families in monthly installments.
Advocates hailed the research findings that showed the temporary move was a game changer for lifting children from poverty in the U.S.
A current bipartisan proposal, widely supported by U.S. House lawmakers, to temporarily expand the child tax credit until 2025 — though not to pandemic levels — is currently stalled by U.S. Senate Republicans who liken aspects of the bill to a welfare program.
The proposal, as passed by the House, would increase the credit’s refundable portion to $1,800 in 2023, $1,900 in 2024 and $2,000 in 2025. The legislation would also increase the phase-in rate to 15% per child, simultaneously — in other words, 30% for a family with two children, 45% for a family with three, and so on.
Credit card debt for child care
Cruz Bueno, a parent from Warwick, Rhode Island, shared her story of racking up credit card debt to enroll her 11-month-old Rosie in child care, along with her 2-year-old sister Amalia.
“Putting Rosie into daycare means that we must put a halt to our dream of buying a home,” said Bueno, an economist who lives in Warwick with her husband, Xhuljan Meta.
“One of the stipulations of our mortgage pre-approval was to keep our credit card balances low. Even so, we remain hopeful that one day in the not-so-distant future we will be able to buy a home to raise our girls and pass on wealth to them,” she said.
When asked about the Strolling Thunder event at Tuesday morning’s regularly scheduled House Republican press conference, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said, “There’s lots of ideas out there. What we stand for, what our party stands for, is support of families. We support infants and children, and there’s an appropriate role to play in that.”
“The devil’s always in the details on legislation, so I’m not sure exactly what they’re proposing, but all of us are looking at those avenues. We want to support families. That’s good public policy,” Johnson said. “In our view, the best way often for the government to do that is to step back and allow the local and state officials to handle their business at that local level.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik, House Republican Conference Chair, said the GOP is “proud to be a pro-family conference.”
“There are many of our members who have proposed innovative solutions — one is rural child care. Home-based child care, that’s an issue I’ve worked with many of my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee,” Stefanik, of New York, said. “But the economy, the border, crime, these issues, these crises caused by Joe Biden, they impact every family.”
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Last out for Tiverton in a Division III softball win over Rogers
Last out for Tiverton in a Division III softball win over Rogers, a 14-9 triumph on June 2, 2026.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Coaches are reminded to send in game results each weeknight by emailing pjsports@providencejournal.com from 6 to 10 p.m.
🥍Games of the Day
La Salle will play Moses Brown for the 2026 RIIL Boys Lacrosse State Championship, like there was ever any doubt.
Tuesday was semifinal day for the two best boys lacrosse programs in Rhode Island and turned into their annual victory party. The top-seeded Rams didn’t play their cleanest lacrosse, but that didn’t stop them from taking No. 4 Hendricken apart with a 19-6 win.
Across the city, the second-seeded Quakers didn’t get off to a quick start, but took advantage of a man-up situation in the second to build a comfortable lead that turned full reclining chair in the second half in a 14-2 win over No. 3 Barrington.
La Salle handled Hendricken with ease during the regular season and the playoff match was more of the same. The Rams didn’t light the scoreboard on fire – at least not by their lofty expectations – but Dylan Fitzgerald’s FOGO dominance never gave the Hawks a chance to climb back into the game. La Salle improved in the second half and turned a 9-2 halftime lead into a 13-goal victory.
Lachlan Got led the Rams with five goals and Quincy Marino scored four. Tanner Poirier and Kian Parker both scored two goals and Nick Loo, Charlie Rodehorst, Thayer Got, Tyler Loo and Reid Kelley also had goals. Fitzgerald won 18 of 21 faceoffs and Connor Kelley made six saves before giving way to Sam Melanson, who made three to close things out.
Max Casten scored twice in the loss for Hendricken, with Richie Sousa, Will Kornacki, Karlton Lough and Dom Vacca getting the other scores.
Over on the east side, it took a little longer for Moses Brown to get cooking.
The Quakers struck first on a Christian Smith bounce shot 1:22 into the game, but the Eagles tied the game with a Peyton Hillier goal with 2:08 left in the quarter. MB quickly responded, with a goal by Reece Chace with 1:32 left to take a 2-1 lead into the second quarter.
Barrington picked up a stick penalty between quarters and Moses Brown took advantage of the man-up situation, getting a goal from Chace 1:12 into the second and then another score from John Cerce 30 seconds later. Chace added his third goal of the game with 6:59 left to play and Hugo Harrell popped one home with 5:11 left that gave MB a 6-1 lead it took into halftime.
The Quakers didn’t let up in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 3-0, before playing out the fourth.
Chace and Harrell led Moses Brown with four goals apiece. Cerce and Smith both scored twice and Ben Magiera and Matt Azevedo had the other tallies.
Hillier scored both goals for Barrington in the loss.
Nothing has been made official, but if tradition holds La Salle and Barrington would meet in the state title game on Saturday morning at Brown University.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-II semifinals
Westerly 21, Cranston West 3
The Bulldogs showed why they were the top seed in the D-II tournament, putting together an unstoppable performance in a 21-3 win over fourth-seeded Falcons.
Westerly has scored in bunches all season, but it picked a great time to have its best offensive performance of the season. The Bulldogs owned possession and finished what seemed like every time up the field, leaving Cranston West in their wake.
Eight different players scored for Westerly, led by six goals from Casey Macera. The Bulldogs got three apiece from Ella Seltzer, Gianna Falcone and Sienna Fizzano, while Phoebe Brennan and Jenna Parker scored two apiece. Macy Antoch and Sienna Mathieu added one goal each and Vittoria Illiano made five saves in the win.
Ashley Budano scored two goals to lead the Falcons and twin sister Zoe Budano had the other tally.
Westerly moves on to the Division II title game and will play No. 2 Cumberland.
Cumberland 12, Burrillville 6
The Clippers offense made a statement in the opening quarter and kept their foot on the gas, beating the Broncos, 12-6, to earn a spot in the Division II championship game.
When the teams met on May 8, No. 2 Cumberland had too much firepower for No. 3 Burrillville to contain. The trend continued in the rematch, as the Clippers poured on five goals in the first quarter before going up 8-2 at halftime. Up 10-3 late in the third, Cumberland played a man down but the Broncos couldn’t take advantage.
Lucy Biggs led the Clippers with five goals and Brooke Tellier and Leanna Parrillo scored three goals apiece in the win. Cumberland moves on to the D-II final where it will play No. 1 Westerly.
Alexis Novicki and Gia Marini scored two goals apiece for Burrillville and Grace Doughty made 11 saves in the loss.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
Toll Gate 15, East Providence 5
It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season, but the Titans made it look easy as the offense played practically perfect in a 15-5 win over the Townies.
No. 2 Toll Gate beat No. 6 East Providence – the defending D-III champs – in a defensive battle, 6-5, on May 13, then outscored them 13-7 on May 20. That second game showed the Titans something and the offense was even better in the third meeting of the season.
Delanie Wheeler could not be stopped, scoring seven goals to lead all scorers. Aubrey Rubeira was also terrific, scoring four times. Jenna White had a pair of goals and Tate Payne and Stella Kraus had the other two scores. Olivia Napolitano made five saves in the win.
Alyssa Karalekas left it all on the field in her final game for EP, scoring four times. Sydney Olson added one goal in the loss.
Toll Gate moves on to Sunday’s Division III final and will take on the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between No. 1 Smithfield and No. 4 Pilgrim.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
Scituate 7, Coventry 2
The Spartans offense owned the first half and the defense took care of business in the second as they pull out a 7-2 win over the Oakers and earned their spot in Sunday’s Division IV title game.
No. 3 Coventry beat No. 2 Scituate for the Division IV title last year and came away with a win in the regular-season rematch this spring, giving the Spartans plenty of motivation.
The offense was ready to put on a show and did in the first two quarters to take a 5-1 lead. Coventry tried to battle back, but the Scituate defense was too tough and didn’t let the Oakers find a rhythm,
Julianna Pimental led Scituate with seven goals and Grace Jacavone and Bella O’Leary scored two goals apiece. Maelie Bowden had three assists and Lainey Nelson made eight saves in the win.
Hailey Duggan and Addie DeMarzo scored the goals for Coventry, who hung tough despite an injury to star goalie Maddy Vorro in the third quarter.
Scituate will look to win a title that evaded it last season when it takes on the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between No. 1 Lincoln and No. 3 Tiverton.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
Lincoln 5, Narragansett 2
Jake Rousseau’s story on the third-seeded Lions’ upset over the second-seeded and defending Division III champion Mariners can be found here.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
Rogers 9, Ponaganset 2
The Vikings gave up a goal early, then took over the game in a 9-2 win over the Chieftains, giving the defending Division IV champs a shot at winning another title.
No. 3 Ponaganset took the long ride to Newport and showed up ready to play, as Otto Pearson scored the first goal of the game 1:12 in, giving his team a boost of energy.
Rogers, the No. 2 seed, came back in a hurry, getting four goals from four different players before the quarter was over to go up 5-1 at halftime, then second the first four goals of the second half to put things away.
Luke Mathews led the way for the Vikings with four goals. Brady McCombe scored twice for Rogers and Quinaln Green, Aidan O’Connell and Jayvia Perez had the remaining goals. Rogers moves on to the Division IV final against top-seeded Scituate in a rematch of last year’s championship game.
Pearson scored the first goal of the game for Ponaganset and the last was scored by Owen Machan.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-II semifinals
West Warwick 3, Central Falls 1
The Wizards came in looking for revenge and got it while earning a title-game spot in the process, downing the Warriors 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23.
No. 1 West Warwick’s only loss to a Division-II team this spring came in four sets at the hands of No. 4 Central Falls on May 6. The Wizards took down the first set to gain momentum, but gave it back as the Warriors played great late in the second set.
West Warwick’s vaunted offense took over in the third set and the team rode that energy into the third, closing with a fury. Ian Degnan ran things to perfection and finished with 58 assists, with Colin Kelly leading the Wizards with 16 kills. Alex Osmena came through with 14 kills and Liam Sisson had nine kills and four aces in the win.
Emmanuel Tavares led Central Falls with 12 kills and Nicolas Goncalves had 10 kills in the loss. Daniel Rojo, did what he could in the back, coming up with 16 digs.
West Warwick advances to Saturday’s Division II title match and will take on No. 2 Westerly.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-III semifinal
EWG 3, St. Raphael 0
The Scarlet Knights weren’t going to let the Cinderella Saints pull off another upset, winning big points when it mattered most in a 25-21, 27-25, 25-22 win that sends them to the Division II title game.
No. 3 Exeter-West Greenwich knew what No. 7 St. Raphael was capable of after its 3-1 home win on May 20 and then seeing the Saints take down No. 2 North Providence in the quarterfinals.
The Knights had a balanced offensive attack, with setter Will Edwards finishing with 29 assists and using all the weapons at his disposal. Zoltan Libertini led the way with 10 kills, Derik Payette had eight kills and Casey Kretchman finished with seven kills in the win.
Jameson Taylor left it all on the court for the Saints, finishing with 19 kills. Joe Clifton had five kills and three blocks and Brighton Champagne finished with 32 assists in the loss.
🥎SOFTBALL – D-II losers’ final
Ponaganaset 5, Johnston 2
Bill Koch’s story on the seventh-seeded Chieftains’ upset over the second-seeded Panthers is coming soon.
🥎SOFTBALL – D-III winners’ final
Tiverton 14, Rogers 9
Bill Koch’s story on the top-seeded Tigers’ win over the second-seeded Vikings can be found here.
RIIL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE – Wednesday, June 3
🥎SOFTBALL – Division III losers’ final
No. 3 Exeter-West Greenwich vs. No. 2 Rogers at Rhode Island College, 5 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-II semifinals
No. 5 Prout at No. 1 Westerly, 6 p.m.
No. 3 Portsmouth at No. 2 East Greenwich, 7:30 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
No. 5 North Smithfield vs. No. 1 Mt. Hope at Roger Williams, 3:30 p.m.
🥍BOYS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
No. 4 North Providence at No. 1 Scituate, 4 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-I semifinals
No. 4 La Salle at No. 1 Moses Brown, 5 p.m.
No. 3 Barrington at No. 2 East Greenwich, 5:30 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-III semifinals
No. 4 Pilgrim at No. 1 Smithfield, 6 p.m.
🥍GIRLS LACROSSE – D-IV semifinals
No. 4 Tiverton at No. 1 Lincoln, 4 p.m.
🏐BOYS VOLLEYBALL – D-I semifinals
No. 4 North Kingstown vs. No. 1 La Salle at RIC, 5:30 p.m.
No. 6 East Greenwich vs. No. 2 Hendricken at RIC, 7:30 p.m.
Rhode Island
Flight restrictions over World Cup sites: Unpermitted drones could be destroyed if they fly in certain areas – The Boston Globe
The drone restriction is centered around the soccer practice field adjacent to Beirne football stadium at Bryant University, and the Graduate by Hilton Providence hotel, which are being used by Team Ghana.
“The FAA exempts drone operations that directly support national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting or search-and-rescue missions,” Breitenfeldt said. “Commercial operators with a valid statement of work must submit requests at least 72 hours before operating within a restricted area to allow for coordination and approval.”
According to the notice, The Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of Justice may seize, damage, or even destroy drones that they deep to be a credible safety or security threat.
Providence law enforcement is handling safety efforts on the ground.
“This is unlike any event Providence has hosted in terms of duration and international reach, but our police, fire, emergency management, and city teams have been preparing extensively,” said Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez in a press release.
The PVD FanZone at Station Park, between the Providence Place Mall and train station, will host fans from around the world. According to the press release, the city will have a layered security plan throughout the FanZone and surrounding downtown area and police presence throughout the district. A mobile command center will be located nearby where the public can seek help.
There will be four staffed entryways with security screening, and alcohol service will end 30 minutes prior to the FanZone’s closing each night.
Guests will not be allowed to bring coolers or outside food and drinks, drones, or weapons of any kind, according to the press release.
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at carlos.munoz@globe.com. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
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