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R.I. cannabis regulators closing in on social equity rules • Rhode Island Current

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R.I. cannabis regulators closing in on social equity rules • Rhode Island Current


The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission may finally be ready as early as the end of the month to decide how it will define who qualifies as a “social equity applicant” for one of a half dozen cannabis retail licenses.

The agenda for the three-member panel’s meeting Friday afternoon called for a potential vote on the regulations meant to clarify who would qualify as a social equity applicant, generally meant for those who were adversely affected by the war on drugs. 

But no vote happened, which led to some whispered grumbling from the nearly dozen cannabis industry workers in the audience. 

“It takes time to think about this,” said Chairperson Kimberly Ahern.

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The commission must narrow down the definition of what constitutes a community that has been disproportionately impacted by the federal government’s crackdown on illegal drug use dating back to 1971 when President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse as “public enemy number one.” In the early 1980s, the Reagan administration expanded the reach of the drug war and criminal punishment, leading to an increase in incarcerations for nonviolent drug offenses.

Regulators have sought to refine the defnition since last November through the use of data from state and federal agencies — which the panel reviewed during Friday’s meeting.

What will social equity in cannabis look like? Regulators need data to answer that

Under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, social equity status can be determined by federal poverty level, unemployment rate, the number of kids in a free lunch program, and historic arrest rates in any given census tract. But advocates say these criteria are open to interpretation and filled with loopholes that can be exploited by those who didn’t actually interact with the criminal justice system.

Of the state’s 39 municipalities, only three met the criteria for a social equity zone set in Rhode Island’s legalization act: Central Falls, Providence and Woonsocket. That presents a slight challenge in the licensing distribution system, as retail licenses must be spread throughout six geographic zones — one of which is reserved for social equity applicants.

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Under state law, the commission is empowered to grant 24 licenses to recreational dispensaries, with six reserved for social equity applicants and another six are reserved for worker-owned cooperatives.

To keep things fair, regulators plan to randomly select which applicants will get a license, though Commissioner Robert Jacquard said he would prefer to see a solely merit-based approval for the few social equity licenses available.

“I don’t think the selection process is going to be overwhelming,” he said.

Social equity measures are likely to be conditionally approved by the commission “possibly at the end of October or early November,” Ahern told Rhode Island Current after the meeting.

Assistance for social equity applicants

The panel also heard a presentation from the Policy Liaison Carla Aveledo on the Social Equity Assistance Program and Fund established under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act.

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 The law states social equity applicants can receive some assistance from a program “for business assistance and license application benefits” from the designated fund. As of Friday, the fund sat at $1.5 million — none of which can be accessed until final regulations are set up.

Over the summer, draft regulations such as labeling requirements and how licenses will be awarded have been conditionally approved in a piecemeal fashion, which Ahern said “is more digestible” for staff rather than one big package. The commission has previously indicated its intention to finalize the full list of regulations by the end of the year.

Ahern gave some preliminary thoughts — namely that licensees shouldn’t rely on the fund for too long.

“The goal being you become a fully operational business over the first couple of years,” she said.

Regulators also intend to give out provisional licenses that allow the state to perform thorough inspections on a business’ plan before offering an official license, according to the presentation. 

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Rhode Island

One Big Question After RHORI Renewal

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

We learned from Patch.com that the couple is ready to get rid of their beautiful house in Toms River, New Jersey.
The stunning house is going for $2,450,000. It’s a beautiful house with a view of the bay.

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

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general


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  • Republican candidate John Loughlin proposes transforming the Rhode Island lieutenant governor’s office into an inspector general.
  • Loughlin aims to use the office’s staff and budget to investigate government waste, fraud, and corruption.
  • The state’s lieutenant governor role currently has few official duties beyond succeeding the governor if necessary.

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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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.



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RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 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 10, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing

Midday: 9-9-9-0

Evening: 5-5-0-9

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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.

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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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