Rhode Island

R.I. Senate president returns after seven weeks and bout of pneumonia – The Boston Globe

Published

9 months ago

March 25, 2025

R.I. Senate president returns after seven weeks and bout of pneumonia – The Boston Globe

Ruggerio, 76, a North Providence Democrat, missed long stretches of last year’s legislative session as he battled cancer and shingles. He is still being treated for cancer, he said on Tuesday.

In November, Ruggerio withstood a leadership challenge from former Senate Majority Leader Ryan W. Pearson, a Cumberland Democrat who charged that the Senate was ineffective in his absence.

Ruggerio was admitted to Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, in North Providence, on Feb. 19 with what senators were told was a “touch of pneumonia.” He later moved to Fatima’s rehabilitation facility, and returned home on March 12. He was expected to return to the Senate last Thursday, but a spokesman said he needed another day with his recovery.

With his appearance Tuesday, Ruggerio has attended six the Senate’s 13 sessions this year. He presided over Tuesday’s Senate session, which included unanimous approval of two bills.

During announcements Tuesday, Senator Jake Bissaillon, a Providence Democrat who previously served as his chief of staff, said to Ruggerio, “I’d be remiss not to say it’s good to see you back.”

After Tuesday’s session, Pearson said, “I’m glad to see he is doing well enough to be back.”

When asked by reporters what his priorities are for the remainder of the legislative session, Ruggerio said, “Well, I’m playing catch up.”

But he cited a Senate commission appointed to study whether to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island. And he mentioned the package of health care bills that the Senate unveiled in February, including legislation to review Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers in Rhode Island.

Ruggerio said he has not had a chance to meet with Governor Daniel J. McKee or House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to discuss legislative priorities. “We’ve spoken over the phone. I haven’t really met with them physically, but I intend to,” he said.

When asked to identify the hardest part of being Senate president during his health problems, Ruggerio said, “Keeping up with things.” He emphasized his “great staff,” and said he is in regular contact with Senate staff, Shekarchi, and McKee. “So I can keep up with what’s going on up here,” he said.

Ruggerio is considered the “dean” of the Senate, the chamber’s longest-serving member, first winning election in 1985. He previously served in the state House of Representatives from 1981 to 1984, and has served as Senate president since March 2017.

When the 2025 legislative session commenced in January, the 38-member Senate reelected Ruggerio as president, with 26 senators voting for him while 12 voted “present,” essentially abstaining from the vote. Surprisingly, Ruggerio was among those who voted “present.” Afterward, he said he could not hear and misunderstood when he voted “present” rather than voting for himself.

When asked on Tuesday if he still considers it a good decision to run again for Senate president, Ruggerio said, “Yes.”

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.

Source link

Rhode Island

Fourth Brown shooting patient discharged from Rhode Island Hospital

Published

10 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Fourth Brown shooting patient discharged from Rhode Island Hospital

Rhode Island Hospital confirmed through a spokesperson that a fourth patient from the shooting at Brown University on Saturday, Dec. 13, has been discharged. As of 11 am on Dec. 22, the hospital has treated nine patients with gunshot injuries. Five are in stable condition and four have been discharged.

“Rhode Island Hospital is working closely with and providing support to all impacted family members and remains in continuous communication with Brown University,” a hospital spokesperson said in a statement.

Source link

Rhode Island

RI Lottery Lucky For Life, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Dec. 21, 2025

Published

22 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 21, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

11-24-27-38-46, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Midday: 8-0-7-6

Evening: 5-8-6-7

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

13-30-34-35-38, Extra: 17

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.

Source link

Rhode Island

Two Years Later, Police Renew Call for Help in Unsolved North Providence Murder – Newport Buzz

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Two Years Later, Police Renew Call for Help in Unsolved North Providence Murder – Newport Buzz

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two years after the killing of 61-year-old Claire Grady Flynn, police in North Providence are again asking the public for help, saying the case remains active and solvable.

North Providence Police Department renewed its call for information on Friday, marking the second anniversary of Flynn’s death and urging anyone with even the smallest detail to come forward.

Flynn, a retired nurse with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, was found dead inside her Centerdale Avenue home on Dec. 20, 2023. Police said her brother discovered her body after becoming concerned when he couldn’t reach her.

Despite an extensive investigation that has included assistance from outside agencies and specialized resources, no arrests have been made.

Detectives say public cooperation remains critical.

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who knew Flynn or had contact with her during 2023 — especially in November — and anyone with insight into her daily routines, personal relationships, or places she regularly visited.

Police stress that even information that may seem insignificant could help move the case forward. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Burlingame at 401-231-4533, ext. 1115, or the anonymous tip line at 401-437-6418. Non-emergency calls to police can be made at 401-231-4533.

In a previous statement, Chief Alfredo Ruggiero emphasized the department’s commitment to solving the case, saying detectives remain determined to bring those responsible to justice and provide closure for Flynn’s family.

“Anyone who knew Ms. Flynn or had recent contact with her is urged to call,” Ruggiero said. “The cooperation of the community is vital to ensuring justice is served.”

Portrait of Brown University student Ella Cook, identified as first victim in campus shooting

Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!