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Hundreds of people gathered on a Rhode Island beach Wednesday to witness six gray seals being released back into the ocean following weeks of rehabilitation at the Mystic Aquarium.
The seals were all found on Block Island entangled in fishing gear and marine debris between late March and early April. They “galumphed” back into the sea at Wuskenau Town Beach in Westerly, guided by volunteers and officers from the New Haven Police Department, the aquarium said in a press release.
With the surge in New England’s seal populations, the aquarium said it is seeing a “sharp rise” in the animals becoming entangled in fishing gear. So far this year, the Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program has rescued and rehabilitated 24 seals, a number the institution said is likely to rise and surpass the total number seen last year, 25.
As entanglement cases continue to increase in line with upticks in seal populations, our team cherishes the opportunity to help these animals and strengthen marine ecosystems up and down the East Coast,” Sarah Callan, Animal Rescue Program Manager at Mystic Aquarium, said in a statement.
The cost of treating each seal is more than $10,000, with research items, such as satellite and acoustic tags for when the animals are released into the ocean costing $5,000 and $400 respectively.
The aquarium said funding cuts meant that only two of the seals released on Wednesday were fitted with satellite tags, which help researchers track “climate-driven movement, predator-prey dynamics, and the impact of human activity.”
“These tags mark the last two in the aquarium’s inventory, highlighting the urgent need for donations to continue this vital work,” the aquarium said.
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Will the Redditor who broke open the case get the $50k reward?
What officials said about the chances the Redditor who broke open the Brown University mass shooting case will get the $50,000 reward.
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.
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:
11-24-27-38-46, Lucky Ball: 15
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Midday: 8-0-7-6
Evening: 5-8-6-7
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
13-30-34-35-38, Extra: 17
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
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.
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.”
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