Rhode Island
Rhode Island FC's Debut Season Grows Bleaker
For not the first time this season, Rhode Island FC held a convincing lead going into the final minutes of a game that they should have won. Once again, however, the Draw Kings found a way to drop two important points en route to their ninth draw through fourteen matches.
Though some of their previous matches have been bad, this one in particular stands head-and-shoulders above the rest as the single most ignominious, as Rhode Island watched a two-goal lead against Memphis 901 FC evaporate in second-half stoppage time.
Rhode Island FC’s hopes were bolstered early in the first half, as a chipped pass from RIFC striker JJ Williams found the right foot of Rhode Island midfielder Conor McGlynn 15 yards from the goal in the 18th minute, and McGlynn half-volleyed a blast towards the near post that Memphis goalkeeper Tyler Deric had no chance of stopping. It was the most attractive goal I’ve seen Rhode Island score all season, and McGlynn deserves some acclaim for having scored it.
Rhode Island went into the half up 1-0 despite Memphis having a goal called back for offsides and RIFC goalkeeper Koke Vegas making a brilliant save against Memphis 901 FC’s former USMNT midfielder Emerson Hyndman.
The second half began in just as positive a fashion for RIFC as the first did. In the 67th minute, Noah Fuson broke free on the right-hand side of Memphis’ goal and fired a close-angle shot that snuck through Deric’s legs and rolled towards goal before RIFC midfielder Joe Brito came sliding in to push it over the line, despite the best efforts of Deric to smother it and keep it out.
The goal was a scrappy one and exactly the kind of play fans will have wanted to see from their team, scoring goals however they can — pretty ones and ugly ones alike. The goal gave RIFC its first two-goal lead of the season and in club history.
The elation of the moment did not last long.
In the 87th minute, RIFC’s Vegas came rushing out of his box to make a challenge on a long ball to Memphis’ Nighte Pickering. Vegas missed the ball entirely and slammed Pickering to the turf and the referee gave him a red card for the careless, reckless challenge that Vegas quite frankly should have known better than to attempt, especially with a two-goal lead and only three minutes to play.
With Vegas sidelined, RIFC was forced to sub out Fuson for backup goalkeeper Jackson Lee and they were lucky to have the subs to do so. Lee’s first challenge was the free kick given for Vegas’ foul, which was taken in the 90th minute from a dangerous position just outside the RIFC box.
Memphis midfielder Samuel Alejandro Careaga lifted it up and over Rhode Island’s leaping wall and although Lee was able to get a fingertip to the blasted shot, he was unable to stop it from careening into the left side of his goal. Memphis was back in the match, with RIFC a man down, and the fourth official was about to give a healthy amount of stoppage time with which they could take advantage of that fact, fifteen minutes to be exact.
The seemingly inevitable came in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time, as Memphis sent a long ball over the top into the box, and Lee collected it comfortably. Rhode Island’s Karifa Yao, however, had other ideas.
He tackled a Memphis attacker in the box and gave Memphis a gift penalty for his efforts. Memphis 901 FC striker Marlon easily converted it, as Lee guessed right and Marlon fired left, and Memphis tied it up. The final whistle blew four minutes later, with Rhode Island FC having dropped two points in only a handful of disastrous minutes.
Looking at the stats, however, one may find it impressive that Rhode Island managed a point at all, as Memphis outshot Rhode Island 22 to 8, held 68% of possession to Rhode Island’s 32%, completed 535 passes with 78% accuracy to Rhode Islands 258 passes and 58% accuracy. At this point, it’s becoming clear that Rhode Island FC’s on-pitch situation is growing ever-bleaker. What will RIFC Head Coach Khano Smith and the front office do to turn things around? What can they do?
Rhode Island FC fans can next catch their team in action away against Louisville City FC on Saturday, June 22nd, at 8 pm ET. Thanks to his red card, the team will be without star goalkeeper Koke Vegas for this important matchup against the highest-scoring team in the USL Championship.
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.”
BRISTOL, R.I. (WJAR) — A bill that puts restrictions on self-checkout lanes is headed to the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
The legislation would require grocery stores to have one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkouts.
The bill was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 21.
Senate President Valarie Lawson said it is to help cashiers, as well as customers who may struggle with checking out their groceries, and Rep. Megan Cotter said the bill is about both cashier and customer protection.
Coastal ABC’s Cate Hanewich spoke with customers about the bill. (WJAR)
However, Scott Bromberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association, sees the bill in a different way.
Bromberg said he does not want limitations on self-checkout, and that consumers want the fast-shopping experience that self-checkout has to offer.
“The way modern consumers shop has changed, and they want a faster checkout,” he said.
However, Cotter claims that consumers want staffed registers.
Bristol resident Alan Gorbutt agrees and said he does not like self-checkout.
“I like the old-fashioned way. Just go to the regular checkout, seeing the regular lady with the happy smile. I get my groceries that way,” Gorbutt said.
Shopper Christine Auserwald said she will go between the two options but has a preference.
“I prefer manual checkout, but if the lines are too long, I do go to self-checkout,” Auserwald said.
Other customers said they only use self-checkout.
“More convenient, I’m mostly, in and out,” one shopper said.
Bromberg also voiced concern that the bill only limits grocery stores.
Customers using the self-checkout lanes. (WJAR)
“Right now, self-checkout is everywhere you can think of. It’s in hardware stores. It’s in pharmacies, dollars stores, craft stores, discount stores. And we just don’t understand why it only applies to grocery stores,” Bromberg said.
However, Cotter said the bill also includes retail stores Target and Walmart.
If passed, Rhode Island would be the first state in the country to have a statewide restriction on self-checkout.
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