Rhode Island
Rhode Island General Assembly Begins 2026 Session With Focus on Affordability – Newport Buzz
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session this week with a focus on health care affordability, housing costs and economic stability, as leaders in both chambers warned of uncertainty tied to federal budget changes.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi outlined House priorities centered on expanding access to health care while lowering costs, calling it the chamber’s top agenda item for the year. He also said lawmakers will continue addressing housing shortages and rising home energy costs, emphasizing the need for community input as policy decisions move forward.
In the Senate, President Valarie J. Lawson convened the chamber by urging bipartisan cooperation and announcing plans to introduce legislation supporting education, small businesses and the state’s health care system. Stabilizing hospitals and strengthening the primary care workforce were identified as key goals.
Both chambers paused to honor victims of the Dec. 13 shooting at Brown University, passing resolutions recognizing the victims and commending first responders. Lawmakers also observed a moment of silence.
New legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara would require the Department of Education to adopt a zero-tolerance hazing policy in partnership with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, mandating clear and consistent discipline statewide.
Meanwhile, Reps. David Morales and Jennifer Stewart called on Gov. Dan McKee to fully fund public libraries in the upcoming state budget.
Speaker Shekarchi also announced several committee leadership changes, appointing Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee as chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith as chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee.
The week also marked the first Senate session for Sen. Stefano V. Famiglietti, who received committee assignments following his election to fill a vacant seat.
Legislative leaders capped the week by joining faith leaders at the 18th annual Rhode Island Interfaith Poverty Vigil at the State House, calling attention to legislation aimed at reducing poverty statewide.
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(WJAR) — A Rhode Island couple took home a big surprise from their vacation in Florida: a newborn baby.
The two had just arrived in Tampa to go on a cruise, when the mom started having severe abdominal cramps.
She was rushed to the emergency room where doctors broke the news:she was pregnant and the baby was on it’s way.
Neither one even knew they were expecting.
But they said their new baby boy “Sebastian” is a more than welcome souvenir.
Patrol officers were dispatched to the bridge shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday and found a 40-year-old man with stab wounds to his chest, Josh Estrella, the director of communications for the city of Providence, said in an email.
The Providence Fire Department transported the man to Rhode Island Hospital, Estrella said.
I think we may have found the most terrifying porta potty in New England. Here’s how it happened.
We were lucky enough to broadcast The MGM Show live from DeWolf Tavern in Bristol, Rhode Island this morning.
Why Bristol Is Worth the Trip
Aside from being one of the most patriotic towns in America, Bristol is also one of the most beautiful seaside towns.
There’s only one problem: the bridge that you need to use to get to Bristol scares me to death. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t scare easily with things like bridges, tunnels, or airplanes. However, the Mount Hope Bridge is one that makes me want to close my eyes and “hope” for the best. Maybe that’s where the name comes from.
What Is Happening With the Mount Hope Bridge Construction?
If you live in the area of the Mount Hope Bridge, you know all too well about the construction that has been happening over the spring and summer. I noticed the construction today and it got me wondering if any of them were afraid of heights.
The Porta Potty That Might Be Rhode Island’s Scariest
If heights bother you, there’s definitely one added feature that could make working construction on the Mount Hope Bridge even more difficult, if not impossible.
The porta potty that is perched on top of the bridge is the stuff nightmares are made of. I’m not sure how badly I’d need to have to use a bathroom before I succumbed to opening the door of this porta potty and climbing inside.
How can anyone get in there and not picture themselves slowly free falling in the smelly chamber as indelible blue goo leaves the toilet as you prepare for your humiliating doom?
Take a look at these pictures and ask yourself if you could ever use it. This might be Rhode Island’s most terrifying porta potty.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Rock
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Gallery Credit: Michael Rock
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