Rhode Island

Rhode Island Leads the Charge: Completes Phase 1 of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program – Newport Buzz

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

Rhode Island Leads the Charge: Completes Phase 1 of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program – Newport Buzz

In a historic milestone, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, alongside the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and other federal and local partners, have announced Rhode Island as the first state to complete Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. The achievement was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Route 117 Park & Ride in Warwick.

Launched in December 2023, Phase 1 of the NEVI Program saw the installation of four new Level 3 Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) along Interstate 95. Two chargers were set up at the Warwick Park & Ride, and two more at the Ashaway Park & Ride in Hopkinton. The ChargePoint Express Plus Power Link PL2000 series chargers, installed by Maverick Corporation, can charge an electric vehicle up to 80 percent in just 20 to 40 minutes. The support from Rhode Island Energy was crucial for the success of this project, further expanding the state’s EV charging infrastructure.

Currently, Rhode Island boasts a total of eight DCFCs and six Dual-Port Level 2 charging stations along the I-95 Alternative Fuel Corridor. This accomplishment provides efficient and convenient charging options, enabling both residents and travelers to embrace electric vehicle travel confidently.

“The completion of NEVI Phase 1 marks a significant step in Rhode Island’s journey toward a greener future,” said Governor McKee. “By developing infrastructure for cleaner transportation alternatives, we’re not only progressing toward our Act on Climate goals but also reducing our carbon footprint. I’m grateful to our private and public partners for their collaboration on this project.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed highlighted the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests $7.5 billion in electric charging infrastructure, including nearly $23 million for Rhode Island. “We need to make EV charging as easy as filling up at the gas station. The work we celebrate today shows how Rhode Island is putting that money to use.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, praised Rhode Island’s achievement, stating, “It’s happy news that Rhode Island is the first state to reach this milestone, putting the Ocean State well on its way to a clean energy future.”

Phase 2, anticipated to begin in Fall 2024, aims to expand EV charging infrastructure across public roads and other accessible locations, further supporting Rhode Island’s green initiatives.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

Published

10 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha will release on Wednesday findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to the attorney general’s office, the report will detail the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse over decades.

While the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is home to the country’s largest Catholic population per capita, with nearly 40% of the state identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Neronha first launched the investigation in 2019, nearly a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 1,000 children had been abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state since the 1940s. The 2018 report is considered one of the broadest inquiries into child sexual abuse in U.S. history.

Neronha’s investigation involved entering into an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to gain access to all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy dating back to 1950. Neronha’s office said in 2019 that the goal of the report was to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse, identify any prosecutable cases, and ensure that no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.

Rhode Island State Police also helped with the investigation.

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Rhode Island

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Published

22 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders who plan to join in the global celebration of Irish culture can choose from big and small events, including a parade in Providence.

The March 17 holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, and many big events will be held the weekend of March 14-15. Originally a modest, religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day today is a vibrant, boisterous holiday observed by millions of people regardless of their heritage.

The Providence parade is March 21.

We’ve rounded up 10 more events to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But first, are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day fun in Rhode Island:

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Rhode Island

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Local News

The two victims were identified as a husband and wife from Rhode Island, local officials said.

A Rhode Island husband and wife in their 50s were identified as the two people killed in a Swansea car crash Friday night.

Carlolyn Carcasi, 54, and James Carcasi, 53, of Bristol, Rhode Island, were killed in the Feb. 27 crash, the office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said in a press release Monday.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 6 in Swansea, Quinn’s office said.

Police in Cranston, Rhode Island identified the driver who allegedly hit the couple as Demitri Sousa, 28. Sousa allegedly shot and killed a man in Rhode Island nearly four hours before the crash, Cranston police said.

At around 12:18 a.m. Friday, Swansea police spotted Sousa’s Infiniti barreling down Route 6, Swansea officials said previously.

The couple was driving southbound on Route 136 when the Sousa crashed into the side of a Subaru Ascent. Both cars had “catastrophic damage,” and the Subaru was engulfed in flames, Swansea fire and police officials said.

Both occupants of the Subaru were declared dead at the scene, Swansea officials said.

Sousa was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries. He is expected to live and will be held in Cranston police custody until he is medically cleared, police said Sunday.