Rhode Island
Rhode Island Rings in 2025 with 108 DUI Arrests Over the New Year Holiday – Newport Buzz
Rhode Island law enforcement didn’t take a holiday break during the New Year’s season, making 108 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) between December 27, 2024, and January 5, 2025. The crackdown was a collaborative effort among all 38 municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police, aimed at keeping roads safe during the busy holiday period.
“I’m proud of the work that our police officers are doing to keep our roadways safe, but at the same time, these numbers are deeply concerning,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “Driving under the influence is never acceptable, and our message is clear: if you choose to drink or use cannabis and drive, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. This holiday season, 108 people learned that the hard way and will spend the next months—and years—dealing with the consequences.”
Harsh Penalties for a Costly Mistake
Rhode Island’s DUI laws carry significant penalties for offenders. A first-time DUI conviction can result in:
- A jail sentence of up to one year at the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI).
- License suspension lasting 3 to 18 months.
- Mandatory community service ranging from 10 to 60 hours.
- Fines between $100 and $500, with additional fees that can add up to thousands.
Refusing to take a chemical test, such as a blood, breath, or urine test, also has serious consequences. First-time refusals can lead to:
- License suspension for six months to one year.
- Fines of $200 to $500.
- Community service requirements and mandatory alcohol or drug education programs.
Repeat offenders face even stiffer penalties, including potential incarceration and extended license suspension or ignition interlock periods.
A Deadly Gamble
Despite widespread campaigns against impaired driving, the holiday season often sees a spike in DUIs. Law enforcement and public safety officials are urging Rhode Islanders to plan ahead, use rideshare services, or designate a sober driver to avoid endangering lives and facing life-altering legal repercussions.
“This isn’t just about getting arrested—it’s about saving lives,” Connor emphasized.
As Rhode Island moves into 2025, the message remains firm: impaired driving will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will be out in full force to ensure the roads remain safe for everyone.
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!


Related
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Lucky For Life, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Dec. 21, 2025
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.
Rhode Island
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.”
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!


Related
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 20, 2025
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
08-21-30-41-47, Lucky Ball: 15
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 3-3-0-8
Evening: 3-5-8-4
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
06-09-13-14-32, Extra: 27
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.
-
Iowa7 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa1 week agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine6 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland1 week agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
South Dakota1 week agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
New Mexico5 days agoFamily clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
-
Detroit, MI6 days ago‘Love being a pedo’: Metro Detroit doctor, attorney, therapist accused in web of child porn chats
-
Education1 week agoOpinion | America’s Military Needs a Culture Shift