Rhode Island
Rhode Island Sen. Elaine Morgan responds to social media post backlash

Rhode Island State Sen. Elaine Morgan is facing criticism for a now-deleted Facebook post describing a security guard at the ECHO Village Pallet shelters in Providence.
The post sparked outrage, prompting several Rhode Islanders to reach out to NBC 10 with concerns. After multiple attempts to get answers, NBC10’s I-Team spoke with Morgan, who is refusing to apologize.
In the original post, Morgan described an ECHO Village security worker as “a big, roly-poly dark-skinned man with a lanyard around his neck.”
After public backlash, Morgan changed the wording multiple times, later referring to the worker as “a large dark-skinned man.” The post was eventually deleted.
Morgan attempted to visit the site unannounced and was told she could not enter. She later claimed she was unaware the site was not open to the public.
When asked if she regretted her comments, Morgan told NBC10:
“I’m not taking it back. I said it.”
She acknowledged her description may have been “insensitive” but denied accusations of racism.
“The issue is we’re spending a hundred thousand dollars plus on these sheds, and they want to make it about racism.”
ECHO Village is operated by the nonprofit House of Hope on state-owned land. Executive Director Laura Jaworski condemned Morgan’s remarks in a statement to NBC10.
“The state senator’s remarks are both uninformed and offensive. The language used to describe one of our staff members is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate the disparagement of our residents or our dedicated team,” wrote Jaworski.
Jaworski emphasized that security measures exist to protect vulnerable individuals living in the shelters. She invited Morgan to schedule a proper visit.
Morgan’s remarks have not sat well with many Rhode Islanders.
“Definitely not in good taste and definitely not something that should be coming from a senator,” said Jessica Zerambi of North Kingstown.
“I would just expect professionalism and respect from our state reps,” added Cedric Josey of East Greenwich.
Despite the backlash, Morgan defended herself in a follow-up Facebook post, insisting she is not racist.
“Calling me racist? Very interesting considering I have for over 10 years fostered children who were Hispanic, who were Black, and who were Latino.”
She also wrote that she is “not a person who sugarcoats things” and does not regret her wording.
When asked about Morgan’s post, Gov. Dan McKee said he had not seen it but supported the presence of security at ECHO Village.
“Of course, there’s security there, not anyone can just walk in unannounced. There’s security there for many reasons, and a good reason—to protect the people who actually live there.”
Morgan says she will continue speaking her mind.
“Political correctness is overrated.”

Rhode Island
Providence man arrested in connection to narcotics and firearms investigation | ABC6

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island State Police said a Providence man was arrested after police allegedly discovered multiple narcotics and a gun inside two residences on Sept. 23.
47-year-old Joel Garcia was charged with possession with the intent to deliver over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, possession with the intent to deliver over 1 kilogram of cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver one ounce to one kilogram of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver fentanyl, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while committing a controlled substance violation, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and distribution of a controlled substance in a school zone.
According to RISP, police received court-authorized search warrants for two residences in Providence in connection to a narcotics and firearms investigation.
Inside an apartment on Dresser Street, police allegedly seized 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.3 kilograms of cocaine, and 147 grams of methamphetamine.
Police also searched Garcia’s residence on Portland Street and allegedly seized one fully loaded pistol.
According to police, Garcia had allegedly used the apartment on Dresser Street to “store, package, and distribute large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.”
Garcia was arrested and charged.
RISP, Providence police, Cranston police, North Providence police, Johnston police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program assisted in the investigation.
Rhode Island
The Ocean State’s Bond With Robert Redford

Millions have been mourning the death of a cinematic icon over the last week with the passing of Robert Redford at age 89.
The award-winning actor is arguably one of the most famous of all time. With over 70 films to his credit on screen and nine he directed throughout his career, Redford’s work in cinema stands out as some of the greatest.
Though only two of Redford’s movies were ever filmed in Rhode Island, the Oscar-winning actor has a deep connection with the Ocean State.
Redford’s Family Roots Near Rhode Island
Though no Redfords actually lived in Rhode Island, Robert’s family was longtime residents of Stonington, CT and several members were born in nearby Westerly, RI.
READ MORE: ‘Sopranos’ Star Officially Becomes a Rhode Island Resident
Throughout Robert Redford’s childhood there were visits to his grandparents in Stonington, where his grandfather worked as a milkman.
Presumably this time in Stonington meant crossing the state line into Westerly on more than one occasion in his youth and perhaps led to his love of the Rhode Island seaside in later years.
Filming The Great Gatsby in Newport
During his career, Redford came to Newport in the 1970s to film The Great Gatsby at the historic Rosecliff Mansion. Decades later he returned to Rhode Island with the science fiction film The Discovery and even wrote a thank you letter to Newport, praising their preservation efforts in the city.
READ MORE: HGTV Says You Need to Drive This Road in Newport
Though when he did ultimately settle in New England, Redford chose Weston, CT as his home for almost two decades. He purchased a home not too far from his close friend and fellow actor, Paul Newman.
Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Rhode Island Honors Robert Redford
Rhode Island never forgot its ties to the beloved actor however. In 2002 Redford was asked to be the commencement speaker at Brown University and that same year Trinity Repertory Company awarded him a Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
Just one of the many lifetime achievement awards Robert Redford would go on to accumulate during his illustrious career.
20 Stars Who Hail From Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the nation, but it has been home to many celebrities. Though some have moved here, filmed here or attended school here, only a handful were actually born here. These are those celebrities.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Academy Award and Golden Globe Winners from Massachusetts
These Massachusetts natives have taken home some of Hollywood’s top honors.
Gallery Credit: Michaela Johnson
30 Things To Do in Newport Any Time of Year
Newport has always been seen as a summer destination. Wealthy New Yorkers used to escape the city in the hotter months for this picturesque seaside spot and the label as a summer vacation destination began.
There are, however, plenty of things to do in this historic town in any season and we’ve found a few that you may want to try the next time you head to Newport.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Rhode Island
GoLocalProv | Sports | VIDEO: Providence’s Lassiter Scores 44-Yard TD in Vanderbilt’s Upset Over #11 South Carolina

Sunday, September 14, 2025
Zell Lassiter
PHOTO: Via Vanderbilt
Providence’s Jamezell Lassiter had a big play on a huge stage on Saturday when Vanderbilt football upset #11 South Carolina. SEE 7:25 MARK.
Lassiter, who played for the Edgewood Eagles and the Mount Hope Cowboys and attended the San Miguel School in Providence, smoked the Gamecocks on a 44-yard touchdown score.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE — SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Vanderbilt won 31-7 over No. 11 South Carolina, snapping a 16-game losing streak between the two programs.
Zell Lassiter PHOTO: Vanderbilt Athletics
In 2024, GoLocal sports columnist Robert McMahon wrote about Lassiter’s journey to the top Division I program:
His athletic skills impressed his San Miguel classmates. Flag football, soccer, basketball—Jamezell could do it all. He was a natural athlete.
But the transformation of Zell, as he likes to be called, happened in the San Miguel classroom.
READ MORE HERE
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