Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s new professional soccer team kicks off for the first time ever – The Boston Globe
The new team is playing in the USL Championship league, the second tier of American menâs soccer, a notch below Major League Soccer.
On Saturday, hundreds of fans crowded the parking lot grilling burgers and chicken wings and sipping beers as they waited for Rhode Island soccer history. Then, thousands more filed in as the 4 p.m. game time approached. The roughly 5,000-seat stadium was packed by the time people had a chance to navigate the challenging parking situation at the university campus.
Fans who came from around Rhode Island said they were there to watch a game they enjoy, to support a state that took a big hit with the loss of the Pawtucket Red Sox, or just to have a good time on a mild spring-like day.
As the competition against New Mexico United neared, the anticipation built: fireworks shot off in the distance, kids squirmed on metal bleachers, and the merch line inched forward under partly cloudy skies. The fan section drummed and chanted âRI! FC!â Then the whistle blew for kickoff.
It took 67 minutes, then New Mexico United netted the gameâs first goal.
The Rhode Island soccer project has seen its fair share of setbacks over the years. Construction on the soccer stadium in Pawtucket was delayed, so the team is now playing in a temporary home this season in Smithfield. The permanent stadium has also gotten much more expensive for Rhode Island taxpayers, leading one economist, Victor Matheson of Holy Cross, to describe the deal as âpure insanity.â
Governor Dan McKee, a supporter of the project, came out on Saturday in a Rhode Island FC jersey. âI guess Iâm going to learn soccer,â McKee joked. âI guess weâre all going to learn soccer.â
Despite the difficulties getting the stadium built, as well as other problems hampering the state, McKee said heâs looking forward, not backward, putting the stateâs issues â from 38 Studios to âCooler and Warmer,â a disastrous tourism campaign â âin the rearview mirror.â
The controversy, the cynicism, the âpure insanityâ over the soccer stadium â they were all in the rearview, too, at least at Beirne Stadium on Saturday.
Standing nearby was team owner Brett Johnson. With his characteristic sunny southern California demeanor, Johnson said the stadium, when itâs done, will transform Pawtucket. Until then, theyâd try to win in Smithfield.
As for the housing thatâs supposed to come along with the stadium, Johnson said he expected some âtractionâ on that subject in 90 days. Saturday, though, was about Saturday â not 90 days, but 90 minutes of soccer. He pointed to the lines of fans that were growing outside.
âPulling up and seeing a packed parking lot, seeing a sold-out crowd â whatever my expectations were, they were exceeded,â Johnson said.
Even after the local team went down a goal, they kept pressing, with big chance after big chance. Headers went into New Mexicoâs keeperâs arms. Shots blasted into the crowd. One wayward ball nearly hit peopleâs beers and flew past a man carrying a baby strapped to his chest.
âNevermind the baby,â the man said, presumably joking. âNot the Modelos!â
As the game entered the 90th of 90 minutes, then into stoppage time, Mark Doyle scored the first ever Rhode Island FC goal in the 92nd.
The crowd exploded as Rhode Island FC drew level, earning what would ultimately end in a 1-1 draw. Rhode Islandâs soccer team ran over and celebrated with each other, and also with the Rhode Island fans, including 13-year-old Michael Denham, from Lincoln, who was nearby.
Michael was out of breath as he described the scene: âThat was insane!â
Brian Amaral can be reached at brian.amaral@globe.com. Follow him @bamaral44.
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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