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RI Day of Portugal parade names 2026 grand marshals

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RI Day of Portugal parade names 2026 grand marshals


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  • Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will be the grand marshals for the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
  • Both marshals are being recognized for their lifelong dedication to preserving Portuguese culture and serving their community.
  • Martins is a longtime volunteer, photographer, and has held leadership roles in various Portuguese cultural organizations.
  • Furtado, a second-generation Portuguese American, has volunteered for over 40 years at churches and cultural clubs.

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.”



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Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents arrested after woman found nude inside Target

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Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents arrested after woman found nude inside Target


Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents have been charged after a report of a naked woman at a department store.

According to police, on Tuesday, at just before 7:30 p.m., the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a call from an employee of Target, located at 250 Fortune Boulevard in Milford, reporting an intoxicated and nude female inside the store. During the call, the employee stated the female had put her clothes back on and exited the store on foot, with blood visible on her clothing. 

Upon arrival, officers began checking the area for the female before locating a red Subaru Forester occupied by a male operator and two female passengers, one of whom matched the suspect description provided by store employees, in the nearby vacant Best Buy parking lot. 

Officers identified the occupants of the vehicle as Benjamin Mahler, 50, of Uxbridge; Elizabeth McCusker, 36, of Franklin; and Alisha Chmiel, 32, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

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During the interaction, police officers discovered the vehicle and its occupants possessed crack cocaine and fentanyl. 

Alisha Chmiel was charged with Possession of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl) Obstruction of Justice, and Five Active Warrants for Arrest. She is being held on $1,000 cash bail.

Benjamin Mahler was charged with Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine) and was released on personal recognizance.

Elizabeth McCusker was charged with Possession of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl) and Disturbing the Peace. She was issued a summons and has not yet been arraigned.

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RIFC fails to advance to USL Cup knockout stage after beating Brooklyn in penalties

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RIFC fails to advance to USL Cup knockout stage after beating Brooklyn in penalties


PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — Heading into Saturday, Rhode Island needed three points to have a fighting chance at advancing to the USL Cup knockout stage.

Unfortunately, they only got two.

After the game finished tied after 90 minutes, goalkeeper Koke Vegas sealed the extra point for the Ocean State club with the game-winning kick in penalty kicks.

With the result, Rhode Island was eliminated from the USL Cup after finishing third in Group 5.

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“I knew that we didn’t have any chance to to go to the next round,” Vegas said. “But for me it was very important, saying everybody happy home.”

RIFC return home next Saturday for the third edition of “El Clamico” this season when they host Hartford Athletic.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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RISP Warwick Arrests July 10: Threatening Officials, DUI – WarwickPost.com

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RISP Warwick Arrests July 10: Threatening Officials, DUI – WarwickPost.com


RI Trooper Log arrests, including Warwick arrests. The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout Rhode Island.
RI Trooper Log arrests, including Warwick arrests. The Rhode Island State Police are stationed in several barracks throughout Rhode Island.

If you appreciate, and want more of Warwick Post news and event coverage like this, please subscribe for just $15 for the year. We’ll make sure you get your money’s worth.

WARWICK, RI — RI State Police Warwick arrests in the area July 4 – 11 in the RI Trooper Log  included charges for DUI and threatening public officials.

Here are the basics on those RI State Police RI Trooper Log Warwick arrests:

 

 

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RI Trooper Warwick Arrests July 4 – 11

Erratic Driver Reports, DUI On Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10:03 p.m., troopers arrested Adrian King, 58, 78 Potters Avenue, Rhode Island, for 1.) Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor and/or Drugs – B.A.C .15 or Greater – Second Offense (Phase I: 0.292, Phase II: 0.272). This arrest was the result of multiple calls to the Barracks reporting an erratic operator, and Troopers locating the vehicle on East Avenue in the City of Warwick.

The subject was transported to the State Police Wickford Barracks, where he was processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and released with a notice to appear in Third District Court.

Stolen Vehicle On July 5 members of the Auto Theft Task Force arrested David O’Donnell, age 37, of 112 Harrington Ave., Warwick, Rhode Island, for 1) Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle; 2) Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle; 3) Conspiracy to Possess a Stolen Motor Vehicle; 4) Conspiracy to Commit a Crime Out of State.

O’Donnell was transported to the Wickford Barracks where he was processed then turned over to the Adult Correctional Institution Intake Center pending arraignment at Second Division District Court.

Threatening Public Official On Wednesday, July 8, at 9:27 p.m., troopers arrested Christopher Brum, 27, of 43 Junction St., Warwick, Rhode Island, on an Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for 1.) Threats to Public Officials and 2.) Disorderly Conduct originating out of the Rhode Island State Police Scituate Barracks.

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This arrest was the result of a barracks investigation by Trooper Downing and Troopers locating Brum at his residence. Brum was processed at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters and held overnight pending arraignment at the Third Division District Court.

Driving without license On Friday, July 10 at 1:30 a.m., troopers arrested Victor Perez Escobar, 37 of 83 Judith Road, Newton, Massachusetts for 1.) Driving after Denial/Revocation/ Suspension – Certain Violations – First Offense. One of several Warwick arrests, this arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Route 95 in the City of Warwick.

The subject was transported to the State Police – Wickford Barracks where he was processed and held overnight pending morning arraignment at Third District Court where he will be presented as a bail violator.

DUI, Centerville Road stop At 2:16 a.m. July 11, troopers arrested Calvin Hebert, 23, of 211 John Potter Road, West Greenwich, Rhode Island, for 1.) Driving Under the Influence of Liquor – BAC Unknown – First Offense and 2.) Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test – First Offense.

The arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Centerville Road, in the City of Warwick. The subject was transported to the State Police – Wickford Barracks, where he was processed, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace, and released with a future Third Division District Court date.

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