Rhode Island
Sabina Matos wants to win back Rhode Island’s trust – The Boston Globe
And then it all came crashing down.
Matos found herself mired in the most vexing of political scandals: a voter signature debacle that was both difficult to explain to average voters and that had just enough merit to entirely derail her campaign. She lost the Democratic primary in embarrassing fashion, finishing fourth and earning just 3,200 votes.
Now she finds herself picking up the pieces of her political career from a relatively sleepy office in state government that grants her far less power and has a smaller budget than she had when she was City Council president in Providence.
“Last year was tough,” Matos told me on Sunday, a phrase she uttered no fewer than six times during an hour-long lunch at La Lupita in Olneyville, the neighborhood she represented on the council. “But I’m a survivor.”
Having just turned 50, she’s going to need to prove herself all over again because she understands that she’s viewed as vulnerable as she begins thinking about 2026, when she plans to run for a second and final term as lieutenant governor.
There’s been talk that Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera is eyeing the job, and Rivera has already hired a talented campaign manager in Jason Roias and top fund-raiser Kate Ramstad for a reelection campaign this year that looks more like a trial run for something bigger in a few years. Even Attorney General Peter Neronha’s name has been whispered as a potential candidate (in a text message, he said, “Probably not, but who knows? Maybe with the right gubernatorial candidate as a ticket.”)
Matos knows she can’t afford to ignore politics — she’s beginning to raise funds again and says she fully supports McKee for reelection — but she said that she first wants to win back any trust voters may have lost in her and begin to carve out a policy niche in the lieutenant governor’s office.
Start with the signatures.
Christopher Cotham, a former campaign worker, was charged in March with two felonies and two misdemeanors for allegedly looking up voters’ names on whitepages.com and writing and signing their names on nomination papers for Matos during the congressional campaign last year.
More than 500 signatures on Matos’ nomination papers were disqualified last year amid intense scrutiny into signature collection — in some cases, people who allegedly signed her papers were deceased — but she still collected more than enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.
But the damage was already done. In a special election when most of the Democratic candidates held the same policy views, the signature scandal dominated headlines for several weeks. Matos never recovered.
The hardest part for Matos wasn’t losing, she said. It was explaining to her 81-year-old father, a former mayor of Paraiso in the province of Barahona in the Dominican Republic, that she didn’t deliberately cheat to secure signatures.
“I really want to make sure this never happens to anyone again,” Matos said, noting that she supports Secretary of State Gregg Amore’s proposal to give candidates more time to collect signatures.
Matos acknowledged that she could have handled the signature situation better. She said that she wishes she “trusted my gut” more, and addressed the issue sooner. She’s quick to point out that she did earn enough signatures to appear on the ballot, a fact that was reported but largely ignored by her critics in the heat of the campaign.
As for her top priority as lieutenant governor for at least the next two years, Matos is honing in on what has been referred to as the silver tsunami, the oncoming mass retirement of baby boomers and what it means for the businesses they run.
When McKee appointed her lieutenant governor in 2021, Matos wanted housing to be her biggest issue. But she said that she is glad House Speaker Joe Shekarchi made it his top priority, because, as the state’s most powerful politician, he has had an outsized role in shaping and funding policies that she hopes will result in more housing.
But Matos said retiring business owners who don’t have anyone to pass off their companies to are going to need support in the near future. She hasn’t fully fleshed out a plan, but she wants to figure out ways to offer legal advice, transition support, and potentially, seed money to help employees potentially take over those businesses.
“You don’t want to close after you worked so hard for so long,” Matos said.
In some ways, Matos could make the same argument about herself. She’s proven herself as an effective politician over the years, winning three terms on the council and then a statewide election for lieutenant governor.
But she’s hit a rough patch in her political career.
Digging out would be her most impressive step yet.
Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.
Rhode Island
One Big Question After RHORI Renewal
Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.
READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations
Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.
It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.
The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season
At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.
The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.
Will Rulla Return for Season 2?
Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?
Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.
READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast
As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Bravo via Facebook
When and Where Filming Will Begin
If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.
For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.
So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.
40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale
Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.
Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates
A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home
Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…
Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS
The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale
It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.
Gallery Credit: EeE
Rhode Island
Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 2026
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life 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 Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 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.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 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.
-
Maryland5 minutes agoDriver killed in Prince George’s Co. school bus crash identified – WTOP News
-
Michigan11 minutes agoDollar General grants fund Michigan literacy programs with $280K
-
Massachusetts17 minutes agoFarm Bill provision threatens Massachusetts animal welfare rules – AOL
-
Minnesota23 minutes agoRamsey County attorney seeks state funds to solve non-fatal shootings
-
Mississippi29 minutes agoMississippi teen becomes one of youngest people ever to graduate law school
-
Missouri35 minutes agoAmerican Idol Crowns Missouri Native Winner of Season 24
-
Montana41 minutes ago
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for May 11, 2026
-
Nebraska47 minutes agoTuesday’s primaries to set up key fall matchups in Nebraska