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Three quarters of Rhode Islanders are worried about winter energy costs, poll finds – The Boston Globe

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Three quarters of Rhode Islanders are worried about winter energy costs, poll finds – The Boston Globe


Those costs aren’t the only ones on the minds of those surveyed: “A majority of Rhode Islanders believe prices have increased on regularly purchased items over the past year and will continue to increase in the coming year,” according to a report on the poll’s findings.

“Only 13 percent of Rhode Island residents think their household is better off financially than a year ago, 40 percent think their household is worse off, and 47 percent think their household finances are about the same,” the report states. “The percentage who feel worse off (40 percent) has declined somewhat since May (45 percent).”

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The poll surveyed 711 state residents between Nov. 13 and 17, with a margin of error of 3.7 percent. Thirty-four percent of those polled are registered Democrats and 15 percent are registered Republicans, while 51 percent are not registered with either party.

“Most Independents (88 percent) and Democrats (84 percent) are very or somewhat worried about winter energy costs while 61 percent of Republicans are very or somewhat worried,” the report states.

Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows residential heating oil prices in Rhode Island rose to about $3.88 per gallon the last week of November, up from $3.52 per gallon the same time last year.

The price of natural gas in Rhode Island was about $31.28 per thousand cubic feet in September, according to the most recent data from the agency. Data for September 2024 was not available on Monday but natural gas cost $25.04 per thousand cubic feet in October 2024.

However, winter electricity rates for customers of Rhode Island Energy, although higher than the summer season, have dropped 9 percent compared to the previous year, at 14.77 cents per kilowatt hour compared to last winter’s rate of 16.387 cents per kilowatt hour.

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The company’s electricity customers can also expect to save about $32 a month this winter, after the state’s Public Utilities Commission approved bill credits last week.

Still, the savings fall short of those included in a proposal initially filed by Rhode Island Energy as part of a “hold harmless commitment” intended to shield customers from costs associated with National Grid’s sale of the Narragansett Electric Company to PPL Corporation in 2022.

The proposal, which was withdrawn last month, would have saved customers between $20 and $30 a month on electric bills and $40 to $50 a month on gas during the first three months of 2026. The company said the proposal “faced unexpected and unwarranted opposition seeking to change the terms that were reached through a lengthy process.”

Rhode Island Energy also announced last week the company filed a proposal to increase its gas and electricity distribution rates next year for the first time since 2017. Customers who receive both gas and electricity from the utility provider would see a monthly increase of about $36 beginning Sept. 1, 2026, if approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

According to the poll, 79 percent of Rhode Islanders surveyed also said “prices of things they regularly purchase have risen significantly (49 percent) or slightly (30 percent) in the past twelve months.”

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“Nearly all Democrats (98 percent) say prices of items they regularly purchase have risen in the past 12 months while smaller majorities of Independents (66 percent) and Republicans (57 percent) feel that way,” the report states.

Looking ahead, 64 percent of those polled said they expect prices for regularly purchased items to increase in the next year due to “tariffs (34 percent), poor economic stewardship (23 percent), because prices always seem to increase (12 percent), or because of general inflation (10 percent).”

The majority of Democrats and independents surveyed believe prices will rise over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 37 percent of Republicans believe prices will decline, compared to 33 percent of those registered with the party who said they think prices will go up.

“Rhode Islanders are generally downbeat on the state and national economies, as a majority feel that the economy is getting worse,” the poll’s report states.


Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.

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Rhode Island

One Big Question After RHORI Renewal

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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.

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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.

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Bravo via Facebook

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.

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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

We learned from Patch.com that the couple is ready to get rid of their beautiful house in Toms River, New Jersey.
The stunning house is going for $2,450,000. It’s a beautiful house with a view of the bay.

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

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general


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  • Republican candidate John Loughlin proposes transforming the Rhode Island lieutenant governor’s office into an inspector general.
  • Loughlin aims to use the office’s staff and budget to investigate government waste, fraud, and corruption.
  • The state’s lieutenant governor role currently has few official duties beyond succeeding the governor if necessary.

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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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.



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RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 2026

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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

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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.

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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.



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