Rhode Island
Washington Bridge funds frozen; ICE anxiety; Bryce Hopkins: Top stories this week

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse answers questions about the RFK hearing
US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, in RI to attend a groundbreaking for the REGENT’ Seaglider factory, answers questions about the RFK hearing
Here are some of The Providence Journal’s most-read stories for the week of Jan. 26,supported by your subscriptions.
- When it comes to espionage thrillers, John le Carré and Tom Clancy couldn’t have topped the true story of Rhode Island’s top-secret World War II spy post in Scituate, where atmospheric and geographic conditions created unusually crisp radio reception – perfect for eavesdropping on enemy radio transmissions across the globe. After helping the Allies win the war, this quiet rural spot was in the running for another distinction: the site of a new city that would serve as headquarters of the United Nations. The Journal’s Paul Edward Parker has the amazing story of how Rhode Island almost became the capital of the world.
- As the U.S. Senate prepared to vet the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., refused to say whether he would vote for or against confirming his former law school classmate. But in questioning RFK Jr. Wednesday about his antagonism toward vaccines, Whitehouse told his friend, “Frankly, you frighten people.”
- Black History Month begins today, and Rhode Island offers plenty of ways to celebrate, from walking tours to virtual exhibits to celebrations that include poetry and music.
- Food editor Gail Ciampa offers 10 spots where you can drown your winter sorrows with affogato, an Italian dessert that combines warm espresso and creamy gelato. And she shares readers’ memories of the late, great Federal Hill restaurant Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen.
- What were the greatest performances in Rhode Island high school basketball history? Jacob Rousseau fires up the time machine to offer a baker’s dozen highlights. For that, as well as the latest college, high school and Patriots news, go to providencejournal.com/sports.
Here are the week’s top reads on providencejournal.com:
The fate of $600 million in federal funding for Rhode Island highway projects, including the westbound Washington Bridge, is up in the air as President Donald Trump looks to halt spending on climate policies enacted by his predecessor Joe Biden.
This has resulted in a freeze in federal spending on previously authorized projects, Rhode Island’s all-Democratic congressional delegation said in a letter to Trump’s budget director Sunday, even if they are not directly related to clean energy or climate change.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha on Tuesday joined attorneys general in 22 other states in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order suspending federal grants. Despite last-minute maneuvering by the Trump administration on Wednesday, a federal judge on Friday blocked the federal spending freeze – at least for now.
Politics: ‘It’s our money’: Has Trump defunded RI’s new Washington Bridge? What we know.
Rhode Island’s attorney general and education commissioner on Monday issued guidance to schools if confronted with federal immigration officials seeking access to any students.
While federal immigration enforcement policies are changing with President Donald Trump now in office, “basic legal and constitutional principles have not,” Attorney General Peter F. Neronha said in a shared statement with Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green.
“While we do not yet know if federal authorities will conduct operations targeting Rhode Island schools, this guidance is intended to assist schools, teachers, and administrators in protecting the rights of every student.”
Read the full story for details on that guidance amid escalating anxiety about an immigration crackdown.
On Wednesday, at least one person was detained in Newport during a federal immigration enforcement action by ICE and the FBI.
Immigration: Can ICE go into public schools in Rhode Island? Here’s what we know.
Last summer, agents from the New York enforcement bureau of the Federal Communications Commission traveled through a thickly settled section of Providence’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood searching for a pirate.
Riding in an unmarked vehicle, the agents circled the blocks of duplexes along Pomona and Armington avenues as their sophisticated direction-finding equipment zeroed in on the whereabouts of an unlicensed radio signal transmitting from the hill.
Like a hound on scent, their device led them onto Hendrick Street, where they slowed outside a two-story apartment house on a corner with an unobstructed view of the Rhode Island State House in the distance and an odd-looking antenna on the roof.
Read on to see what FCC officials did next, and why they say unlicensed “pirate” broadcasters pose a threat to public safety.
Local news: Alleged Providence pirate radio station tunes into trouble with the FCC.
Sunday night finally brought some resolution: Bryce Hopkins won’t play again for Providence College this men’s basketball season due to lingering left knee troubles.
“It’s been well-documented,” head coach Kim English said. “Obviously losing a player of Bryce’s caliber – a player we built this team around – is a great challenge. But that in itself should not be debilitating for our goals.”
Journal sportswriter Bill Koch says the Friars will have considerable work to do once the offseason arrives, starting with deciding how seriously to pursue another year with Hopkins, and adding at least one impact starter to the 2025-26 lineup.
Sports: Providence basketball’s Bryce Hopkins is done for the season. What happens next?
Now that President Donald Trump has rechristened the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, Journal columnist Mark Patinkin figures that opens the door to changing other geographical labels, too. If the Gulf of Mexico can be renamed, he says, why not Rhode Island itself?
Mark proposes some alternative names for the Ocean State (Corruptia? South Massachusetts?), and wonders if the tiniest state in the country really needs 39 separate cities and towns. Why not consolidate them into a half dozen or so with names that more accurately capture their essence? Check out his full column, and then let him know what you think.
Mark Patinkin: Why stop at the ‘Gulf of America’? Maybe it’s time to rethink names of RI cities and towns
To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.

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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