Rhode Island

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

Published

1 month ago

February 1, 2025

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

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.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life winning numbers for March 7, 2025

Published

6 hours ago

March 8, 2025

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at March 7, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 7 drawing

08-20-48-58-60, Mega Ball: 07, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 7 drawing

02-07-25-28-36, Lucky Ball: 08

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from March 7 drawing

Midday: 9-6-2-9

Evening: 4-8-3-5

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 7 drawing

07-16-24-34-36, Extra: 02

Check Wild Money 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 Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 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.
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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Rhode Island

Highlights from the Rhode Island General Assembly: Week in Review (Mar 3–Mar 7) – Newport Buzz

Published

17 hours ago

March 7, 2025

Press Room

Highlights from the Rhode Island General Assembly: Week in Review (Mar 3–Mar 7) – Newport Buzz

Several notable pieces of legislation advanced in the Rhode Island General Assembly this week, addressing a variety of issues from public health to environmental protection.

Emergency Housing Legislation Passes House
The House of Representatives approved a bill (2025-H 5100A) introduced by Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to allow cities and towns to implement temporary emergency housing units, known as SAVE units, for people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather or disasters. The bill is now moving to the Senate.

PFAS Ban in Firefighter Gear
A bill prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of firefighter protective gear containing PFAS chemicals was approved by the House. Sponsored by Rep. June Speakman, the legislation aims for implementation by January 2027 and now heads to the Senate.

AEDs on Golf Courses
The House passed the David Casey Act (2025-H 5083A), introduced by Rep. Deborah Fellela, which would require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on all public and private golf courses. The measure moves next to the Senate.

Clean Nuclear Power for Public Utilities
Legislation introduced by Sen. David Tikoian and Rep. Joseph Solomon would allow public utilities to purchase clean nuclear power from out-of-state facilities. The bill aims to support renewable energy goals while maintaining competitive energy pricing.

Grief Acknowledgement in Pet Injury Cases
A new bill (2025-H 5926) introduced by Reps. Thomas Noret and Jon Brien would allow individuals to seek damages for the intentional or negligent death or injury of a pet, recognizing the emotional loss in such cases.

Healthy School Meals for All
Rep. Justine Caldwell and Sen. Lammis Vargas introduced a bill ensuring all public-school students have access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of income, promoting both nutrition and learning readiness.

Prescription and Medicaid Cost Reduction
Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Jennifer Stewart filed bills to curb the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that contribute to rising prescription costs by eliminating “spread pricing.”

Reducing Gun Access for Hate Crime Perpetrators
Rep. Jennifer Boylan and Sen. Mark McKenney introduced legislation to prohibit individuals convicted of hate crimes from purchasing or possessing firearms, aiming to reduce gun violence.

AI Liability Standards Introduced
A bill introduced by Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Lauren Carson seeks to establish liability standards for damages caused by artificial intelligence, ensuring legal recourse for victims.

Addressing Mental Health in Schools
Legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Melissa Murray and Rep. Jenni Furtado aims to provide additional funding for mental and behavioral health support in schools to address the growing mental health crisis among students.

Rally to Protect Freedom to Read
A rally was held at the State House in support of a bill (2025-H 5726, 2025-S 0238) that would protect libraries and their patrons from political or doctrinal book bans. Advocates, including the Rhode Island Library Association, attended the event alongside lawmakers.

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Rhode Island

It’s time to make the polluters pay the price for climate change – The Boston Globe

Published

1 day ago

March 7, 2025

Press Room

It’s time to make the polluters pay the price for climate change – The Boston Globe

Climate change is already harming people in communities across Rhode Island. In Westerly and Narragansett, homeowners face skyrocketing flood insurance premiums. In Newport, historic sites require multimillion-dollar protections from rising seas.

In Providence, the hurricane barrier — once considered more than adequate — now represents just the beginning of necessary infrastructure investments. And the list of climate harms goes on and on.

These mounting costs are falling disproportionately on taxpayers, small businesses, and vulnerable communities, yet they are in large part the result of reckless conduct undertaken by major fossil fuel companies that are responsible for generating the vast majority of all the global greenhouse gas emissions that have caused our planet to heat up.

Recent exposés of internal documents show that these Big Oil companies have long understood with shocking accuracy that their fossil fuel products would cause, in their own words, “catastrophic” climate harms that would do “great irreversible harm to our planet,” “have serious consequences for man’s comfort and survival,” create “more violent weather — more storms, more droughts, more deluges,” and cause “suffering and death due to thermal extremes.”

Instead of finding new business models or at least warning the public and government officials, these companies conspired to wage a massive disinformation campaign to prevent regulators, investors, and consumers from understanding the risks their products were creating. And now regular people are paying the price.

That’s not fair. The companies that created this mess should help pay to clean it up. That’s exactly what the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act, introduced by state Senator Linda Ujifusa and state Representative Jennifer Boylan, would require — that Big Oil companies help our state adapt to the climate crisis they knowingly caused, in an amount commensurate with the proportion of overall global emissions they are responsible for generating.

Vermont and New York have already passed similar mechanisms to force fossil fuel companies to help fund climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Rhode Island should join them — particularly given our unique vulnerability as the ocean state.

Someone will have to pay for the climate harms and extreme weather disasters our communities are already facing, and that we will continue to experience with growing regularity and lethality in the coming years.

Should all of that burden be borne by working families and local businesses? Or should the corporations that made trillions of dollars creating this crisis help Rhode Islanders respond?

By supporting the Climate Superfund Act, Rhode Island lawmakers would ensure that at least some of the costs of climate change fall on those most responsible. Rhode Islanders have already paid too much for Big Oil’s reckless conduct. It’s time to make the polluters pay.

Aaron Regunberg is a former Rhode Island state representative and director of the Climate Accountability Project at Public Citizen. Cassidy DiPaola is a native Rhode Islander and director at the Make Polluters Pay campaign.

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