Rhode Island

Why it’s time for Rhode Island to have a constitutional convention | Opinion

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2024

Why it’s time for Rhode Island to have a constitutional convention | Opinion

Stephen P. Erickson
| Guest columnist

Stephen P. Erickson has served as House minority whip, District Court judge, vice chair of the Board of Elections, adviser to two governors, and chair of the State Housing Appeals Board, serving in all three branches of state government. He currently teaches law and psychiatry in a joint program sponsored by the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and Roger Williams Law School.

It’s not a bad idea to revisit our Rhode Island Constitution every couple of decades. Times change; we need to be able to adapt. Constitutional conventions can weed out outmoded rules, allowing us to govern ourselves as we, the current citizens of the state, wish.

We all have our pet projects. As an advocate for better treatment of people with mental illness, I think it is well past time to eliminate the requirement that anyone ever adjudicated non compos mentis is disqualified from voting. That’s what our constitution says. The voting rights of people with disabilities should be better protected and not curtailed by false claims of election irregularities. We should recognize the more mobile nature of society by allowing same-day voter registration.

Do we want more competitive races? Start by eliminating the absurd limit on declarations of candidacy to three days and the limit to collect signature during a 10-day period with a holiday. Both rules subvert democracy, protect incumbents and discourage entry into the political system. Let filing start Jan. 1, and start the signature gathering immediately.

With the collapse of the two-party system in Rhode Island (ask me about it, I used to recruit candidates), we need to move to ranked-choice voting, both in primaries and general elections. We do not have that flexibility. I prefer ranked-choice over jungle primaries, which are likely to result in ideological twins competing in the general election.

There is more to do. The shoreline-access language needs to be cleaned up to ensure the recent protections enacted by the General Assembly are upheld. We need to consider what rights we as citizens should have – including a right to a quality public education, a right to health care, and a right to treatment. For too long we have made excuses rather than changes when it comes to the health of the mentally ill, the disabled, the elderly and the terminally ill. Medical decisions must be constitutionally protected.

We need to revisit separation of powers, given the successful efforts to undermine judicial selection by the proliferation of magistrates. No one should have a case decided without their consent except by a judge appointed through the judicial selection process. And only lawyers should be prosecutors.

We need an independent redistricting commission with no members of the General Assembly. It should no longer be possible for incumbents to pick their district lines. I have seen it happen.

Common Cause supported my effort to enact initiative laws in the 1980s, although they do not today because of concerns after the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. I think it is still a useful tool, as abortion ballot initiatives in other states have shown. It is a risk, but a risk worth taking since the demise of the two-party system here.

I am certain no one agrees with me on all of these, but I am certain almost everyone would agree with at least one of these proposals. Let’s rewrite Rhode Island’s Constitution to ensure it is a living document that represents our needs, not those of our ancestors.

Source link

Click to comment

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Supreme Court vacates life sentence in deadly Pawtucket shooting

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island Supreme Court vacates life sentence in deadly Pawtucket shooting

The Rhode Island Supreme Court vacated a conviction tied to a deadly cigar bar shooting.

Trequan Baker, 31, was sentenced to 60 years at the ACI followed by a consecutive life sentence for the murder of 36-year-old Qudus Kafo in 2022.

Pawtucket police said one man was shot to death and a second wounded outside FabCity Cigar Lounge, early Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (WJAR)

The shooting happened outside the Fab City Cigar Lounge in Pawtucket after a fight broke out.

The Supreme Court referenced inappropriate questioning at the trial that focused on what happened after Baker’s arrest as the reasoning for vacating the conviction.

Pawtucket police said one man was shot to death and a second wounded outside FabCity Cigar Lounge, early Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. (WJAR)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (3)

According to the release, the case has been sent back to Superior Court.

Source link

Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Numbers Midday winning numbers for March 23, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 23, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 23 drawing

12-18-47-56-63, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 10

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from March 23 drawing

Midday: 1-6-3-3

Evening: 5-0-7-4

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 23 drawing

01-12-27-28-31, Extra: 37

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 23 drawing

01-14-19-29-35, Bonus: 03

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.

Source link

Rhode Island

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s Announces Listing of Narragansett Landmark “Broadmoor” After Extraordinary Relocation and Luxury Transformation – Newport Buzz

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s Announces Listing of Narragansett Landmark “Broadmoor” After Extraordinary Relocation and Luxury Transformation – Newport Buzz

At 150 Boston Neck Road, Broadmoor offers one of the most compelling preservation stories on the Rhode Island coast. Originally built circa 1896, the iconic shingle-style estate was carefully relocated in 2022, lifted onto steel beams and moved nearly 1,000 feet down the road in a remarkable effort to save it from demolition.

Historic shingle-style Broadmoor home with ocean views in Narragansett

What followed was a full-scale transformation. Now set on a new foundation with entirely updated systems, the nearly 6,000-square-foot home blends historic character with the ease of modern construction. State-of-the-art HVAC, a high-efficiency furnace, and five-zone heating and cooling bring a level of comfort rarely found in a home of this era.

Inside, original wood floors and a grand central staircase anchor three light-filled levels. The residence includes six bedrooms, five full baths, and three half baths, with four ensuite bedrooms designed for hosting. A dramatic chef’s kitchen features a six-burner double-oven range, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators, three sinks, two dishwashers, and an oversized island, complemented by multiple living and entertaining spaces throughout.

Chef’s kitchen inside Broadmoor at 150 Boston Neck Road

Ocean views from nearly every room on the upper floors, along with a screened-in patio, second-floor deck, and bluestone fire pit patio, create a seamless connection to the coastal setting. Located directly across from the Dunes Club and just steps to Narragansett Town Beach, Broadmoor captures the best of the Pier lifestyle.

Broadmoor coastal estate near Narragansett Town Beach

A rare offering that honors the past while living entirely in the present.

LEARN MORE, SEE MORE PHOTOS, AND SCHEDULE A SHOWING

Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly youth soccer clinic Middletown Rhode Island St Georges School

Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!