Your trusted source for local Providence, RI news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The MNH World Migratory Bird Days event will occur on May 10, 2025, in Cost, Texas. This event focuses on bird migration and offers activities for birdwatching enthusiasts and families. Participants can enjoy guided walks and learn about local wildlife at Roger Williams Park.
Eight firefighters from Pawtucket have lost their jobs following an investigation into potential criminal activity that violated public trust. While four were terminated, the remaining four resigned or sought retirement to avoid a pre-termination hearing. The firefighters' union claims the terminations were unjust and plans to pursue arbitration.
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos successfully hosted the National Lieutenant Governors Association's spring meeting in Providence, raising $85,000 in corporate sponsorships. The event featured discussions on vital topics, including drug pricing and AI in policymaking, while fostering bipartisan dialogue among attendees. Despite inclement weather, the lieutenant governors expressed enthusiasm for their visit and the opportunity to collaborate across party lines.
Senator Jack Reed is contemplating a trip to El Salvador to assist Senator Chris Van Hollen in securing the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported by the Trump administration. Despite a Supreme Court order for his release, Garcia remains in custody, prompting significant congressional efforts to advocate for his return. Reed expressed his commitment to supporting Van Hollen's ongoing efforts during a town hall meeting.
A former employee of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Rhode Island has been charged with making threatening phone calls to former colleagues and police. The 38-year-old Newport resident allegedly made numerous menacing calls between July 2022 and February 2023, including a voicemail threatening to kill a former colleague and their spouse. He has been released with GPS monitoring and is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims.
David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland shooting and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is visiting Rhode Island on April 24 to advocate for a proposed assault weapons ban and to support emerging Democratic leaders. His organization, Leaders We Deserve, plans to challenge incumbent Democrats in primaries, although he has committed not to target Rhode Island's current congressional delegation. Hogg's visit highlights his ongoing influence in gun violence prevention and youth activism within the Democratic Party.
Developer Paul Marks discusses the transformation of the former St. Teresa of Avila Church in Olneyville into residential apartments. The project is part of a broader trend of repurposing historic structures in Rhode Island to address housing needs. The article highlights local accents and cultural references, enhancing the community context surrounding the development.
Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence has officially proposed a 7.5% tax increase to address the city's financial challenges, particularly following a $15 million settlement aimed at boosting funding for the Providence Public School District. With a total budget proposal of approximately $624 million for FY 2026, the mayor's plan seeks to balance essential expenditures while also raising additional revenue. The City Council has two months to review the proposal, which hinges on removing the state-mandated tax cap for one year.
The Rhode Island Lottery's results for April 16, 2025, reveal winning numbers for several draw games, including Powerball, Lucky For Life, and Wild Money. Players can claim prizes at designated locations, depending on the amount won. The article also outlines the schedule for upcoming lottery drawings.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has invested $31,622 in billboards promoting Governor Dan McKee's 2030 Plan, which aims to enhance the state's future. While the billboards do not feature McKee's name or image, they have sparked discussions regarding the appropriateness of using state funds for such promotions. Critics argue that the effort may blur the lines between government initiatives and political campaigning.