What's going on in Rhode Island

09/09/2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Helena Foulkes kicked off her campaign for governor Tuesday afternoon at the Roger Williams Casino, opening her announcement by sharing that she will soon become a grandmother.

From there, she laid out her vision for Rhode Island, highlighting the state’s mismanagement of the Washington Bridge, the crumbling infrastructure, and what she described as Rhode Island’s strained relationship with the business community. Foulkes made a reference to the recent news that Hasbro, a Rhode Island company for over 100 years, will be relocating its headquarters to Boston.

Foulkes addressed local government failing to provide affordability to citizens in the form of housing, groceries and utilities. She plans to triple housing production if elected.

She also said she will fight back against Trump’s policies.

📲 We’ll be posted video clips from the event, so head to our stories to catch key parts of her speech.

09/09/2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The price tag for nonstop police coverage at Rhode Island’s partially closed Washington Bridge has climbed past $5 million, with years left before a replacement span is ready, a Target 12 investigation has revealed.

View rest of our article on the link in our story.

🚗🚓💰🤑🛣️

09/08/2025

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Iconic Rhode Island toymaker Hasbro announced Monday it will relocate its headquarters to Boston, ending more than a century in Pawtucket and delivering a major blow to the state’s business community.

Read more here:

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Iconic Rhode Island toymaker Hasbro announced Monday it will be moving its headquarters to Boston, ending more than a century in Pawtucket and delivering a major blow to the state’s business community. The company said it will move at least 700 full-time employees from Rhode Is...

09/08/2025

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Reportedly Planning Rhode Island Wedding at Iconic Retreat

WATCH HILL, R.I. — Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce are reportedly preparing to tie the knot in Rhode Island next summer. According to Realtor.com columnist Kelsi Karruli, the couple has chosen Swift’s $17.75 million seaside estate in Westerly as their wedding venue.

The property, famously nicknamed “Holiday House,” is one of the most recognized homes on Rhode Island’s coast. Purchased by Swift in 2013, the 11,000-square-foot mansion features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and sweeping ocean views. The home is currently under renovation, with completion expected before the wedding.

A source close to the couple told the outlet that Swift is eager to start a family and is moving forward with wedding plans. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee reacted to the reports with enthusiasm, writing on X: “Rhode Island has some of the best wedding venues in the world, just saying.”

Swift has long used the Watch Hill retreat as a backdrop for star-studded gatherings, most famously her Fourth of July parties. Now, the estate may host one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the decade.

Swift and Kelce announced their engagement on August 26 in an Instagram post, nearly two weeks after Kelce’s father, Ed, revealed the couple had already gotten engaged. Their relationship has been in the spotlight since September 2023, when Swift was first spotted at a Chiefs game. Since then, the pop star has been a fixture at Kelce’s games — including two Super Bowls — while Kelce has accompanied Swift across the globe on her record-breaking Eras Tour.

If the wedding goes forward as planned, Rhode Island will once again find itself in the international spotlight, hosting a celebration blending sports and pop culture at one of New England’s most storied estates. 🌊🎤🏈🏯🦞

09/07/2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The first NFL Sunday of the season turned frustrating for Rhode Island sports fans after the state’s only legal sportsbook app went down just before kickoff.

Sportsbook Rhode Island, operated by IGT and Bally’s through a 20-year exclusive contract with the state lottery, froze and crashed for users across the state on Sunday afternoon. Bettors reported being unable to log in or place wagers as the 1 p.m. games kicked off.

Unlike neighboring Massachusetts, where several national operators compete for customers, Rhode Island’s system allows only a single platform. With no alternatives, residents were effectively locked out of betting during one of the busiest sports days of the year.

Some fans joked about driving over the border to use DraftKings or FanDuel in Massachusetts, while others simply gave up. Bars and living rooms across the state echoed the same complaints: there was no way to get a bet in.

The outage reignites debate over Rhode Island’s sports betting structure. Earlier this year, a Senate bill to expand the market and allow multiple operators advanced but stalled in the House. Supporters of the measure argued that competition would prevent situations like Sunday’s, where one app’s failure shut down the entire market.

Service was restored later in the afternoon, but by then many fans had missed their chance to wager on the early slate of games. For Rhode Island, it was a stark reminder of the risks that come with a monopoly in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries. Did anyone else experience the SportsBet app gong down? 🏈💵🏟️👎🏼

09/07/2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A crash with fire brought traffic to a standstill on I-95 northbound around 4:30 p.m. Sunday near Exit 35 (US-1A/Thurbers Avenue) in Providence. Both the left and right lanes were blocked as thick smoke made it nearly impossible for drivers to see.

First responders rushed to the scene, working through heavy smoke to put out the flames and assist anyone involved. Traffic quickly backed up in the area, and officials urged drivers to avoid the stretch of highway and use alternate routes.

The cause of the crash and the extent of any injuries have not yet been released. Crews remained on site into the evening as cleanup and investigation continued.

View our story for full video.



📷: .correiaaa

09/07/2025

The Mike Vrabel era opened with a 20–13 loss to the Raiders at Gillette Stadium.

Quarterback Drake Maye threw 46 times, completing 30 passes for 287 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His lone score came on a crisp first-quarter strike to DeMario Douglas, but he was sacked four times and the offense never found steady momentum.

Kayshon Boutte provided the biggest spark, hauling in six catches for 103 yards. Hunter Henry added 66 yards, while Stefon Diggs posted 57 yards in his Patriots debut. Even with nearly 300 yards through the air, New England was limited to just 13 points.

The ground game couldn’t offer much balance, finishing with only 60 yards on 18 carries, led by TreVeyon Henderson’s 27.

In the end, Geno Smith and the Raiders’ passing attack proved too much, leaving the Patriots at 0–1 to start the Vrabel era.

09/07/2025

SPRINGFIELD, M.A. — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame held its 2025 enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, September 6, celebrating a star-studded class of inductees who have left an indelible mark on the game.

Among the honorees were NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, WNBA icons Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles, former Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan, and esteemed NBA referee Danny Crawford. The ceremony also recognized the 2008 USA Men’s National Team, known as the “Redeem Team,” and Miami Heat owner Micky Arison for their contributions to the sport.

Carmelo Anthony, introduced by fellow Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson, reflected on his 19-year career and multiple Olympic gold medals, drawing emotional applause from the audience. Bird and Moore were presented by former teammate Swin Cash, highlighting their impact both on and off the court.

Over 50 Hall of Famers attended the event, which was broadcast live on NBA TV and available via streaming platforms, allowing fans around the world to witness the celebrations.

The 2025 class underscores basketball’s global impact, honoring players, coaches, referees, and executives who have shaped the game for generations. The ceremony in Springfield was not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a tribute to the enduring spirit and community of basketball.

Friars were well represented with Father Kenneth Sicard, President of Providence College; Steve Napolillo, Athletic Director at Providence College; and former PC great players Eric Murdock, Kevin Stacom,, and Ernie DiGregorio in attendance.

It was a great night for Friars Nation and our first out-of-state Rhode Island coverage. Thank you to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for making us part of such a special night. 🏆🏀

09/07/2025

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. — The infamous Rhode Island farmhouse that inspired The Conjuring is going up for auction on Halloween.

📸: Frank C. Grace

Read more here:

https://whatsgoingoninrhodeisland.com/conjuring-house-auction-rhode-island-halloween/

09/06/2025

Cranston Greek Festival is back this weekend! 🇬🇷

- 175 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston
- Sept 5–7 (Fri–Sun)
- Live music & dancing
- Odyssey Dance Troupe shows all weekend
- Authentic food: roast lamb, gyros, souvlaki, pastries & more
- Free shuttle from Cranston West High School

Hours:
Fri 5–10pm • Sat 12–10pm • Sun 12–8pm

Rain or shine, under the tents—free admission!