All News Stories
Under new budget, Warwick will tax fewer cars
The city at the heart of the car tax battle has decided to tax fewer cars. In the 2013 budget Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian has proposed increasing the car tax exemption from $500 to $1,500.
Bill to repeal "primary offense" seatbelt law heard
A bill that would roll back the primary offense seat belt law will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday. The bill proposed by Rep. Jared Nunes (D, Coventry, West Warwick) will prevent police officers from pulling over motorist simply because they are not wearing their seatbelts.
John Cicilline pleads not guilty to drunk driving charge
Congressman David Cicilline’s brother John, has pled not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence reports WPRI-TV.
Johnston Mayor wants to suspend COLAs
Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena is getting in line with other mayors who have made moves to suspend retiree cost of living adjustments for retirees.
Mayors ask to use Google settlement cash on retiree pensions
As part of a $500 million dollar federal settlement with Google in April North Providence and East Providence Police Department received a whopping $60 million for their cooperation in the case and now the mayors are saying that money needs to go toward retiree pensions.
EDC meets with Schilling in closed door session
In an emergency meeting of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to discuss 38 Studios, Curt Schilling’s video game company, defaulting on a $1.125 million loan guarantee the board voted to go to a closed door session.
Disbarred attorney sentenced to year in federal prison
A disbarred attorney from Pawtucket will be spending time in the federal penitentiary after his role in a $1.1 million mortgage fraud scheme.
Emergency EDC meeting as game-maker defaults
The board of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has set an emergency meeting Wednesday morning, after Curt Schilling's video game making company defaults on a $1 million loan guaranatee payment.
Most wanted sex offender arrested
Robert Doyle was arrested by Providence Police on Monday afternoon while making routine checks of other sex offenders.
Cranston atheist weighs in on war memorial controversy
Jessica Ahlquist, the Cranston teen at the center of the Cranston prayer banner controversy, says she now supports the removal of the Woonsocket war memorial.
Youth task force to meet
Prompted by recent incidents of violence against youth in the city of Providence, Rhode Island Senate leaders created a Youth Violence Task Force to investigate the issue.
$15K raised for Woony Memorial fund
Two weeks after a rally to support a long-standing war memorial in Woonsocket, contributions –to finance the memorial’s legal defense- continue to arrive at City Hall.
UPDATE: Chafee tight-lipped about 38 Studios finances
Governor Lincoln Chafee Tuesday acknowledged he is talking with 38 Studios, but would not disclose the financial condition of the troubled video game maker.
Providence Fire Dept. looking to hire dozens of new firefighters
The city of Providence launches an effort to hire more firefighters, a move the city says will save millions in overtime costs.
Almonte launches run for Governor in 2014
Former Auditor General Ernie Almonte is filing paperwork to begin a potential candidacy for Governor.
Bar owners unite, police welcome efforts
Alcohol, packed nightclubs and a lack of control may have led to a series of violent acts in months past in Providence.
Three Boston U. students killed in New Zealand crash
Officials have identified three Boston University students who were killed when their minivan crashed in New Zealand, where they had been studying.
Warwick police arrest teen after a violent outburst
Warwick police arrest a 17-year-old male after a violent outburst in a city parking lot.
State revenue increases, pessimism remains
State budget analysts now project revenue for the state to be more than sixty million dollars higher than originally expected.
'Baby Shacks' - I never personally threatened anyone
A former boss of the New England Mafia sentenced Friday to 5 1/2 years in prison for overseeing the shakedown of Providence strip clubs.
Thousands raised for Woonsocket cross
The city of Woonsocket has raised 15,000 dollars for the war memorial cross
Rhody Radar: Martin Sheen, X-Factor Fever & Pauly D Project Cast Member!
Rhode Island might be a small state but it packs big star power. Bekah Berger gives you the weekly wrap up on who made the Rhody Radar.
Son of State Police Captain arrested for armed robbery
The East Greenwich Police have arrested Samuel Lemont, 18, in connection with an armed robbery of the Sunnybrook Farms convenience store on Main St., Tuesday night.
Behind the cutain: the story behind a RI actor & director
Fred Sullivan began his theatrical career at the tender age of seven. “The year I was born, my parents bought an amazingly cheap and beautiful summer home on Cape Cod.” Just eight blocks up the street was a children’s theater.
State, Pleau preparing death penalty appeal to high Court
Gov. Lincoln Chafee and the attorney for Jason Pleau are preparing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, to keep the suspected Woonsocket bank shooter from facing a possible death penalty prosecution.
Rhode Island honors its centenarians with a brunch
About 70 Rhode Islanders 100 and older were honored Thursday at the state's 35th annual "Centenarian's Brunch".
Doherty stands pat on gay marriage, no new comments
First Congressional Candidate Brendan Doherty is not likely to release an official statement regarding President Obama's support of gay marriage.
Bishop slams President's use of daughters: 'creepy' & 'disturbing'
The day after President Obama has come out in favor of gay marriage and the entire Rhode Island delegation has gotten behind him, Bishop Tobin of the Providence Catholic Diocese is striking back calling the stance “immoral.”
No more wait: Online driver's license renewal now available
Governor Lincoln Chafee announced today that as part of an initiative to make the DMV more efficient and convenient online driver’s license renewals will now be available on line at dmv.ri.gov.
Thousands singing in the rain waiting for X-Factor auditions
Thousands are singing in the rain outside the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence as they excitedly wait for their chance to audition for the live singing program, “The X- Factor.”
Bill would ban smoking in cars with children
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill on Wednesday that would make it illegal to smoke in a car when children are present.
Chafee to appeal murder suspect custody case to SCOTUS
The next chapter of the legal tug-a-war between Governor Lincoln Chafee and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is opening as the Governor has decided to proceed with an appeal to the United States Supreme Court over the custody of a murder suspect citing significant states rights issues.
Providence Police Officer accused of sexual assault
A Providence Police Officer has been suspended with pay after a woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by him.
RI Food Bank marks 30 years with celebrity chef
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank Tuesday celebrated 30 years of helping feed the state, with help from a celebrity chef.
Obama becomes first president to support gay marriage
President Obama has just told ABC News that he supports gay marriage. He is the first president to ever support gay marriage. This is a reversal from the president’s views during the 2008 campaign when he opposed same-sex marriage but supported civil unions.
Sister of murder victim pens controversial letter to Chafee
The sister of Main, Deborah Smith, has written a controversial letter to Chafee appealing to the governor to give up the legal battle and turn Pleau over to federal authorities.
The Hummel Report : Tale of the Turbines
This week for the Hummel Report Jim Hummel sits down with the man overseeing the project for the Narragansett Bay Commission and finds he expects the turbines to provide 40 percent of the facility's electric power when they go online this summer.
Girl, 12, hides, calls cops as robber breaks into her home
A 12-year-old girl was home hiding as a man broke into her East Greenwich home around 5 p.m. on Monday.
West Warwick on the verge of financial collapse
Another city is on the brink. State officials are warning West Warwick elected officials that if they don’t get their act together the city is on a fast track to bankruptcy.
Over 5000 gather for 'X Factor' auditions, roads closed
Wednesday marks the first day of the “The X Factor” auditions in downtown Providence.
Industry leaders promote tourism in Rhode Island
Leaders of Rhode Island's tourism industry came together Tuesday for their 27th annual 'unity luncheon'.
Hearing on bill to raise taxes on RI's top earners
A bill that would raise taxes on the highest earning Rhode Islanders was given a hearing Tuesday.
TSA finds gun concealed in stuffed animals in boy's carry-on
The Transportation Safety Administration discovered a disassembled firearm hidden inside three stuffed animals inside the carry-on bag of child on Monday.
Chafee: state is considering options in Pleau case
Governor Chafee is considering whether to pursue an appeal of a federal appeals court ruling to surrender a murder suspect to the federal government.
Daniele Foods breaks ground on new manufacturing facility
A construction project for a new manufacturing facility for Daniele Foods began Monday in Burrillville.
Future of the Big East in RI may be in jeopardy
The resignation of Big East commissioner –and former Providence College athletic director- John Marinatto has local leaders keeping a close eye on the Providence-based conference. “I would think that it’s very important for the Governor to reach out to them and let them know how important they are here,” says Rhode Island sports commission executive director John Gibbons.
Meet the 'girl' behind Charlie Hall's "Girls Night Out"
Comedian Carol Siskind was inspired by the funny people in her family. “I had a very funny family,” said Siskind recently. “They were comedy conscious, and appreciated good comedians.”
Feds wants immediate custody of Pleau after legal victory
The U.S. Attorney's Office is asking the U.S. Appeals court in Boston to issue an immediate order to allow for an accused murder suspect to be arraigned in Federal Court despite objections from Governor Lincoln Chafee.
Providence school committee appoints new superintendent
The Providence School Committee has voted to appoint Susan Lusi as the city’s new school superintendent.
GOP Strike Force introduces eleven candidates
The Rhode Island Republican Party announced eleven General Assembly candidates Monday night at a rally host by the Rhode Island Republican Strike Force.
Appeals court: bank murder suspect must face federal trial
A federal appeals court has ruled that Rhode Island must surrender a suspect in a 2010 murder outside a Woonsocket bank to federal authorities for prosecution, where Jason Pleau could be exposed to the death penalty.
RI to receive over $2.3 mill in national Rx drug settlement
Rhode Island will receive $1.22 million as part of a settlement with Abbott Laboratories over allegations of illegal off-label marketing of one of its drugs.
Providence students in civics day at the State House
About 150 Providence students learned first hand Monday about how their government works in a civics day event at the State House.
Prov. councilor changes mind again, will remain finance chair
Fingers were pointing when two councilmen, John Igliozzi and Terrence Hassett said they wanted to revisit their votes on an ordinance that would suspend retiree cost of living adjustments. The men had previously voted twice to approve the measure.
Cumulus Community: Big Brothers of Rhode Island
Join WPRO's Bill Haberman as he talks with Rhode Island Radio Hall of Famer Steve Kass about his new job as Executive Director at Big Brothers of Rhode Island
WWII veteran awarded Bronze Star medal
Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline Monday presented a Bronze Star to a World War II veteran for his acts of bravery and merit on the battlefield in Europe.
Woonsocket bullying episode highlighted by Dr. Phil
After a bullying episode in which a group of pre-teen girls beat up an 11-year-old girl with a brain condition, known as water on the brain, the girls have appeared on the Dr. Phil program airing on Monday.
Top places in RI for DUI arrests
After the notable drunk driving arrests of Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio and Congressman David Cicilline’s brother John Cicilline, the WPRO Morning News uncovered some statistics from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office revealing the top places for DUI arrests.
City council meeting to replace finance chair cancelled
According to a correspondence from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office a meeting of the Providence City Council Committee on Finance scheduled for 5 p.m. today has been cancelled.
Frank O'Donnell's Broken News | 5/7
Comedic reactions to the week's top stories, from the mind of Frank O'Donnell.
Comm. Pare: Party buses a source of violence for city clubs
It was another violent weekend for the city of Providence. In the latest incident Providence Police broke up another large fight, this time at Fete nightclub on Dike Street at around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. Five individuals were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Cranston man charged with break-ins across RI
A Cranston man has been charged with multiple counts of breaking and entering after police say they searched his home and found electronics that had been stolen from stores across the state.
Rhody Radar: Dancing w/ former Gov. Candidate, Catching Up with Chris Iannetta and more!
Rhode Island might be a small state but it packs big star power. Bekah Berger gives you the weekly wrap up on who made the Rhody Radar.
This Week at the General Assembly
Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week.
Cumulus Community: Hospital Association of Rhode Island
Join WPRO's Bill Haberman as he speaks with Ed Quinlan, Presidentof the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, discussing the state of hospitals in Rhode Island.
Patrick Kennedy talks about his family, birth of his son
Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy was back in Rhode Island Friday, along with his wife, Amy and newborn son, Owen.
Roundtable discussion on veterans' mental health issues
Returning veterans should treated for mental health and behavioral issues on an equal footing with veterans who sustained physical injuries, participants said Friday in a discussion in Rhode Island.
Councilman 180's on pension vote, Council Pres. dissapointed
Just days after voting to approve an ordinance that suspends cost of living adjustment for city retirees two Providence councilmen are backing away from their initial vote, one calling it draconian, and Council President Michael Soloman says he is disappointed.
Congressman Cicilline's brother John charged with DUI
Congressman David Cicilline’s brother, John Cicilline was arrested just before midnight for driving under the influence Thursday night.
Providence councilors backtrack on pension freeze
Two members of the Providence city council who voted this week to freeze pension cost-of-living hikes have backtracked and now say what was signed into law is "too severe."
Mob boss asks for bail while awaiting trial
The reputed acting mob boss for New England, Anthony DiNunzio, is asking a federal judge for bail while he waits to be tried for his alleged involvement in shaking down Providence strip clubs for protection money.
Police officers who shot & killed suspect identified
The two Pawtucket Police Officers who fired their weapons at an armed suspect have been identified as Jess Venturini, 29, who has been on the force for 4-years, and Emmanuel Mejia, 27, who has been on the force for 5 years.
Homeless Bill of Rights passes Senate overwhelmingly
With overwhelming support the Rhode Island Homeless Bill of Rights passed through the Senate yesterday.
Pawtucket Police shoot and kill suspect in traffic stop
An armed man was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
Over 1,000 rally in support of war memorial and cross
Over 1,000 people turned out for a rally to defend a World War I Memorial in Woonsocket that a Wisconsin based atheist group recently lobbed a complaint against.
The Hummel Report: All Aboard?
This week for the Hummel Report Jim Hummel sits down with the director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to talk about the facility - and ongoing operational costs taxpayers could be on the hook for if it's not as successful as officials are predicting.
NFL legend and former Patriot Junior Seau found dead
NFL Legend Junior Seau was found dead at his California Home reports TMZ.
Gay marriage bills to be heard by House Judiciary Committee
Three bills pertaining to gay marriage will be heard by the House Judiciary committee Wednesday afternoon.
Massachusetts ousts RI as most Catholic state
Rhode Island is no longer the smallest most heavily catholic state in the country. While RI continues to be the smallest state the Catholic population has dropped 14% since 2000 giving making Massachusetts the most heavily Catholic state.
Man killed in early morning accident on 95 South
A man was killed in an early morning accident on Wednesday on Route 95 south. Nishan Bodge, lost control of his vehicle on the highway near Exit 6A Hopkins Hill Road around 2 a.m.
Bipartisan support for bill requiring warrant before cellphone search
Legislation that would make it illegal for police to search your cellphone without a warrant is moving along it the General Assembly and it has bipartisan support.
Taveras: city to fight expected union lawsuit
Mayor Angel Taveras said the city is ready to defend a newly signed ordinance that suspends cost of living adjustments on retiree pensions in court .
Gen. Centracchio excited for rally, expects over 1,000 to attend
Former State Adjutant General Reginald Centracchio is all fired up in anticipation for a 4:30 p.m. rally today in Woonsocket urging the town to fight to defend the World War 1 memorial which has been challenged by a Wisconsin based group for featuring a large Latin cross.
FOP VP sorry for saying "I am an angry black man w/ a gun"
Comments made by the Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police after Providence Mayor Angel Taveras signed an ordinance that freezes cost of living adjustments for retired city workers has sparked controversy.
Fire Chief says website & war memorial will not be changed
Woonsocket Fire Chief Gary Lataille says he is not planning to change anything about the fire station’s website or the memorial in the parking lot of a Woonsocket fire station, both of which have been challenged in a letter from the Wisconsin based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).
Union leader to city: See you in court!
Union officials are reacting to the pension plan signed by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras yesterday saying that city is going to have a court battle on it’s hands.
Brown U. and Providence reach $31.5 Mil. agreement
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and Brown University President Ruth Simmons announced today that the city and the Ivy League University have reached an agreement in which the school will increase it's voluntary payments to the city by $31.5 million over the next 11 years.
Pre-dawn fire destroys abandoned Seekonk mill building
A predawn fire in Seekonk engulfed an old mill building in flames sending heavy black smoke into the air, causing delays during the morning commute.
Taveras signs legislation suspending retiree COLA's
Mayor Taveras signed what he is calling the Providence Pension Protection Plan this evening at the Beneficent Church.
Police chief rejects plea deal, wants his day in court
Suspended North Providence Police Chief John Whiting Monday rejected a plea deal, prefering to stand trial on charges he stole cash from a stripper and tried to get other police to cover up the crime.
City Councilor resigns, pleads guilty to pocketing money
Central Falls City Councilor Richard Aubin Jr., pled guilty Monday to two counts of unlawful appropriation of city funds.
Police respond to suspicious envelope at West Warwick HS
Police and Fire were called to West Warwick High School for a report of a suspicious envelope received by the school.
Second Providence night club closed for violent melee
Another night club is shut down after a violent episode on Saturday night that involved over 50 people.
Pawtucket City Councilman says tear down city hall tower
Tear it down! That is what Pawtucket City Councilman Albert Vatali is saying about the Pawtucket City Hall Tower.
Woonsocket sets up defense fund for war memorial
Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine says he expects the rally in support of the war memorial on Wednesday afternoon to be bigger than ever imagined.
Frank O'Donnell's Broken News | 4/30
Comedic reactions to the week's top stories, from the mind of Frank O'Donnell.
Rhody Radar: X Factors, Drag Dreams and more!
Rhode Island might be a small state but it packs big star power. Bekah Berger gives you the weekly wrap up on who made the Rhody Radar.
Cumulus Community: Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
Join WPRO's Bill Haberman as he speaks with Ray Rickman, discussing his program assisting doctors in Africa, Adopt A Doctor, and several upcoming events for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
Get going-going to “Boeing-Boeing”
Trinity has another smash hit on their hands, this time in the form of “Boeing-Boeing,” a bedroom farce of epically funny proportions.
RI HS athlete may face 'penalty box' for racist tweet
Racist tweets that got the Boston Bruins and The National Hockey League all up in arms have a Cumberland High School student taking some heat nationally and locally.
Body found in water off India point in Providence
A body was found in the water off India Point in Providence early Friday morning according to police.
Bishop asks college to rescind invite to Sen. Kennedy's widow
A Massachusetts bishop says he stands by his decision to ask a Catholic college to withdraw its invitation for U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy's widow to speak at commencement.
Chafee's son arraigned in court Friday for civil charge
Governor Lincoln Chafee’s 18-year-old son, Caleb, will be arraigned in court on Friday for a charge of misrepresentation.
Funeral for fallen Providence officer Sergeant Maxwell Dorley
The funeral for Sergeant Maxwell Dorley, the Providence police officer who died in the line of duty last week, was held Friday morning at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence.
Leader of Council of Churches: memorial should stay
Reverend Don Anderson Executive Minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, who was an outspoken opponent of the Prayer Banner at Cranston West High School, is not coming out in favor of the war memorial that has been challenge by the Wisconsin based Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Calling hours for fallen Providence police officer
A wake was held late Thursday for a Providence police officer who died last week in a cruiser crash.
Woonsocket "footlicker" arrested in Providence
The infamous Rhode Island foot licker has been nabbed again this time for assaulting a woman in Providence.
Bill would require police to have warrant before searching a cell phone
The Rhode Island House of Representatives will vote on a bill Thursday that would make it illegal for police to search an individual’s cell phone without a warrant.
Atheist group expects cross to be moved w/o legal battle
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin based group challenging a cross on a war memorial as unconstitutional, told the Associated Press that they expect to have the cross moved without a legal battle.
Bishop Tobin weighs in on war monument, calls atheists bullies
Bishop Tobin says the challenge to the war monument that features a cross in Woonsocket by a Wisconsin atheist group is a “serious attack on religious expression and religious freedom” and that the atheists are bullying those who have faith.
New drug on the street: hand sanitizer
There’s a new street drugs in town and it is the latest craze- kids are now drinking hand sanitizer to get drunk.
Pawtucket Player's '42nd Street' mix of music and laughs
It’s 1933. America is still in the throes of the Depression, but on Broadway, impresario Julian Marsh is staging “Pretty Lady,” a show that could signal a rebirth, of sorts, for both Marsh and the Great White Way.
General Assembly to take up Woonsocket tax hike proposal
The Rhode Island General Assembly will take up a proposal of a controversial 13.8% supplemental tax increase in Woonsocket.
Coast Guard search for man who fell off tugboat near Newport
The Coast Guard is searching for a 48-year-old man who may have fallen from a Boston bound tugboat nine miles off the coast of Newport.
The Hummel Report: Too Close for Comfort?
This week for the Hummel Report Four years ago Rhode Island passed a law making it a felony for registered sex offenders to live within 300 feet of any public or private school. But a three-month investigation by The Hummel Report found more than a dozen sex offenders in Providence listing addresses within the 300 feet.
Strip club probe nets top alleged mob figure
An investigation into an alleged mob scheme to shake down Providence area strip clubs results in the arrest of the purported acting boss of the New England mob.
Rally planned to urge city to fight for war memorial
General Reginald Centracchio says he will hold a rally on Wednesday May 2 at 4:30 p.m. to urge the city of Woonsocket to leave the war memorial that has been challenged by a national atheist group where it stands.
Magistrate rules to suspend Jarred Lynch's license
Traffic Tribunal Magistrate Domenic DiSandro III sentenced Jarred Lynch, son of prominent Democrat and attorney William Lynch, to eight months license suspension, 40 hours community service, fined him $300, ordered him to attend DWI school and pay more than $700 in court costs for refusing to submit to a chemical test during an incident that took place in October.
School janitor arrested for taking photo of woman in bathroom
A janitor at a Fall River elementary school was arrested after it was alleged that he took a photograph of an adult female using the restroom on his cellphone.
NE Mob Boss detained, to appear in Providence court
Anthony DiNunzio, the alleged acting boss of the Patriarca crime family, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning and will be brought to Rhode Island to face criminal charges.
Mayor keeping options open, calls atheists 'knuckleheads,'
Mayor Leo Fontaine of Woonsocket said the challenge to the cross on a war memorial from a Wisconsin atheist group is ludicrous.
