RI Energy Extends Shutoff Protection. Payment Holds for Federal Workers, Govt Contractors, Military

Close-up of an electric utility meter on a Rhode Island home in autumn, representing residential gas and electric service protection as part of Rhode Island Energy’s winter moratorium and shutdown relief program.

PUC approves plan offering no-interest payment holds and an early start to the state’s winter moratorium. Rhode Island Energy has granted House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s request to shield Rhode Islanders affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown from utility shutoffs and penalties. Under a proposal approved Monday by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission,…

Read More

Aging Groups Say 2026 Social Security COLA Falls Short of What’s Needed for Seniors – Herb Weiss

seniors on social security cola increase

by Herb Weiss, contributing writer, aging issues On October 24, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 75 million beneficiaries, including those receiving Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Specifically, nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries and OASDI recipients will see a…

Read More

In turbulent times, stick to the facts – Mary T. O’Sullivan

business decisions with mary t. o'sullivan

By Mary T. O’Sullivan, MSOL, contributing writer “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” – Abraham Lincoln In George Orwell’s 1949 novel, 1984, a dystopian, authoritarian society exists in continuous…

Read More

2,500 Scouts Attend Narragansett Council – Scouting America Camporee in Newport

Large crowd gathered at an outdoor nighttime event with city lights in the background.

The Narragansett Council – Scouting America’s camporee, Adventure at the Fort, brought nearly 2,500 from across New England to Fort Adams State Park this holiday weekend. Set against the backdrop of the Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, the Scouts’ campout welcomed more than 100 Troops and Packs for a weekend of adventure, fellowship and…

Read More

Networking Pick of the Week: Network at Noon in Wakefield

networking this week

Network at Noon will be held at offices at 230 Old Tower Hill Road, in Wakefield on Tuesday, October 28th from 11:45am – 1:30pm. This event will be catered by Island Deli Sandwich Shop. Network at Noon is a structured speed networking event held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. You will be seated…

Read More

Rhode Island Weather for October 27, 2025 – a “B+” Day!

new weather map for oct. 27, 2025 in RI

Morning: Expect a crisp start with clear to mostly sunny skies and temperatures beginning in the low 40s °F. Winds light, so the chill will come more from the ambient air than any strong breeze. Afternoon: Conditions remain sunny or partly sunny with highs reaching into the lower 50s °F according to the day’s top…

Read More

Godforsaken: A short story by Michael Fine

Close-up of security personnel's shoulder at night.

By Michael Fine, contributing writer ©2025 by Michael Fine This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.   Rebel without a…

Read More

Ask Chef Walter: Canning Tomato Tutorial – Chef Walter Potenza

Elderly woman ladling fresh tomato sauce into jars with a warm smile.

by Executive Chef Walter Potenza, contributing writer A long and demanding job that will pay off during the year when you open that preserves made with your hands and with a lot of love to season your favorite dishes. Friends: If Columbus hadn’t discovered the Americas, we wouldn’t eat tomatoes. However, it is a historical…

Read More