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In the News… recap of news of the week ending Jan. 24, 2026
Our quick synopsis of the news of the week in Rhode Island, regionally, nationally, internationally – and passings of note:
RHODE ISLAND
Harm reduction vending machines proposed for Newport, RI locations (Narcan, safe-sex kits, etc.)
UrgentMDRI.org is operating in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown, RI, where a physician comes to you in your home – prices range in the $350 range (https://urgentmdri.com/ )
Roger Williams & Fatima Hospitals have a group of investors, but need $18M from RI
With help from RIDE, Providence Public Schools will use $1 billion for school construction and renovation plan – features green construction practices, renewable energy use and critical infrastructure upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning and insulation.
RI State Police want Flock cameras implemented throughout the state
Bobcats reportedly seen in Lincoln, per Valley Breeze
The Duxbury, MA mother who murdered her children was post-partum and the family is suing her doctors for over-medicating her
Juan Carter, Linda A’Vant-Deishinni, Diana Garlington and Patricia Raub (posthumously) into the 23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame.
Rhode Island Semifinalists for James Beard Awards:
Outstanding Restaurant: Oberlin, Providence
Emerging Chef: Jasmine Watson, Audette, Newport
Best New Restaurant: Claudine, Providence
Best New Bar: Loma, Providence
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Jesse Hedberg, Club Frills, Providence
Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) – Kevin O’Donnell, Giusto, Newport -Vinnie Parisi, Jayd Bun, South Kingstown – Derek Wagner, Nicks on Broadway, Providence
Providence education officials say a loan forgiveness program for educators of color is “no longer in effect”.
A group of 11 and 12 year olds charged with felony assault for beating, near death, a 57 y.o. man in the Manton Ave. neighborhood – will now face updated charges as the man died. Initial reports are he may have been a homeless man from the neighborhood – four children held at the RI Training School – family is raising funds to return his body to Guatamala
Warwick skating rink will add bumper cars similar to Providence’s skating rink
Nearly 100 new cannabis center license applications were filed in RI
Reports that a MA man was convicted of sex trafficking a 16-yo girl in 2022, using RI hotel rooms
St. Rocco’s School in Johnston has installed 18 security cameras and lock doors with key fob security
Avvio, part of the Newport Restaurant Group will open another location in Millbury, MA
Completion of the I-95 Providence Viaduct Northbound Project
People are responding to Warwick Mayor’s request for water, snacks, etc. for DPW and city workers
Cranston Senior Center plans to be open 24/7 starting Sunday
14 arrested throughout RI for fraud, violent fugitives and drug trafficking – 5 for unemployment fraud, some state or city employees
Ocean State Media is purchasing 103.7 WVEI – Red Sox looking for a new radio home for RI broadcasting
Centreville Stadium – RIFC – will hold a Job Fair for positions in Concessions, Security, Guest Services, Retail, Cleaning and Janitorial, Parking and Ticketing at the stadium Tuesday, Feb. 3 – 2 sessions: 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm.
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NATIONAL
Macy’s closing Cheshire warehouses, cutting nearly 1,000 CT jobs
10% tariffs on 10 countries until Greenland is purchased have been removed as Greenland deal has begun with NATO
Iran’s supreme leader admitted thousands were killed during protests, blames U.S.
Nobel prize committee felt compelled to issue a statement saying “…a prize can therefore not, even symbolically, be passed on or further distributed.” after recipient Machado came to DC to give her Peace Prize to President Trump
Pres. Trump issued an EO assuring a 4-hour broadcast window for the Army-Navy game and those who carry it cannot shorten it or break away for other “money-making venues”
The Department of Justice issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey, accusing them of impeding federal immigration enforcement – subpoenas also for some Minnesota state staff
The House Oversight Committee is probing Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar’s worth of $30M
Over 39 killed as 2 high speed trains collide head on in Spain, after one jumps the track and derails over a straight track area – train was less than 5 years old and rails had been renovated
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi dissolves parliament, calls early general election
Pres. Obama deported over 3 million people. Most were deported FROM border areas within a very SHORT time of being in the US. A large share never entered communities.
Beaches closed in an area of Australia after 4 shark attacks in 48 hours
Tuberculosis outbreak in an Amazon warehouse in the UK
Maine has ICE officials activating immigration efforts
1st police officer found innocent of his inactions with Uvalde school shooting
Vanna White, 68, married longtime partner John Donaldson, 60, in a private ceremony.
Macy’s to lay off over 1,000 employees
Head of Boston’s largest homeless agency resigns amid pending federal cutback
ICE officers can enter a residence based on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone who has a final order of removal
The FCC is mandating late night talk shows with political candidates on it must offer “equal time” to members of the opposite candidacy/party
Bill O’Reilly stepping back from media work while he heals from an undisclosed medical problem
3 Million new guns (of all kinds) added last year – gun crimes down by double digits
Ukraine peace talks under way in Abu Dhabi
5 people arrested in shooting of Indiana judge and his wife, who have survived
Board of Peace organized for transforming Gaza
Pres. Trump and family business members have sued Chase Bank for de-banking
The Greenland deal reportedly would see parts of Greenland designated as “sovereign base areas”—a model borrowed from Britain’s arrangement with Cyprus, where U.K. military bases are considered British territory. This condition would allow the U.S. to conduct military and intelligence operations, station missiles—including parts of Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system—and possibly develop in these areas without seeking Danish permits. Bloomberg reports the framework also includes mining rights explicitly aimed at keeping Chinese interests out, a refreshed version of a 1951 defense agreement, and a bolstered NATO presence in the Arctic.
Martha Stewart has a new line of skin care products – and will open a new restaurant at Foxwoods in March
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PASSINGS
Anthony DeLuca, 88, former RI representative
Valentino, 93, high fashion designer
RI government needs to get its act together and fix its priorities. We paid $132 million for a soccer stadium from which we receive nothing. We don’t have $18 million to keep 2 hospitals open. Go figure.
No, we are not purchasing Greenland. Trump hears what he wants to hear. This framework is basically the same as it has been for years. Yes, we can build bases there. We already have one. We have bases in nearly every country.
[The President] has proclaimed that we can’t watch anything but the Army-Navy football game, usually held in December. Talk shows that have a politican as a guest, must also invite a politician of the opposing party to appear for “equal time”.
(I thought DEI was done. Also – Providence educators “OF COLOR” can no longer “participate” in a loan forgiveness plan.)
So much for Equal Rights.