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October 21, 2025

Article

Climate + Environment

What should you do when you see spotted lanternflies?

Spotted lanternflies have been hopping around Rhode Island this year. Maybe you’ve been told to squish them when you see them. But why? This week on Possibly we’re taking a closer look at our new insect neighbors

October 21, 2025

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Andrea Li

Cannabis Control Commissioners seen during the panel’s monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Left to right are Robert Jacquard, Chairperson Kimberly Ahern and Layi Oduyingbo.

Article

Economy

New R.I. cannabis retail licenses could be ready by May 2026. Not soon enough for some applicants

Applicants who’ve already navigated local approvals object to 60-day window state regulators tacked on to timeline

October 21, 2025

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Christopher Shea

The minimum wage is among the issues coming up at the Statehouse this year.

Article

Economy

Hey, big spender: Rhode Island tops U.S. in government costs, police and fire spending

The Ocean State ranks first in general government administration and near the top for public safety spending, while correctional overtime continues to drive costs higher, according to a new RIPEC report

October 20, 2025

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Nancy Lavin

In this image captured from video, Nicholas Rossi, left, appears in a Salt Lake City court, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, for his sentencing hearing on a rape conviction. To his right is MacKenzie Potter of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association.

Article

Politics + Justice

Rhode Island man arrested in Scotland and convicted of Utah rape gets at least 5 years in prison

October 20, 2025

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Hannah Schoenbaum

Wealth concept. Glass saving bank with dollar bills and inscription budget on blue background

Article

Economy

Is Rhode Island in a recession? URI economics professor says yes

University of Rhode Island economics professor Len Lardaro says the state is finally feeling the effects of negative economic trends that have been in motion for over a year

October 20, 2025

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Luis Hernandez

The home of the Mt. Hope High School football, soccer and track teams is a construction staging area until the new high school is built. Hard hats, not football helmets, required.

Article

Sports

Mt. Hope athletes will celebrate Homecoming on the road this week

Construction of a new school has taken over athletic facilities at Mt. Hope High School in Bristol, so the seniors won’t get the chance to take their home field

October 20, 2025

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Mike Szostak

Author William J. Kole speaks with Ocean State Media political reporter Ian Donnis

Article

Politics + Justice

TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Oct. 17, 2025

A new book explores ties between religion and guns

October 17, 2025

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Ian Donnis

Apple Cinemas operates a 10-screen theater on Bald Hill Road in Warwick next to the Warwick Mall. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current)

Article

Economy

Apple Cinemas coming soon to Providence Place under new lease agreement with mall receiver

New operator for 16-screen theater to step in days after Showcase departs

October 17, 2025

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Nancy Lavin

Early in the morning, giant pumpkin grower Steven Connolly pushes a wheelbarrow near a pumpkin he estimates to weigh around 1500 pounds.

Article

Climate + Environment

‘Like an expectant parent’: Inside the world of New England’s giant pumpkin growers

From backyard patches to fairground weigh-offs, New England’s passionate giant-pumpkin growers nurture their orange behemoths through months of care, competition, and community

October 17, 2025

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Amanda Beland