Rhode Rash

Rhode Island Tax Division Releases New Hotel Industry Guide The Rhode Island Division of Taxation issued an advisory on March 5, 2026, announcing a new guide for taxpayers outlining tax obligations for hotels, room rentals, and short-term rentals of entire residential dwellings, including recent changes like the whole home short-term rental tax effective January 1.

Hey RI, the Tax Division just dropped a new guide for hotels and short-term rentals. Got a side hustle with Airbnb? Check the rules, especially the whole-home rental tax since Jan 1. Keep it local, keep it legit. #RhodeIsland #TaxGuide #SmallBiz

House Judiciary Committee Hears Immigration and Civil Rights Bills The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee reviewed several bills on March 4, 2026, addressing policing transparency, civil rights enforcement, and court protection. Key proposals include House Bill 7211 (Rhode Island Community Protection Act) requiring law enforcement to identify themselves and remove face coverings during public interactions to build trust; House Bill 7352 (Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act) establishing state court remedies for U.S. constitutional rights violations like First and Fourth Amendment infringements; and House Bill 7360 (Protect Our Courts Act).

Big day at the RI House Judiciary. Bills on policing transparency and civil rights are on the table. Should cops ID themselves in public? Can state courts protect our rights better? What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIpolitics #CivilRights #Transparency

Pawtucket International Women's Day Kick-Off Celebration On March 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center & Museum in Pawtucket, RI, this community event celebrates women leading change, honors awardees, and features discussions on a sustainable future, coffee, networking, and showcases of local women’s organizations.

Pawtucket’s kickin’ off International Women’s Day on March 6, 2026, at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center. Celebrate women drivin’ change, grab some coffee, and network. Who’s a local leader you admire? #RIEvents #WomensDay #Pawtucket

Rhode Island AG Releases Report on Catholic Clergy Child Sexual Abuse, Sparking Debate on Statute of Limitations Reforms On March 4, 2026, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a comprehensive report detailing decades of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence, calling for legislative reforms to expand criminal and civil statutes of limitations for abuse claims. The Diocese criticized the report as a political tool intended to influence lawmakers to suspend statute of limitations laws for civil suits, amid ongoing debates on accountability, transparency, and legal changes.

AG Neronha dropped a heavy report on clergy abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Decades of pain laid bare, pushing for statute of limitations reform. Diocese calls it political. What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIpolitics #Accountability

TIERRA FUTURA: Boricua Land Futures Exhibition Opens A solo exhibition by Shey Rivera Ríos and a group exhibition featuring 23 Boricua artists opens at the WaterFire Arts Center Gallery on Thursday, March 5, 2026, running through Sunday, March 29, 2026. This cultural art event highlights Puerto Rican artistic perspectives on land futures.

Hey Providence, the TIERRA FUTURA exhibition at WaterFire Arts Center is showcasing Boricua artists and land futures starting March 5, 2026. Gonna check it out? Art’s a great way to see our community’s roots. #RhodeIsland #BoricuaArt #WaterFire

HERstory: Open Mic Night On Thursday, March 5, URI alum and award-winning poet Sara Monteiro, founder of Outspoken PVD, co-presents the fourth annual HERstory Open Mic Night with PINK Women and the URI Women’s Center. The event honors, celebrates, and empowers women through poetry, a special guest poet, and interactive community-building activities at the Multicultural Student Services Center in Kingston.

URI’s HERstory Open Mic Night is back on March 5! Poet Sara Monteiro and PINK Women are hosting at the Multicultural Center in Kingston. Celebrate women through poetry and community vibes. Who’s got a verse to share? #WomensHistory #RhodeIsland #URI

Domestic Violence Groups Challenge AG Bondi Over DEI Grant Rules in Rhode Island Court U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and 17 domestic violence coalitions are litigating in Rhode Island federal court over the groups' request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from withholding grant funds for non-compliance with President Trump's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules, raising issues of civil liberties and funding regulations.

Domestic violence groups are fighting AG Bondi in RI federal court over grant funds tied to DEI rules. Should feds pull strings on local aid? Let’s keep help where it’s needed most. #RhodeIsland #CivilLiberties

Record-Breaking Blizzard Causes Closures and Reduced Traffic for Rhode Island Local Businesses A record-breaking blizzard last week brought over three feet of snow to Rhode Island, leading to a state of emergency, travel bans, and closures of many local businesses including Seymour Foods and Big Feeling ice cream shop in Providence. Some businesses adapted by offering free delivery promotions or staying open for walking traffic, like Brown Bee Coffee.

That blizzard dumped 3 feet of snow on us last week, shutting down spots like Seymour Foods in Prov. Some, like Brown Bee Coffee, kept the doors open for walkers. How’d your local shops hold up? #RhodeIsland #BlizzardRI #SupportLocal

February Blizzard Causes Significant Damage to Rhode Island Farms Local farms across Rhode Island sustained major damage from February's powerful blizzard, with Long Lane Farm in Warren experiencing the collapse of one greenhouse roof and significant damage to three of its four greenhouses. The storm struck during critical spring planting season preparations, forcing farm owner Camille Abdel-Nabi to attempt emergency snow removal by cutting holes in greenhouse plastic coverings to relieve pressure and prevent further structural damage. The incident represents a costly setback for growers already preparing for the growing season.

That February blizzard hit RI farms hard. Long Lane Farm in Warren lost a greenhouse roof and more. Spring planting prep? Wrecked. Shouldn’t we cut some red tape to help these growers rebuild fast? What’s your take? #RIFarms #RhodeIsland #BlizzardDamage

Rhode Island Leads Coalition Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's Domestic Violence Grant Restrictions A nationwide coalition of 17 states, including Rhode Island, filed new legal challenges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to block the Trump-Vance administration's unlawful restrictions on federal grants for domestic violence and crime victims. The filings argue the conditions exceed DOJ authority, violate the Constitution, and coerce providers via False Claims Act threats. ACLU of Rhode Island's executive director vows to defend the funding.

Rhode Island’s leading a 17-state fight against Trump admin cuts to domestic violence grants. Filed in our own federal court, they’re saying these restrictions are unconstitutional. What do you reckon—should fed overreach get checked? #RhodeIsland #DomesticViolence

Sourdough Workshop A hands-on Sourdough Workshop for adults at Louttit Library in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

Hey Rhode Islanders, wanna learn to bake sourdough like a pro? Louttit Library in West Greenwich has a hands-on workshop on Feb 28, 2026. Get ya hands doughy! Who’s in for some crusty goodness? #RhodeIsland #Sourdough #LocalEvents

Centurion Foundation Secures Funding for Purchase of Two Rhode Island Hospitals After a yearslong effort, the Georgia-based nonprofit Centurion Foundation secured over $100 million in financing on Wednesday to buy Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence from Prospect Medical Holdings. The sale is expected to close on March 6, addressing ongoing issues like underfunding and low occupancy rates at the hospitals, which handle 50,000 emergency room visits annually.

Big news for Providence! Centurion Foundation just secured over $100M to buy Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals. Sale closes March 6. Hopefully this tackles the underfunding mess. What’s your take on out-of-state owners for local healthcare? #RIHealth #Providence

ACLU of Rhode Island Files Court Brief in Public Employee Free Speech Case The ACLU of Rhode Island, along with the national ACLU and four other affiliates, filed a brief yesterday in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston defending public employees' First Amendment rights to engage in 'disparaging' speech on public issues in their personal capacity. The brief argues that such speech should not receive less protection and criticizes government discrimination against offensive views without evidence of workplace disruption.

Hey Ocean State, the ACLU of RI just filed a brief in Boston defending public employees’ right to speak their mind off the clock—even if it’s salty. Shouldn’t free speech mean free, no strings? What’s your take? #RhodeIsland #FreeSpeech

Motion State Dance Festival The annual Motion State Dance Festival takes place over three nights at the Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence’s Valley neighborhood. On Friday, February 27 at 7:30 PM, features 'This could be the end,' a solo work exploring vulnerability, power dynamics, and boundaries, and 'Soft Rules for Moving Sideways,' a trio improvisation unlocking shared resonance and individual actions.

Providence, get ready to move! The Motion State Dance Festival is hitting Wilbury Theatre this weekend. Vulnerability, power, and killer improv—don’t miss it. Who’s joining? #RIEvents #ProvidenceArts #ModernDance

Ocean State 2026 Lands First Private Investment from Airbnb Ocean State 2026 has received its first private investment of $250,000 from Airbnb to support Rhode Island's World Cup tourism efforts, announced on Wednesday.

Big news for RI! Ocean State 2026 just scored a $250K investment from Airbnb to boost World Cup tourism. Gotta love private players stepping up—less taxpayer burden. What’s your take on hosting the world here? #RhodeIsland #WorldCup2026 #Tourism

Lawsuit Alleges R.I. Department of Corrections Religiously Discriminated Against Native American Prisoners Five Native American men in Rhode Island's maximum security prison filed a lawsuit earlier this month, represented by the ACLU of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University School of Law, alleging religious discrimination under RLUIPA. They claim the Department of Corrections denied religious practices, items, and diets, while accommodating other faiths like Muslim kufis and Jewish yarmulkes. This follows a similar summer lawsuit for three others, with consolidation requested.

Heard about the lawsuit against RI Dept of Corrections? Native American prisoners say they’re being denied religious practices while other faiths get accommodations. Shouldn’t everyone get a fair shake? What’s your take? #RhodeIsland #CivilRights

Walt Heyer Offers Insights into Rhode Island Shooting by Transgender Suspect On February 21, 2026, Walt Heyer, Senior Fellow at Family Research Council, appeared on Newsmax's The Count to provide insights into a tragic shooting in Rhode Island allegedly perpetrated by a transgender suspect, sparking discussions on related civil liberties and rights-based debates.

A tragic shooting in RI has sparked heavy debates on civil liberties and rights. We gotta dig into these tough convos without losing sight of our community. What’s your take on balancing freedom and safety here? #RhodeIsland #CivilDebate

Submit Names to the E. Prov. Military Service Honor Roll In Person An informal drop-in event to remember veterans and military service members will be held at Weaver Library, 41 Grove Ave., East Providence, RI on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 from 1-3 pm. People are invited to submit names in person.

Hey East Prov, got a vet or service member to honor? Drop by Weaver Library on Feb 24, 2026, from 1-3pm to submit names for the Military Service Honor Roll. Let’s remember our own. #RhodeIsland #EastProvidence #Veterans

Navigant Credit Union Appoints Joseph R. Perroni to Board of Directors Navigant Credit Union, the oldest and largest member-owned credit union in Rhode Island with over $4 billion in assets, announced the appointment of Joseph R. Perroni, President and CEO of Delta Dental Rhode Island, to its board of directors. Perroni brings over 30 years of experience as a business leader in Rhode Island, including prior roles in sales, client retention, and business relations at Delta Dental.

Big news for Navigant Credit Union—Joseph Perroni, head honcho at Delta Dental RI, just joined their board. With 30+ years of local biz know-how, he’s a solid pick. Thoughts on how this shapes up for RI’s biggest credit union? #RhodeIsland #LocalBiz

Rhode Island Activist Criticizes Adult-Run Nonprofit for Organizing Student Anti-ICE Protest A Rhode Island activist has criticized an adult-run nonprofit that organized a student walkout in Providence against ICE, revealing the donor-funded group paid over $76,000 to its leaders while using students in the protest.

Hey Rhode Island, should adults be bankrolling student protests? An activist is callin’ out a nonprofit for droppin’ $76K on leaders while organizin’ a Providence anti-ICE walkout. What’s your take on this? #RIpolitics #Providence

Rhode Island Cannabis Regulators Advance Retail License Lottery Process Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission is progressing with plans to award up to 20 new cannabis retail licenses through a lottery system. The commission is vetting qualifications from 98 applicants across three categories: 56 general retail applicants, 19 worker cooperatives, and 23 social equity applicants. State regulations cap retailers at four per zone, with at least one license reserved for social equity applicants and one for worker-owned cooperatives. Nearly a third of all applications—31—were submitted for Zone 6, which includes Pawtucket, East Providence, and Bristol and Newport counties. Industry stakeholders have expressed differing views on the expansion, with some established businesses concerned about market saturation while cultivators support moving forward with new retail locations.

RI Cannabis Control Commission is rolling out up to 20 new retail licenses via lottery. 98 applicants, hot competition in Zone 6. Some worry about saturation, others want growth. What’s your take on expanding the green market? #RICannabis #OceanState

Nationwide Coalition Challenges Trump Administration's Attempt to Withhold Support from Noncitizen Victims of Crime The R.I. Coalition Against Domestic Violence, alongside a nationwide group, filed an amended complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to block the Trump administration's new restrictions on federal grants for victims of domestic violence and other crimes. The ACLU of Rhode Island criticized the conditions as cruel and unlawful, arguing they exceed DOJ authority, violate the Constitution, and threaten funding for survivors by leveraging citizenship status.

Rhode Island's fightin’ back against feds tryin’ to cut support for noncitizen crime victims. Local coalition and ACLU call it cruel and overreach. Should help be based on need, not papers? #RhodeIsland #Justice #DomesticViolence

Rhode Island Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over Morgue Body Mix-Up A Superior Court lawsuit accuses Rhode Island Hospital of releasing the wrong body to a funeral home following the death of Providence woman Emilia Severino on December 30, 2025. According to the lawsuit, the hospital's chief pathologist notified the family of the error on January 20, 2026. The lawsuit alleges that hospital staff and the funeral home initially attempted to switch the bodies without informing the family, but the cemetery refused to exhume the body without family permission. The hospital confirmed the error occurred on January 15 in its morgue operations and stated that the employee involved was terminated. The hospital has committed to implementing additional safeguards to prevent similar incidents.

Heard about the morgue mix-up at RI Hospital? Lawsuit says they released the wrong body to a funeral home. Family got told weeks later. Hospital fired someone and promises fixes. What’s your take on this mess? #RhodeIsland #Providence

Teen & Tween: Gaming Lounge at Newport Public Library A gaming event for grades 6-12 at Newport Public Library where teens and tweens can hang out and play on the Nintendo Switch. No registration is required for this community event.

Hey Newport fam, the Public Library’s got a cool gaming lounge for teens and tweens, grades 6-12. Nintendo Switch, no sign-up needed. Perfect way to chill with pals. What’s your go-to game? #NewportRI #RILibraries #TeenGaming

RXinsider Named to RXinsider's 2026 Pharmacy500 List for Third Consecutive Year TraceLink, a digital supply chain orchestration platform company, has been recognized on RXinsider's 2026 Pharmacy500 list for the third consecutive year. The recognition highlights TraceLink's ability to help pharmacies and their trading partners digitalize operations, automate product recall identification, and operationalize regulatory requirements. RXinsider, the company behind this recognition, is headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island and is a pharmacist-founded marketing and market intelligence company focused on pharmacy operations and supporting dispensing pharmacies across the supply chain.

Big shoutout to TraceLink for making RXinsider’s 2026 Pharmacy500 list—third year in a row! West Warwick’s own RXinsider spotlighting digital supply chain innovation. What’s next for RI’s pharmacy game? #RhodeIsland #PharmacyTech #Innovation

Annual Toothbrush Exchange The Rhode Island Dental Association and UCH-Rlte Smiles present the 4th Annual Great Toothbrush Exchange, an event celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month. Participants can bring in a picture of their old toothbrush and exchange it for a new one. The event takes place from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Warwick Mall.

Hey Rhode Islanders, got an old toothbrush? Swap it for a new one at the Great Toothbrush Exchange at Warwick Mall, Feb 19, 12:30-2PM. Bring a pic of the old one and smile big for the kids’ dental health month. #RIDentalHealth #WarwickMall #OceanState

Proposed bill would abolish life without parole for young offenders in Rhode Island Rhode Island lawmakers and nonprofit leaders are advancing legislation to abolish life without parole sentences for individuals who commit crimes when they are 21 years old or younger. State Rep. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown, Exeter) introduced the bill in the state House of Representatives on January 15, emphasizing that young people lack complete brain development and should not receive such sentences. The bill has been referred to the state House Judiciary Committee for an open hearing. Steven Brown, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, supports the measure and hopes it will be retroactively applied to the four individuals currently serving life without parole sentences in Rhode Island who committed crimes before age 22.

Big news outta the State House: a bill to end life without parole for young offenders (21 and under) is on the table. Brains ain’t fully cooked at that age, right? Should they get a second shot? Chime in. #RINews #JusticeReform #OceanState

Meeka Fine Jewelry Expands with New Store in Newport, Rhode Island Meeka Fine Jewelry, owned by Krol, has grown significantly, opening an additional store in Newport, Rhode Island, alongside its thriving online business. The company experienced steady organic growth, robust online sales, and adopted experiential retail strategies like hosting Galentine’s events, while building a passionate team for continued expansion and enhanced customer experiences.

Hey Ocean State fam, Meeka Fine Jewelry just dropped a new spot in Newport. Local biz growing with cool events like Galentine’s and a tight team. Who’s checking it out? #RhodeIsland #NewportRI #SupportLocal

ACLU Sues Rhode Island Corrections Department Over Native American Prisoners' Religious Practices The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University Law Prisoners’ Rights Clinic filed a lawsuit on behalf of five Native American prisoners at the Adult Correctional Institutions, alleging the Rhode Island Department of Corrections denies them access to religious ceremonies, spiritual guidance, and items. This is the third such lawsuit in three years, claiming Rhode Island lacks policies for Native American religious practices that are standard in other prisons.

ACLU is suing RI Corrections again over Native American prisoners’ religious rights. Third lawsuit in 3 years—still no policies for ceremonies or spiritual items. Shouldn’t folks have the freedom to practice their beliefs, even inside? #RInews #ReligiousFreedom

Rhode Island Approves $18 Million to Save Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital Rhode Island has approved an $18 million financial backstop to assist the buyer in completing the acquisition of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, ensuring the facilities remain operational amid financial stress similar to that in Massachusetts.

Rhode Island just dropped $18M to keep Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital open. Gotta protect our healthcare, but should taxpayers always foot the bill? What’s your take, Ocean State? #RIHealth #RhodeIslandNews