Invasive Brazilian peppertrees cover 700,000 acres across Florida — about the same space as Rhode Island

PALM BAY, Fla. — Since the 1960s, the Brazilian peppertree has grown into Florida’s most widespread and invasive plant. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, growth now covers over 700,000 acres — roughly the same amount of space as...

HHS seeks to dismiss Rhode Island lawsuit over reorganization plans

5 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of 2025 in Rhode Island

Money’s picks for the best homeowners insurance in Rhode Island all offer standout coverage. Our list draws from our analysis for the national ranking of the best homeowners insurance providers. Below, we’ve also included other information to help...

Best, worst states for construction permit red tape

Dive Brief: Tennessee ranks first for construction permitting efficiency in the United States, according to the Red Tape Index from regulatory intelligence firm Labrynth. The measure tracks how quickly and effectively states process building...

2025 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

MMMBop-Tarts from Basil and Bunny. Photo by Angel Tucker August is one of our favorite months here at Rhode Island Monthly. After a year of in-depth research, we highlight the people, small businesses, attractions and events that symbolize the...

$5 Million in Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding Available – Apply Now

Photo: Jenks Park Playground in Central Falls was renovated with improvements last year including new equipment, site furnishings, lighting and landscaping through Outdoor Recreation Grant funding. Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island...

Utilities Want to Regain the Ability to Build Power Plants in PJM. Consumer Advocates Say That’s Probably a Bad Idea

The debate that took place in a Washington, D.C., hearing room in June was so filled with energy-industry jargon that most people would not realize they were witnessing a battle over who could own and profit from power plants. The same fight...

URI engineering professor awarded NSF grant to study nature-based answers to wave, current hazards  

KINGSTON, R.I. – Aug. 19, 2025 – Rhode Island’s coastline is eroding by nearly two feet annually, with some areas more than double that, according to the Coastal Resources Management Council. Rhode Island’s shoreline loss is especially profound in...

AAA: Average Rhode Island gas price drops a penny

PROVIDENCE — Northeast pump prices are down slightly as petroleum markets have settled into a late-summer supply and demand balance. Adding to the downward pressure on prices is the cost of oil, which remains in the low- to mid-$60 a barrel range....

Dry conditions, consumer demand prompt outdoor water ban in Narragansett, South Kingstown

(WJAR) — Dry conditions and consumer demand has prompted an outdoor water ban in Narragansett and South Kingstown. Automatic irrigation systems and outdoor showers are restricted-- both at the beach and residences. Beach-goers at Scarborough State...

Rhode Island State Police to distribute over 2,000 backpacks ahead of back to school

Pencils, pens, bookbags and more. All the back-to-school essentials you could think of are packed in more than 2,000 bags at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters, ready to be distributed to students across the Ocean State. "We're doing our best...

Possible gas moratorium subject of hearing in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Portsmouth Middle School Little Theatre Auditorium to gather public input on the idea of a moratorium on new...

Maine ranked among top states for women's equality

When it comes to women’s equality, Maine outshines all but three other states — and boasts one of the smallest income gaps — in a barometer by personal finance website WalletHub. To determine where women in the United States receive the most equal...

Cranston comic book store changes look to be featured in movie

(WJAR) — A local comic book store has changed into a costume for a movie being filmed in Rhode Island. The Time Capsule is temporarily Graffiti Comics for the duration of the filming. The store's owners say it's being used by the production crew...

Rhode Island FC’s Home Stadium Competes for Best New Venue

Rhode Island's latest arena has not only been a hit for local soccer fans, it's gained national attention as well. Centerville Bank Stadium is in the running for Best New or Renovated Sports Venue for 2025 by SportsTravel. READ MORE: Pawtucket's...

Rhode Island leaders celebrate the new Air National Guard headquarters at Quonset

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI (WJAR) — Rhode Island airmen and women now have a new home in North Kingstown. Federal, state, local and military leaders gathered Friday morning for the ribbon-cutting for the new headquarters for the 143rd Airlift Wing's...

Quonset is New State-of-the-Art Headquarters for the Rhode Island Air National Guard

Federal, state, local, and military officials joined the Rhode Island Air National Guard today to celebrate the grand opening of the new 143rd Airlift Wing headquarters at Quonset Air National Guard Base. The modern 43,000-square-foot facility...

California seeks injunction against USDA demand for SNAP recipient data

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a motion seeking a court order to stop the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from requiring states to provide personal information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...

TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 15, 2025 

Limit access to part of Wickenden Street for a movie shoot, sure, but obstruct my peregrinations to Pizza Marvin at your peril. Welcome back to my Friday column. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to...

ACRES Capital Provides $19M in Financing for Multifamily Project in Warwick, Rhode Island

34WARWICK, R.I. — ACRES Capital has provided $19 million in financing for Matteson Ridge, an age-restricted multifamily project in Warwick, about 50 miles south of Worcester, Mass. The undisclosed borrower will use the proceeds to refinance...