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Broad Street’s nightlife is turning dangerous for residents—police are regularly dispersing crowds of 300, and incidents like robberies, assaults, and even stabbings are becoming too frequent to ignore. While the city’s licensing board exists to enforce rules, it’s failing to hold venues accountable for repeated public safety violations. A new proposal calls for automatic emergency suspensions aft...

In July, Newport, Rhode Island, commemorates a pivotal moment in American history: in 1780, 6,000 French troops led by General Rochambeau landed in Newport Harbor, launching a crucial alliance that helped secure American independence. After a year of rebuilding from British occupation, the colonists and French forces—facing language, religion, and cultural barriers—forged a powerful bond. In 1781,...

When fire tore through Matunuck Oyster Bar last year, owner Perry Raso didn’t just lose a restaurant—he lost a dream built on grit, oysters, and resilience. Starting his oyster farm in 2002 when only 16 farmers existed in Rhode Island, Raso reinvested every dime, growing his operation to supply major cities. Opening the restaurant in 2009 during a recession, he was stunned by its success—so much s...

Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner exits the race after a damning sexual assault allegation triggers a collapse of his campaign, while President Trump faces a $5 million court order to pay E. Jean Carroll following the Supreme Court’s refusal to review his appeal. In the Middle East, U.S. airstrikes hit Iran, sparking sirens in Bahrain and Kuwait, with Trump citing retaliation for attacks on ship...

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup winds down, Foxboro businesses are feeling the mixed effects — some breweries are quietly struggling with low turnout despite special events, while Irish pubs are buzzing like Patriots playoff games, packed with fans celebrating international matches. The final local game is Thursday, July 9th, but the tournament ends later this month in New Jersey. Listen in comfort: Ge...

In a wild Independence Day scene in New Bedford, fireworks turned deadly when a crowd resisted police dispersal — leading to officers injured and multiple arrests. Initially blamed, a 19-year-old was later cleared after bodycam footage revealed the real culprit: a 26-year-old with a loaded gun who fired the explosive. Another 24-year-old, who handed him the lighter, also faces charges. The chaos u...

Cyclospora, a stomach-flushing parasite causing watery diarrhea and fatigue, is popping up across several states this summer — including Massachusetts — but health officials say it’s not unusual for this time of year. While Rhode Island hasn’t reported cases tied to the current CDC watchlist, three cases have been confirmed overall, with no known food source or outbreak link. Most healthy people r...

Cumberland Farms is pulling off a massive rebranding wave—six hundred to seven hundred stores nationwide will get a fresh look over five years to unify their identity under one powerful brand. Backed by E.G. America, the company behind the buyout, they’re transforming other banners like Tom Thumb and Loaf ‘N Jug into full Cumberland Farms spots, with early results showing a performance boost. Beyo...

Taunton’s Central Fire Station, a 157-year-old historic landmark and the third-oldest active fire station in the nation, officially closed its doors Wednesday, marking the end of an era for the city’s emergency response. Built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the station served generations of residents with unwavering dedication. Now, operations have shifted...

One year after the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in four decades, which killed ten residents at Gabriel House, investigators still seek the exact cause—but the failure of a recalled sprinkler system is a chilling clue. In a powerful demonstration, Fall River Fire Department and the National Fire Sprinkler Association showed how seconds matter: with working sprinklers, fire is contained; without...

Sunday night in New Bedford turned chaotic after Cape Verdean Independence Day celebrations, when fireworks tossed at police during crowd dispersal led to officers being hit, arrests, and multiple serious charges—including assault with a loaded, unpermitted handgun. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is...

Taunton’s historic Central Fire Station, standing for 157 years since 1869, has officially closed its doors — a bittersweet farewell for firefighters who called it home, where every crew member once trained on the iconic fire pole. Built for horses and carriages, the aging station struggled with modern demands like no elevators and wear-and-tear, despite loyal crews’ best efforts. Now, firefighter...

The former Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket is finally getting cleaned up after years of neglect, graffiti, and break-ins — but securing the massive, empty property is proving tougher than expected. With dumpsters out and cameras rolling, the new owners are cracking down hard on trespassers, ready to press charges. Their long-term vision? A vibrant mixed-use development with shops and housing — a ma...

A college sophomore journalist dives headfirst into Rhode Island’s gubernatorial race, uncovering the brutal reality for independent candidates: collecting 1,000 signatures to even get on the ballot. With no party backing and no team to fall back on, these challengers face a messy, grueling grind — but it’s exactly the kind of raw, real democracy that makes the effort worth it. Listen in comfort:...

Providence is cracking down hard on disruptive public gatherings and illegal ATVs, targeting hotspots like Roger Williams Park where loud parties and unauthorized vehicles have sparked shootings and arrests. Since mid-May, police have issued over 160 summonses, 64 noise citations, and towed 14 vehicles, while making 11 arrests. A new pilot program will close park roads from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to blo...

After a devastating fire that forced residents out of Hawthorne Village Condominiums in North Attleboro, people are finally returning to salvage what’s left — but the emotional toll is immense. With crews still clearing debris and inspecting the structure, many are stuck in limbo, like Nicola Hylton, who’s now paying for a condo she can’t live in. Others, like Robert Richards, are searching for ch...

Former Warwick Water Division manager Michael DiPetrillo avoided jail after pleading no contest to one domestic violence charge, but his legal troubles—and the city’s mounting costs—keep mounting: two lawsuits alleging harassment and retaliation settled for $900K, plus a prior incident where he allegedly threw a power tool and got only a warning. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow:...

Hawthorne Village residents are finally returning to their scorched, mold-ridden homes after a devastating May fire — but it’s far from a homecoming, with masks, shoe covers, and debris everywhere. One resident called his place “unrecognizable,” while another described her condo as her American dream — now in ruins after she moved to the U.S. to build her life. With no rebuild timeline and structu...

A Rhode Island teen has come forward after alleging a horrific sexual assault during a driving lesson, claiming the instructor made lewd comments, initiated unwanted physical contact, and demanded a sex act — which he refused. The driving school, Mejia Driving School, remains silent, refusing to confirm if the instructor is still employed there — a glaring lack of accountability for parents. The t...

Providence is injecting summer energy with surprise pop-up parties to lift spirits and revitalize neighborhoods, but the city’s still reeling from a major blizzard setback — federal aid for recovery was denied, leaving officials frustrated and resources stretched thin. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to overhaul Providence Public Schools, aiming to give students the best possible...

Rhode Island and 22 other states are suing the federal government over HUD’s new housing policy, which critics say undermines the proven “Housing First” model and threatens to displace 97,000 vulnerable Americans. The policy, championed by HUD Secretary Scott Turner as a return to “solutions and performance,” demands treatment and recovery services before funding permanent housing — a shift that a...

After a year-long wait, Coventry’s much-anticipated breakfast spot The Ham and Egger finally opens its doors—thanks to a last-minute septic system fix and a scrapped pop-up experiment. Now serving Wednesday through Sunday, 7 AM to 2 PM, with plans to add Mondays and Tuesdays after their grand opening, this revamped Washington Street eatery promises hearty breakfasts and lunches. Don’t miss out—gra...

One year after the deadly Gabriel House fire that killed ten and injured many more, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon is pushing for national fire safety reforms. A chilling demonstration showed how a single working sprinkler could have saved at least nine lives—yet the facility’s recalled O-ring sprinklers never got replaced. Now, firefighters and the National Fire Sprinkler Association are lob...

The Newport Bridge’s deck is crumbling with growing potholes, but relief is on the way. Rhode Island’s Turnpike and Bridge Authority is preparing to launch a major rehab project—backed by a federal grant—to fully restore the bridge. Plans include replacing joints, repairing steel towers, repainting, and upgrading the elevator. Final grant paperwork is pending, but construction is poised to begin s...

A Providence police sergeant, Joseph Hanley, faces another hearing to reclaim his job after a six-year-old assault incident—caught on video hitting a handcuffed man and kneeling on his neck—led to his 2021 suspension without pay. Though a prior 45-day penalty was overturned by a judge for legal errors, the city, backed by Police Colonel Oscar Perez and Mayor Brett Smiley, insists termination is wa...