By Nancy Lavin | Senior reporter
It’s Saturday.
Election season is just kicking into high gear, but the race to cement the candidates who will appear on the Sept. 9 primary ballot is finally over, following a series of challenges to nomination papers reviewed by the Rhode Island Board of Elections this week.
Democratic State Committee District 45 candidate Allison Kane was the only candidate whose fate was changed by the elections board’s review, with the board agreeing that Kane met the 50-signature minimum for ballot placement despite initial, local election workers determining that she did not.
No such luck for independent Pawtucket mayoral candidate Ana Borges, who did not meet the 200-signature requirement to qualify for the November ballot despite her appeal to the elections board alleging she was misinformed by the town election workers. Meanwhile, independent gubernatorial candidate Jasjit Gotra; Democratic state representative candidate Arlette Hidalgo; and two Democrats running for Pawtucket School Committee, Omar Reyes and Angeliz Rosa; will all remain on the ballot despite objections by political opponents and parties to their nomination papers.
With the candidate rosters solidified, the Department of State will head to the post office to mail the 256 envelopes to the military and overseas voters who requested primary ballots. The deadline set by state law technically July 26, but because the United States Postal Service isn’t open on Sundays, it has to happen today, according to LeeAnn Byrne, Secretary of State Gregg Amore’s chief of staff.
(Election) stars, they’re just like us.
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High tide in Warwick is at 5:14 p.m. Low tide is at 9:43 a.m. and 11:01 p.m. Sunset is at 8:11 p.m.
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Sunday marks the 37th annual Governor’s Bay Day, which means free parking at all state beaches. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is also waving roundtrip fares on the South County Express Beach Bus. And anglers can fish in designated saltwater areas without a recreational license for the weekend.
Community Libraries of Providence Executive Director Cheryl Space, left, introduces Providence mayoral candidates (left to right) David Morales, Brett Smiley and Dave Talan before a debate at Rochambeau Library on Thursday, July 23, 2026. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
By Alexander Castro
Providence mayoral candidates Brett Smiley, David Morales, and Dave Talan debated housing, pensions, and immigration enforcement, revealing stark differences in their visions for the city.
The exterior of U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island at 1 Exchange Terrace, Providence. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
By Christopher Shea
A man wanted in connection with a 2021 homicide in the Dominican Republic is back in custody nearly three months after disappearing following his release by a Rhode Island federal judge who was not made aware of the warrant.
Workforce housing is coming to the entrance to Quonset Business Park under a lease agreement between the Quonset Development Corporation and local developer, Moran Properties. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current)
By Nancy Lavin
For the first time in more than 50 years, a former U.S. Navy base turned industrial park in North Kingstown will include housing under a lease agreement between Quonset Development Corporation and Moran Properties.
Michelle Reddish leads her first Cannabis Control Commission meeting as chair on July 24, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Christopher Shea
Seventy-five prospective Rhode Island cannabis retailers will soon receive $7,500 refunds as the Cannabis Control Commission prepares to restart the licensing process that was halted under a federal court order.
Chinsareth Hong wears a T-shirt advocating for the release of his brother Chansareth, who was detained by federal immigration officers on July 22, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Christopher Shea
Chansareth Hong, 50, a Cambodian refugee and caregiver who has lived in Providence since he was an infant, was detained after a scheduled check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Warwick Wednesday and moved to the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. His detention comes despite widespread calls from state and local leaders to halt his removal, sparking protests and a legal challenge.
Clockwise from bottom left are lieutenant governor Democratic candidates Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, former Rep. Cindy Coyne, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos; and Newport City Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong (Photos by Alexander Castro; Coyne video still; Michael Salerno; and Alexander Castro)
By Nolan Page
Four Democrats running for lieutenant governor discussed their priorities if elected to an office considered the understudy to the state's chief executive in a forum that aired on WPRO 630 AM Tuesday afternoon.
Mount Pleasant High School in Providence is seen under construction on Friday, July 17, 2026. The $110 million project is set for completion next summer. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)
State declares its seven-year takeover of Providence Public Schools a success. What the metrics say.
By Alexander Castro
By some metrics, things are looking up for the Providence Public School District in a report released last week by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Students are coming to class more often. More of them are graduating high school. And six new or renovated schools opened since 2019, compared to only one built in the 15 years prior. But more than four out of five Providence students remaining below grade-level expectations.
ICYMI
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