By Christopher Shea | Reporter
Hiya,
Enjoy your long weekend if you’ve got one!
I’m planning to make Alton Brown’s eggnog recipe with my college roommates over Zoom. Maybe I’ll even pick up some coffee syrup bourbon to give it a Rhode Island twist.
***
High tide in Portsmouth Saturday is at 8:14 a.m. and 8:34 p.m. Low tide is at 1:53 p.m. Sunrise is at 6:50 a.m. Sunset is at 6:13 p.m.
High tide in Bristol Sunday is at 9:01 a.m. and 9:21 p.m. Low tide is at 1:46 a.m. and 2:33 p.m. Sunrise is at 6:53 a.m. Sunset is at 6:10 p.m.
***
Here’s your look at the week that was:
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green discusses the state’s 2026 standardized test scores and school accountability ratings during a media briefing at the Rhode Island Department of Education on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
By Alexander Castro
Rhode Island's latest standardized test scores show little overall movement, with math inching up and English dipping.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, right, speaks to reporters about the arrest of William “Billy” Morton in the 1985 murder of Hillary Hellewell at his Providence office on Oct. 6, 2026. At left is Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Janine L. Weisman and Christopher Shea
DNA evidence has led to the arrest of a 61-year-old Smithfield man in connection with the May 1985 murder of Hillary Hellewell in Newport. It’s the fourth case solved by a special cold case investigative unit within the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General.
Lovewell Farms co-founders Mike Simpson, left, and Ryan Plante, right, stand next to hemp plants nearing harvest on Sept. 24, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Christopher Shea
Rhode Island’s $2.85 million hemp market faces new federal THC limits that could upend the state’s growing market for infused drinks. One outdoor hemp farm is preparing for a federal THC crackdown while state regulators wait for more clarity before advising businesses.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian has $7,000 cash on hand as of Oct. 5, 2026, according to his most recent campaign finance report filed with the Rhode Island Board of Elections. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)
By Nancy Lavin
Trailing in the polls and facing public pressure to drop out, Republican gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian has just over $7,000 in his campaign account in the final sprint toward the Nov. 3 general election, according to information filed with the Rhode Island Board of Elections late Tuesday. Guckian's report did not include details of his last-minute trip to Florida, which included a private plane.
A hallway in Hope High School in Providence. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
By Alexander Castro
A new Rhode Island Department of Education analysis raises questions about assumptions that went into a plan released earlier this year to overhaul the state’s school funding formula. The report was prepared for state lawmakers about to study the findings of the Rhode Island Foundation-led Blue Ribbon Commission.
Sapowet Cove is shown on the western shore of Tiverton in the Sakonnet River. (Google Earth image)
By Nancy Lavin
Property owners surrounding a proposed oyster farm in Tiverton's Sapowet Cove have asked a Providence Superior Court judge to weigh in, arguing that the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council abused its authority by not issuing a decision on the project. The application for the 1-acre oyster farm was submitted in late 2019.
ICYMI
DMV review confirms Rhode Island voter registration safeguards | Christopher Shea
Matos, Loughlin spar over Trump, groceries and gasoline in second LG debate | Alexander Castro
FEMA awards more than $4.5M to Rhode Island fire departments | Christopher Shea
Sanchez says he has votes to become next Providence City Council president | Alexander Castro
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