By Christopher Shea| Reporter
Hiya,
Beware of wild animals this weekend.
The Rhode Island Department of Health issued two warnings Friday after a skunk in Smithfield and a raccoon in Providence recently tested positive for rabies. Rhode Island has already identified 43 rabid animals this year — well above the annual average of 25.
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High tide in Newport Saturday is at 6:44 a.m. and 7:05 p.m. Low tide is at 12:44 p.m. Sunrise is at 7:07 a.m. Sunset is at 5:51 p.m.
High tide in Narragansett Sunday is at 7:16 a.m. and 7:40 p.m. Low tide is at 12:48 a.m. and 1:38 p.m. Sunrise is at 7:09 a.m. Sunset is at 5:50 p.m.
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Here’s your look at the week that was:
Mike Simpson, cofounder and director of marketing for Lovewell Farms in Hopkinton, displays the company's THC sparkling lemonade at the Broadway Street Fair in Newport on Oct. 10, 2026. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)
Hemp businesses don’t have to destroy their stock after federal ban starts. They just can’t sell it.
By Christopher Shea
Rhode Island regulators are letting hemp businesses hold onto products soon to be barred under federal law. But questions remain about what they can do with that inventory if Congress changes course after high potency THC products become illegal on Dec. 11.
Helena Buonanno Foulkes joins a selfie with a supporter at the opening of her campaign office on Broad Street in Providence in July. (Courtesy of Foulkes campaign)
By Nancy Lavin
After losing in 2022 to Gov. Dan McKee, Helena Buonanno Foulkes began a comeback campaign focused on community relationships, including in Central Falls. Having defeated McKee in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary, Foulkes leads in polls and campaign fundraising heading into the Nov. 3 election.
Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block shakes hands with spectators on Atwells Avenue in Providence during the annual Federal Hill Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (Courtesy of Block campaign)
By Nancy Lavin
Battling against entrenched party politics as an independent candidate for governor with only modest name recognition and even less campaign cash, Ken Block looks to polling as proof he can beat his Democratic opponent. The Barrington software engineer and former Republican hopes his focus on pragmatism over partisanship will win over voters.
An architectural rendering depicts the proposed Rhode Island State History Center, which would be built across from the State House in Providence if voters approve Question 4 on Nov. 3. The ballot measure would authorize $45 million in borrowing for the project. (Rendering by LLB Architects/courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of State)
By Alexander Castro
Ballot Question 4 asks Rhode Island voters to decide if they want to authorize $50 million in general obligation bonds, of which up to $45 million would go toward the construction of a new Rhode Island State History Center in Providence. But borrowing for history and museums has not always been embraced by Rhode Island voters, who are otherwise known for being generous at the ballot box.
Summer Street Apartments in Providence, a 176-unit development for formerly homeless adults, was highlighted by housing advocates as a sign of progress amid Rhode Island’s ongoing housing affordability crisis. (Courtesy photo from Crossroads Rhode Island)
By Christopher Shea
As voters consider $120 million in state housing bonds and a $25 million Providence housing bond in the November election, a new HousingWorks RI report highlights rising housing costs and affordability challenges across Rhode Island. But it did find some positive trends.
Rhode Island Democratic gubernatorial nominee Helena Buonanno Foulkes, right, is shown at her victory celebration in Providence on the night of the Sept. 9 primary, with state Democratic Party Chair Liz Beretta-Perik, left. Foulkes called for Perik to step down after Perik's husband was indicted on 12 felony charges in Ohio. (Rhode Island Democratic Party Instagram post)
By Nancy Lavin
Rhode Island Democratic Party Chair Liz Beretta-Perik resigned Tuesday in the wake of her husband Michael Perik’s indictment by an Ohio grand jury on felony fraud and racketeering charges, a day after she said the indictment had “nothing to do” with her or her role as party leader. Public calls for Beretta-Perik’s resignation began Monday night, beginning with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Helena Buonanno Foulkes, who cited the implications for the Nov. 3 election just two weeks away.
ICYMI
2026 General Election Voter Guide | Rhode Island Current staff
McKee extends pause deadline on Flock cameras indefinitely | Christopher Shea
Rep. Jenni Furtado to lead state Democratic party | Nancy Lavin
COMMENTARY: A Providence elementary school principal is reaching for another star. It’s within her grasp. | Julia Steiny
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