Around the Valley

WOONSOCKET – A popular festival that has brought tens of thousands of guests to the Blackstone Valley every year for the past four decades will not take place in 2020, organizers announced today. Autumnfest has been cancelled this year, with 2020 dubbed, "The Year That Didn't Happen," members of the steering committee noted in a release. "We are deeply saddened by...

Mail ballot talk Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea's office will host a panel discussion on mail voting in the upcoming presidential primary on Thursday, May 14 starting at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live. "Rhode Island’s June 2nd Presidential Primary is fast approaching, and this election will be different than any Rhode Islanders have experienced. For the safety of voters and poll...

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina Raimondo lifted the state's stay-at-home order on Saturday, May 9, but things won't be back to normal just yet in the ocean state as restrictions on large gatherings, restaurant services and other businesses remain in place. The governor announced Phase I of her plan to reopen some elements of the state during her press briefing on...

Livestream concert fundraiser Mark your calendars for the chance to enjoy entertainment from the comfort of your home, while raising funds for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and RI Hospitality Association's Employee Relief Fund. A packed night of talented performers will take place on Thursday, April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. on Facebook Live. Those performing include Tammy Laforest, Kelley...

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island public schools will remain closed through the end of the school year, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced in a press briefing on Thursday, April 23, exactly one month since the state's distance learning experiment began. The highly-anticipated announcement comes following the discovery of an additional 412 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in the state, along with eight...

Help with tech The Rhode Island Department of Education and Rhode Island Foundation have announced an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to help students and families struggling to access adequate distance learning technology and internet connectivity. Statewide, the majority of students are able to access distance learning opportunities using technology provided by public school districts. However, through constant contact with each local...

PROVIDENCE – With testing efforts across Rhode Island ramped up last week, the number of confirmed cases of COVID 19 jumped to 2,015 statewide, with 22 cases in Burrillville. North Smithfield had six as of Friday, April 10. The figures remains low in comparison to urban communities, with several cities showing numbers in the triple digits. And while Gov. Gina Raimondo said...