CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Firefighters in Cranston put out a vehicle fire that happened on New London Avenue Saturday. James Woyciechowski, Cranston Fire Department's deputy chief, told 12 News this occurred at around 3 p.m. This vehicle stopped on Route 2 facing the backside of the New London Avenue 99 Restaurant. The driver, who had one passenger, said their vehicle's engine made a ticking sound and smoke started to come out from under the hood, according to authorities. As both the driver and passenger were leaving the vehicle, that smoke started to intensify, Woyciechowski said. What caused ..read more

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- Police are investigating a dirt bike and motor vehicle crash that happened in Fall River on Saturday afternoon. Sergeant Moses Pereira told 12 News as the motor vehicle was turning left to get into the Bay Village apartment complex, the dirt bike's driver tried to pass that vehicle on the left side, causing a crash. This took place around 1:08 p.m., according to Pereira. The operator of that dirt bike had serious injuries and was brought to Rhode Island Hospital. Cranston firefighters put out vehicle fire Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbo ..read more

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Roger Williams Park Zoo keepers say that Chip, a blue-throated piping guan, who escaped from the zoo last week, has been found. Chip, along with his father, Monster are blue-throated piping guans. they both were able to escape their enclosure on Thurs., May 24. Providence Animal Control officers were able to catch Monster and return him to the zoo on Wednesday. MORE: 2 exotic birds escape Roger Williams Park Zoo A spokesperson for the zoo said Chip was spotted in the same area where Monster was found, just up the street from the Zoo. "Both guans appear healthy and ar ..read more

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) -- A ribbon cutting was held earlier on Saturday for a new inclusive playground in Portsmouth. The nearly two year project, spearheaded by Kateri Buerman and the Four Hearts Foundation, wanted to make a playground that kids of all ages and abilities could use. After raising nearly $800,000, the Turnpike Playground officially opened. There will be no on-site parking, however Newport trolleys will be shuttling people from Portsmouth High School to the playground ..read more

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- East Providence police are investigating after they say a man was seriously injured after being struck by a car Friday night. Investigators say the incident happened in the area of Newport and Pioneer Aves. The victim, only identified as a 60-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries to his face and lower body. Police said the driver of the car did remain on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ..read more

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Special Olympics Rhode Island's largest sporting event of the year is back at the University of Rhode Island on May 31, June 1 and 2. The 2024 State Summer Games will feature in-person events! Come out and cheer on hundreds of local athletes as they compete in numerous sporting events such as swimming, bowling, soccer and more! Each weekend, Ashley brings you around Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts for a look at what’s happening as part of our all new, expanded 12 News This Morning. Join us on Saturdays for four full hours of local news ..read more

Happy Saturday! Here's another edition of my weekend column for WPRI.com -- as always, send your takes, tips and trial balloons to tnesi@wpri.com and follow me on Twitter, Threads and Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW 1. The release of legislative leaders' compromise budget bill Friday night signals that the annual General Assembly session has reached the homestretch. Speaker Shekarchi is targeting June 13 as the final day for the House, an indication he thinks the chamber can wrap up its other business fairly qui ..read more

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island lawmakers on Friday night unveiled a nearly $14 billion proposed state budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that boosts funding for education, health care and state pensions but leaves out a controversial bank tax cut. "This was not an easy budget to do," House Speaker Joe Shekarchi told reporters at a briefing. He said the state is feeling the same "pain" from rising costs as average Rhode Island households, making it more expensive to provide services. The budget bill is a revised version of the tax-and-spending plan that Gov. Dan McKee put forward in Jan ..read more

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) is sticking with its Sunday bus service. The SRTA advisory board voted to approve its FY25 budget, which includes funding for service on Sunday. SEE ALSO: RIPTA bus hub one step closer to reality, much to riders’ dismay The SRTA announced the change in a social media post, saying the service will be available for the "foreseeable future." You can check out the SRTA schedules by clicking here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ..read more

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Rhode Island lawmakers on Friday night unveiled a nearly $14 billion proposed state budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year that boosts funding for education, health care and state pensions but leaves out a controversial bank tax cut. "This was not an easy budget to do," House Speaker Joe Shekarchi told reporters at a briefing. He said the state is feeling the same "pain" from rising costs as average Rhode Island households, making it more expensive to provide services. The budget bill is a revised version of the tax-and-spending plan that Gov. Dan McKee put forward in Ja ..read more