RI Stories That Made You Smile In 2025

A bonafide miracle birth, a heroic rescue from a house fire, restaurants gaining national recognition, the filming of Hollywood movies — all of that and more happened in Rhode Island in 2025.

Take a look at all the accounts of great things that happened in the Ocean State last year.

These Rhode Island Universities Ranked Among World’s Best By US News

Brown University and the University of Rhode Island made the for U.S. News & World Report's list of the best schools.

Rhode Island Teens Score Scholarships Honoring Roger Williams

Five Rhode Island high school students won the state's largest scholarships.

M. Night Shyamalan Movie Kicks Off Filming In Rhode Island: Report

World famous director M. Night Shyamalan began filming a new movie in Warren.

These Rhode Island Restaurants Have Stellar Wine Programs, Magazine Says

Wine Spectator recognized 17 Rhode Island restaurants for their stellar wine programs.

This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In Rhode Island

There, There in Providence was picked by Tasting Table as having the best burger in the state.

Cat Declawing Outlawed In Rhode Island

It was a good day for cats when declawing was outlawed in Rhode Island.

Bristol Resident Honored By Rhode Island Foundation With Inaugural Pride Awards

Nancy Hetherington of Bristol was the recipient of the Rhode Island Foundation’s inaugural Pride Awards. In 2001, the former state representative sponsored ground-breaking legislation that prohibited discrimination based on gender identity or expression in housing, credit and employment.

Ocean State Job Lot Wins 2025 Inspiring Workplaces Award

Ocean State Job Lot, a leading discount closeout retailer headquartered in Rhode Island with 176 locations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, was named among the top 50 winners of the 2025 Inspiring Workplaces Awards.

RI Pizzeria Ranked Among Top 50 In U.S.

Pasquale's in South Kingston was deemed worthy of the 50 Top Pizza guide.

Off-Duty Warwick Police Captain Rescues Family from Cranston House Fire

Warwick police Capt. Charles Boisseau heroically saved a family from a house fire.

URI's Eric Genther Signs With New York Yankees

The University of Rhode Island's Eric Genther signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees on the heels of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft

Rhode Island Baby's Birth A Miracle, Pope Leo XIV Declares

Pope Leo XIV declared the survival of a child whose heartbeat was undetectable after he was born prematurely in Rhode Island was a miracle.

Roger Williams Park Zoo Celebrates Historic Red Panda Births

The Roger Williams Park Zoo announced the history-making births of twin red pandas.

University Of Rhode Island Senior Makes 3rd Straight Sailing Championship

University of Rhode Island senior Okyanus Arikan headed to her third straight Women’s Singlehanded National Championship.

Providence Alum Doris Burke Inducted Into RI Radio & Television Hall Of Fame

Providence College alum and ESPN basketball analyst Doris Burke was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio & TV Hall of Fame.

Wingstop Opens 1st Ever Rhode Island Restaurant

Rhode Island finally got a Wingstop.

'Real Housewives Of Rhode Island' Cast Revealed

Bravo released the identities of the cast for season one of "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island."