Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social
Reporter for Boston Globe Rhode Island and RI PBS covering education, politics and the city of Providence. Email me: Steph.Machado@globe.com
Pinned
Providence community left reeling after four children are accused of murder: ‘Something we can’t understand’ - The Boston Globe
So far, investigators believe the four boys only wanted “to hurt an innocent person,” police said
www.bostonglobe.com
"Where are the parents?"
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
"No single path to healing."
Brown University gathers to remember two students killed in December shooting
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/07/m...
Brown University gathers to remember two students killed in December shooting
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/07/m...
‘No single path to healing’: Brown University remembers 2 students killed in December shooting - The Boston Globe
“Our campus is hurting, our community is hurting, and it is right that we have come together to acknowledge that pain,” Patricia Poitevien, Brown’s vice president for campus life, said at the memorial...
www.bostonglobe.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:23 PM
"No single path to healing."
Brown University gathers to remember two students killed in December shooting
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/07/m...
Brown University gathers to remember two students killed in December shooting
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/07/m...
A defiant Director Alviti says: “If anyone lies or misrepresents the facts for personal gain, they will hear from me — forcefully.”
Departing R.I. DOT director says he did not want to become a ‘political pawn’
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Departing R.I. DOT director says he did not want to become a ‘political pawn’ - The Boston Globe
DOT Director Alviti says he was not fired by Governor McKee and is retiring because he has accomplished a lot. " I’m leaving on my own terms, plain and simple," he said.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:45 PM
A defiant Director Alviti says: “If anyone lies or misrepresents the facts for personal gain, they will hear from me — forcefully.”
The premiere date for "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" is set. (Will also be the date that this reporter catches her first-ever episode of the 20-year-old show)
Mark your calendars: ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ debuts April 2 - The Boston Globe
The new series follows the women across the state to spots like a gilded mansion in Newport and Block Island.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:25 PM
The premiere date for "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" is set. (Will also be the date that this reporter catches her first-ever episode of the 20-year-old show)
Reposted by Steph Machado
Departing R.I. DOT director says he did not want to become a ‘political pawn’
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Departing R.I. DOT director says he did not want to become a ‘political pawn’ - The Boston Globe
DOT Director Alviti says he was not fired by Governor McKee and is retiring because he has accomplished a lot. " I’m leaving on my own terms, plain and simple," he said.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Departing R.I. DOT director says he did not want to become a ‘political pawn’
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
"Where are the parents?"
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Providence community left reeling after four children are accused of murder: ‘Something we can’t understand’ - The Boston Globe
So far, investigators believe the four boys only wanted “to hurt an innocent person,” police said
www.bostonglobe.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM
"Where are the parents?"
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Middle-school aged children charged with murder in Providence apparently just wanted "to hurt an innocent person," police said.
The attack has left a community reeling
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
In Providence, four boys, ages 11 and 12, are charged with murder after police say they attacked Rony Alonso, 51, last month. He died three days later.
Now, there’s one question everyone is asking: How could this have happened?
W/ @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Now, there’s one question everyone is asking: How could this have happened?
W/ @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Providence community left reeling after four children are accused of murder: ‘Something we can’t understand’ - The Boston Globe
So far, investigators believe the four boys only wanted “to hurt an innocent person,” police said
www.bostonglobe.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:36 PM
In Providence, four boys, ages 11 and 12, are charged with murder after police say they attacked Rony Alonso, 51, last month. He died three days later.
Now, there’s one question everyone is asking: How could this have happened?
W/ @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Now, there’s one question everyone is asking: How could this have happened?
W/ @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/05/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Rhode Island DOT chief resigns amid Washington Bridge fallout. Governor McKee, who is seeking reelection in 2026, said Alviti will resign effective Feb. 27, and his administration will conduct a nationwide search for a successor.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
R.I. DOT Director Alviti resigning amid criticism over Washington Bridge closure - The Boston Globe
Governor McKee, who is seeking reelection in 2026, said Alviti will resign effective Feb. 27, and his administration will conduct a nationwide search for a successor.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Rhode Island DOT chief resigns amid Washington Bridge fallout. Governor McKee, who is seeking reelection in 2026, said Alviti will resign effective Feb. 27, and his administration will conduct a nationwide search for a successor.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
NEW: More than half the members of the Providence City Council are either renters or landlords (and the mayor's a landlord too)
Here's how they are thinking about the rent control debate heating up at City Hall
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
Here's how they are thinking about the rent control debate heating up at City Hall
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
How renters and landlords on the Providence City Council are grappling with the rent control plan - The Boston Globe
More than half of City Council members are either a renter or a landlord. All 15 members will have to decide whether to vote for rent control in the coming months.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:35 PM
NEW: More than half the members of the Providence City Council are either renters or landlords (and the mayor's a landlord too)
Here's how they are thinking about the rent control debate heating up at City Hall
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
Here's how they are thinking about the rent control debate heating up at City Hall
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/04/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
NEW: R.I. House Speaker Shekarchi won’t run for governor. The Warwick Democrat had $4.38 million in campaign cash, but his announcement sets up a Democratic primary rematch between Governor McKee and Helena Foulkes.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/03/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/03/m...
R.I. House Speaker Shekarchi won’t run for governor - The Boston Globe
The Warwick Democrat had $4.38 million in campaign cash, but his announcement sets up a Democratic primary rematch between Governor McKee and Helena Foulkes
www.bostonglobe.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:03 PM
NEW: R.I. House Speaker Shekarchi won’t run for governor. The Warwick Democrat had $4.38 million in campaign cash, but his announcement sets up a Democratic primary rematch between Governor McKee and Helena Foulkes.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/03/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/03/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
NEW: Juveniles now charged with murder in an attack on a 51-year-old Rony Alonso earlier this month allegedly threw rocks at a vehicle and attempted to assault the driver the day after the attack, police records show.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Children facing murder charges in fatal R.I. assault were caught after allegedly throwing rocks at a vehicle, police say - The Boston Globe
The tweens were seen attempting to assault the driver, who had parked her vehicle and approached them to “confront them about their actions,” according to a Providence police report.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:15 PM
NEW: Juveniles now charged with murder in an attack on a 51-year-old Rony Alonso earlier this month allegedly threw rocks at a vehicle and attempted to assault the driver the day after the attack, police records show.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Hundreds of people are marching in Providence right now protesting ICE @chrisgavin.bsky.social @carlosrmunoz.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
More than a thousand people march in Providence against ICE - The Boston Globe
The rally began at the State House and was marching toward downtown Friday afternoon.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Hundreds of people are marching in Providence right now protesting ICE @chrisgavin.bsky.social @carlosrmunoz.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
“I’ve heard loud and clear from my constituents that they are not satisfied with the quality of their streets at this moment, and therefore I’m not satisfied,” Mayor Smiley said Friday
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Providence races to clear snow ahead of second possible weekend storm - The Boston Globe
Mayor Smiley said dump trucks are hauling snow off of streets overnight, amid criticism that the roads are not clear five days after the storm.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:52 PM
“I’ve heard loud and clear from my constituents that they are not satisfied with the quality of their streets at this moment, and therefore I’m not satisfied,” Mayor Smiley said Friday
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Police release video of former NE Patriots fullback shoving elderly man in North Providence gym www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Police release video of former NE Patriots fullback shoving elderly man in North Providence gym - The Boston Globe
Patrick Pass, 48, who was charged in the 2024 incident, is in a court diversion program, which requires supervision and services instead of incarceration or probation.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Police release video of former NE Patriots fullback shoving elderly man in North Providence gym www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/30/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
@risenate.bsky.social poised to confirm former majority leader despite opposition. Critics cite McCaffrey’s voting record on abortion, same-sex marriage, gun bills. Supporters say he helped pave way for votes on those issues & would have different role as a judge.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
R.I. Senate poised to confirm former majority leader despite opposition - The Boston Globe
Critics cite Michael McCaffrey’s voting record on abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun bills, but supporters say he helped pave the way for votes on those issues and would have a different role as a j...
www.bostonglobe.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:21 PM
@risenate.bsky.social poised to confirm former majority leader despite opposition. Critics cite McCaffrey’s voting record on abortion, same-sex marriage, gun bills. Supporters say he helped pave way for votes on those issues & would have different role as a judge.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
It's striking how Central Falls has turned over both the police report and the body camera footage and Pawtucket has (once again) dug in and refused to release the legally-required arrest report, and now somehow developed a novel legal theory that the report isn't subject to disclosure.
The Pawtucket police went into another city, tackled a man in his home, and seized his dog. Turned out, they had the wrong man.
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Pawtucket police went to another city and arrested the wrong man. They won’t say why. - The Boston Globe
Pawtucket police also refused to release their report, say whether they had a warrant, or explain why the Central Falls police weren’t notified in advance. The incident raises questions about oversigh...
www.bostonglobe.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:25 PM
It's striking how Central Falls has turned over both the police report and the body camera footage and Pawtucket has (once again) dug in and refused to release the legally-required arrest report, and now somehow developed a novel legal theory that the report isn't subject to disclosure.
Reposted by Steph Machado
The Pawtucket police went into another city, tackled a man in his home, and seized his dog. Turned out, they had the wrong man.
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Pawtucket police went to another city and arrested the wrong man. They won’t say why. - The Boston Globe
Pawtucket police also refused to release their report, say whether they had a warrant, or explain why the Central Falls police weren’t notified in advance. The incident raises questions about oversigh...
www.bostonglobe.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:54 PM
The Pawtucket police went into another city, tackled a man in his home, and seized his dog. Turned out, they had the wrong man.
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Now, they refuse to talk about what happened & why they violated basic police protocol. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Leaders in both law enforcement and Congress want answers from federal authorities on where their investigation into the Brown University shooting stands, more than six weeks later.
W/ @alexagagosz.bsky.social & @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
W/ @alexagagosz.bsky.social & @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Six weeks into the federal probe of the Brown University shooting, police and Congress are left in the dark - The Boston Globe
Little is known about what federal investigators have learned about the gunman since he was found dead on Dec. 18.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Leaders in both law enforcement and Congress want answers from federal authorities on where their investigation into the Brown University shooting stands, more than six weeks later.
W/ @alexagagosz.bsky.social & @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
W/ @alexagagosz.bsky.social & @stephmachado.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/29/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Plant City, the vegan food hall in Providence, is closing. Owner Kim Anderson cites the closure of the Washington Bridge for a loss in customers, but Plant City’s flagship store has faced other problems.
@bostonglobe.com @globeri.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/26/m...
@bostonglobe.com @globeri.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/26/m...
Plant City, the vegan food hall in Providence, is closing - The Boston Globe
Owner Kim Anderson cites the closure of the Washington Bridge for a loss in customers, but Plant City’s flagship store has faced other problems.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Plant City, the vegan food hall in Providence, is closing. Owner Kim Anderson cites the closure of the Washington Bridge for a loss in customers, but Plant City’s flagship store has faced other problems.
@bostonglobe.com @globeri.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/26/m...
@bostonglobe.com @globeri.bsky.social
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/26/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Rhode Island debates raising taxes on the rich. With Governor McKee proposing a millionaires tax, businesses groups are pushing back — and progressives are pushing for more.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/23/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/23/m...
Rhode Island debates raising taxes on the rich - The Boston Globe
With Governor McKee proposing a millionaires tax, businesses groups are pushing back and progressives are pushing for more.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Rhode Island debates raising taxes on the rich. With Governor McKee proposing a millionaires tax, businesses groups are pushing back — and progressives are pushing for more.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/23/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/23/m...
@alexagagosz.bsky.social let me write today’s Food Club; if you’re not subscribed to this weekly newsletter, you’re missing out
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/21/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/21/m...
January 22, 2026 at 5:59 PM
@alexagagosz.bsky.social let me write today’s Food Club; if you’re not subscribed to this weekly newsletter, you’re missing out
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/21/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/21/m...
Here's a video story from Globe videographer Randy Vazquez and me on the first day of the semester at Brown:
Brown University students return to class after mass shooting: ‘It definitely took a mental toll on me’ - The Boston Globe
Some returning students were nervous, others offered “free hugs” on the first day of classes.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Here's a video story from Globe videographer Randy Vazquez and me on the first day of the semester at Brown:
Reposted by Steph Machado
Former RI Representative Anthony De Luca, who fought for marriage equality, dies at age 88. De Luca, who served on the Cranston City Council and ran for mayor, testified along with his wife, Sylvia, in favor of the 2013 bill that legalized same-sex marriage in RI.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
Former R.I. Representative Anthony De Luca, who fought for marriage equality, dies at age 88 - The Boston Globe
De Luca, who served on the Cranston City Council and ran for mayor, testified with his wife, Sylvia, in favor of the 2013 bill that legalized same-sex marriage in Rhode Island.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Former RI Representative Anthony De Luca, who fought for marriage equality, dies at age 88. De Luca, who served on the Cranston City Council and ran for mayor, testified along with his wife, Sylvia, in favor of the 2013 bill that legalized same-sex marriage in RI.
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
I've heard back from 13 of 15 city councilors on where they stand on rent control. A vote is months away, so this could change. They'll need 10 to override a veto
Yes: Miller, Pichardo, Davidson, AnderBois, Roias, Sanchez, Harris, Graves
No: Taylor, Espinal
Undecided: Goncalves, A. Vargas, Peterson
Yes: Miller, Pichardo, Davidson, AnderBois, Roias, Sanchez, Harris, Graves
No: Taylor, Espinal
Undecided: Goncalves, A. Vargas, Peterson
Providence City Council proposes rent control with 4% cap on rent hikes; mayor says he’ll veto - The Boston Globe
The rent stabilization ordinance, which would exempt thousands of units, drew immediate opposition from the mayor
www.bostonglobe.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I've heard back from 13 of 15 city councilors on where they stand on rent control. A vote is months away, so this could change. They'll need 10 to override a veto
Yes: Miller, Pichardo, Davidson, AnderBois, Roias, Sanchez, Harris, Graves
No: Taylor, Espinal
Undecided: Goncalves, A. Vargas, Peterson
Yes: Miller, Pichardo, Davidson, AnderBois, Roias, Sanchez, Harris, Graves
No: Taylor, Espinal
Undecided: Goncalves, A. Vargas, Peterson
Mayor Smiley confirms he would veto the new rent control ordinance, as written now
7 councilors so far tell me they are a yes (and an 8th who hasn't responded yet is a co-sponsor)
Council needs 8 votes to pass, then 10 to override a veto
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
7 councilors so far tell me they are a yes (and an 8th who hasn't responded yet is a co-sponsor)
Council needs 8 votes to pass, then 10 to override a veto
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
Providence City Council proposes rent control with 4% cap on rent hikes; mayor says he’ll veto - The Boston Globe
The rent stabilization ordinance, which would exempt thousands of units, drew immediate opposition from the mayor
www.bostonglobe.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Mayor Smiley confirms he would veto the new rent control ordinance, as written now
7 councilors so far tell me they are a yes (and an 8th who hasn't responded yet is a co-sponsor)
Council needs 8 votes to pass, then 10 to override a veto
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
7 councilors so far tell me they are a yes (and an 8th who hasn't responded yet is a co-sponsor)
Council needs 8 votes to pass, then 10 to override a veto
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
Reposted by Steph Machado
Representative Joseph Solomon Jr. jumps into an increasingly crowded R.I. attorney general’s race
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
Representative Joseph Solomon Jr. jumps into R.I. attorney general’s race - The Boston Globe
Solomon, a Warwick Democrat, joins a primary field that already includes Jason Knight, Kim Ahern, and Keith Hoffmann.
www.bostonglobe.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Representative Joseph Solomon Jr. jumps into an increasingly crowded R.I. attorney general’s race
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/20/m...