Rhode Island News Roundup: Giuliani Stumps for Mellor in Cranston, Revolution Wind Nears Completion and More

Published Aug 16, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Rhode Island news: former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani headlined a Cranston campaign rally for Republican congressional candidate Vic Mellor; the state’s West Nile virus risk level remains high after the virus was detected in three more communities; developer Ørsted says the Revolution Wind offshore project is on track for completion this year; thousands lined up for Wheel of Fortune contestant auditions at Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln; and 15,000 free backpacks were given away at a Back to School Celebration in Providence.

Giuliani headlines Cranston rally for GOP candidate Vic Mellor

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani made an appearance at a campaign rally Saturday night in Cranston for Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Vic Mellor. (WPRI, MSN, Yahoo News, Aug. 16, 2026) Giuliani joined Mellor at the historic Park Theatre for the candidate’s second “Rhode Island First” rally, and told reporters he is backing Mellor ahead of the September primary.

West Nile virus detected in three more Rhode Island communities

Rhode Island’s risk level for West Nile virus remains “high” after the mosquito-borne disease was detected in three more communities, the state Department of Environmental Management announced Friday. (DEM press release, WPRI, Aug. 14, 2026) The virus was found in mosquito samples collected by DEM in Cranston, North Providence, and Providence on Aug. 4 and tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. Other samples collected statewide showed no signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, or additional West Nile virus, joining positive samples found earlier this season in East Providence, Westerly, and West Greenwich.

Revolution Wind on track for completion this year, Ørsted says

Danish wind developer Ørsted says its Revolution Wind offshore project south of Rhode Island is nearing completion, with 61 of 65 turbines installed and full operation expected this year. (CT Mirror, Rhode Island Current, Aug. 13-14, 2026) The 65-turbine project, which began delivering electricity to the regional grid on March 13, is expected to provide enough energy to power about 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Thousands line up for Wheel of Fortune auditions in Lincoln

Thousands of hopeful contestants lined up at Bally’s Twin River Casino in Lincoln for Wheel of Fortune auditions over the weekend, with a second round of auditions held Sunday. (CBS News Boston, WPRI, Aug. 14-16, 2026) The iconic game show, whose 44th season premieres in September, held its New England contestant search Saturday and Sunday in Rhode Island.

15,000 free backpacks given away at Back to School Celebration

A Back to School Celebration in Rhode Island on Saturday distributed 15,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to families. (WPRI, Aug. 14, 2026) WPRI teamed up with Back to School of Rhode Island and other community partners for the event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ahead of the new school year.

For more on the Ocean State, see the Rhode Island guide.