Rhode Island Makes History: Providence Gay Flag Football League Wins Two National Championships
PVD Anchors capture first Gay Bowl titles in state history, winning two divisions at North American tournament in Minnesota
BLAINE, MINNESOTA (October 13, 2026) – Rhode Island has two new national champions. The Providence Gay Flag Football League(PVDGFFL) made history this weekend, capturing the state’s first-ever Gay Bowl titles with national championship victories in two divisions on Sunday, October 11 at Gay Bowl XXVI in Minnesota.
The historic victories came at one of North America's largest LGBTQ+ sporting events, which brought together more than 2,500 players and supporters representing more than 150 flag football teams from 28 leagues across the United States and Canada. The three-day tournament, organized by the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL), took place at the National Sports Complex in Blaine, Minnesota, outside Minneapolis.
PVDGFFL sent three teams to compete in the tournament, with two returning to Rhode Island as national champions. The PVD Anchors Titanium captured the C Division championship with an undefeated tournament performance, while the PVD Anchors Steel claimed the D Division title following a series of dramatic playoff victories.
Three Teams, Two National Championships
The PVD Anchors Titanium dominated their competition throughout the tournament, finishing pool play with a perfect 3-0 record and entering the C Division playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
Titanium continued its winning ways in the elimination rounds, defeating Austin Heat Purple (34-17), Austin Heat Orange (35-18), and the Minnesota Lumberjocks (46-33) before securing the national championship against the Houston Hurricanes (27-14), capping off a perfect 7-0 tournament record.
“Bringing home Providence’s first-ever Gay Bowl championships alongside our sister team, Steel, is something incredibly special, and I couldn’t be prouder of this group,” said Titanium captain Scott Sheehan. “Every player poured so much heart, time, and dedication into this team, both on and off the field. We battled through injuries and countless challenges, but we never stopped showing up for one another. What makes this victory truly meaningful is the bond we built along the way. We came together as individuals and grew into a family that supports, believes in, and lifts each other up. To make history with this incredible group of athletes is something I’ll cherish forever.”
The PVD Anchors Steel took a more dramatic route to the D Division championship, overcoming several nail-biting playoff games to claim the national title.
After finishing pool play with a 2-1 record and earning the No. 3 playoff seed, Steel faced the San Diego Flow in a thrilling opening playoff matchup. Trailing late in the game, Steel launched a game-winning drive with just 29 seconds remaining, scoring the decisive touchdown on the final play to secure a 31-28 victory.
Steel followed that performance with a 28-21 victory over the Los Angeles Express Silver before defeating regional rival Boston Brawlers by a single point, 27-26, to capture the championship. The team finished the tournament with an impressive 5-1 record.
“For many of our players, this championship represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination,” said Chris Almonte, PVDGFFL Commissioner and a captain and receiver on the championship-winning Steel team. “Some of us have been chasing this dream together for years, while others were competing in their very first national tournament. We battled through injuries, adversity, and some incredibly tough competition, but our focus always remained the same: just win the next play and support one another. To finally reach this goal together, surrounded by teammates who have become family, is something I'll never forget. I couldn't be prouder of this team.”
The PVD Anchors Cobalt squad competed in the Women’s+ Division, battling against teams from Minneapolis, New York, San Diego, and Houston. Although playing short-handed, the Anchors’ stifling defense kept them in contention throughout the tournament.
But even more than their performance on the field, it was their showing off the field that truly encapsulated what PVDGFFL is all about. After being eliminated in the playoffs, the Women’s+ team ran to a nearby store to purchase water, snacks, and other supplies for their Open Division counterparts, boosting Titanium’s and Steel’s ability to make it through the playoff gauntlet on a day when field temperatures neared 100 degrees. Since both Open Division teams were competing at the same time, the Women’s+ team split up so they could support both teams. This community spirit united the three teams and demonstrated the soul of PVDGFFL.
“I don’t know what we would’ve done without our Women’s+ supporters,” said Sheehan. “They not only played their hearts out in their games, but they continued cheering and supporting us both physically and emotionally when we needed it the most.”
“The Open Division players were so grateful for the support of our Women’s+ players,” added Almonte. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that we probably don’t win without their support. Many of us were on the verge of passing out by the second half of our semi-finals game. It was so hot, and we were losing key players due to injury. Then, it felt like a scene out of a movie… just when we needed it most, they showed up like the cavalry, loaded with water, energy drinks, power bars, and they were so amped up that it really pushed us over the finish line. Their energy and support was unbelievable. We absolutely came home with three championship teams.”
More Than Football: A Victory for Rhode Island's LGBTQ+ Community
Beyond the championship trophies, the victories represent a milestone for a Rhode Island nonprofit that has made community, inclusion, and belonging central to its mission.
Founded in 2018, PVDGFFL has grown into a thriving recreational sports organization with more than 300 players and supporters. The league provides a safe, welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies of all backgrounds, gender identities, and athletic abilities to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience the joy of team sports.
"Winning even one Gay Bowl championship is an extraordinary accomplishment. To bring home two national titles in the same weekend speaks volumes about the talent, determination, and character of our players," said Almonte. "But what makes these victories especially meaningful is the community behind them. We compete as a family, and these championships belong to everyone who has helped build and support this league. We're incredibly proud to represent Rhode Island on the national stage, and we hope our success inspires others to discover that there's a place for them in sports."
About the Providence Gay Flag Football League
The Providence Gay Flag Football League (PVDGFFL) is a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies through recreational flag football.
Founded in 2018, the league serves more than 300 players and supporters, promoting athletic participation, personal development, community connection, and lifelong friendships regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or athletic experience.
PVDGFFL operates three recreational seasons annually in Warwick, Rhode Island: a Women's+ Division from January through March, and Open Divisions in the spring and fall. The organization also competes in national flag football tournaments and partners with local nonprofit organizations to support Rhode Island's LGBTQIA+ community through volunteerism and charitable initiatives.
Learn more at www.pvdgffl.org.

From the RI House of Representatives website:

Media Advisory: New commission forming to study impacts of technology on education and mental health

\STATE HOUSE – A new House commission begins meeting this week to study the use and impacts of digital technology on children, public education and mental health.*

The Special Legislative Commission to Study the Use and Impact of Digital and Electronic Technology in Public Education and on Mental Health will hold an organizational meeting Thursday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m. in Room 101 on the first floor of the State House. No public testimony will be taken at this meeting.

The 14-member commission will study numerous aspects of the use of digital technology in public schools, ways to ensure applications used by children are designed with their best interests in mind, issues that arise with minors holding social media accounts, the use of artificial technology in mental healthcare treatment, and the use of AI companion technology and its potential impact on suicidal ideation and physical or financial harm.

The meeting will be televised by Capitol Television, which can be seen by Cox Communications subscribers on channels 15 and 61 for high definition, on channel 15 by i3Broadband viewers, and channel 34 for Verizon subscribers. Livestreaming will be available at https://www.rilegislature.gov/CapTV/Pages/default.aspx.

The legislation creating the commission (2026-H 8345A) combined concepts from several bills included in a package of legislation put forward by Rep. Justine Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), Rep. Megan L. Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton) and Rep. Tina L. Spears (Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) — all mothers of children and teens — to address growing concerns around social media use and digital technology use by establishing new safeguards designed to reduce risks such as exposure to harmful content, exploitation and adverse mental health impacts among users, particularly children.

All three representatives have been appointed to the commission. The commission also includes Rep. Brian C. Newberry (R-Dist. 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville), Attorney General’s Office Civil Division Deputy Chief Assistant Attorney General Sarah Rice, R.I. State Police Lt. Detective Brian Macera of the Computer Crimes Unit, Rhode Island Foundation Director of Education and Student Success Rachel Folan, Rogers High School teacher Patrick Wygant, Providence Public Schools teacher Thomas Nolan, R.I. Association of School Principals Executive Director Robert Littlefield, Family Services of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff, University of Rhode Island professor Renee Hobbs, East Greenwich parent Sabrina Weiss and EdTechRI President Michael Sujka\*

The Social Media Regulation Act is part of the bill package referenced here that didn't pass out of committee this time around, but it stated that any Rhode Island resident who didn't verify their age on their accounts within two weeks would be barred from accessing them.

I don't disagree that there should be protections for kids online. But this legislation comes with an increased risk to adults too. The bill didn't specify a verification method, but it's reasonable to assume that it would involve uploading your ID, since that seems to be the main method nowadays, and then it's only a matter of time before it's leaked in a data breach.

Where I grew up on the west coast, men would stand outside of the big hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes primarily to help you with laborious tasks in exchange for cash. 10 times out of 10 they were latino men and presumably undocumented so they were just trying to make a living how they could. I was curious if the whole on-the-spot workers-for-hireoutside-of-hardware-stores is a thing here as well. I only ask because I usually only went to the Watertown, MA Home Depot where I'd never see any, but I'm going to be picking the couch up from North Attleboro, MA so that's why I'm asking the surrounding areas. Was it a thing but not much anymore (as is true back home due to ICE presence)?

I have a couch I need help with moving (FB Marketplace) and just looking for quick help as I dont have many friends here, and no family. So besides Taskrabbit, whom may or may not answer in time, I'm thinking of my readily available/quick-options.

Skating along the Blackstone River Bikeway last weekend with RollingRhody.

It was a very nice fall day and the leaves have been changing color on lots of trees along this path.
It made for an excellent day of skating with a group.
This was the first time most of the people in the group skated along this trail.

Full Session: https://youtu.be/8YHVef-ufLM?si=_BV9eQPU4DuE0X4A

Next group skate is tomorrow morning and we are doing the Ten Mile River Greenway in Pawtucket for anyone interested.
You can find more group details here: https://www.instagram.com/rollingrhody/

Hi all! I moved to RI recently, and I was wondering how I can familiarise myself with the candidates (all the way down the ballot to the local offices) and their policies. I'm in North Smithfield if that helps.

It's my first time voting and I wanna do this right!

Any info is appreciated, thanks ;)

On October 20 from 4-8 PM, The Lincoln Five Guys is doing a fundraiser with The Community Players of RI. If you show this flyer and make any purchase, 20% gets donated back to The Community Players

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. A new flu shot is needed every year because flu viruses constantly change and the protection from past vaccines fades over time. Flu vaccination is especially important for older adults, young children, people with underlying medical conditions, and healthcare workers. Flu vaccination is also safe, effective, and very important during pregnancy.

Flu vaccine is available at hundreds of locations throughout Rhode Island, including pharmacies, health centers, school and community clinics, and the offices of many primary care professionals.

More... https://rinewstoday.com/got-flu-shot-rhode-island-kicks-off-flu-shot-campaign/

Has anyone had any issues with registering an older Connecticut motorcycle in Rhode Island with just prior CT reg? I know they typically require a title but Connecticut does not issue them. There appears to be an exemption for vehicles being registered that come from states that don’t require titles that went into affect in 2024 but wanted to confirm.

Thanks!

Kind of a multi-part ask

I've been getting back into running after a knee injury, and as it gets darker I prefer to run on public, well-lit tracks rather than do my neighborhood circuit.

I'm looking for tracks that are open to the public, but also if they're attached to a school or something, have a schedule of when they're being used for a sporting event so I can plan my visits accordingly. The one track most convenient to me has a website that is never updated, and it's been pretty frustrating to try and predict when it's going to be in use and when it isn't.

Does anyone have recommendations? Or even a recommendation for figuring out where I could get ahold of schedules for the field's use so I can fit myself in around their schedule?

I recently had to apply for unemployment a little over a week ago. When I go online on the UI website to request a status letter, it shows "inactive" and $0 for benefits. What does the inactive mean? And why would it still be showing $0?

Hello my fellow Rhode Islanders. I am looking for advice on the best place to get new tires in the providence and east bay area. The mass boarder is ok too! Im a small woman and everybody’s always trying to scam me so I just want to make sure im getting a good price from a trustworthy mechanic. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

My fiancée and I are both college students here in Rhode Island, and we're getting married next Friday, October 23rd!

We're having a small courthouse wedding in Pawtucket and have been looking for a photographer, but most wedding packages seem to be for much longer events than what we need.

We're only interested in around 1.5–2 hours of photography for the ceremony and some family and couple portraits nearby afterward. Nothing too elaborate, just some beautiful pictures with basic lighting and color adjustments.

Since we're both students, our budget is around $300, with some flexibility if needed. We understand that's on the lower end for wedding photography, so we're also open to recommendations for talented student photographers or people building their portfolios.

Has anyone worked with a local photographer who offers shorter, more affordable wedding sessions? We'd really appreciate any recommendations!

This has to be a scam, right? I looked up the number itself and nothing shows up on Google. It's a 401 area code number, so I'm not entirely sure what to think. I actually let a call get answered one time and they said nothing for ten seconds and so I hung up. The amount of calls per day are really annoying.

A 62-year-old man was reportedly assaulted - and robbed - while riding his bike in Providence.

About Incident 

Shortly after 5 AM on Tuesday, Providence Police responded to Hayward Street at Broad Street for a report of a robbery.

Police say they encountered the victim, who was bleeding from the mouth.

The victim told police he had been riding his bike on Hayward Street, when a man on foot began to chase him. 

The victim said he then lost his balance and fell, at which time the man began to assault him.

The victim told police the suspect punched him a number of times with a closed fist, and stole his credit card.

Detectives are currently investigating. 

Hello, folks! I recently had a bicycle accident and suffered some injuries. I believe the accident wasn't my fault, as the driver was speeding and caused the whole thing.

Fortunately, I didn't suffer any life-threatening injuries, but I still had to spend a significant amount of money on medical expenses, and I want the driver to be held responsible.

I've already spoken to several attorneys, but I don't feel like they really care about my case.

Could you please recommend an attorney I should talk to? I'd really appreciate any suggestions!

I am in my Early 30s and one of my mom's caregivers. I haven't left the house really this decade. What is there to do in the east bay to get me connected and encourage friend making. Day time is preferable. Thank you 😊