Olivia DaRocha, ABC6 News Desk

Olivia DaRocha

ABC6 News Desk

Providence, RI, United States

Contact Olivia

Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.

Start free trial

Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • ABC6 News Desk

Past articles by Olivia:

Coast Guard House reopens following Friday's storm

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) – The Coast Guard House is reopened following Friday’s storm that tore through Southern New England. Manager Fred Koury said the staple did not get nearly as much damage as it could have given the restaurant’s location on the seawall, especially surrounded by rocks. “Between 5 and 7 a.m. all of the ocean came over the seawall... → Read More

Pawtucket police find 77-year-old woman who was reported missing

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Pawtucket Police Department said the 77-year-old woman who was reported missing yesterday afternoon has been found. Police said Marta Cortes had not been seen since 2 p.m. Saturday. Pawtucket police posted to Facebook about Cortes’ disappearance in an attempt to locate her. In the post, police shared a photo of Cortes and the department’s phone... → Read More

Flu and COVID numbers continuing to rise ahead of holidays in Southern New England

FILEPROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – For weeks flu cases across Southern New England have climbed heading into the colder months. Now, health officials say COVID-19 numbers are also on the rise. Dr. Leonard Mermel, an infectious disease specialist at Lifespan, said recent sewage water testing in the Ocean State is showing a steady increase of COVID-19 cases. “RSV rates are going... → Read More

New deputy chief and major sworn-in to Providence Police Department

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Hundreds of people gathered on Monday to celebrate the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Chief Oscar Perez and Major Timothy O’Hara. This comes one week after the retirement of Commander Verdi who served Providence for over 35 years. Deputy Chief Oscar Perez has been with the department since 1994. Perez reflected on his time spent in Columbia... → Read More

'Sadly it's not surprising,' local LGBTQ+ advocate reacts to Colorado Springs mass shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Two days after a gunman opened fire at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ nightclub, killing five and hurting over two dozen others, local advocates for the community are speaking out. The shooting is now being investigated as a hate crime. “Unfortunately them going out and having a fun time is not a safe thing for them to... → Read More

'Pretty clear many don't want him to run" R.I. political expert reacts to Trump's campaign launch

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Tuesday night former President Donald Trump is expected to officially announce his third campaign for the White House. And it’s stirring up more chaos for the GOP party. “I think it’s pretty clear many Republican leaders would prefer it if Trump didn’t run… But it’s hard to publicly go against a former president for your party,”... → Read More

'Hard to see her name etched in stone' moms of Sandy Hook victims react to new memorial

NEWTOWN, C.T. (WLNE) – Just weeks before the ten-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, a memorial officially opened to the public. “There were 26 victims of the shooting, but I think that the memorial does a really nice job of creating a space for those who survived,” Jennifer Hubbard said on Monday. Hubbard lost her 6-year-old daughter... → Read More

Providence Rabbi reacts to antisemitic, hateful comments by rapper Kanye West

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – On Tuesday, Adidas ended its partnership with rapper formerly known as Kanye West over his recent slew of offensive and antisemitic remarks. Last week, the rapper who now goes by Ye, said on a podcast, “I can say antisemitic things and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?” Adidas was Ye’s largest corporate partnership. “The microphone that... → Read More

'1 equation with 10 unknowns,' local economist reacts to Biden's release of 15 million barrels of oil

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday 15 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve Wednesday as part of a response to recent production cuts announced by OPEC+ nations. This announcement comes about three weeks before midterm elections, and in the midst of gas prices beginning to creep back up again, after a steady decline. University... → Read More

URI audiologist reacts to OTC hearing aids now available nationwide

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Hearing aids… now the newest over-the-counter product now available in the United States. This was made possible by a 2017 law. The FDA recommends these devices for anyone 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. Audiology Clinical Director at University of Rhode Island, Rachel Smith, says with hearing issues becoming more common, especially with... → Read More

Cranston officials speak out against proposal of homeless units to city

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – Cranston city officials- including Mayor Ken Hopkins- spoke out against the proposal to bring 500 homeless units to the Pastore Complex (state owned landed) on Tuesday. The units are called Pallet Shelters. “We have a strong desire to help homeless people but at the same time Cranston has done enough,” Mayor Ken Hopkins said. Cranston is... → Read More

'I think it's kinda dumb' URI students react to 4 arrests made over weekend at large house party

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) – On Monday, University of Rhode Island students reacted to the four arrests made over the weekend at a large house party with about 400 students. “Personally I think it’s kinda dumb. Kids need to have fun and it’s going to happen,” Owen Hackett said. “I just think it’s a little stupid because why just arrest... → Read More

"It's great," Newport Mayor thrilled for new third-party rental registration

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island’s new short-term property registry is live, kickstarting the countdown to when property owners must register with by January. “I think it’s sending a message you can’t just come in here, buy a property, leave town and leave it to some booking agent to occupy the house at your will and not be responsible for... → Read More

'It should be more' Rhode Islanders react to child tax credit payments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Child tax credit payments are expected to start going out to over 115,00 eligible Rhode Island families the first week of October. “We know for working Rhode Islanders who are feeling the pinch with rising prices, every dollar matters,” said House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi on Monday. The program was created for the 2023 FY and was... → Read More

A look at how construction in Florida has evolved over the years to become more 'hurricane proof'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — In August of 1992, Hurricane Andrew slammed South Florida. The Category 5 hurricane had devastating impacts, killing over 60 people and wiping out entire communities. According to the National Weather Service, when Andrew hit, it was the costliest and most damaging hurricane to ever hit the country. At the time of Andrew’s landfall, the state of... → Read More

Last few flights from Florida land at T.F. Green ahead of Hurricane Ian

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – Hurricane Ian is poised to make landfall in less than 24 hours and Rhode Islanders are escaping its wrath just in time. Tuesday afternoon, one flight from Orlando and one from Tampa both landed in Rhode Island. This incoming flight from Orlando, hours after Orlando International Airport announced all flights would be suspended Wednesday morning at... → Read More

Woman seeks help after her date drove car into Providence water after an argument

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A woman who was sent to the hospital over the weekend after being driven into the Seekonk River told police she was on a date with the man driving the car, according to documents obtained by ABC 6 News. The name of the man involved in the incident was redacted on the police report, but it said... → Read More

Woman driven into water by man she met on dating app, police say

This is a photo of the Gano Street boat launch. (WLNE)PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A woman who was sent to the hospital over the weekend after being driven into the Seekonk River, met the driver of the car on a dating app, according to documents obtained by ABC 6 News. Providence police said they found the woman, whose name was... → Read More

'This doesn't happen here' Charlestown residents react to stabbing murder

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) – Charlestown residents are left stunned after a woman was stabbed to death Monday morning by her roommate. 25-year-old Alex Rolin is being accused of killing 45-year-old Grya Pihlkrant in her bed with a hunting knife. For nearly 30 years, Jorie Foer has lived in Charlestown and cannot believe a gruesome crime happened in a town that... → Read More

Woonsocket City Council member files complaint to remove mayor

This is a file image of Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. (WLNE)WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — A complaint has been filed by a Woonsocket City Council member to remove Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt from office. City Council member Denise Sierra filed the complaint Tuesday against Baldelli-Hunt. The complaint included nine separate charges where the city councilor said the mayor violated her duties,… → Read More