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November 30, 2005

Chafee: Bush's speech a step to restoring credibility

PROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee said President Bush's speech on Iraq was a positive first step to overcome what he called "canyon-sized cracks" in the administration's credibility, but said the president needs to offer honest and factual specifics about the war.

"The American people are going to want to hear these facts to judge our success," the Rhode Island Republican said during a telephone interview about Bush's address on the war this morning at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Chafee, whose late father, U.S. Sen. John H. Chafee, was at one time secretary of the Navy, is the only GOP in the state's congressional delegation.

-- Associated Press reports

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:05 PM

R.I. Christmas tree farmer to appear on CBS morning show

John Leyden of Big John Leyden's Christmas Tree Farm in West Greenwich will appear on CBS's Early Show (Channels 4 and 12) tomorrow at about 8:15 a.m. to talk about -- no surprise here -- Christmas trees.

Posted by Journal Staff at 04:53 PM

Photo: Demolition making way for new training school

Warren Hurlbut, superintendent of the Rhode Island Training School, signs paperwork protected with plastic held by Dr. Phyllis Losikoff, the training school's medical director, during a demolition ceremony today to mark the construction of a new training school at the Pastore Complex in Cranston. Two buildings are being knocked down as part of the project. The Department of Children, Youth and Families has been under a federal court order to replace the school, which suffers from overcrowding.

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:47 PM

Academy classmates testify in Young case about training

PROVIDENCE -- Training academy classmates of Sgt. Cornel Young Jr. testified in federal court today that they were taught they did not have to jump into the middle of life-threatening situations when off duty.

Rather, the police officers said that depending on the circumstances, off-duty officers could fulfill their duties by calling the police dispatcher and being a good witness.

And the officers said that if they decided to take action while off duty, they were supposed to display the badge and follow all the commands of on-duty officers.

The testimony came on the 14th day of a civil trial stemming from Young's death in January 2000. Young was off duty when he drew his gun to break up a melee in a restaurant parking lot. Two on-duty officers mistook him for an armed suspect and shot him.

Young's mother filed a constitutional rights lawsuit against the City of Providence. Defense lawyers have said Young did not drop his gun when ordered to, and Young did not display his badge.

When the trial resumes tomorrow, the jury is expected to hear from Sgt. Kenneth Vinacco, a firearms instructor.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Edward Fitzpatrick at 04:24 PM

Rudolph on tap to save Christmas -- again

Will Rudolph find his way back to Christmastown and save Christmas for the 42nd time since 1964?

Gather the kids, make some hot chocolate, pop some popcorn and get in front of the television at 8 p.m. tonight to find out.

CBS will air the classic animated TV show, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, locally on Channel 12.

The network's Web site calls the show the "longest running holiday special in television history." And yet the story of Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snowmonster never seems to get old. Well, at least for some of us.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:21 PM

Photo: Umbrella defense

A pedestrian fights a stiff breeze and rain today as he makes his way up Westminster Street in downtown Providence, where dozens of umbrellas were out as a defense against the wet weather. Heavy rain late this afternoon into early this evening was expected to result in street flooding from Boston to Providence.
Journal photo / Bob Thayer

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:35 PM

Kennedy adds his criticism of Bush's speech

U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy has joined his fellow R.I. Democratic congressmen in criticizing President Bush today for failing to give the American people more detailed information during his speech this morning on Iraq.

"The president once again failed to take an opportunity to level with the American people," Kennedy said in a news release. "His 'strategy for victory' appears to be more of a public relations campaign to justify why this administration wants to stay the course, elaborating on the same familiar talking points: 'We'll stand down as they stand up,' and, of course, the blind insistence that we're making progress but victory takes time."

"The truth is, the administration has no real answers for the questions so many Americans are asking. Again, the president declined to offer an explanation for how we stop this insurgency that is only growing more virulent every day. He has failed to answer the troubling questions about why so few Iraqi troops are prepared to take over security and why disturbing accounts of atrocities are on the rise."

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:04 PM

Langevin: Still seeking specifics from Bush on Iraq strategy

WARWICK - Congressman James Langevin offered the following statement today in reaction to President Bush's speech on the status of the war in Iraq:

"The president's speech did little to assuage my growing concerns about the track we are on in Iraq, however, it is a comfort to hear him admit that adjustments need to made. We need to continue to accelerate the training of Iraqi Security Forces so we can ease the burden on our own troops," the Rhode Island Democrat said.

"I agree with the president that fundamental conditions must be met before we can safely begin a substantial pull-out of our troops, but what was missing from the president's speech today, and what has been missing from the Administration's strategy all along, is a specific outline of how we meet those goals and conditions."

Langevin noted that while debate over the U.S. future fole in Iraq was critical, it was also critically important to continue supporting the U.S. military on their mission there.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:39 PM

Man who skipped sentencing now faces bail-jumping charge

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office plans to charge a Providence man with bail jumping after he didn't show up this morning in Superior Court for sentencing on a fatal drunk driving crash, a spokesman said.

Pedro Lux, 34, formerly of Glenbridge Avenue, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if he's convicted of bail jumping, said Michael Healey, a spokesman for the attorney general's office.

Lux was to appear before Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer at 11 a.m. this morning for sentencing for the hit-and-run crash that killed Rosario Rodriguez, 45, and seriously injured three others in October 2001 in Providence.

Lux had pleaded nolo, or no contest, on Oct. 5 to seven charges, including one count of driving under the influence death resulting, one count of driving to endanger death resulting, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage.
Under a plea agreement, Lux faced a maximum of 13 years in prison on those charges at today's scheduled sentencing.

Lux had been free on $40,000 bail with surety and conditions that he surrender his passport and continue living in Rhode Island, Healey said. Lux's probation officer said Lux had been living in Cranston as recently as Nov. 9, according to Healey.

Posted by Jack Perry at 01:29 PM

Retired Judge Campanella dies at 83

PROVIDENCE - Flags at the state's courts will fly at half staff for seven days out of respect for retired Superior Court Associate Justice Americo Campanella, who died last night, according to court spokeswoman Carol Costa.

Campanella, 83, served on the court from March 1986 until his retirement in March 1996, according to Costa.

The court will release information on funeral arrangements later, Costa said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 01:02 PM

Teens whose car hit Wave statue still in serious condition

NEWPORT – Two local teens remained in serious condition in the intensive care unit of Rhode Island Hospital today after the stolen car they were in crashed during a police pursuit yesterday.

The car struck the well-known Wave statue at the junction of America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street, a downtown landmark. No one else was hurt.

The names of the boys, who are ages 16 and 17, have not been released.

-- Journal staff writer Rich Salit

Read today's Journal story for more details...

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:48 PM

Man fails to show for sentencing in fatal crash

PROVIDENCE - A Providence man failed to show up this morning for his scheduled sentencing on charges stemming from a 2001 crash that killed a Providence woman

Pedro Lux, 34, did not appear at the 11 a.m. sentencing in Superior Court.

Lux, whose last known address was 166 Glenbridge Ave., was charged in a 10-count indictment following the hit-and-run accident that killed Rosario Rodriguez, 45, and seriously injured three others.

-- With reports from Journal photographer Bob Thayer

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:05 PM

Reed: Bush leaves key questions unanswered

President Bush did not answer key questions about the country's involvement in Iraq in his speech this morning, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said.

Speaking on C-SPAN after Bush's speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Rhode Island Democrat said the president was more general than specific and that he neglected to answer important questions such as, "How long will America be in Iraq?"

Reed, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stressed that the Americans support the troops. But he complained that Bush did not detail his plan for stabilizing Iraq, or transforming it into a democracy, or spell out what it would take to accomplish those goals.

He also said the president neglected to explain how the commitment of troops in Iraq would affect U.S. security elsewhere.

View video of Bush's speech.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:32 AM

Joseph Wilson speaking at Brown tonight

PROVIDENCE -- Former U.S. ambassador Joseph Wilson, whose 2003 newspaper opinion piece touched off a scandal involving justification for the Iraq war, the outing of a CIA agent, the jailing of a New York Times reporter, and the indictment of a top Bush administration official, will speak at Brown University tonight at 8 at Salomon 101.
For more details, read The Journal's earlier story advancing the talk.

Come back for a full story on Wilson's speech tomorrow on projo.com and in The Providence Journal.

Posted by at 10:44 AM

DEM hearing today on car standards

PROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing today on a proposal to adopt global warming standard for new cars. The hearing will start at 12:40 p.m. in Room 300 at 235 Promenade St.

Posted by at 10:40 AM

Providence group among buyers of TDC for $15.3B

Providence Equity Partners, a private investment firm in Providence, is among a group of takeover firms that agreed this morning to buy TDC A/S, Denmark's former phone monopoly, for $15.3 billion. The acquisition is the biggest leveraged buyout since the RJR Nabisco deal 16 years ago.

Posted by at 10:38 AM

FERC commissioner to meet Carcieri

Nora Mead Brownell, a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in Washington, D.C., is in Rhode Island this afternoon to meet with Governor Carcieri to talk about energy issues.

Posted by at 10:35 AM

Providence man to be sentenced for fatal crash

PROVIDENCE - A Providence man is scheduled for sentencing in Superior Court this morning for a crash that killed a Providence woman in October 2001.

Pedro Lux, 34, whose last known address was 166 Glenbridge Ave., was charged in a 10-count indictment following the hit-and-run accident that killed Rosario Rodriguez, 45, and seriously injured three others.

He is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer at 11 a.m.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:33 AM

Carcieri helps open international business

NORTH KINGSTOWN - Governor Carcieri will be in North Kingstown this morning for the opening of the new BBC Audiobooks America office at Quonset Point, which the governor's office describes as "one more international business which has decided to locate in the Ocean State."

BBC Audiobooks America, part of BBC Worldwide, and British Broadcasting Corporation, is the source of audio books such as Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and children’s books such as Paddington Bear and The Hobbit, according to the governor's office.

The business also offers language courses, history programs and British game shows.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:34 AM

More heavy rain could bring flooding

The National Weather Service says more heavy rain is on its way into southern New England and will likely cause flooding in areas with poor drainage.
Thunder will be possible, especially along a corridor from Westerly to Providence and Boston.
Rivers and streams will rise but should remain within their banks, the weather service says.
Get the latest forecast.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:13 AM

Nine people face voter fraud charges

Nine people are scheduled for arraignment today in Superior Court on voter fraud charges stemming from 2004 elections in East Providence.

Posted by at 08:59 AM

Railroad Co. president remembered

The Providence and Worcester Railroad Company is holding an event honoring the life of president Orville R. Harrold, who died last Tuesday at age 73.
This afternoon's reception starts at 4 p.m. at Union Station, Two Washington Square, in Worcester.

Posted by at 08:55 AM

November 29, 2005

Photo: Iway project on its way

Jim Cotta, an ironworker from Foster, carries an aluminum beam out to a barge at Collier Point Park where piers are being constructed for the new Providence River arch bridge, part of the $550 million Route 195 relocation project. DOT Director James Capaldi says the so-called Iway project is on budget and on target for a 2012 completion.

Journal photo /Gretchen Ertl

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:28 PM

'Physics first' aims at encouraging science studies

PROVIDENCE - Teaching physics to students in the ninth grade will encourage more 12th graders to pursue advanced science work and will make the students and the state more competitive, Governor Carcieri said this morning in announcing a pilot teaching program.

The program, Physics First Rhode Island, is based on a national model and changes the traditional high school science curriculum sequence by teaching physics in the ninth grade, then chemistry in the 10th grade and biology in the 11th.

The new sequence "has greater relevance to the job market of the 21st century,” Governor Carcieri said in announcing the program at the Providence Marriott.

Five high schools will take part in the pilot program starting next fall. They are Cranston West High School, East Providence High School, Lincoln High School, Mount Pleasant High School, and Woonsocket High School.

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:20 PM

'Unsubstantiated threat' sends E. Providence High students home early / Photo

East Providence police Sgt. Bob Enos and Sgt. John Sequeira review floor plans of East Providence High School before searching the building after a rumored threat of violence spurred early dismissal today.
Journal photo/ Andrew Dickerman

EAST PROVIDENCE - Students at East Providence High School were sent home early today because of an "unsubstantiated threat of violence," according to Assistant Superintendent Jacqueline Forbes.

The school's 2,000 students were dismissed at 10:45 a.m. and were taking their regular modes of transportation home, whether by bus or by walking, Forbes said.

At the school at about 11:30 a.m., the students had already been sent home. About 12 police officers, in regular uniforms and plain clothes, were planning to go inside to search.

East Providence Police Chief Hubert Paquette said the officers were not looking for weapons, but would search to ensure that there were no more students inside.

School Superintendent Manuel F. Vinhateiro was at the school, along with Principal Edward Daft and School Committee Chairman Antone Gouveia this morning "making sure we have a safe and orderly dismissal," Forbes said.

Vinhateiro said, "Overnight there was an unsubstantiated rumor about nebulous acts of violence that were going to occur."

He said school officials could not uncover details about the actual act, who planned to commit it or the intended target.

The rumor spread to parents, and some of them went to the school this morning to pick up their children.

"We figured it was better to have a nice orderly dismissal and search building, then start school again normally tomorrow morning," Vinhateiro said.

-- With reports from Journal staff photographer Andrew Dickerman.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:48 AM

Police: Blood found in N. Providence home not suspicious

NORTH PROVIDENCE - A large amount of blood found in a vacant Woodward Road home yesterday is not suspicious, North Providence police said this morning.

Investigators confirmed this morning that a man had injured himself in an apartment in the area of 428 Woodward Road, according to Detective Maj. Paul Marino. The injury, which was not life-threatening, occurred at least 24 hours before someone found blood in the home yesterday, he said.

Detectives learned late last night that an injury sustained by a man who had been living in the apartment might explain the blood.

Investigators did not confirm that account until after they located the man and met with him this morning at police headquarters, Marino added. He declined to identify the man.

He said the man had cut himself, but he was unable to describe injury in detail. Police referred the man to a local hospital for treatment, Marino said.

- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:46 AM

Weather postpones start of oyster restoration program

PROVIDENCE - An effort to help restore the state's oyster population by releasing more than one million oysters into Rhode Island waters was postponed today because of weather conditions.

The state Department of Environmental Management and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration now plan to begin the release Thursday, according to Gail Mastrati, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Management.

The oysters are being released as part of the North Cape shellfish restoration program, which addresses damage caused when the tank barge North Cape ran aground off Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown in 1996, spilling 828,000 gallons of heating oil into Block Island Sound and Rhode Island's coastal ponds.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:23 AM

Councilman proposes Providence tax amnesty week

PROVIDENCE - Interest and penalties on deliquent accounts would be waived for Providence taxpayers who pay up during an "amnesty week" in February, a City Council member has proposed.

Providence City Councilman John J. Igliozzi of Ward 7 says he has submitted legislation that would designate Feb. 6 through Feb. 10 as Tax Interest Amnesty Week in Providence.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:34 AM

Son to receive Purple Heart on father's behalf

CRANSTON - U.S. Sen. Jack Reed this morning will present the Purple Heart Award to Michael Floriani on behalf of his deceased father, Ceasar D. Floriani, a U.S. States Army veteran of the Korean War, who died Feb. 25, 1996.

Floriani is receiving the medal posthumously for wounds he suffered while serving as a corporal in Korea with the 885th Engineer Aviation Field Maintenance Co.

Rhode Island Democrat Reed is a West Point graduate who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:15 AM

Carcieri to announce 'Physics First' pilot program

PROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri this morning is due to announce a pilot program that changes the traditional sequence of high school science programs by teaching physics to ninth grade students.

The five schools participating in the "Physics First Rhode Island" pilot program are Cranston West High School, East Providence High School, Lincoln High School, Mount Pleasant High School and Woonsocket High School.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:10 AM

Oysters to be restocked in R.I. coastal waters

PROVIDENCE - The state Department of Environmental Management and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are expected to release more than one million oysters into Rhode Island's coastal waters starting today as part of the North Cape shellfish restoration program.

The restoration program addresses damage caused when the tank barge North Cape ran aground off Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown in 1996, spilling 828,000 gallons of heating oil into Block Island Sound and Rhode Island's coastal ponds.

This is the third release of oysters under the program. During each of the past two years, about 500,000 oysters were released.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM

November 28, 2005

Plaintiffs rest case in Young civil suit

PROVIDENCE - The plaintiffs rested their case in the Cornel Young Jr. trial today with an estimate of the police sergeant's earnings if he had continued to live.

Young would have been expected to net from $1.22 million to $1.35 million over his career, after subtracting his personal expenses, Brown University economist Allan Feldman testified in U.S. District Court.

Young was mistakenly shot and killed by two fellow officers in 2000, and his mother, Leisa Young, is suing the City of Providence, claiming that it violated her son's civil rights by inadequately training one of the officers who shot him.
The city is scheduled to begin its case today.

-- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:30 PM

Status conference for Carpio continued

PROVIDENCE - A Superior Court judge this afternoon continued until Dec. 21 the status conference for Esteban Carpio, who is accused of killing Providence Detective Sgt. James L. Allen at police headquarters in April.

The conference had been scheduled for 2 p.m. today.

-- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:05 PM

Tree lighting tomorrow night at State House

PROVIDENCE -- Governor and Mrs. Carcieri will host the annual tree-lighting ceremony in the State House rotunda tomorrow evening.

The Northern Rhode Island Children’s Chorus will sing at 5:47 p.m. The Carcieris will have brief remarks and the tree will be lit at 6:10 p.m. Santa Claus will then greet visitors in the State Room.

Patrice Wood and Gene Valicenti of NBC 10 will be masters of ceremonies for the event.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:00 PM

Gospel show set for PPAC

The Gospel Experience with Donnie McClurkin and Martha Munizzi will perform at PPAC at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, the venue announced today. Tickets, $35 to $55, are available at www.ppacri.org or (401) 421-2787.

Posted by Journal Staff at 03:27 PM

Status conference for Carpio this afternoon

PROVIDENCE - A status conference is scheduled in Superior Court this afternoon in the case of Esteban Carpio, who is accused of killing Providence Detective Sgt. James L. Allen at police headquarters in April.

Carpio will not be in court, according to spokespeople for the court and the Adult Correctional Institutions, where Carpio is being held. The 2 p.m. session will cover routine scheduling issues, the court spokeswoman said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:48 PM

Report: R.I. deadliest state for impaired driving

Rhode Island ranked as the deadliest state for impaired driving last year, according to a list released today by the National Safety Council and a physicians' safety group called End Needless Death on Our Roadways.

The Ocean State received that ranking because 50.6 percent of traffic fatalities here last year were alcohol related, according to the groups' report.
Rhode Island was among 13 states that for two years in a row made the groups' Fatal Fifteen list -- states in which 41 percent or more of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:07 PM

Photo: Paz arrives at bankruptcy court

Boxer Vinny Paz arrives with his girlfriend, Holly Dolly Lopes, for a court hearing this morning in Providence on his petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

For background and a look at his filing, read Journal staff writer Lynn Arditi's earlier story.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:49 AM

Gas prices down 4 cents, lowest since March

PROVIDENCE - Gasoline prices in Rhode Island have dropped yet again -- this time, by 4 cents, to an average of $2.05 per gallon, according to AAA Southern New England's weekly survey.

That's the lowest price drivers have seen here since March, AAA said. About 40 percent of the stations surveyed by AAA are selling regular, unleaded gasoline for less than $2 per gallon at the self-service pump.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:45 AM

Verizon wireless expands Coventry service

Verizon Wireless has added a new cell site in Coventry. The company said this will increase coverage and capacity in Coventry center.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 10:43 AM

Latino Business Group to meet Chamber head

PROVIDENCE - The Greater Providence Merchants Association, a Latino business group, will hold a reception tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ada's Creations in Providence to hear the plans of Laurie White, new president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

Posted by at 09:00 AM

Master plan for Aquidneck's west side being developed

NEWPORT - Public officials will gather at the Officers' Club at Naval Station Newport at 10 a.m. today to set out a development plan for the west side of Aquidneck Island. The area includes a 10-mile swath of land on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth.

Posted by at 09:00 AM

Vinny Paz back in bankruptcy court

PROVIDENCE - Vinny Paz, the former boxing champion, is scheduled to be back in federal court this morning to answer questions about his bankruptcy. Paz, 42, previously said he has more than $2 million in debts and assets that total $383,000.

Posted by at 09:00 AM

November 25, 2005

Fire at Olneyville mill building being probed

PROVIDENCE -- A fire of unexplained origin this morning destroyed some of the contents of part of a brick mill building in Olneyville being used by a plastics-manufacturing company, the Fire Department said.
The fire broke out on the second floor of a two-story building at 40 Agnes St., at the intersection of Oak Street, occupied by Mars 2000 Plastics Inc., according to Deputy Assistant Fire Chief J. Curtis Varone.
"It appears that we have multiple points of origin" and the cause of the fire is under investigation, the deputy assistant chief said.

-- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

"The call came in from a passerby who observed smoke coming from the building" at about 9 a.m., Varone said. "We never received an alarm."
The fire destroyed plastic parts and bundles of folded cardboard boxes but did not damage the structure or manufacturing equipment. Mars Plastics was not in operation yesterday.
"It had the potential to be a major fire had it not been for the sprinklers," he said. "It was held in check by four sprinklers until we arrived."
A cleaning person and other tenants in the building were evacuated, and there were no injuries. It took firefighters about an hour to get the blaze under control.

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:02 PM

Photo: Coats for the taking

Journal photo / Glenn Osmundson

The crowds turned out on the lawn below the State House today for the annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange, where coats were donated for the needy.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:58 PM

Bureau of Prisons: Potter hasn't reported yet

Former Lincoln Park executive Nigel Potter, scheduled to begin his prison sentence today, was not in prison as of late this afternoon, a U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman said.

"He's not in a Bureau of Prisons facility right now," spokeswoman Carly Wilson said at about 4:05 p.m. Earlier today, she said that Potter was "in transit."

Potter, a British citizen, and co-defendant Daniel Bucci were convicted of conspiring to bribe former House Speaker John B. Harwood, with a plan to make payments to Harwood's law partner, in order to get more slot machines at the dog track and gaming facility and block a proposed Narragansett Indian casino.

Potter was supposed to begin serving his three-year sentence at 2 p.m. today at the Allenwood low-security prison in White Deer, Pa.

Bucci reported to Fort Devens prison camp in Ayer, Mass., at 12:46 p.m. today to start serving his sentence of three years and five months.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:42 PM

URI Dane Cook show rescheduled to Dec. 11

Comedian Dane Cook's sold-out live show at the The URI Ryan Center has been moved to Sunday, Dec. 11, URI announced today. Start time will be 8 p.m., and doors will open at 7 p.m. Cook was recently asked to host "Saturday Night Live" on Dec. 3, and the rehearsal schedule conflicts with the original Ryan Center date.

Posted by Journal Staff at 03:05 PM

Bucci arrives at prison; Potter 'in transit'

Former Lincoln Park executive Daniel Bucci has reported to a federal prison in Massachusetts today to begin his sentence, while fellow executive Nigel Potter is "in transit," a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons said this afternoon.

Bucci, former CEO of the dog-racing track and gaming facility in Lincoln, and Potter, former CEO of the park's former British parent company, were scheduled to begin serving sentences at 2 p.m. today for conspiring to bribe former House Speaker John B. Harwood.

On Oct. 28, U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi sentenced Bucci to three years and five months in prison, and sent Potter to prison for three years.

She ordered both men to report to federal prison by 2 p.m. today.

Bucci reported to the Fort Devens prison camp in Ayer, Mass., at 12:46 p.m. today, the spokeswoman said.

Potter is due to report to the Allenwood low-security prison in White Deer, Pa.

Bucci and Potter were convicted of scheming to bribe Harwood with up to $4 million that was to be paid to his law firm, McKinnon & Harwood, to secure state approval for more video slot machines and to block a Narragansett Indian casino. The payments were to be disguised as bonuses for Harwood's law partner, Daniel V. McKinnon, who'd done legal work for the track.

For more background, read today's Journal story

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Jack Perry at 02:57 PM

Lucky leaves URI basketball team -- again

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Guard Jon Lucky, who left the University of Rhode Island basketball team last weekend but returned before the team's trip to Utah, has left the team permanently.

"He's left for personal reasons," Coach Jim Baron said this afternoon. "I sat down and spoke to him, I've sat down with his father trying to work things out . . . He's just decided, for his personal reasons, to leave the team."

Posted by Art at 02:31 PM

Updated: 2 families displaced by N. Providence fire

NORTH PROVIDENCE -- The American Red Cross of Rhode Island is helping two families, a total of nine people, who were displaced by a fire this morning in North Providence.

The 7:30 a.m. fire in a duplex at 3 South Larchmont didn't injure anyone, but displaced families in two units, according to Angie Moncada, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation early this afternoon, fire officials said. But it apparently started inside the building, gutting its rear and second floor.

The Red Cross is helping a family of five, including four children, with food, shelter and clothing, Moncada said. It's also helping a family of four, including three children, with food and clothing, she said. That family is staying with relatives.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Arthur Kimball-Stanley

Posted by Jack Perry at 01:45 PM

Coat exchange at State House today

PROVIDENCE - People who need winter coats can pick up one up for free from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today at the State House.

Organizers of Providence's 9th annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange are asking people to drop by the State House lawn and donate winter coats they no longer need.

Last year's coat exchange collected 1,000 coats. Coats not given away today will be donated to centers that distribute them.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:12 AM

Fires reported in Providence, N. Providence

Firefighters in Providence and North Providence were busy this morning. Firefighters in Providence responded to a blaze at a commercial building at Oak Street and Agnes Street. In North Providence, firefighters were still at the scene of a fire at 3 South Larchmont Ave. after 10 this morning. No more details were available.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:29 AM

Shopping discounts draw diehards

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Hardy bargain hunters swarmed into big-box retailers Best Buy and Wal-Mart at 5 a.m. looking for deals on electronic gadgets. By 7 a.m., parking spaces were almost as hard to come by as an Xbox 360, with drivers pulling onto median strips or leaving their cars to clog fire lanes. Shoppers began refueling at 8 a.m. -- waiting in a 50-foot-long line for coffee at the Dunkin' Donuts in Emerald Square Mall.

Posted by Dealhawk at 10:09 AM

Providence eases up on parking for holidays

PROVIDENCE - The city starts its relaxed parking program today to make it easier for holiday shoppers to visit downtown stores.

No tickets for overtime violations will be issued at metered parking spaces or at parking spaces with time limitations in much of downtown Providence, parts of South Main Street and North Main Street, Wayland Square and Thayer Street. The program runs between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Jan. 2.

Cars parked in illegal spaces, including cross walks and tow zones, will still be ticketed.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:08 AM

R.I. again makes "Fatal Fifteen" driving list

For the second straight year, Rhode Island has made the list of the 15 deadliest states for impaired driving, according to the National Safety Council and a physicians' safety advocacy group called End Needless Death on our Roadways.

The full list of the group's Fatal Fifteen, states in which 41 percent or more of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related, will be announced Monday.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:21 AM

November 23, 2005

Wintry storm to clip region tomorrow

Freezing rain could cause problems late tomorrow for travelers in some interior sections of New England, while high winds on the coast could cause ferry delays or cancellations, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

An Alberta Clipper-type storm will bring a wintry mix to the region on Thanksgiving Day, with snow changing to rain. Up to 4 inches is possible in northwest Massachusetts and southwest New Hampshire, but accumulation is unlikely south and east of the Route 95 corridor, the weather service said in a special weather statement this afternoon.

Pockets of freezing rain are possible in the late morning within interior valles of Cental and western Massachusetts and southwest New Hampshire.

Winds should become stronger along the coast as the day progresses.

Get the latest local weather here / Find information about plane, rail, bus, and ferry service here

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:42 PM

Young testifies in lawsuit over son's death

PROVIDENCE - A retired black police major whose son was accidentally shot dead by two white colleagues said he was twice misidentified by white law enforcement officers during his career.

Maj. Cornel Young Sr. testified today in the civil rights lawsuit brought by his ex-wife after the death of their son, Sgt. Cornel Young Jr. The elder Young was the highest-ranking black police officer in the Providence Police Department until retiring in 2003.

"Every black cop knows you have to be careful because there are a lot of shootings when black cops are not recognized," the elder Young said in an interview after his testimony.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:36 PM

Weather shouldn't threaten T-Day games

It looks like neither rain nor snow will keep Rhode Islanders from carrying out their tradition of watching a high school football game on Thanksgiving.

A check of local athletic directors today indicated they were ready to take the field tomorrow, despite a cold and damp forecast. Mother Nature would really have to do her worst before they’d cancel games, they said.

The games, many featuring longtime rivalries, are considered regular season games. That means it’s up to the individual athletic directors to decide whether to call them off. |

Information on cancellations should be available through the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s Web site, at:

http://www.riil.org, then clicking on Fan Central, then Football Schedules, then Postponements/Rescheduled Games

-- Journal sportswriter John Gillooly

Find more pre-game coverage in tomorrow's Journal Come back to projo.com later in the day for game results as soon as they’re received, photo slideshows for several games and to upload your own photos of the games.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:35 PM

Sox ticket sale in time for stocking stuffers

BOSTON -- The Red Sox will host "Christmas at Fenway" Saturday, Dec. 10, offering fans the chance to buy ticket packages as well as single-game tickets to 20 April and May games.

The team says construction at Fenway Park will limit the number of fans the organization can accommodate this year, so single-game ticket sales will be handled mostly online at www.redsox.com or by calling 24-hour touch-tone ticketing at (617) 482-4SOX beginning at 9 a.m. on Dec. 10.

For more information, check out the team's Web site.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:12 PM

Big Blue Bug turns red today

PROVIDENCE - In fine Rhode Island holiday tradition, the 13th annual lighting of the Big Blue Bug will be at 4:30 this afternoon.

The giant bug, which overlooks Route 95, has been covered with 5,000 lights and adorned with a red nose and antlers.

Gabrielle M. Abbate, executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving of RI, will have the honor of lighting the bug, also known as Nibbles Woodaway.

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:52 PM

Cicilline picks 4 for Providence School Board

PROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline today announced his choices to fill four openings on the Providence School Board.

They are: Rosanna Castro, a family planning program coordinator for the state Health Department; Jill W. Holloway, director of outreach and admissions for the youth program Year Up; Katherine F. McKenzie, executive vice president and head of human resources for Citizens Financial Group; and Ronnie M. Young, a graduate of Classical High School and a senior at Roger Williams University.

Cicilline selected them from nine finalists chosen by the School Board Nominating Commission from a field of 25 applicants. The mayor's nominations now go to the City Council for final action.

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:11 PM

Federal Hill to hold first Christmas Stroll

PROVIDENCE -- The Federal Hill Commerce Association will host the first Federal Hill Christmas Stroll, on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. along Atwells Avenue, the group announced today. The free event will feature horse and buggy rides, pictures with Santa, special treats for the children, story time with Mrs. Claus, a magic show, an avenue lighting ceremony and carolers throughout the area.

Posted by Journal Staff at 02:58 PM

Most sewage rerouted after pumps failed in Bristol

BRISTOL -- Three temporary pumps were hard at work today rerouting sewage into a wastewater treatment plant after the facility's main pumping system failed yesterday morning, pushing back millions of untreated
waste into nearby streets and homes.

About 95 percent of the waste, which is piped from buildings into a waiting pond, had been pumped through the system by early this afternoon, according to Matthew Calderiso, the Bristol assistant superintendent of water pollution control.

Calderiso estimated that between 1 and 4 million gallons of sewage had overflowed in the area just east of Narragansett Bay near Hope and Wood Streets. Much of it was cleaned up yesterday and last night, however. Special cleanup crews were helping a handful of homeowners today with removing waste from their properties.

Meanwhile, the state Health Department said this morning that water in the area was safe to drink. However, Bristol Harbor remained closed to shellfishing.

It still was not known exactly why the pumps failed. But one of the permanent, stronger pumps, which had
been undergoing repair, could go back online this afternoon, which would speed up the pumping process.

Read today's Journal story for more background.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Michael McKinney

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:46 PM

Updated: N. Kingstown teacher named state's teacher of year / photo

Journal photo / John Freidah
Barbara Morse is congratulated by her colleagues after learning of the honor during a ceremony today in the high school gym.

NORTH KINGSTOWN - Barbara Morse, a math teacher at North Kingstown Senior High School, has been named the 2006 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, Governor Carcieri announced this morning.

"Barbara has exhibited a strong devotion to implementing innovative teaching methods that engage each and every student. She's hard working. She's conscientious, and she challenges her students," Carcieri said of Morse, who has taught in the North Kingstown Schools for nine years.

Morse, a University of Rhode Island graduate, now becomes a candidate for National Teacher of the Year, which is announced in the spring.

Posted by Jack Perry at 01:50 PM

Wake-up calls for shoppers this Friday

Retailers are resorting to some old -- and new -- tricks to draw in shoppers Friday morning, when the holiday shopping season moves into high gear.

They'll offer door-buster specials, limited-quantity sales and sweepstakes to draw shoppers.

If deep discounts don't excite you, some chains will use soft touches, such as celebrity wakeup calls or free coffee to clinch sales.

-- Journal business writer Paul Grimaldi

Posted by Dealhawk at 01:32 PM

PPAC to hold holiday sale

Tickets to plays, concerts and family shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center will be sold for 20 percent off during a sale, from 10 a.m. to midnight, on Dec. 10, the theater announced today. Tickets will be available at the box office, by phone at (401) 421-2787 and at www.ppacri.org.

Posted by Journal Staff at 12:15 PM

Slave's letter fetches top price at auction

NEW YORK -- A letter from a celebrated Colonial-era slave who lived in Providence sold for $220,000 yesterday at auction -- by far the highest price paid among 322 lots in the "Autographs" auction conducted by Swann Galleries.

The letter, which Swann had estimated would sell for $120,000, represented more than one third of the auction's total sales of $618,945 -- and fetched more money than signed documents of John Hancock, John Adams and George Washington combined.

The writer of the Feb. 14, 1776, letter was Phyllis Wheatley, the first person of African ancestry to publish a book inthe United States.

-- Journal staff writer Bryan Rourke

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:09 PM

BJ's joining early-opening club

The early shopper gets the deal, they say. And this year, BJ's Wholesale Club has announced it is offering shoppers that option by opening early for the first time on the day after Thanksgiving.

The chain's stores, which offer discounts to members and by coupon, will open at 6 a.m. BJ's has three locations in Rhode Island: Coventry, Johnston and Middletown.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:52 AM

R.I. delegation's plans for holiday recess

WASHINGTON -- Some New England congressmen will trek to Iraq, El Salvador and Yosemite National Park during Congress' annual Thanksgiving recess.

But not Rhode Island's delegation.

Sens. Lincoln Chafee and Jack Reed will stay close to home with a series of local events, aides said.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy is preparing to host a D.C. seminar on avian influenza preparedness the day after House members return to Washington. Rep. James Langevin will spend part of the break in Rhode Island with family, then head to Florida for a conference.

-- Associated Press and projo.com reports

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:46 AM

Advocacy groups to give PUC 'turkey award'

WARWICK - Advocacy groups for the elderly and children were planning to slam the state Public Utilities Commission today with a Thanksgiving-themed razz.

The Gray Panthers and the Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty were scheduled to present the Turkey of the Year Award to the PUC for its "blind and unquestioning approval of sharp increases in gas and electric rates," the Gray Panthers said in a press release.

The groups plan to present the "award" at noon at the commission's Warwick office.

The PUC this fall approved a 17.3-percent rate increase for New England Gas, lower than the 23.8 percent increase the company had requested. The commission also approved a 12.4-percent increase for National Grid to pass on to its electricity customers. National Grid has another increase pending, for at least 14.8 percent.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:42 AM

P&W Railroad president dies

WORCESTER, Mass. - Orville R. Harrold, president of the Providence and Worcester Railroad Co. for the past 25 years, died suddenly at his home yesterday, the company said. He was 73.

Harrold spent more than 30 years with Providence and Worcester, leading the railroad through a period of growth. It now operates over more than 500 miles of track in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. The railroad was founded in 1847.

After graduating in 1954 from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, Harrold went to work for the Westinghouse Air Brake Co. After serving in the U.S. Marines from 1956 to 1960, Harrold worked 13 years for the Pennsylvania Railroad, later known as the Penn Central Railroad.

He joined the Providence and Worcester in 1973. After serving as general manager and a director, he became president in 1980.

-- Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:06 AM

Sovereign-Santander deal wins NYSE approval

Brushing off the protests of some big institutional investors, the New York Stock Exchange has given its approval to a modified version of Sovereign Bancorp's proposed sale of a minority stake to Spain's largest bank.

Sovereign announced last night the NYSE staff advised it there is no need for the deal with Banco Santander Central Hispano SA to be put before shareholders for a vote as demanded by several big pension funds and Sovereign's three biggest investors.

Relational Investors LLC, leader of the shareholder revolt at Sovereign, called the decision a "sad day for the American capital markets" and said it may appeal to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Posted by at 11:03 AM

Health Dept.: Bristol water OK to drink in wake of sewage spill

BRISTOL - In the wake of a major sewage spill yesterday, state public health officials confirmed that the drinking water supplied by the Bristol County Water Authority is safe and healthy to drink.

The Health Department said rumors regarding possible contamination of public drinking water and a boil water advisory or drinking water ban in the area are untrue.

If any residents of the affected area use drinking water from private wells that have been flooded
by sewage, health officials recommend they refrain from use until the water is tested.

Read more about the overflow in today's Journal story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:44 AM

Young's father expected to testify today

PROVIDENCE - The father of a Providence police Sgt. Cornel Young Jr. is expected to testify today in the civil trial stemming from his son's death in January 2000 when he was shot by fellow officers.

Retired Maj. Cornel Young Sr. was at the courthouse yesterday but did not get a chance to testify. He is expected to testify today along with former Capt. John J. Ryan.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM

"Messy travel" weather on tap for Turkey Day

PROVIDENCE - Wise Thanksgiving travelers will get an early start, since an Alberta Clipper storm system will bring "messy travel" weather to southern New England for Thanksgiving Day, the National Weather Service says in a special weather statement.
A low pressure area will approach the region from the Great Lakes early tomorrow and snow will develop before sunrise, changing to rain, the weather service says.
The storm will affect travel by land, sea and air, according to the weather service.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM

November 22, 2005

Hazardous toys identified

PROVIDENCE - The annual toy safety report, a list of hazardous toys with small parts, toxic chemicals and excessive noise, was to be released this morning by the Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group at Mount Hope Children's Day Care, in Providence.

The full list is now available on the group's Web site.

Posted by at 05:13 PM

Local ACLU sues over billboard law

PROVIDENCE - The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit for a Providence businessman, saying the state's billboard advertising law violates his First Amendment rights.

The state has told businessman Anthony Joseph Vono to remove a billboard from the roof of his business, Specialty Promotions, because state law prohibits putting up billboards near a highway if they advertise for a business or activity that is not located on the
same property.

The billboard, visible from Route 95, advertises Casey Family Services, a nonprofit social services agency.
A lawyer for Vono said the law is unconstitutional because it takes the content of the sign into account when determining whether it's legal.

-- Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:06 PM

Stuffing recalled, just before Thanksgiving

Just two days before Thanksgiving, a Pennsylvania company has recalled stuffing that was distributed in Rhode Island because it might contain undeclared wheat and dairy products.

Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe Inc. of Chambersburg, Pa., has recalled its Martin's Potatobred Soft Cubed Stuffing with sell-by dates of Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8, and March 15, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The product packaging doesn't indicate that it contains wheat and dairy. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat or dairy products could have an allergic reaction.

The stuffing comes in a 12-ounce yellow and red package.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:52 PM

Captain testifies for 4 hours in Young trial

PROVIDENCE - A city police captain spent more than four hours on the witness stand today in the civil trial stemming from the death of Sgt. Cornel Young Jr.

When questioned by defense lawyer Michael J. Colucci, Capt. Steven M. Melaragno said the city had never had a friendly-fire shooting before the off-duty Young was killed by two on-duty officers in 2000, and he thought the city's off-duty policy "worked."

Plaintiff's lawyer Barry C. Scheck questioned Melaragno, saying, "You were asked if the Providence protocal worked. ... Cornel Young Jr. is dead, isn't he?"

Melaragno said: "Yes."

Later, Colucci asked: "Cornel Young Jr. did not follow the protocol, did he?"

Melaragno said: "No."

Sgt. Young's father, retired Maj. Cornel Young Sr., was at the courthouse today but did not get a chance to testify.

He is expected to testify tomorrow along with former Capt. John J. Ryan.

-- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Posted by Edward Fitzpatrick at 03:48 PM

Ethics panel dismisses complaint against Murphy

PROVIDENCE - The Ethics Commission today dismissed a complaint against House Speaker William J. Murphy over his legal representation of a State House colleague during a state police investigation arising from a family dispute over an estate.

Middletown lawyer Kenneth M. Lima complained that Murphy broke the state Ethics Code by representing his sister, state Rep. Charlene M. Lima, D-Cranston, while the state police were investigating accusations Kenneth Lima made about his sister's activities related to the estate of their mother.

After the closed-door vote, Chairman James Lynch Sr. said, "There wasn't anything there. He didn't violate any provision of our code."

-- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:23 PM

Chafee: Health Dept. gets $8.8M for 4 projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $8.8 million to the Rhode Island Department of Health, U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., announced today.

The money will be used for four different projects: $6.24 million for public health preparedness and responding to bioterrorism, $2.32 million for immunization and vaccines for children, $170,000 for preventing and controlling injuries and $150,000 for early hearing detection and intervention.

Posted by Jack Perry at 02:23 PM

ME withholding cause of teacher aide's death

PROVIDENCE -- The state Medical Examiner's Office said today it is withholding the cause of death, at the request of the state Attorney General's Office, of a teacher's aide found slain in her Warwick home last week.

In a one-sentence press release, Dr. Dorota Latuszynski, the interim chief medical examiner, said the request was due to "on-going investigation" into the death of Margaret Duffy-Stephenson, 37, of 28 Blackmore St.

Warwick police said last week that she had been found inside her home, a victim of "violent trauma." They released no other details.

Read today's related Journal story.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:13 PM

Health Dept. warns of sewage overflow in Bristol

BRISTOL - Raw sewage is overflowing into an area near Wood and Hope Streets because of pump failure at the Bristol Treatment Plant, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
The police have cordoned off the area, which is just east of Narragansett Bay. The Health Department is telling people to avoid contact with any raw sewage and to thoroughly wash anything that comes into contact with the sewage.

View a map of the area.

"Our primary concern is people's exposure to it," said Robert Marshall, a Health Departmant spokesman.
He said the department is checking to see whether any restaurants or other Health Department licensed businesses are affected. DEM is also trying to determine if there's any impact on local waters.

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:31 PM | Comment

Will Marlins talk about trade to Sox today?

The Florida Marlins, who reached a preliminary agreement last night to send pitching ace Josh Beckett to the Boston Red Sox, have called a news conference for this afternoon at 2. But they said the subject would be the team's pursuit of a new stadium, and general manager Larry Beinfest would not be available.

-- The Associated Press

For more on the trade, read today's Journal story.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:13 PM

Man accused in Swansea police officer's death faces new charge

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- The volunteer firefighter accused of drunk driving in the death of a Swansea police officer earlier this month was arraigned this morning in Fall River District Court on an additional charge of marijuana possession.

Wayne R. Smith, 49, of Swansea, moving on crutches after being hospitalized in conjunction with the accident, pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance after police found seven grams of marijuana in the bed of his truck.

The truck was searched at State Police headquarters in Middleboro, Mass., on Nov. 7, two days after it crossed the center line on Route 6 and slammed into the Ford Explorer police cruiser driven by Sgt. Robert M. Cabral, who was posthumously promoted to lieutenant after the fatal accident.

More to come on projo.com and in tomorrow's Journal.

-- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:38 AM

R.I. tourism promotion while you fly

PROVIDENCE - Soon travelers flying into Rhode Island on Spirit Airlines will be treated to a 2.5-minute video advertising Providence and its features. The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau convinced the airline to play the video loop, which will show on all of Spirit's inbound flights to T.F. Green Airport.

Posted by Andrea Stape at 10:35 AM

Lincoln Park to roll out expansion plans

LINCOLN - Lincoln Park this afternoon will show invited guests detailed plans for an expansion that will add 160,000 square feet and 600 video lottery terminals.
The $125-million project will enable the park to add restaurants, an additional gaming area and a 2,000-seat room to accomodate "marquee entertainment that will soon be appearing at Lincoln Park," its management says.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:29 AM

Wintry weather on the way

PROVIDENCE -- The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for today's storm, which has brought heavy rain, and then an Alberta Clipper that's expected to bring "a round of wintry weather" to the region late tomorrow and Thanksgiving Day.
Interior sections of southern New England could see all snow, but most areas should see snow changing to rain early Thanksgiving morning. High winds are expected along the coast.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:57 AM

Emergency Management Council to get energy update

CRANSTON -- The Emergency Management Advisory Council will meet at 2 p.m. today to hear an update on energy costs and supplies this winter and the threats of rolling blackouts in the state.

Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty is the chairman of the group.

Posted by at 09:57 AM

Kraft wins NCAA's Roosevelt award

INDIANAPOLIS - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is the NCAA's Theodore Roosevelt Award winner for 2006.

Kraft will receive the award, given to former NCAA athletes for career achievement, during the annual NCAA Convention in Indianapolis in January. Last year's winner was former astronaut Sally K. Ride and other past winners have included Presidents Ford, Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

-- The Associated Press

Kraft earned a varsity football letter at Columbia College as a member of the 1960 varsity lightweight football team. He graduated in 1963.

Since Kraft became owner of the Patriots in 1994, the team has won three of the last four Super Bowls, five division championships and four conference championships.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 09:54 AM

Convention Center Authority to vote on Civic Center deal

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority has scheduled a vote at its morning meeting to acquire the adjacent Dunkin' Donuts Center for $28.5 million.

Posted by at 09:00 AM

November 21, 2005

Bryant stabbing victim in good condition

PROVIDENCE -- A 20-year-old Bryant University student stabbed outside a residence hall early yesterday was listed in good condition at Rhode Island Hospital this afternoon.

The student's name, Alessio Trabelsi, was released today by the police. His hometown was unavailable.
Two 18-year-old Bryant students and the 20-year-old brother of one of those students have been charged in connection with the stabbing, according to the police.

-- Journal staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:01 PM

'Good-looking bandit' indicted

PROVIDENCE -- The Providence County grand jury today handed up an indictment naming the man dubbed "the good-lucking bandit" on two counts of first-degree robbery.

It is alleged that Stephen Celico, on or about July 13, committed two crimes of first-degree robbery, robbing an individual in each instance. The alleged incidents took place in Providence.

He had been arrested in September in a string of East Side robberies.

Celico, of Providence, recently lived in Westerly, the police said.

Providence Police conducted the investigation. The defendant will be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on Dec. 7.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:59 PM

Grand jury clears Providence officer in robbery suspect's death

PROVIDENCE -- A Providence police officer has been cleared by a grand jury in the shooting death of a knife-wielding robbery suspect.

The grand jury today completed its investigation of the circumstances surrounding the Sept. 27 death of Patrick Duffy, 37, of Woonsocket, and no indictment was returned, the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office announced.

A Police Department review board last month also cleared Officer Ronald T. Riley Jr., ruling that he feared his life was in danger when he confronted Duffy in the driveway of a house in the city's Wanskuck neighborhood.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:31 PM

Newport march honors slain Dallas officer / With photo

The flags of the color guard of the Dallas Police Department wave in the breeze as they follow the Rhode Island Bagpipe and Drum Corp. joining the memorial service procession in Newport for fellow Officer Brian H. Jackson, killed in the line of duty in Dallas last week.
Journal photo / Mary Murphy

NEWPORT - The pallbearers stood and saluted before removing Dallas police Officer Brian H. Jackson's casket from the hearse and carrying it into Spruance Hall at the Naval War College for a memorial service this afternoon attended by hundreds of friends, family, police officers and firefighters.

As bagpipes wailed, the former Rhode Islander's flag-draped coffin was removed from the hearse and brought inside the hall. Family members walked in with the casket.

Some 200 of the police officers and firefighters who marched in front of the hearse for about a mile from Newport Grand to the Naval War College remained outside as the service began.

They listened to the service broadcast over speakers outside the building.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Salit

Posted by at 03:42 PM

Photo: Dallas color guard readies for officer's Newport memorial

Dallas police Officer Brent Jones, a member of the department's color guard, puts on his white gloves after arriving in Newport today for the memorial service for fellow Officer Brian H. Jackson, originally from Rhode Island. With Jones are Senior Corp. Robert D. Cockerill, left, and Senior Corp. Mark Lang, also members of the color guard. The service was being held at the Naval War College, starting at 3 p.m.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy

Posted by at 03:30 PM

Dallas officers honor fallen comrade

NEWPORT -- Nearly two hundred Dallas police officers arrived at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick at 12:30 p.m. to honor a fallen comrade, Dallas police officer Brian H. Jackson, a former Rhode Islander who was shot and killed Nov. 13 while investigating a reported domestic disturbance.
The 185 police officers were taken from the airport to Newport Grand in several RIPTA buses, where they joined some 400 police officers from Rhode Island and Massachusetts for a solemn march to the Naval War College for Jackson's memorial service.
Led by a pipe and drum band, the police officers marched in front of the hearse carrying Jackson's body.

-- Rich Salit.

Posted by Jack Perry at 02:41 PM

Roll call to conclude Newport service for Dallas officer

NEWPORT -- A last roll call for slain Dallas police officer Brian Jackson will wrap up a memorial service for him today at the Naval War College.

A contingent of Dallas officers, along with the former Rhode Islander's family, will leave the chapel after the service -- which began at 2 p.m. -- ends.

The rest of the attendees will remain inside.

Outside the chapel, the Dallas police will hold a last roll call. At the conclusion of that, a siren will sound and a single cruiser will leave the grounds.

The rest of the mourners will then be allowed to leave.

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:26 PM

Auction of R.I. artists' work to benefit children's theater

Art for Art, a silent auction of works by Rhode Island artists, will take place Monday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Proceeds will benefit All-Children's Theatre of Pawtucket.

Among the donated works are an illustration by children's book author Chris Van Allsburg, a cartoon by Don Bousquet, a watercolor by Trinity Rep actor Anne Scurria and a coffee-table book of paintings by the late actor Anthony Quinn.

The artists who've donated works so far:

Tiffany Adams, 2 pieces of Raku pottery
RW Alley, illustration
Reenie Barrow, photograph
Peter Benarcik, candles
Susie Benarcik, print
Coral Bourgeois, tile
Don Bousquet, original cartoon
Rebecca Brenner, jewelry
Pamela Champagne
Gillian Christy, metal sculpture
Mark Creedon, photography
Jane Dillon, ceramics
Mary Doo, photograph
Dale Douthit, framed photograph
Cemal Ekin, framed photograph
Leslie Friedman, silkscreen
Katya Ginzberg, soft sculpture
Tracy Glover, glass
Mimo Gordon, poster
Joe Haskett, photography
2 antique paintings, donated by antique dealer Sharon Ingendahl
Gary Lieb, drawing
Debbie Lipman, watercolor
Gayle Mandle, painting
Frank Mullen, photography
Sarah Mutton, oil painting
Judy Newton, hand painted floor cloth
Cheryl Noll, illustration
Liz Panell and Jim Watkins, glass
Barry Press, Garden Art Sculpture
Kathy Quinn, coffee table book of Anthony Quinn's paintings
Margot Rubin
Anne Mimi Sammis
Gretchen Dow Simpson, illustration
Anne Scurria, watercolor
Cindy Sherman, framed photograph
Barbara Lucy Stevens, painting
Holly Trahan, framed photograph
Martabel Wasserman, photograph
Steve Weinberg, glass sculpture
Amanda White, jewelry
Denyse Williams, oil painting
Ora Wry, note cards
Pam Young, ceramics
Chris Van Allsburg, illustration

Posted by Sheila Lennon at 02:25 PM

Thanksgiving travel: More but stormy

PROVIDENCE -- Auto club AAA expects Thanksgiving travel to increase just under one percent this year, with 37.29 million people traveling 50 or more miles from home.
This should be the third Thanksgiving in a row where travel increases, after declines in 2001 and 2002 following the Sept. 11 terror attacks, AAA said.
But travelers in the Northeast could find the going difficult, with rain and snow in the forecast for Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Posted by Jack Perry at 02:02 PM

Lucky rejoins URI basketball team

SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Jon Lucky, the sophomore point guard who left the University of Rhode Island basketball team for personal reasons on Saturday, is back. He has rejoined the Rams in Utah, where they will play tomorrow night, and may see action in the game.

Posted by Art at 12:46 PM

R.I. gas prices drop 10 cents for 3rd week in row

PROVIDENCE -- Gasoline prices in Rhode Island have dropped another 10 cents to an average of $2.09 per gallon for unleaded, regular gasoline at the self-service pump, according to AAA Southern New England.
This marks the third straight week that the price has dropped 10 cents per gallon, AAA said. The price at some stations surveyed has fallen below $2 per gallon, AAA said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:58 AM

Providence team to compete in firefighter challenge

PROVIDENCE – The Providence fire chief and four other Providence firefighters will compete Nov. 29 in the Firefighter Combat Challenge, a fitness competition in Deerfield, Fla., that attracts firefighters from all over North America and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Fire Chief David Costa and his teammates will wear full gear and breathing apparatus as they simulate real-life firefighting tasks, such as climbing a five-story tower and rescuing a life-sized "victim."

The other members of the Providence team are firefighters James Okolowitcz, Joseph Vingi, Bonnie Benson, and Peter Vieira.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:56 AM

Memorial service today for slain police officer

NEWPORT -- A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today for Dallas police officer Brian H. Jackson, a former Rhode Islander who was shot to death on Nov. 13 while responding to a report of domestic violence. The service at the Naval War College, Newport, will be for close friends, family and fire and rescue personnel. It will be closed to the general public.

For more on services for Jackson here and in Dallas, read today's Journal story.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:28 AM

Publisher: Providence 93rd most dangerous U.S. city

Providence ranked as the 93rd most dangerous city in the country last year, or, to give the ranking a more positive spin, the 277th safest city, according to a Kansas publisher. Morgan Quitno Press used six crime categories reported to the FBI to rank 369 cities with more than 75,000 residents. Newton, Mass., was considered the safest, Camden, N.J., the most dangerous.

The categories used are: Murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft. The publishing company annually publishes state and city rankings in several categories.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:02 AM

Verizon moving forward with cable TV service

Verizon Communications said today it will begin offering cable television service in Herndon, Va., this week. It will be the second community where Verizon's FiOS TV service is available (the first was Keller, Texas) and the first on the East Coast.

Verizon has said it will bring the service to Rhode Island, but it is not saying when. The company has yet to seek cable TV franchises from state regulators, a step it must take before it can offer service here.

The service has essentially the same features as traditional cable TV, including premium channels, high definition programming, and video on demand. A tier of service that includes 180 digital video and music channels starts at $39.95 a month, according to a news release.

Posted by Tim Barmann at 10:45 AM

Latin music show coming to Mohegan Sun

Victor Manuelle, Andy Andy, and Wisin & Yandel will peform at the Mohegan Sun Arena at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, the casino announced today. Tickets, $48 and $68, are at the box office and through www.ticketmaster.com.

Posted by Journal Staff at 09:55 AM

Brown president keynoter at Chamber dinner tonight

PROVIDENCE - About 900 people are scheduled to attend the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner tonight at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Brown University President Ruth Simmons will give the keynote address: Research Universities - Engines of Growth for the 21st Century.

Posted by at 08:48 AM

Raytheon starts Athena project

PORTSMOUTH - Officials will gather at Raytheon's Naval Integration Center in Portsmouth this morning to formally launch Project Athena, a homeland security surveillance system that will monitor sea lanes, ports and shorelines for terrorist threats.

Posted by at 08:44 AM

Carcieri, Lynch target drunk driving

CRANSTON -- Governor Carcieri and state Attorney General Patrick Lynch this morning are announcing their plans to file joint legislation to curb drunk driving. The Republican governor and Democratic AG will make the announcement as they join officials from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island State Police in Cranston to launch the state's annual campaign to reduce drunk driving during the holiday season.

Posted by Jack Perry at 08:43 AM

November 18, 2005

Carcieri complains to regulators about energy costs

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission complaining about energy producers making "windfall profits" at the expense of their customers.

He urged the commission to re-examine how it regulates the energy market to protect consumers.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:53 PM

Sale of Dunkin' Donuts Center moves closer

PROVIDENCE -- The Providence Civic Center Authority voted today to approve the sale of the city's aging Dunkin' Donuts Center to the state's Convention Center Authority. The sale is expected to close on Dec. 5, if four other public boards sign off on the $28.5 million sale.

Posted by Andrea Stape at 04:52 PM

House Democratic leaders back tougher drunk-driving laws

PROVIDENCE - House Democratic leaders endorsed a bill today that adds criminal penalties for drivers who repeatedly refuse to take blood alcohol tests, a move they said would strengthen the nation's weakest drunken driving laws.

Fifty percent of the fatal accidents in the state last year involved alcohol, the highest rate in the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationally, about 39 percent of fatal accidents are alcohol-related.

Legislators, including House Majority Leader Gordon Fox, acknowledged today that Rhode Island has the nation's least effective drunken driving laws.

Earlier this year, it became the only state to receive a "poor" rating on the issue from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. One reason is that suspected drunken drivers face no significant penalty for refusing to take a blood alcohol test. Drivers who refuse a breath, blood or urine test now lose their license for only three to six months, regardless of how many times they are pulled over.

-- Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:41 PM

Warwick woman found murdered in her home

WARWICK -- A 37-year-old woman was found murdered in her home this morning, Warwick police said, though they are not releasing her name or details of how she died, pending notification of her next of kin.

Col. Stephen McCartney said that a relative went to the woman's home at 26 Blackmore St. to check on her after she had not been heard from in some time. McCartney would not disclose how long. The relative called police just after 8 a.m. When they arrived, they found the woman inside, the victim of what McCartney called a "violent death," while refusing to release any details of the manner of death.

"We are conducting a very intensive crime scene investigation, and looking into the background of the victim," McCartney said.

Police said they may have more information by the end of today.

When asked whether they had any leads on the crime, McCartney said, "We have some things."

-- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:10 PM

Hit-run victim, 81, identified as Providence man

PROVIDENCE -- The Providence police have released the name of an 81-year-old man fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver yesterday morning on North Main Street.

Albert Nugent, of Providence, died yesterday at Rhode Island Hospital, according to the police.

The police are still looking for the car that struck Nugent, described as a black Pontiac Grand Am. The police have a partial Rhode Island license plate number and are working with Registry officials to identify the owner.

Anyone with information should call the police at 401-243-6409.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Davis

Posted by Jack Perry at 03:08 PM

Judge drops R.I., state fire marshal from Station fire civil suits

PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge has dropped the state of Rhode Island and the state fire marshal from the civil lawsuits stemming from the 2003 Station nightclub fire, which killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others. But Judge Ronald R. Lagueux declined to drop the town of West Warwick, where the fire happened, and the town's fire marshal, who had inspected the nightclub and okayed it for fire safety.

Read Lagueux's ruling, entered today in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:34 PM

ACLU to hear religious freedom leader

PROVIDENCE -- The head of a national religious freedom group will speak tonight at the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union's annual dinner at the Providence Biltmore. Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C., will speak on "Ten Reasons You Just Can't Trust the Religious Right."

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:57 PM

Photo: Open windows

The skeleton of the Masonic Temple is open to the sky as seen from the parking garage of the Providence Place mall this morning. The historic building is being renovated as a hotel.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy

Posted by at 12:05 PM

Hearing put off for 9 accused of voter fraud

PROVIDENCE -- The Superior Court hearing for nine men facing felony voter fraud charges in connection with last year's elections in East Providence has been continued.
The nine - who have been accused by the state attorney general of voting outside their home districts by claiming local business addresses as their domicile - were originally supposed to appear in court today, but will now go before a magistrate in Superior Court on Nov. 30.

-- Journal staff writer Richard Dujardin

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:03 PM

Health director warns: Flu pandemic could cripple work force

CRANSTON -- A flu pandemic could sicken 20 to 30 percent of the population and cripple the work force, with many of those not sickened staying home to care for ill relatives, Dr. David R. Gifford, head of the state's Health Department, said this morning.

Gifford, head of the state's "Pandemic Flu Working Group," updated Governor Carcieri and about 50 city and town officials at the state Emergency Management Agency on his group's progress with a plan for preventing and responding to an outbreak of pandemic influenza.

The plan should be completed by Dec. 20.

More about the flu and preparing for a pandemic ...

-- Journal medial writer Felice J. Freyer

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:02 PM

Finalization of adoptions to mark National Adoption Day in R.I.

PROVIDENCE -- National Adoption Day will be recognized here tomorrow with the finalization of 26 adoptions with 20 different families, the state's judiciary has announced.

The special event will start at 10 a.m. at Rhode Island Family Court, fifth floor, One Dorrance Plaza. It will coincide with other events planned across the nation to draw attention to the adoption process and the large number of children available for adoption, the court said.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:30 AM

Services today in Dallas for slain police officer from R.I.

DALLAS, Texas – Services for a slain Dallas police officer from Rhode Island are expected to draw a large turnout today.

Officer Brian H. Jackson, 28, who attended Portsmouth High School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island, will be remembered with a memorial service at noon, Eastern time. It will be held at a nondenominational Dallas church whose large auditorium has accommodated numerous city funerals.

Afterward, a cortege will bring Jackson's casket to the Restland Memorial Park cemetery, where Jackson's name has been added to a "first-responders memorial." There will be a 21-gun salute, helicopter flyover and playing of taps. His wife, JoAnn DeMello Jackson, will be presented with a Texas flag.

View live video of the services at noon today on projo.com, with more coverage later today and in tomorrow’s Journal

Jackson’s body was scheduled to be flown to T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island tomorrow night, with a local wake and memorial service set for Sunday and Monday.

Jackson was shot to death early Sunday while responding to a report of domestic violence.

For more details on the local services, read yesterday’s Journal story

View live video of the services at noon today on projo.com, with more coverage later today and in tomorrow’s Journal

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:20 AM

Sunny, but chilly, weather on tap

PROVIDENCE -- November-like weather has finally arrived like a cold slap after the balmy temperatures that prevailed for much of the month.
Despite bright sun, the temperature in Providence today should reach only 43 degrees, 9 degrees below the normal high of 52 degrees for the date, according to the National Weather Service.
Saturday should be similar, mostly sunny with a high of 44 degrees, while Sunday should reach 54 degrees, the weather service says.

Get the latest local conditions and forecasts...

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:05 AM

Carcieri, municipal leaders to discuss bird flu

CRANSTON -- Governor Carcieri will meet this morning with officials and EMA directors from cities and towns around the state to discuss plans for dealing with a possible bird flu pandemic.

Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM

Von Trapp descendant to attend "Sound of Music" in Pawtucket

Monique von Trapp Saflund, granddaughter of Maria and Georg von Trapp, will attend The Community Players’ production of "The Sound of Music" tomorrow at 8 p.m. Following the performance, the audience can join Saflund for a dessert and coffee reception. The show is at Jenks Junior High in Pawtucket; for reservations call (401) 726-6860.

The play -- along with its famous 1965 movie -- tells the story of the von Trapp family in Austria and the nun who became their governess.

Posted by Journal Staff at 08:53 AM

R.I. small business council meets

The Rhode Island Small Business Advisory Council is meeting this morning to hear Rep. Elizabeth Dennigan, co-chairperson of the Joint Committee on Economic Development, discuss the panel's goals for 2006.

Posted by at 08:04 AM

November 17, 2005

Thousands hear Dalai Lama's message in Newport

NEWPORT -- More than 4,000 people crowded under a tent overlooking the ocean on a chilly fall day to hear the Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, speak this afternoon. Although his accent at times made it hard to understand his words, the Dalai Lama's message was clear -- compassion is the path to happiness and peace.

The Dalai Lama spoke for about 45 minutes publicly during his sold-out visit to Salve Regina University, which is the last stop in a 10-day U.S. visit. He also met with former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, and his wife, Nuala, both longtime supporters, who live in Newport and attended the talk as well. From here, the spiritual leader flies to Scotland.

-- With reports from Journal staff writers Richard Salit and Jennifer Jordan

More to come in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:58 PM | Comment

Providence hit-run victim, 81, dies

PROVIDENCE -- An 81-year-old man has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver this morning on North Main Street, according to the Providence police.

The police have not released the man's name.

The police are still looking for a black Pontiac Grand Am. Witnesses saw the car slow and drive off after the man was struck around 10 a.m., according to the police.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Davis

Posted by Jack Perry at 05:00 PM

Ex-officer Saraiva testifies in Young civil suit

PROVIDENCE - A former police officer who shot an off-duty colleague testified today that the victim advanced on him with a gun and it wasn't until later that he realized he'd killed a fellow classmate from the police academy.

Carlos Saraiva took the stand in the lawsuit filed by the mother of Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., who was killed in 2000 when police responded to a fight at a diner where he'd been eating. Young tried to intervene in the disturbance and was mistaken as a suspect.

Young's mother, Leisa Young, filed a $20 million civil rights lawsuit against the city, claiming the Providence Police Department maintained an off-duty policy especially hazardous to black officers like her son.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:58 PM

EB to lay off 150 workers

GROTON, Conn. -- Electric Boat says it will lay off 150 workers assigned to maintain the USS Philadelphia after the Navy shifted the maintenance contract to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The submarine, homeported in Groton, just returned this week after a deployment marred by a collision with a Turkish cargo ship in the Persian Gulf. The layoffs will occur early next year, according to Electric Boat, which employs about 7,000 people. The submarine builder also has a facility at Quonset Point in Rhode Island.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:50 PM

Brown students want O'Reilly to apologize

PROVIDENCE -- The Undergraduate Council of Students at Brown University passed a resolution last night calling for the university to request a correction and an apology from Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly for a report that ran Monday night on The O'Reilly Factor. The program included videotaped footage of a party hosted by Brown's Queer Alliance that resulted in 30 students receiving medical treatment for intoxication.

For more background, read The Journal's report of the program and reaction to it.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:25 PM

Appeals court upholds drug dealer's life sentence

PROVIDENCE -- A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction and life without parole sentence imposed last year on a convicted drug dealer, the first such sentence ever given in Rhode Island for drug trafficking, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.

Charles C. Brown, who ran a crack cocaine business out of a house he owned on Burnside Street, Providence, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in February 2004. His life sentence was mandatory under federal law because he had two prior drug trafficking convictions.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday also upheld the convictions of two co-defendants but sent their cases back to U.S. District Court, Providence, for resentencing.

Brown's co-defendants, Charles H. Isler and Bilal
Abdul Rashid, were sentenced to 262 months and 210 months, respectively, but the court vacated those sentences because they were based on guidelines that were considered mandatory at the time, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The U.S. Supreme Court has since ruled that the guidelines are only advisory.

During the trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adi Goldstein presented evidence that police began investigating activities at the heavily-fortified Burnside Street house after receiving complaints about suspected drug activity.

Detectives forced their way into the house in June 2003, arrested the three defendants and seized about 164 grams of crack cocaine.

The Appeals Court affirmed Brown's sentence because it was based on a specific statute passed by Congress rather than on federal sentencing guidelines, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Isler and Rashid will remain in federal custody pending resentencing, which has not been scheduled.

Posted by Jack Perry at 04:04 PM

2.5 tremor recorded in Plymouth, Mass.

PLYMOUTH, Mass. -- A 2.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded here today, about two miles south of Plymouth’s center, according to Boston College’s Weston Observatory. The tremor occurred at 12:39 p.m.

Quakes up to that magnitude usually are not felt, but can be recorded by seismograph, and do not even rate the lowest classification of minor, which starts at 3.0. At. 2.5 from 5.4, they can cause minor damage. The greatest magnitude on the scale is 8.0.

See a map of the site.

Check the seismograph recordings

If you felt it, you can report it to the observatory by clicking here

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:42 PM

Beaujolais nouveau arrives, dinners follow tonight

The first Beaujolias Nouveau of the 2005 harvest in France has arrived in the United States, and three local restaurants are planning special tasting dinners tonight to mark the annual occasion. The new red wine will be served tonight at Chez Pascal and Pot au Feu in Providence and at Hanson's Landing in Wakefield.

Posted by Journal Staff at 03:40 PM

Black Crowes to play Lupo's

PROVIDENCE -- Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon for a show by the Black Crowes at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Lupo's, the concert hall announced today. Price is $38.50 (reserved seats $50), with a six-ticket limit. At Lupo's box office, through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (401) 331-2211.

Posted by Journal Staff at 03:32 PM

Amtrak requiring reservations during holiday week

Amtrak said today that all Amtrak trains in the Northeast will require reservations during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week, Nov. 22-28. The train service said it will add an extra 60 trains next week to handle the rush of travelers, with most cars added on the two busiest travel days, Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 27.

The railroad expects to carry more than 600,000 passengers during the holiday week, about 30 percent more than a typical week. The day before the Thursday Thanksgiving holiday is its heaviest travel day of the year, with ridership expected to spike at 125,000 passengers. Reservations can be made through Amtrak.com, at ticket windows, or by phone at 800-USA-RAIL.

-- Journal business writer Timothy C. Barmann

Posted by Tim Barmann at 01:43 PM

Successor to Farmer at R.I. PBS named

The former owner of two local radio stations has been named to succeed Susan Farmer as head of Channel 36, Rhode Island's PBS affiliate. Robert Fish was elected to the post of president and CEO by the Rhode Island
Public Telecommunications Authority, which runs the station, yesterday.

Fish, a Warwick native and Bryant graduate, had owned WHJJ and WHJY radio stations in the 1980s. Farmer, who held the post for 17 years and was battling cancer, retired in the spring of 2004.

-- Journal TV writer Andy Smith

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:30 PM

Man, 81, struck by hit-run driver in Providence

PROVIDENCE -- City police are investigating a hit-and-run accident on North Main Street that injured an 81-year-old man this morning. Witnesses saw the car slow and drive off after the man was struck, according to the police. The police are looking for a black Pontiac Grand Am.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Davis

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:38 PM

Woonsocket man gets 50 years for brutal rape

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge this morning sentenced a Woonsocket man to serve 50 years in prison for beating, raping and robbing a woman outside a deserted Woonsocket mill in 2003. On July 28, Timothy Scanlon, 26, was convicted of three counts of first-degree sexual assault, one count of robbery, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of felony assault. Judge Robert D. Krause also sentenced Scanlon to 20 years probation following his prison sentence.

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:32 AM

New communications director for Providence diocese

PROVIDENCE -- The Diocese of Providence has appointed a former spokesman for U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., as its director of communications. Michael K. Guilfoyle starts his new job Nov. 28, replacing William G. Halpin, who retired earlier this year. Guilfoyle had most recently worked as a spokesman and director of communications for Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse's U.S. Senate campaign.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:08 AM

Forum tonight with Providence School Board candidates

PROVIDENCE -- City residents will have the chance to meet the semifinalists applying for the Providence School Board vacancies during a public forum at 7 tonight at Nathanael Greene Middle School, 721 Chalkstone Ave. The candidates, vying for four openings on the board, will have an opportunity to express their views on education during the forum moderated by the League of Women Voters.

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:32 AM

Photo: Downtown ice rink readies for opening

Dylan Bettencourt, front, and Nelson Alves and Andrew Sawyer, employees of the Dunkin' Donuts Center, install the kickboard around the wall at the Bank of America Ice Rink on Kennedy Plaza in Providence this morning. Workers plan to lay the ice late tonight or tomorrow in preparation for the rink's opening for the season Saturday. The rink, formerly the Fleet Skating Center, is also sporting its new name. Details on this year's operations are available from its Web site.

Journal photo/Mary Murphy

Posted by at 10:26 AM

Photo: Leisa Young returns to court as lawsuit continues

Leisa Young, mother of the slain Sgt. Cornel Young Jr., arrives at U.S. District Court in Providence this morning as the trial continues in the civil suit she filed on her son's behalf against the city of Providence. Sgt. Young was killed by two fellow officers while off duty as he intervened in a confrontation outside Fidas Restaurant in January 2000.

Journal photo/Mary Murphy

Read today's Journal story for background on the case and yesterday's court action

Posted by at 10:17 AM

Photo: Former Providence police chief Prignano arrives at court

Former Providence police Chief Urbano Prignano Jr. arrives at U.S. District