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« May 2007 | Today | July 2007 » June 29, 2007Catch the circus and the Tall Ships this weekendIt's not too late to catch the circus or check out the Tall Ships. The Cole Brothers Circus brings acrobats, aerial artists and clowns. There's one more show at the Warwick Mall tonight at 7:30. There will also be trained elephants, horses and poodles. The show continues tomorrow and Sunday. Tickets are $17. For children younger than 13, it's $12. To reserve tickets, call (888) 332-5200 or visit www.tickets.com. And the Tall Ships event in Newport continues through the weekend. From 11:45 a.m. 1 p.m. tomorrow is the parade of Tall Ships crews and captains, local marching bands and militias. The parade runs from Colony House down Thames Street to Wellington Avenue. On Sunday, there's the parade of sail at 12:30 p.m. on Narragansett Bay. Admission aboard Tall Ships is free. Parking at various satellite lots is $15 per car. The lots are at Middletown High School on Valley Road, Gaudet Middle School on Turner Road in Middletown, and the highway interchange at the Claiborne Pell Bridge in Newport. For more information, call 841-0080 or visit projo.com's collection of stories and useful links at projo.com/lifebeat. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:59 PM | Comment Update: Conn. man accused of defrauding immigrantsWARWICK -- A Connecticut man accused of defrauding illegal Irish immigrants out of millions of dollars will be returned to that state after his arrest near T.F. Green Airport. Ralph Cucciniello appeared in a Rhode Island court today. He waived extradition, and authorities say he'll be returned to Connecticut sometime within the next week. He's being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions, in Cranston. He was arrested yesterday. The Hartford Courant reported that Cucciniello was charged on an arrest warrant issued in Connecticut with 59 counts of larceny and one count of racketeering. Cucciniello is accused of posing as a lawyer affiliated with Yale University in New Haven, and of swindling Irish immigrants with promises of helping them gain U.S. citizenship. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:38 PM | Comment Fall River man found guilty in RI of drug traffickingPROVIDENCE -- After a two-day trial and two hours' deliberation, a federal jury has found a Fall River man guilty of drug trafficking. According to a news release today from the office of U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente, the jury rendered its verdict yesterday against Kent Awer, 32. East Providence police found 500 grams of crack cocaine during a traffic stop last year on Route 195. Awer was a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped. The penalty is ordinarily 10 years to life imprisonment plus a $4-million fine. But the prosecution told the court Awer has three past drug trafficking convictions in New York, which could subject him to a mandatory life sentence for the Rhode Island offense. -- projo.com stafrf writer Michael P. McKinney During the trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Beckner presented evidence that at about 1 a.m. on May 2, 2006, Awer was a passenger in a car that East Providence police stopped for speeding on Route 195. The driver did not have a driver’s license, according to the police, and officers took her into custody and had Awer and another passenger removed from the car. During a search, the police said, they found a black bag in the trunk, men's clothing and a vacuum-sealed pack containing a half-kilogram of crack, packaged in bundles for distribution. The bag also held "items of paperwork" in Awer’s name. Awer later told officers that he had obtained the crack in New York City. Awer was found guilty of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:32 PM | Comment Superior Court presiding justice is hospitalizedPROVIDENCE -- Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. was hospitalized after collapsing at a social event in Providence at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, a courts spokesman said today. Rodgers, 65, of Narragansett, was taken by rescue squad to Rhode Island Hospital and was “resting comfortably” at the hospital, spokesman Craig N. Berke said. Superior Court Judge William E. Carnes Jr., a former Lincoln police officer who sworn in as a judge on March 30, was at the social event and “rendered immediate assistance” to Rodgers, Berke said. He said he had no further information about what caused Rodgers to collapse. Rodgers was expected to remain at Rhode Island Hospital last night, Berke said. “He’s under observation,” he said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:20 PM | Comment DCYF allegations 'extremely' concern CarcieriPROVIDENCE -- A day after a lawsuit became public alleging children in state foster care are being burned with cigarettes, beaten, molested, and in one instance, killed, Governor Carcieri's office this afternoon issued a statement saying he was "extremely concerned over the allegations of abuse." But Carcieri also defended steps taken by his administration, saying in the statement that some information in the lawsuit "may be outdated and fails to take into account the reforms that have been made under Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) Director Patricia Martinez." “Any case of abuse involving children is extremely upsetting to me, which is why I take this lawsuit very seriously. Children who are placed in foster care are extremely vulnerable, and we have worked very hard since I took office to ensure that their needs are met,” Carcieri said in the statement. “We have instituted a number of reforms within DCYF that are making a difference, but are not reflected in the lawsuit.” The suit says Rhode Island was the nation's worst in the number of children abused and neglected while in state foster-care custody between 2000 and 2005. The lawsuit was announced yesterday morning while the governor was in Newport for scheduled events that included greeting President Bush during his visit to the Naval War College, a meeting with Republican political donors at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island, and a clambake at Fort Adams State Park. Carcieri has refused interview requests from The Journal today. Carcieri, who was elected in 2002, said he would meet with Child Advocate Jametta O. Alston -- who is suing Carcieri, the governor who appointed her to the post -- on Monday. He said they will talk about the suit and ways to "improve the lines of communications between her office and the Governor’s office, [the Department of Children, Youth and Families], and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services." The child advocate's suit is being assisted by a national group Children's Rights that has gotten involved in similar cases around the country. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment L.A. Times reporters win RI-based environment awardNARRAGANSETT -- Two Los Angeles Times reporters, whose series gave readers and policymakers a vivid wake-up call about a "virulent pox on the world's oceans," have won the 2007 Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment. Reporters Kenneth R. Weiss and Usha Lee McFarling will receive the $75,000 prize for the five-part "Altered Oceans" series that ran from July 30 to Aug. 3, 2006. The Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting, based at the University of Rhode Island, and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment made the announcement today. It began awarding the prize in 2005. The prize and the three awards of special merit will be given at a Sept. 24 ceremony and seminar to be held at the Metcalf Institute in Narragansett. The institute was named for Michael P. Metcalf, the late publisher of The Providence Journal, "who was keenly interested in marine and environmental issues and was known for his integrity, vision, and high standards for writing," according to the institute. In a news release, the jurors said the Los Angeles Times reporters "did more than simply research the literature and talk to the best minds. They went to the scene to make the case. "This extraordinary series gives life to all those generalities about the decline of the oceans in a way that should grab the imaginations not only of politicians responsible for taking corrective steps but also of ordinary readers." The series drew an "overwhelmingly positive response," according to the news release, and the U.S. House of Representatives Oceans Caucus distributed copies of the series to every House member. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney The awards jury also named three award of special merit recipients: -- Eugene Linden for his book The Winds of Change, published by Simon & Schuster. -- The NOVA television program "Dimming the Sun," a DOX Production for NOVA/WGBH and the BBC, produced by senior executive producer Paula S. Apsell, written and produced by David Sington and directed by Duncan Copp. -- A team of writers from the East Oregonian Publishing Company for their series, "Our Climate Is Changing … Ready or Not." The jurors said Linden's book "manages the remarkable feat of bringing a new light to the most written-about environmental challenge of the era, climate change," according to the news release. The NOVA production for presented "a different, but critical, take on global warming… Exceptional production values, great storytelling, and important subject matter make this a fascinating and disturbing report." And the East Oregonian Publishing Company series "represented an extraordinary effort on the part of a group of small newspapers in the Pacific Northwest. The result is sophisticated, compelling journalism, extraordinary for publications of this size and scope." The Grantham Prize was paid for by Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham through The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. The foundation supports natural resource conservation programs both in the United States and internationally. Eligible for the annual prize are journalists, writers and producers in the United States and Canada. So is nonfiction work published or broadcast in the previous calendar year. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:00 PM | Comment State lowers weight limit for Sakonnet River BridgeAfter finding steel-truss deterioration on the Sakonnet River Bridge, the state Transportation Department this afternoon is lowering to 22 tons the posted weight limit for a truck that can use the bridge. Thirty-eight tons was the previous posted weight limit for three- and five-axle trucks and 22 tons the limit for two-axle trucks. The department said the bridge is safe for travel, but that heavier vehicles will need to use alternate routes. “This weight posting mainly impacts large truck travel,” said Jerome F. Williams, the transportation department director. The department "has reached out to the Rhode Island Trucking Association to help get the word out.” Regularly scheduled bridge inspection crews discovered the steel truss deterioration, the department said, and repairs will start as soon as possible. The bridge connects Portsmouth and Tiverton. The affected steel trusses, which are below the bridge and run across it width-wise, not length-wise, are closer to the Tiverton side. Crews will take between six and eight weeks to complete their work. Construction that might affect drivers will be scheduled for non-peak travel times. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:05 PM | Comment Update: Abandoned car leads to robbery arrests
Two people entered the squat, small building just after 9:42 a.m. brandishing a handgun and demanding money, according to police. The robbers fled shortly thereafter in a gray, older model vehicle with an undisclosed amount of currency. Officers received a tip that the getaway car was abandoned at a nearby construction site on Amflex Drive next to Route 295. A Cranston police officer saw two people matching the description of the robbers crossing the highway and entering the woods. Officers from Cranston, Johnston, Coventry and the State Police set up a perimeter and called in search dogs from surrounding departments. Police are still working to identify the suspects. -- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:02 PM | Comment Providence no longer New England's 2nd biggest cityWORCESTER, Mass., -- Once again, Worcester, Mass., can lay claim to the title of New England's second-biggest city. Worcester surpassed Providence in the latest round of census data -- but not by much. The central Massachusetts city had just 199 more people than the Rhode Island city as of July 2006. The latest federal census estimate lists Worcester's population at 175,454, with Providence at 175,255. Providence had moved ahead of Worcester as New England's second-largest city behind Boston in 2001. Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien says it's nice to have the title back. A spokeswoman for Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline did not immediatelty return a phone call seeking comment. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:00 PM | Comment Woman sentenced for spate of bank fraudPROVIDENCE -- A California woman was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison in connection with making $332,600 in fraudulent withdrawals from Bank of America branches in Rhode Island and six other states. Zelpha Conyers, 53, of Inglewood, Calif., was sentenced to 51 months by U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente. Conyers and two other Los Angeles area women were arrested last July after making withdrawals at Rhode Island Bank of America branches. Previously, Judge Lisi sentenced the other defendants who pleaded guilty: Patricia Moore, 55, of Los Angeles, to 42 months; and Debbie Jolene Tucker, 45, of Rialto, California, to 32 months, according to the release. Conyers was also linked to similar fraudulent withdrawals in Florida, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Missouri, Kansas, and Connecticut, the U.S. Attorney's office said. -- projo.com stafrf writer Michael P. McKinney At Conyer’s February plea hearing, prosecutor Lee H. Vilker said the government could prove that on July 11, 2006, Conyers, Moore, and Tucker drove to Bank of America branches in Cranston, East Providence and North Providence. Moore waited in the car, either Conyers or Tucker entered the bank branch, presented fake identification in the name of a real bank customer with a California address, and made or attempted to make a withdrawal, authorities said. They successfully made about $10,800 worth of withdrawals at three branches. Tucker unsuccessfully tried to withdraw money at a branch in Cranston, and the manager notified other branches of her suspicious activity. Another branch manager later saw Tucker and Conyers changing wigs in a car outside a branch on Smithfield Road in North Providence. That manager called North Providence Police, who broadcast the car’s license plate number. Seekonk, Mass., police stopped the women’s car on Route 6, and notified North Providence Police. Seekonk police seized $13,646 from Conyers and Moore. North Providence police seized luggage from the women’s motel room in Seekonk and, in the luggage, found ten fraudulent California driver’s licenses in various names, bearing either Tucker’s or Conyer’s photograph. They also found fake social security cards in various names, and Bank of America customer profiles. At separate hearings, the defendants pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy, various counts of bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, which is committing identity theft in connection with another felony, the U.S. Attorney's office said. The United States Secret Service and North Providence Police investigated the case, with assistance from Seekonk Police. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:52 PM | Comment Update: At Providence Place mall: I want my iPhonePROVIDENCE -- Mum’s the word on how many Apple iPhones are for sale in Rhode Island, but the six people at the front of the line at the Apple store in Providence Place mall are pretty confident there’ll be enough for them. The talk of gadget lovers everywhere, the cell phone with the 3.5-inch display screen is being offered to consumers for the first time today. Signs posted on mall entrances state that lines were to form today at 6 a.m. at The Apple Store on Level 1 and the AT&T store on Level 3. They also noted that customers were prohibited (with that word in bold) from lining up anywhere on mall property prior to 6 a.m. That didn't stop some from trying to get into the mall last night, but they were asked to leave -- and another was asked to leave at 4:30 a.m. today. Inside The Apple Store, employees and a man who said he was the manager but couldn’t give his name to the media said only that the iPhones would be on sale today at 6 p.m. – but only after the store closes at 2 p.m. as all Apple stores have been instructed to do, they said. By about 2 p.m., 55 people stood in line. The Apple store itself had perhaps six to eight shoppers inside just after 10 a.m., when the mall opens. Outside the store, some 25 people had staked out a spot in line -- set apart from other shoppers by pedestals with line dividers -- hoping to buy the much-anticipated phone as soon as it goes on sale. Six of them were there right at 6 a.m., they said, two in sets of two and two others there individually. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Tim Barmann A few were disappointed Apple hadn’t given them chairs or a spot against the wall where they could wait. They felt a bit as if they were in a fishbowl. Chris Silva, 21, of Narragansett, sat at the front of the line with his PowerBook. He was perusing the Web site MacRumors.com to see what new information he could learn about the iPhones and sharing information with others on line. He’s eager to get his hands on the iPhone. “What isn’t there about the iPhone that I want?,” he replied when asked which features he most wanted. He’s excited about the visual voice mail, which will allow him to view who has left messages for him and when and then decide in which order he wants to listen to his voice mail messages. And he’s glad he’ll be able to fast forward and rewind messages by touching a scroll bar on the iPhone, he said. He has his mind set. He wants the more expensive version of the iPhone, which is selling for $499 with 4 Gigs of memory and $599 for 8 Gigs. Silva said the MacRumors site is reporting that the flagship Apple stores will have 1,000 iPhones each for sale. Granted, Providence probably isn’t one of the flagship stores, but at the front of the line, Silva wasn’t worried about not getting one of the coveted iPhones. When someone walked by and asked what the line was for, a few at the front replied they were waiting to buy the iPhone. The passer-by said he’d just order his online. “But he won’t get it until Tuesday or Wednesday,” said one of the men at the front of the line. One of the first six people to make up the line, Bassem Megally, 27, hails from Milwaukee, Wis., but he was quick to say that he hadn’t traveled all the way from Wisconsin to buy his iPhone from The Apple Store in Providence. He’s in the capital city to help his cousin at the Transformers BotCon convention at the Rhode Island Convention Center. He was glad to come help, but he told his cousin he’d need to find an Apple store where he could get his iPhone while here for the convention. Those near the front of the line were making friends and said they felt like one big family by 10 a.m. Want to know more about the phone? Projo.com's Sheila Lennon has blogged advance reviews from a variety of tech experts. Projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson knows a thing or two about making friends while waiting in a line. She met her husband hoping to buy tickets to the Women’s Olympic Figure Skating final in Norway in 1994. That was the year of the Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding controversy – which meant no extra tickets for Kate, her mom or the man she’d later marry. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:39 PM | Comment Transformer lovers find soulmates at BotCon / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- His luggage is lost. Yet Erwin De Jong is happy. He’s here, in the Rhode Island Convention Center. The 28-year-old Dutchman is thousands of miles from home, without a change of clothes, but he’s finally with his people. He’s at BotCon. That’s a contraction for robot convention. It began here yesterday and continues through Sunday, celebrating all things Transformers: the toys, the comics, the videos, the TV series, the movies . . . the life. With airfare, lodging, food and Transformers paraphernalia purchases all totaled, De Jong figures this trip will cost him $2,000. "It’s worth it, once. It’s the whole experience.” It’s an experience De Jong is sharing with about 2,000 people, who come from all over this country and more than a dozen others, including Japan, New Zealand and Australia. BotCon is in its 11th year. And it’s never been bigger. It’s the timing: the convention, the new Transformers movie (opening on Tuesday, although BotCon goers got a sneak peak yesterday), and the tours yesterday of Hasbro, the Pawtucket-based toymaker of Transformers and the orchestrator of this weekend’s perfect promotional storm. “You have the convention, the movie and Hasbro,” De Jong says. “If you’re going to go to BotCon, this is the year.”
-- Journal staff writer Bryan Rourke This is the first year BotCon has been in Rhode Island. And for that Joseph Igo is grateful. The 22-year-old East Providence man didn’t have to travel far. He just had to arrange his work schedule, months in advance. Maybe you wouldn’t understand. “Most people remember Transformers from watching the cartoon one day. Or they just nod and smile. They don’t get it, but they try to be polite.” Transformers are robots that can convert into cars, trucks, planes, animals, you name it. They were first introduced in 1984, and there have been hundreds, even thousands of variations on the theme since. Igo, who “lost count at 900” for his collection, recalls the draw of Transformers as a child. “It was like getting two toys in one. You get a robot and you can transform it into another toy.” However, toys tend not to be sought by adults, which is most of the BotCon crowd. And most Transformers come packaged with the words: For ages 4 and up. “Well, we were 4 and up when the Transformers first came out,” says Stephan “Us,” in this case, refers to Bibeault and his companion Heather Chase, 28, also of Montreal. “I’m the addict,” she says. “He’s the follower.” Chase says that as an adult she “respects Transformers as an art form,” and marvels at their engineering, and their potential for intrigue. Her follower agrees. “It’s like a Rubik’s Cube with a purpose,” Bibeault says. “At the end, you get more than just colors.” All these people at the convention can see Transformers characters online, on TV, on videos and on display in their homes. They come to BotCon for many reasons, which include dozens of forums with, among others, the writers, actors and designers involved in various Transformers projects. They also shop. They get exclusive access to Transformers not yet released to the public, and the opportunity to purchase replacements. “They’ll have parts I’m missing,” says Evan Brown, 30, of San Francisco. “The guns are always gone.” You’ve got to understand, Transformers fans say, there’s a huge range of “We’re on the fringe,” says Mary Rogers, 27, of Washington D.C. “There is a feeling of solidarity here.” That, in part, is why De Jong, the Dutchman, has traveled so far: to be part of the Transformers community. He’s wearing a black T-shirt and a dark brown pair of pants, the only clothes that successfully made the trip with him. And he’s standing in a long line, waiting to buy new Transformers merchandise. And he has a brilliant thought. “I’m going to buy a T-shirt!” BotCon continues tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. Admission is $10, $5 for children 5-12. -- Journal staff writer Bryan Rourke Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:26 PM | Comment Smooth sailing for second day of Tall Ships visitNEWPORT -- It's cloudy, and not very hot in the City by the Sea this afternoon -- very comfortable for walking around and taking a turn aboard a Tall Ship. It's the second official day of the Tall Ships event here, and signs of their presence are obvious on land and at sea. Sailors from the ships, who have gathered from several corners of the world, walk in small groups in their dress whites and caps. Lots of foreign languages are being spoken. There are lines of people waiting to board some of the larger ships, like the Gloria on Bannister's Wharf. But at others, especially smaller ships, there's no wait at all. Even the car traffic is bearable, with no signs of gridlock. (Organizers have urged drivers to park at designated sites outside the downtown.) Back at the Gloria, a woman is playing an accordion, helping to keep those waiting in line entertained. A nautical jig perhaps? No, not quite, a reporter on the scene suddenly realizes. He knows that song. It's "A small world after all." And today and through this weekend, in Newport, it certainly is. -- projo.com staff, with reports from Journal reporter Richard Salit Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:49 PM | Comment Photo uploads: Of lightning strikes and tall ships
Scott Lindemann of Providence sent projo.com this photo he took from his porch in Smith Hill as the storm passed over the region last night. You, too, can send in your photos of Providence life, and look at others, via our photo upload gallery. And, today, we're also inviting readers to send in their pictures of the Tall Ships visit to Newport. S. Taylor of Pawtucket has already sent some in. Take a look, and upload yours here.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:18 PM | Comment Explosion heaves, loosens pavement in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- National Grid utility workers confirmed an underground explosion today on Elmgrove Avenue on the city's East Side, leading to some power failures in nearby houses. It caused pavement to swell around a manhole cover. A 5-by-5 section section of pavement also broke loose and heaved up around the manhole. The cover is in front of the home at 511 Elmgrove Ave., near the intersection of Woodbury Street. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:00 PM | Comment DMV begins new surcharge next weekThe state Division of Motor Vehicles announced today that a $1.50 surcharge will be added to customer transactions starting Tuesday. The surcharge goes into effect as a result of the recently approved state budget. The surcharge will go on such things as license and registration renewals, said Gina Zanni, a spokeswoman for the Division of Motor Vehicles. It will not apply to sales tax paid when someone buys a new or used car. It also will not apply to things where no fee is charged, such as a handicapped placard, she said. The revenue from the surcharge will be used "exclusively" for paying debt service on a $13-million bond issuance for a new computer system at the DMV, according to the release. The division said the computer system "will dramatcially enhance the ability of the DMV to offer efficient and quality customer service." To find out more about the surcharge, the Division of Motor Vehicles said to call (401) 462-4DMV or go to www.dmv.ri.gov. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:51 AM | Comment Warwick police still seek clues in fatal shootingWARWICK – For the second day in a row, the Warwick police are searching the house at 43 Warwick Lake Ave. for clues to an early morning shooting that killed a man and injured two of his relatives. “We have a great deal of materials being brought in by our forensics” unit, Deputy Police Chief Mark Titus said this morning. The police do not yet know when they will release the crime scene.
 Sketch of the suspect Also this morning, detectives are still on the lookout for the masked assailant who allegedly entered the house just after midnight yesterday with a gun. When the owner, Caesar Medeiros, confronted the suspect, he was shot in the arm. His wife, Claire, was shot in the leg and Caesar’s brother, Gabriel Medeiros, who was living with the couple, was shot in the chest and killed. The gunman escaped through a back door. After releasing a sketch of the assailant, the police say they’ve received several phone calls, but have not yet identified a suspect. The gunman is described as clean shaven, 5’8” to 5’10” with a thin build and red hair. Titus said the police “continue to talk” to the injured couple – Caesar and Claire Medeiros – about the incident. Both were released from the hospital late yesterday and Titus said they are being cooperative. It is unknown if the assailant is still in the Warwick area. Titus said Warwick residents who are concerned about safety should practice basic crime prevention: lock their doors, activate alarms and turn on floodlights if they are available. The police ask anyone with any information about the shootings to call them at (401) 468-4233 or (401) 732-8477. -- Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Jack Perry at 11:26 AM | Comment Beach and marine info as you plan your weekendOn this beautiful beach weekend, nearly all beaches around the state are open and ready for sunbathers, swimmers and surfers. Just the GINNY-B Campground Beach in Foster, which the state Health Department recommended closing yesterday because of high bacteria counts, is closed today, according to the department’s Web site. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the department’s beach-monitoring site or call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. If you’re looking for marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region. Also, for all your nautical needs, boaters love the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:25 AM | Comment Traffic: Light problems on Route 4, North KingstownNORTH KINGSTOWN – The state Department of Transportation is on its way to fix a malfunctioning traffic light on Route 4 at West Allenton Road. For now, the police are directing traffic, which is building already, according to a police dispatcher. Otherwise, traffic in the Ocean State seems pretty normal for the moment. That could change, of course, as people begin heading out of town for the July Fourth holiday, which AAA Southern New England predicts will bring a record number of travelers onto the roads, beginning as early as today. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:17 AM | Comment Fire Safety Day comes to Washington ParkPROVIDENCE – The Providence Fire Department plans to bring safety tips, free smoke detectors and a Fire Safety House that simulates how quickly fire and smoke spread to Washington Park tomorrow. Fire Safety Day in the city’s 10th ward will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Columbia Park. On Michigan Avenue, the park is in front of Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside campus. Pizza and other food is free, and attendees are eligible to win children’s toys, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and other raffle prizes, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the fire department. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The fire department will give tours of the Fire Safety House, which is a trailer designed for demonstrations on how fires start and spread. Firefighters will offer tips on fire prevention and fire safety and will hand out fire safety pamphlets. Providence residents are also invited to sign up to receive free smoke detectors, which fire prevention specialists will install in homes and apartments at a later date, Taylor said. The safety day is sponsored by City Councilman Luis A. Aponte, state Rep. Joseph S. Almeida and Sen. Harold M. Metts, both Democrats from Providence. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:07 AM | Comment Heat wave over, great summery weather in storePROVIDENCE – Relief. The heat wave has broken, and it’s comfortably cool out there now, at just 63 degrees now. Feels nice, doesn’t it? Today is expected to be less humid than in the past few days, with highs in the mid-70s. This weekend should be beautiful. The National Weather Service predicts highs in the low-80s and mid-70s and lows at night in the low- to mid-50s. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story on President Bush's visit to Rhode Island, the first of his presidency. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 28, 2007Delta cancels some flights to RI, rest of northeastATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines Inc. canceled about 200 flights to and from several northeastern airports Thursday to minimize delays caused by heavy thunderstorms forecast across the region. Atlanta-based Delta said it made an early call to cancel the flights in hopes of giving at least 12-hours notice to affected passengers via automated e-mail and cell phone messages or calls from reservations staff. Passengers could ask for refunds or switch to other flights for no additional fees. The airline said flights were canceled in New York; Newark, N.J.; Hartford, Conn.; Providence, Boston; Washington; Baltimore and Philadelphia. Joe Kolshak, Delta's executive vice president for operations, said the canceled flights made up about a third of Delta's departures and arrivals in the Northeast Thursday. He said Delta trimmed the flights after the Federal Aviation Administration alerted airlines Thursday it would slow air traffic in the region because of forecasts of heavy rain and lightning. Kolshak said the leaner schedule would reduce delays among the remaining Delta flights. "While it does inconvenience some people, the goal is to minimize the impact to as few people as possible," he said. -- The Associated Press Kolshak said having to cancel some flights to reduce delays to others illustrates the nation's need for an upgraded air traffic control system. The airlines and FAA are pushing Congress to authorize a new multibillion-dollar system that would replace radar navigation with global-positioning satellites - allowing plans to fly closer together. "If you think of a freeway at rush hour, the current FAA system is like metering a car on the freeway every five minutes," Kolshak said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:24 PM | Comment Advocacy group complains about 'Transformers'PROVIDENCE -- A child advocacy group complained today to the Federal Trade Commission that ads and toys tied to the upcoming "Transformers" movie are aimed at children as young as 2 years old even though the film is rated PG-13. The movie is getting a premiere tonight at Providence Place Cinemas. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. And the Transformers toys are the focus of the "BotCon" convention this weekend at the Rhode Island Convention Center. This is the first time the convention, now in its 11th year, is being held in the state. There will be new toys and the old ones from the early 1980s. Check out the BotCon Web site by clicking here. The Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood called on the commission to work with the toy industry and media companies to develop a uniform rating system so toys tied to PG-13 movies would not be marketed to children younger than 13. It also asked the FTC to investigate the marketing of PG-13 movies to children. "We are reviewing the letter with great interest," said Jackie Dizdul, a spokeswoman for the FTC. Hasbro spokesman Wayne Charness said in a written statement that parents can rely on the existing toy coding and movie rating to decide whether they are appropriate for their children. "We believe that we are already taking the necessary steps in keeping the public informed so they can make decisions within the home, as opposed to further government mandates," Charness said, pointing out that Transformers toys have been around since 1984, long before the movie. -- The Associated Press Spokespeople for the Toy Industry Association and Paramount, which produced the movie along with Dreamworks, did not immediately return requests for comment. "Transformers," due to be released nationwide during the July 4 holiday, was rated PG-13 for violence and other content. Hasbro has released dozens of toys related to the film, some for children as young as 3 years old. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood told the FTC it monitored the Nickelodeon cable channel Monday and recorded "Transformers" movie ads during the shows "Fairly Odd Parents" and "Jimmy Neutron," both rated TV-Y for all children, including those age 2 to 6. It also recorded ads during "Ned's Declassified," which is rated for children 7 and older. "'Transformers' is a film that the industry itself deems to be too violent for children under the age of 13," said Susan Linn, a psychologist who co-founded the group. "When the toys and the film have ads during shows that children watch, the message that everyone is getting is, 'Well, it must be fine.' Yet the industry is actually saying that it isn't." Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:21 PM | Comment Man gets 30 days to get out of SomersetSOMERSET, Mass. -- A Fall River District Court judge has ordered John Makuch, 49, to get out of town and stay out in the wake of dozens of complaints that he harassed and intimidated his Lake Street neighbors, to the point that some said they feared for their safety. In all, he pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal harassment, three counts of witness intimidation, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of disturbing the peace and one count of disorderly conduct. Judge Mary Amrhein said he has 30 days to sell his two homes and leave town, and he can’t set foot Somerset again except for documented doctor appointments. She also put him on probation for 2-1/2 years and ordered him to have no contact with three of the families that had complained about him. Since at least 1998, police have been called to area about 120 times as a result of varying complaints, usually involving Makuch. He also faced a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his brother June 17 at 136 Crestview Ave., but that charge was dismissed after the brother, Thaddeus, said under oath that he wasn’t hurt and that the two siblings were engaging in “just horseplay.” Witnesses had told police that the brothers were rolling around on the ground during the altercation. Thaddeus Makuch said those witnesses were far away and didn’t really know what was going on. Makuch said his neighbors were making up the allegations, and the fact that he’s not a troublemaker is borne out by the fact that he has spent the last year and a half living on Hanley Road in Somerset, away from his wife and children, without any problems. But one Lake Street resident and one ex-neighbor said the sentence wasn’t stiff enough. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. “I think it’s too light for what he has done to people,” said James Rockcliffe. “To me, he should have served jail time.” Rockcliffe said Makuch’s harassment became so bad, he and his family were forced to move out of state. “We kept saying it couldn’t get any worse,” Rockcliffe said during his session with the judge. But it did. “For our own health and sanity we had to leave. No one should be allowed to run roughshod like that.” Rockcliffe said Makuch “chased people out [of the neighborhood] before us.” “He went at my son-in-law and my grandson head on,” said Edward Holewiak, who moved to the neighborhood in 1992, four years before Makuch. He apparently enjoyed terrorizing neighbors with vehicular close calls. “He’s cut me off [on the road]. He thinks it’s fun,” Maria Holewiak told the judge, saying he had followed her several times. “This is years of abuse.” “It’s not just my family, it’s my whole neighborhood,” she said. “He’s like a time bomb. You don’t know when he’s going to go off. He does not respect anyone.” The four criminal harassment complaints to which Makuch pled guilty are based on 41 separate reports from the neighborhood extending from July 23, 1998 to Aug. 3, 2005. In a few, Makuch complains about his neighbors, such as an instance where he called police and alleged that some neighborhood children had stuck their tongues out at him. But all of the rest are against him. The complaints range from someone saying Makuch stared out his window at them and used an obscene gesture, to vowing to kill a neighbor’s dog for barking. For example, according to a June 13, 2000, complaint from the neighbor and his 22-year-old son, the son was washing his car and saw Makuch drive by. Makuch stopped, backed up, and reportedly demanded to know, “What the [expletive] are you looking at?” The son said he wasn’t looking at him, to which Makuch reportedly responded, “Why don’t you [expletive] Portuguese go back to your own country.” That report from Officer William Tedford says he approached Makuch, who claimed it was a minor argument about nothing. Makuch reportedly added, “I hope those two know that I could wipe the street with both of them.” And it’s not just neighbors. Court files include a few complaints against Makuch — such as two road rage incidents — that don’t even involve neighbors. Most of the remaining charges stem from incidents beginning June 1, 2005. On that date, police were called to his house because he was blasting music. The cops told him to turn it down. He did. He turned it right back up moments after the police left. They arrested him on two counts of disturbing the peace. The next day, he decided to mow his lawn — after dark. Neighbors complained about the noise. One said he did it while shouting obscenities at him. When police arrived at 9:49 p.m., his lawnmower was off, but still warm. He was cited again for disturbing the peace. Two weeks later, he was arrested on the same charge again because of loud music and revving his motorcycle. Seven weeks after that, he was arrested for using a trailer to block in the cars of people visiting neighbors. He began shouting obscenities when police arrived. He received scored another disturbing the peace charge and a disorderly conduct charge. The following December, he brought his truck around and arranged a near-collision with the vehicle of one of the neighbors who had complained about him. That produced the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and one witness intimidation charge. For a while, Makuch was asking for a jury trial. While that request was pending, a judge ordered him to keep away from Lake Street. He resided in Westerly for a while, according to court records, and subsequently moved to Hanley Road, an isolated street close to Route 195. Then, on April 28 of this year, with his trial just nine days away, the Holewiaks complained that Makuch had driven by their auto dealership on GAR Highway and made an obscene gesture toward them. The couple said it wasn’t the first time. Makuch got pegged with two felony counts of witness intimidation. The probation means that Makuch will have to stay out of trouble until Dec. 28, 2009. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:39 PM | Comment We've got ourselves a heat waveIt wasn’t supposed to happen -- today was originally supposed to bring enough relief to keep temperatures below 90 degrees -- but we’ve logged the first official heat wave of the summer. Preliminary data today from the National Weather Service show that the temperature hit 90 degrees or higher for the third straight day, the criteria for a heat wave. With thunderstorms closing in on some parts of the region, the official Providence temperature (measured at the airport in Warwick) hit 90 degrees just before 4 p.m. The highs on Tuesday and Wednesday were 95. The actual high temperature could be a bit higher. The official high won’t be posted for a few hours. Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:37 PM | Comment Health Department advises closing Foster beachThe state Health Department today recommended closing GINNY-B Campground Beach in Foster to swimming because of high bacteria counts. Officials will watch the water quality and recommend re-opening when it's deemed safe for swimming. To check beaches, go to www.health.ri.gov or for recorded information call (401) 222-2751. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:00 PM | Comment Motorcyclist dies in North SmithfieldNORTH SMITHFIELD -- A 24-year-old Massachusetts man died Wednesday night in a motorcycle accident, according to the police. The accident occurred around 7:30 on Douglas Pike between Mattity Road and Rankin Path. The driver, Gregory A. Amaral, of 20 Hough Road in Sutton, Mass., was traveling in the southbound lane when he entered the northbound lane, lost control of the motorcycle and collided with the pavement, according to a statement released by Lt. Bradley C. Aubin. Amaral was pronounced dead on the scene, and the accident remains under investigation by members of the department’s patrol and accident reconstruction units, Aubin said. -- Journal staff writer Kia Hall Hayes Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:49 PM | Comment Reporter's press pass revoked by Bush staffWPRI-TV, Channel 12 reporter Jarrod Holbrook had his White House press pass snatched today after he shouted “Mr. President” twice as President Bush greeted Air and Army National Guardsmen gathered on the tarmac at Quonset airport in North Kingstown. A member of the president’s entourage pointed at Holbrook after he first tried to get Bush’s attention. The man then ripped the pass from Holbrook’s belt after he shouted to the president, who was less then 10 feet away, again. Holbrook said afterward that he just wanted to ask Bush how he enjoyed his visit to Rhode Island. Members of the media were not told they could not ask the president questions. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:42 PM | Comment Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Rhode IslandPeruse every Rhode Island county on the National Weather Service Web site, and the result is the same this afternoon: a severe thunderstorm watch. The same goes for much of southeastern Massachusetts. Late this afternoon, there could be periods of showers, potential for hail in the region and damaging winds, according to the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass. Tonight, the forecast says showers and thunderstorms likely before 9 p.m., then a chance of showers. Click here to check on the forecast. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:13 PM | Comment President, aboard Air Force One, bids RI good-byeNORTH KINGSTOWN -- President Bush has left Rhode Island. Air Force One took off from Quonset Point around 3:30 p.m. after the president shook the hands, and signed hats for, some of the 100 or so Air and Army National Guard personnel gathered at Quonset, where the president landed about 10:30 this morning. Mr. Bush spent the day in Newport, addressing about 500 or so people at the Naval War College, where the Naval Command College is celebrating its 50th reunion. The president defended his Iraq, Middle East and foreign policies in a speech before a supportive audience at the college. Chanting "What do we want? The troops out," about 200 protesters -- other estimates put it at 100 and 150 -- walked to the intersection with Third Street, but could not go any farther, as they were met by the police and told not to block the street. The president apparently never saw the protestors. They had wanted to leave a list of demands, including immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, but indicated they would have to mail the list. Inside the college, Bush was embraced by a much more welcoming group, getting three standing ovations. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:38 PM | Comment Pawtucket man pleads guilty to drugs-for-gunsPROVIDENCE -- A Pawtucket man pleaded guilty today to trying to trade crack cocaine and heroin for guns. Tracy Angiolillo, 49, has several felony convictions, which could subject him to a sentence of at least 15 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office said in a news release. At a Sept. 28 sentencing, the government will argue for the 15-year-minimum sentence, asserting Angiolillo is an "armed career criminal," with two or more convictions for drug trafficking or violent felonies. Angiolillo entered the guily plea before U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi in Providence. At the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said the government could show that on Feb. 22 Angiolillo met with an undercover ATF agent in a Pawtucket hotel parking lot. Angiolillo gave the agent 1.15 grams of crack, about a half gram of heroin, and $100 in cash, the U.S. Attorney's office said, The agent gave Angiolillo two handguns, and agents arrested Angiolillo. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Earlier in February, according to an affidavit, agents got information that Angiolillo wanted to get guns in exchange for cash and drugs, the news release said. An undercover agent made contact with Angiolillo, who said he wanted cheap “burners,” which authorities said is slang for guns. In exchange, he could offer both cash and “product" -- a street term for drugs. Angiolillo pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, distribution of crack cocaine, and distribution of heroin. The maximum penalty for the firearms offense is ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for distributing crack cocaine, and for distributing heroin is 20 years in prison and a $1-million fine. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:26 PM | Comment Update: State House workers return to buildingPROVIDENCE -- People ordered to evacuate the State House this afternoon were allowed back in around 2:45 p.m. The evacuation appeared to be for some sort of electrical problem. About 100 people, including Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis, left the building shortly after 2:30 p.m. and stood in front of the state Department of Transportation building, across the street from the State House -- where the legislature meets and the governor's office is. Governor Carcieri has been in Newport for President Bush's visit and his schedule shows him remaining there until 5 p.m. for a conference. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:52 PM | Comment Tall Ships: Blue sky and haze, no signs of stormNEWPORT – Despite the National Weather Service forecast that we could see thunderstorms and showers this afternoon, it’s a blue sky day in the city right now. It’s hazy, but nothing looks in danger of being canceled as the city celebrates the Tall Ships festival. Sailboats are on the water, going back and forth on what appears to be an ideal Newport Harbor day. One addition: With President Bush here and security officials on alert because of the vast number of visitors for the Tall Ships, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter is making the rounds, flying loop after loop from the Naval War College over to the Pell Bridge and back. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:31 PM | Comment Bush visit: Bush takes his leave / Photo
Posted by Peter Phipps at 2:01 PM | Comment Child advocate files lawsuit for foster-care childrenPROVIDENCE -- With 10 Rhode Island foster-care children as plaintiffs, the state's child advocate filed a class-action lawsuit against the state "to protect the rights of approximately 3,000 children in state custody" from abuse and neglect. That's according to a news release, which says the suit aims to reform Rhode Island's welfare system. "The evidence is well-documented that abused and neglected children are not getting the protection and services that they need -- and are entitled to -- from the Rhode Island child welfare system," state Child Advocate Jametta Alston said in the statement. "Consistent with our obligation to protect the best interests of our state's children, this suit seeks to achieve systemic, sorely needed reforms." The suit is "Sam and Tony M. v. Carcieri," and the child advocate's office said it has hired law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Child advocacy organization Children's Rights, which has brought cases of the same sort in other parts of the country, is also involved, according to the release. The news release asserts: -- Rhode Island was the worst in the nation in the number of children abused and neglected while in state foster care in five of the six years between 2000 and 2005, and in the sixth year it was the second-worst. -- Children are put in "large, orphanage-like institutions rather than in homes, and are frequently left to languish there, sometimes for years." -- Caseworkers have "dangerously high caseloads that far exceed national standards and that endanger the children" the state has to protect. The child advocate says the problems with the state's systems are documented at www.childrensrights.org. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:49 PM | Comment Bush visit: Staying strong on staying in Iraq / Photo
NEWPORT -- President Bush presented a strenuous defense of his Iraq, Middle East and foreign policies in a speech before a supportive audience at the Naval War College today. The late-morning speech wrapped up with questions from the audience of more than 500 people, which included military officials and foreign leaders gathered at the college for the 50th anniversary of its Naval Command College program. Also in the audience: fellow Republican Governor Carcieri, the only Rhode Island leader to be there. Bush received a standing ovation three times from the crowd, as he gave a stout defense of his Iraq policy. But the president, who is facing heavy pressure to withdraw troops from Iraq, also warned that more patience is needed because there is still a long way to go and there will be more casualties before all is over. While he did say progress was being made on the ground, in ways that the media may not report, he added: "We've got to prepare ourselves for more violence and more setbacks." In vintage Bush form, he invoked the reason why time and time again -- because he wants to protect the world from terror. The themes are similar to those he employed after the Sept. 11 terror attacks -- which he also kept coming back to in his speech today. Bush also declared there is a decrease in sectarian violence between the Sunnis and Shiites around Baghdad. But despite success, he said, Anbar province remains a dangerous place. His comments came on a day when a car bomb killed at least 22 people in a bus station in western Baghdad, and police said 20 beheaded bodies had been discovered on the banks of the Tigris River southeast of the capital. Government security officials raised doubts about the decapitation report. Bush is expected to have lunch at the military college overlooking Newport Harbor before heading back to Quonset State Airport for his departure later this afternoon. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:40 PM | Comment Bush visit: A setback for his immigration plan / VideoWASHINGTON -- The Senate drove a stake today through President Bush's plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants, likely postponing major action on immigration until after the 2008 elections. After the stinging political setback, Bush sounded resigned to defeat. "Legal immigration is one of the top concerns of the American people, and Congress' failure to act on it is a disappointment," he said after his appearance at the Naval War College in Newport. "A lot of us worked hard to see if we couldn't find common ground. It didn't work." The bill's Senate supporters fell 14 votes short of the 60 needed to limit debate and clear the way for final passage of the legislation, which critics assailed as offering amnesty to illegal immigrants. The vote was 46 to 53 in favor of limiting the debate. Rhode Island's Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, both Democrats, voted in favor of the motion. Some senators in both parties said the issue is so volatile that Congress is unlikely to revisit it this fall or next year, when the presidential election will increasingly dominate American politics. Bush -- who had just delivered a forceful and well-received speech before a military audience on his defense policies -- appeared glum as he spoke. His negotiators had expressed optimism the vote would go their way or at least be closer. "Congress really needs to prove to the American people that it can come together on hard issues," Bush said. He turned attention to his other goals in Congress this year, including energy, health care and balanced-budget initiatives. Video: See Bush's reaction to the failed vote. -- The Associated Press, with projo.com reports Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:34 PM | Comment Drug-trafficking 'leader' gets 14 years in prisonPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison as the "leader and organizer" of a drug-trafficking organization that shipped cocaine from Colorado to Rhode Island last year. Estroredarcio Bernard, 51, led the organization's efforts to ship multi-kilogram loads of the drug into the state, according to a news release today from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office. U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres imposed the sentence yesterday. In December, Bernard -- also known as Beligue -- pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Rogers said at the plea hearing the government could prove that, in January 2006, agents with a drug trafficking task force monitored conversations between Bernard, in Providence, and Fernando Gonzalez-Ramirez, in Colorado They talked about the price of cocaine that Gonzalez-Ramirez wanted to sell to Bernard, the U.S. Attorney's office said. They agreed on $19,000 per kilogram, and Gonzalez-Ramirez said a shipment would arrive in Providence within a few days. Agensts saw a car on Jan. 30 last year with Colorado license plates outside California Liquors, a store on Union Avenue that Bernard ran. The agents said they followed the car to a warehouse on Hathaway Street. Drug Enforcement Administration agents said that later that day they seized from the warehouse 11 packages, each containing a half-kilogram of cocaine. Bernard was arrested as was the driver of the Colorado car, Adalberto Bejarano-Gonzalez, who is a cousin of Gonzalez-Ramirez. After additional investigation, federal agents arrested Gonzalez-Ramirez in Colorado in August 2006.
In February, a jury found Gonzales-Ramirez, 34, guilty of conspiracy to traffic in five kilograms or more of cocaine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi sentenced him last month to 20 years in prison. Federal agents said they also seized nearly $100,000 in cash: $9,300 from a home in West Warwick, $70,500 from California Liquors, and $20,000 that Bernard’s wife turned over to the FBI. She was not charged. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:28 PM | Comment Bush visit: Protesters chant, 'The troops out.'NEWPORT -- About 200 protesters, from middle schoolers to retirees, chanted, "What do we want? The troops out!," as they converged at the Connell Highway rotary during President Bush's speech today at the Naval War College. The group walked to the intersection with Third Street but could not go any farther, as they were met by the police and told not to block the street. The protesters held signs, including one that said, "Bush 911 murderer scum," and another that said, "Impeach the beast." And they chanted, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Bush and Cheney's got to go!" They also planned to present a list of demands, which include: -- Immediately withdraw all of the "occupying force" from Iraq. -- Reparations for Iraq. -- Full benefits for returning servicemen and servicewomen. -- No military action against Iran. At around 12:40 p.m., the group appeared to be finishing. The president apparently never saw the protesters. They said they would have to mail the list of demands. At least four helicopters were seen overhead at around 11 a.m., though you could not tell what kind of helicopters they were. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims By 10:30 a.m., about three-dozens people had gathered for the protest in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Connell Highway. Tom Padwa and his wife, Joanne DeVoe, of Warren, were among them. Members of the group East Bay Citizens for Peace, they said they believe there should be an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. They believe the United States’ Middle East policy has failed. “We’ve destroyed their country,” Padwa said about Iraq. “The Iraqi people have no more reason to be grateful to us than a dog has to be grateful to an owner that kicks it.” One of the organizers, Warwick resident Nicholas Schmader, is a member of the Green Party and of the Rhode Island Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. The group planned to walk to the nearby rotary at Connell Highway They wanted to get as close as they could to the Naval War College base, where they planned to leave their list of demands. “We are a counter-presence to the Bush visit,” Schmader said. “Rhode Island has given Bush his lowest approval ratings. We want to be consistent with that.” Among the protesters was Rod Driver, a former state representative who has had four runs for U.S. Congress. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:08 PM | Comment Tall Ships: Mobile command post ready -- just in caseNEWPORT -- A modern-day military and public safety encampment is at the top of the hill at Fort Adams, in place to provide security for the Tall Ships festival – and to handle the first visit to Rhode Island by President Bush. The Rhode Island National Guard, the state Emergency Management Agency, and several state and municipal public safety teams are in command trucks and tents in the command post. They are overlooking the harbor, the dock, Tall Ships and the historic old fort. At the state’s mobile command center, state and local search-and-rescue teams and the National Guard’s civil support team are posted along with teams that handle hazardous materials and decontamination. Meanwhile, downtown amid the crowd, roving patrols from the state hazardous materials team, a decontamination team and the National Guard are keeping watch, according to state EMA executive director Robert J. Warren. Earlier today, when the president’s helicopter was spotted flying over Fort Adams as Mr. Bush made his way to the Naval War College, everyone stopped and ran to the grassy edge with binoculars and cameras and cell phones to watch the four helicopters cruise by. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:56 PM | Comment Bush visit: Quotes from his speechSelect quotes from President Bush's speech at the Naval War College today: "Al-Qaeda's strategy is to use human beings as bombs to create grisly images for the world to see. ... They aim to cultivate a sense of despair about the future of a free Iraq. They hope to gain, by the teleivision screen, what they cannot gain on the battle field against U.S. and Iraqi forces ... " "We’re involved in a broader war against these ideological killers. Iraq is just a theater in this war." "And what makes the war even more significant is that what happens overseas matters to the security in the United States of America, wihich is what we learned on Sept. 11 ... " "[If we were to] yield the future of Iraq to terrorists like Al-Qaeda ... we would give a green light to extremists all throughout a troubled region. The consequences for America would be disastrous ... " "It is a huge honor to be the commander-in-chief of such noble men and women. Our military's not only great. It’s good. Good-hearted people. All volunteers who said, 'I want to serve in the face of danger.' " Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:30 PM | Comment Tall Ships: Aboard the Virginia, accents from afarNEWPORT -- At the schooner Virginia, here for Tall Ships Newport festivities that kicked off this morning, perhaps it's appropriate some of the accents weren't quite Rhode Island ... err ... Vo Dilun. One couple came from North Carolina just for the Tall Ships -- a trip planned three months ago. An Atlanta, Ga., couple, on their way back from Nantucket, Mass., also decided to stop by the Tall Ships today. At the Virginia, there was no long line to get aboard, but a steady flow of people, many of them snapping photos. For more about Tall Ships, click here. And watch for coverage on projo.com during the day and in the Journal tomorrow. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:11 PM | Comment Bush visit photo: Bush greets Warwick's mayor
Posted by Peter Phipps at 12:00 PM | Comment Bush visit: Addressing Naval War College / VideoNEWPORT -- President Bush is speaking now at the Naval War College. He just received loud applause when he said of U.S. troops: “We owe them the time and support they need to succeed." Later in the speech, he spoke to the issue of withdrawing troops from Iraq: "If we withdraw before the Iraqi government can defend itself ... the consequences for the area could be disastrous." Bush also said that the future of the United States depends on standing with the "moms and dads across the Middle East." His formal speech has ended just before noon, and he is now taking questions from the audience. His speech is also being broadcast live on WPRO-630 AM. Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:00 PM | Comment Update: Police ID Warwick shooting victims / Photo
The man who died was identified as Gabriel Medeiros, 35, of 43 Warwick Lake Ave., the scene of the shooting. The two injured people are the dead man's brother, Caesar Medeiros, 43, and Caesar's wife, Claire Medeiros, 39, also of 43 Warwick Lake Ave. The survivors told the police that they awakened to find a masked gunman in their home just after midnight. A violent struggle ensued. Gabriel was shot in the chest. Caesar Medeiros and Claire Medeiros were also shot. They are being treated at Rhode Island Hospital for injuries that are apparently not life threatening. The police believe the gunman was also injured in the struggle, but wouldn't say how he was injured. The police searched the area last night with dogs, but didn't find the suspect. Nobody has been arrrested. The police don't have any evidence to indicate that the victims knew the gunman. -- Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:55 AM | Comment Bush visit: The president begins speech / VideoNEWPORT -- President Bush has just begun speaking at the Naval War College in an auditorium where 500 or more people are gathered. The president's speech is expected to concern terrorism before an audience of Navy officials and military leaders. The president, dressed in a dark suit, a light blue shirt and a red tie, was introduced at the college by Governor Carcieri. It is Mr. Bush's first visit to the state of his presidency. The president said he saw the Tall Ships, visiting Newport Harbor this week, from the air, and called them magnificent. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Nicole Dungca Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:28 AM | Comment Couple are convicted in pyramid schemeBOSTON -- A former Attleboro, Mass., couple is convicted of running a $27-million pyramid scheme targeting hundreds of Cambodian immigrants. A federal jury deliberated for two days before returning the guilty verdicts against James Bunchan and Seng Tan. Prosecutors said the victims were told they would receive $300 a month for the rest of their lives -- and the lives of their children -- for every $26,000 they invested. But prosecutors say the payments eventually stopped, and that Tan and Bunchan spent millions of dollars of investors' money on gambling trips, a Florida home and even tennis lessons. Sentencing is set for September. A third defendant, Christian Rochon of Warwick, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and testified against Bunchan and Tan. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:21 AM | Comment Tall Ships: Safety precautions for severe weatherNEWPORT – Severe weather could curtail some of the Tall Ships activities this afternoon, if the National Weather Service’s predictions for heavy downpours, thunderstorms and “frequent and dangerous cloud to ground lightning” hold true. Tall Ships organizers, the U.S. Coast Guard, the state Department of Environmental Management and the Newport harbormaster are listening to constant weather reports and working together to determine if activities must be postponed or canceled, according to Robert Toracinta, harbormaster assistant in Newport. The National Weather Service has issued both a special weather statement and a hazardous weather outlook. While most of the reaction to weather today should be common sense, Toracinta said the harbormaster has the jurisdiction to “shut things down at his discretion.” If he needs to, the harbormaster would cancel the shuttle boats taking visitors out to visit the ships and over to Fort Adams State Park, Toracinta said. If severe weather whips up while people are already aboard ships or at Fort Adams, those people would need to stay put, secured below on the ships or at the office facilities at Fort Adams, Toracinta said. The Tall Ships organizers have experience dealing with inclement weather, Toracinta said. In a previous visit, they secured a ballroom at the Newport Marriott where passengers waited out a storm, he said. “Everyone’s in contact with one another, and they do have emergency plans in place,” he said. Need harbormaster info? Click here. Heading to or already in Newport? Check the latest weather conditions for the city. Going by boat? Check the latest marine forecasts. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:13 AM | Comment Bush visit: Presidential helicopter takes in the sightsMoments before 11 a.m., the president’s helicopter and three other large helicopters flew over Fort Adams. They arrived from the west, crossed Narragansett Bay to Newport, hovered over Newport Harbor and the Tall Ships and then flew over Fort Adams, where some of the Tall Ships are docked. They continued on their way. The president is due any minute at the Naval War College. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:00 AM | Comment Bush visit: A quick greeting and another flight / Photo
After getting off Air Force One, the president shook hands with dignitaries waiting for him, including Governor Carcieri, former Gov. Lincoln Almond and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. He hugged Tiverton resident Sherrill Estes and gave her an award for her volunteer work. The president asked Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian if he still likes being mayor. Avedisian told him it's a lot of fun on most days. Bush replied that his job is like that too. Avedisian's job was anything but fun early today. He'd been up most of the night because of a shooting in Warwick early this morning that has left one person dead and two wounded. Bush left in a helicopter with the governor and Mrs. Carcieri. He's scheduled to speak later this morning at the Naval War College in Newport. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Jack Perry at 10:57 AM | Comment Bush visit: About 3 dozen protesters gatherNEWPORT – About three dozen protesters have gathered by 10:30 a.m. for a planned protest against President Bush in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Connell Highway. They don’t plan to get started for another half hour or so. Tom Padwa and his wife, Joanne DeVoe, of Warren, are among those at the rally. Members of the group East Bay Citizens for Peace, they said they believe there should be an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. They believe the United States’ Middle East policy has failed. “We’ve destroyed their country,” Padwa said about Iraq. “The Iraqi people have no more reason to be grateful to us than a dog has to be grateful to an owner that kicks it.” One of the organizers of today’s protest, Warwick resident Nicholas Schmader, is a member of the Green Party and of the Rhode Island Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. He said the group plans to walk to the nearby rotary at Connell Highway and have a short protest there. Some of the protesters will then try to walk as close as they can to the Naval War College base, where they will try to leave a list of demands. “We are a counter-presence to the Bush visit,” Schmader said. “Rhode Island has given Bush his lowest approval ratings. We want to be consistent with that.” Among the protesters is Rod Driver, a former state representative who has had four runs for U.S. Congress. Some students are here as well, but the group is more heavily retirees. -- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Meanwhile, traffic is building in the city that is host today of Mr. Bush’s first presidential visit to Rhode Island and to the annual Tall Ships festival. Police are posted along West Main Road, Valley Road and Admiral Kalbfus Road, not yet directing traffic but looking ready to do so when needed. People arriving in the city to view the Tall Ships are gathering in the shuttle lots at the high school on Valley Road and at the Route 138-Pell Bridge interchange. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:51 AM | Comment Bush visit: Air Force One lands at Quonset / Photo
The president hasn't yet stepped on Rhode Island soil. Several dignitaries are waiting for him, including Governor Carcieri and his wife, Sue. Former Governor Lincoln Almond is also waiting. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Jack Perry at 10:35 AM | Comment Bush visit: A busy day already for the presidentPresident Bush should be on his way to Newport by now and a speech at the Naval War College. But he's already taken care of some important business this morning. Moving toward a constitutional showdown with Congress, he asserted executive privilege and rejected lawmakers' demands for documents that could shed light on the firings of federal prosecutors. Bush's attorney told Congress the White House would not turn over subpoenaed documents for former presidential counsel Harriet Miers and former political director Sara Taylor. Today was the deadline for surrendering the documents. The White House also made clear that Miers and Taylor would not testify next month, as directed by the subpoenas, which were issued June 13. The stalemate could end up with House and Senate contempt citations and a battle in federal court over separation of powers. Bush is also working on salvaging his broad immigration bill that's in peril before a crucial test vote by calling senators early this morning to rally support. Republicans and Democrats could put the brakes on the bipartisan plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants today, after the measure's roller-coaster ride through a Senate deeply divided over the issue. Like many supporters of the complex bipartisan measure, both of Rhode Island’s Democratic senators see flaws in it, and both note strong currents of opposition from Rhode Islanders. But both plan to vote to limit debate on the bill today, -- With Associated Press reports Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:30 AM | Comment A poor grade for Ocean State highwaysA study out today says Rhode Island has some of the least cost-effective roads in the nation. The study used factors including traffic fatalities, congestion and maintenance to measure the cost-effectiveness of highways in each state. It ranked Rhode Island in the bottom five, along with New Jersey, Alaska, New York and Hawaii. The report was based on data from 1984 through 2005. It was conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and financed by the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank based in Los Angeles. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:50 AM | Comment Tall Ships: Flags fluttering in the breezeOn the Newport waterfront at 7 this morning, the towering masts of Tall Ships were shrouded in summer haze, ceremonial flags fluttering in the blustery southwest breeze. Last night the waterfront was lit up like Christmas, decorated by lights strung from masts and yardarms. Sailors in white uniforms strolled in small groups up and down the narrow sidewalks of Thames Street. Many appeared to be saluting the crowds, but were instead holding cell phones to their ears. -- By Capt. Frank Gerardi, Newport resident and Journal artist. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:47 AM | Comment Update: One dead after triple-shooting in WarwickWARWICK – One man is dead and a man and woman are at Rhode Island Hospital with injuries that don’t appear life-threatening after a triple shooting at 43 Warwick Lake Ave. just after midnight. The police have no one in custody at this time, Det. Lt. Michael Higgins said this morning. They expect to release more details at a 10 a.m. press conference. Mayor Scott Avedisian said the shooter appears to have fled the immediate area after the shooting, which occurred in the Chatham Village neighborhood, on the line of the Hoxsie neighborhood. In the middle of the night, as police and city leaders believed the suspect might be in the area, Avedisian was warning Warwick residents to lock their doors and windows and be on the alert for any suspicious activity. By this morning, he was urging people to report any suspicious activity. Avedisian said the state police assisted in the search for the suspect with a team of dogs to complement the one dog and handler the local police have. All three shooting victims were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, and the man who died succumbed to his injuries after arriving at the hospital, Higgins said. Avedisian said the kinds of warnings he has issued to residents are the sort the city typically makes after a crime. He wants people to call the main police department, at (401) 468-4200, to report any suspicious behavior or activity. “Really, for us, it’s no different than what we normally tell people,” he said. Check back with projo.com throughout the day for more details as they emerge. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:47 AM | Comment Bush visit: A whirlwind trip plannedPresident Bush is expected to arrive this morning on Air Force One at Quonset State Airport for his first presidential visit to Rhode Island. He has a busy schedule that includes a speech on terrorism before Navy officials and military leaders at the Naval War College in Newport. Governor Carcieri will introduce the president at the war college. Among those expected at Quonset for the president’s arrival is Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, a Republican in his fifth term as mayor. Mr. Bush is also expected to honor Tiverton resident and active volunteer Sherrill Estes and to meet with the family of the late Sgt. Michael R. Weidemann, a 23-year-old Newport soldier who was killed in Iraq last October. His visit falls on a day when Newport is expected to be packed with tourists and residents enjoying the Tall Ships festival, adding to the security challenges inherent with any presidential visit. Read tips on getting around Newport today. We have photographers and reporters on the scene. Check back with projo.com throughout the day. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:24 AM | Comment Southwest cuts some Providence-Philly flightsPHILADELPHIA -- Southwest Airlines is trimming service between Providence and Philadelphia as part of a broader move to cut some routes nationwide. Southwest plans to trim service between Providence and Philadelphia from six to five daily round-trips. Also, Southwest will stop flying direct flights from Philadelphia to California this fall, at least temporarily. Nationally, the airline plans to cut 39 round-trips and add 45. The discount carrier is wrestling with high fuel costs and a slow economy. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:09 AM | Comment We could see a heat wave, thunderstormsPROVIDENCE – We could see a heat wave this week before it’s all over. After two days of 90-degree-plus days, the National Weather Service is now predicting a high near 91 today – higher than predictions from earlier this week. Three days in a row of 90-plus days equals an official heat wave. We’ve got an 80 percent chance of heavy rain today and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Then, we’ve got a 60 percent chance of more heavy rain tonight. That should cool things down for us. Today's air quality alert and chance of gusty thunderstorms and lightning have caused the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook. Tomorrow is slated for a high of 76, with a slight chance of more showers. So hang in there, be careful managing the heat and know that some relief is on the way. But remember, it is summer, after all, and we’re sure to have more of this weather soon. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:07 AM | Comment Another air quality alert todayPROVIDENCE -- Another Air Quality Alert has declared for today -- the third day in a row that state officials expect unhealthy air to blanket the region. The Department of Environmental Management says it expects a high level of fine particles in the air, which can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath and problems for people with asthma. Officials are asking people to limit their driving and help reduce emissions from power plants by saving energy -- like turning off lights and computer screens when not in use. Most RIPTA lines continue to be free tomorrow. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story about the tall ships visiting Newport and a preview on President Bush's visit to Rhode Island today. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 27, 2007Before the prez and ships, catch a comedianNEWPORT -- Before the Tall Ships thing really gets going here and the leader of the free world rolls into town tomorrow, you can mellow out with some laughs tonight. Comedian Ron White performs at the Newport Yachting Center. White, known for his “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, goes on at 7 p.m. For tickets, $45, call (401) 331-2211 or go to www.newportcomedy.com. Or go to Ticketmaster. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment For Governor Carcieri, a busy day tomorrowGovernor Carcieri has one of those days tomorrow. He is scheduled to be at Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown from 10:30 to 10:35 a.m. to greet President Bush, who will be making the first visit of his presidency to Rhode Island. According to the schedule released by the governor's office, from 10:55 a.m. to noon, the governor is scheduled to be at the Naval War College in Newport, where Mr. Bush is expected to speak on the war on terror at 11 a.m. The president will be there as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the college’s Naval Command College, a school for military officers from around the world. But that's not all. From 12:30 to 5 p.m., Carcieri will host at the Republican Governors Association's Education and Financial Services Forum at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island, Newport. And, of course, he may work in a few glimpses of the Tall Ships as they sail around Newport Harbor for the first official day of their visit here.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:02 PM | Comment High court ruling: It started with noises in the atticPROVIDENCE -- It began with five baby raccoons, spread to rabies vaccinations for dozens of residents, led to firing of an East Providence animal control supervisor and ended with today's state Supreme Court ruling. The state's highest court upheld that an arbitrator exceeded authority in reassigning John Smith, the former animal control officer, to another position -- police dispatcher -- as a result of a union complaint following the city's firing of Smith from animal control. Smith was animal control supervisor in May 2004 when he received a call from his father about animal noises apparently coming from the attic of the father's East Providence home, according to the Supreme Court opinion. Smith removed an adult raccoon from the house, but noises continued. Smith investigated more and found infant raccoons, determined they were too young to survive by themselves and brought them to the animal shelter. At the arbitration hearing, Smith testified that after trying to place the raccoons with two animal rehabilitators failed, he asked Tracey Blackledge, a part-time animal shelter employee, to care for the raccoons at her home. Blackledge agreed and about a month later, after animal control officers removed another infant raccoon from a local golf course, she took in a sixth raccoon, according to the court. "The raccoons, however, did not remain little for long," the court's opinion states, and by July 2004 they were too big for the cage at Blackledge’s house. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Smith had them brought to the shelter and put in a kennel. He planned to keep them there until old enough to be released into the forest and fend for themselves, the court said. "During the raccoons’ stay at the kennel, they apparently became something of an attraction," the court opinion states. People, including employees of the city garage next to the animal shelter, "came into direct, physical contact with the raccoons." Shelter staff let visitors enters the raccoons’ kennel and "provided virtually no warnings about the potential danger of such interactions," the court said. When one raccoon started showing signs of rabies, Smith ordered it to be quarantined. Eventually, the animal was euthanized and state lab test results showed it had rabies. Smith told East Providence Police, filed a written report as requested by the police chief and issued a news release to warn city residents about possible exposure. Though there were no recorded examples of people getting the disease, 56 people received rabies shots from the state Division of Disease Prevention and Control. East Providence Police investigated the animal shelter and found "a number of irregularities and violations" under Smith's tenure. On Aug. 14, 2004, Smith received a letter stating he was being suspended without pay for five days and then being terminated from the job at the end of the suspension. The letter gave three alleged violations of state laws as grounds for firing Smith and "also reprimanded Smith for boarding his own pet dog at the animal shelter and allowing other city employees to do the same," the court said. The union lodged a grievance, leading to arbitration hearings from which the arbitrator found the city had just cause to terminate Smith but also found it did not give him constitutional due process before the firing. He ordered the city to reinstate Smith to the police dispatcher position, a job Smith had held before. A Superior Court judge last year sided with the city's motion to vacate the arbitator's reinstatement of Smith to dispatcher. "Because we concur with the hearing justice that the arbitrator exceeded his authority by reinstating Mr. Smith to the position of police dispatcher, we affirm the judgments," the Supreme Court stated in its ruling today. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Ex-Providence officer linked to cheating gets pensionPROVIDENCE -- The city Retirement Board today approved a pension for former police Detective Sgt. Tonya King Harris although she was implicated in a long-running scandal over cheating on promotional tests. Harris was fired after being accused of cheating on a promotional test to achieve sergeant’s rank, but she won reinstatement in a settlement of a lawsuit against the city on condition that she retire. As part of the same settlement, her husband, former Sgt. Michael M. Harris, who was accused of cheating on the same test to win sergeant’s stripes, agreed to retire, too. Michael Harris retired last year and is receiving a $2,606-a-month pension. As a result of the settlement terms, Tonya King Harris now qualifies for a $2,768-a-month pension. Both Harrises, who live in Woonsocket, were implicated in cheating in investigations done by the FBI and the Police Department. Neither Harris admits wrongdoing in the settlement, and the city has promised not to say otherwise. Tonya King Harris always has maintained that she did not cheat and Michael Harris never has had to confront the issue publicly. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:48 PM | Comment Update: Richardson murder trial ends in hung juryWARWICK -- The murder trial of James Richardson, accused of killing Margaret Duffy Stephenson of Warwick in 2005, ended in a hung jury this afternoon. Jurors could not reach consensus in the case in Kent County Superior Court today, the fourth day of deliberation. Richardson, 40, was accused of murdering Duffy-Stephenson, 37. She was found stabbed to death on Nov. 18, 2005, days after she returned from a family vacation in Florida. She was a teacher’s aide for special-needs students in East Greenwich. Yesterday, the jurors told the judge they had deadlocked, but Judge Francis J. Darigan urged them to continue deliberating. Ealier today, the jury asked to have more of the court record read back this morning. This time, the portions of testimony read to jurors were from cross examination of Dr. Dorota Latuszynski, a physician with the state medical examiner’s office. Jurors also heard testimony from the direct, the cross examination and the redirect questioning of Sharon E. Mallard, a state Health Department forensic scientist. Over several weeks, the jury heard more than 20 witnesses testify and saw 171 pieces of evidence. Much of it focused on Richardson's DNA. “DNA is the final piece of the puzzle,” Special Assistant Attorney General Thomas O’Brien told jurors at one point. Darigan told the jurors that to find Richardson guilty, they had to decide whether the state met its burden and proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the components of the charges have been satisfied. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford After the jurors reported they were deadlocked today, Judge Darigan then denied a motion by defense counsel to release Richardson on bail. He has been held at the Adult Correctional Institutions since his arrest. The decision to retry Richardson is up to the attorney general, according to a spokesman for the court system. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:39 PM | Comment Woonsocket firefighters at Parker Street blazeWOONSOCKET -- Firefighters are at the scene of a structure fire at 48 Parker St., off South Main Street. No other details are yet available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:21 PM | Comment Jamestown councilwoman arrested on fraud warrantJAMESTOWN -- Town Councilwoman Barbara A. Szepatowski was arrested today as a fugitive from justice in connection with a Massachusetts warrant for fraud, the state police said. State Police Capt. Stephen J. Lynch said Szepatowski turned herself in this morning at the Jamestown Police Station, where she was arrested and taken to Sixth District Court, in Providence. Szepatowski was arraigned as a fugitive and turned over to the Massachusetts State Police, Lynch said. It's not clear at this time what the fraud charge entails.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:13 PM | Comment Update: Keep a weather eye on thunderstormsYou already know it's hot. You may also know that thunderstorms could pop up at any time. (You can see a few scattered storms on the radar for southern New England now.) And, in fact, the National Weather Service has just sent out a "severe thunderstorm watch" for northern Rhode Island, eastern Connecticut, much of Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and coastal waters. It's effective until 10 o'clock tonight. Hail, with wind gusts up to 70 mph and dangerous lightning are possible, the weather service advises. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings, the service says. A heat advisory for our region is in effect until 6 p.m. Heat advisories are issued when high humidities are expected to combine with hot temperatures, resulting in heat indices of 100 degrees or greater. And in Boston, the temperature tied a record for the day --96 at Logan International Airport. The last time it was that hot in this date was in 1941. Relief is on the way -- but we may have to face more thunderstorms first. The National Weather Service expects numerous thunderstorms to develop tomorrow from the late morning into the afternoon, and some of them could be become severe. The main threat: Damaging straight-line wind gusts, but large hail is also possible. Thinking of heading out to the Tall Ships festival in Newport tomorrow? Get the latest conditions and forecasts at: http://projo.com/weather But after that, it could be clear sailing for the ships and their visitors through Sunday, when the cold front helps cool down the temps and leaves behind dry and sunny skies. Posted by Jack Perry at 5:08 PM | Comment Update: Cicilline considering tax increase and cutsPROVIDENCE -- Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline is proposing a property-tax increase of just over 4 percent and major cuts to balance the city’s budget. The city faces a budget deficit in excess of $27.5 million, when the city factors in an accounting error in the school budget and the loss of several additional revenue streams. Even if Cicilline gets his proposed tax increase through the City Council, it would only amount to $10 million. The city would then have to make $17 million in cuts or tap one-time revenues. Cicilline announced today that to fill that gap, he will look to eliminate any unfilled city positions -- believed to be several dozen. He said he would also cut the school department, and introduce mandatory four-day furloughs and increase health care costs for the few non-union city employees. More details will be available when he presents the completed package to the City Council on Monday. Cicilline blamed the city’s financial situation on the state for shifting the tax burden from the state to local property taxpayers, and, in the short term, for failing to fund education and for rejecting his package of proposals to increase targeted fees. “The state budget passed last week will have serious consequences for every city and town in Rhode Island,” Cicilline said. “I put forward legitimate legislative options that would have eliminated costly mandates and moved certain costs away from property tax payers to a pay-for-service model,” Cicilline said. “The state has consistently decreased its share of school costs over the past five years, leaving local property tax payers to make up the difference. Instead of providing some measure of property tax relief, state leaders have placed us on an unsustainable path that guarantees growing state deficits and threaten our quality of life,” Cicilline said. -- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:32 PM | Comment President to meet with family of fallen Newport soldierPresident Bush is set to meet tomorrow with the family of the late Sgt. Michael R. Weidemann, a 23-year-old Newport soldier who was killed in Iraq last October. Weidemann’s grandmother, Gertrude K.C. Miller, and his four siblings have been invited to meet with Mr. Bush, according to Ambrose C. Miller, of South Kingstown, Weidemann’s uncle. A White House spokesman would not confirm or deny whether the president will meet with Weidemann’s family as part of his trip, which includes a speech on the war on terror at the Naval War College, in Newport. Miller said he was working with the governor's office to discuss which of the soldier's relatives meet The President. A spokesman for the Governor confirmed that his office had been in touch with Miller. -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner “I cannot comment on President Bush’s schedule or any potential meetings he may or may not be having,” Jeff Neal said. “ However, this office did receive a call from Mr. Miller, and we have relayed his information to the White House.” Weidemann was born in Canada and came to Rhode Island at age 7 when his mother moved here. Susanna Weidemann, a single parent, raised him and his four siblings in her mother’s house in Middletown. But Susanna Weidemann died a victim of cancer in 1999 at age 40, and Michael, her second eldest, was placed in a group home. He attended the Newport Area Career and Technical Center, part of Rogers High School, and got involved in the school’s ROTC program. He rose to the rank of senior noncommissioned officer in the program. In 2001, the month after his graduation, he enlisted in the Army as an auto mechanic, his area of study at the technical school. He joined the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, stationed in Glessen, Germany. He served a tour in Iraq and re-enlisted for another four years. He was nearing the end of his second tour when he died Oct. 31 while on patrol in an armored vehicle near Hit, a town west of Baghdad in Anbar province. He was the 11th Rhode Islander to die in Iraq since 2003. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:36 PM | Comment With heat advisory, National Grid stops shut-offsWith a National Weather Service heat advisory issued at 10:20 a.m. today, National Grid stopped shut offs of power to customers who haven't kept up with bills. Spokesman David Graves said that comes under a moratorium approved last year for times of excessive heat, which includes heat advisories and warnings. Advisories are issued when a figure, known as the heat index, is forecast to be at least 100 degrees, and a warning is given when the index is forecast to be at least 105 degrees. In December, the state Public Utilities Commission agreed to put in place a heat-related moratorium on shutoffs, making Rhode Island the seventh state to do so at the time. No heat warning or advisory was issued for yesterday. Graves said that before this morning's advisory there could have been some shutoffs. Graves said the company has had people going out to contact customers in danger of losing service because of not paying bills. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:26 PM | Comment President Bush to honor Tiverton volunteerTiverton resident Sherrill Estes has logged more than 1,800 hours volunteering to stock shelves and package boxes of food for local people in need. Now, the volunteer with the East Bay Community Action Program and Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island will be honored by President Bush when he arrives in North Kingstown tomorrow. He will present her with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which he awards to children 14 or younger who have completed 50 hours or more of volunteer service and to people 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours of volunteer service, according to a statement issued by the White House. Mr. Bush honors local volunteers as he travels throughout the country and thanks them for making a difference in the lives of others. He has met with more than 575 volunteers like Estes since March 2002, according to the White House. The White House release about Estes’ award encourages people to check online or call (877) USA-CORPS to find volunteer opportunities in their area. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Estes volunteers in the social services department of the East Bay Community Action Program, a nonprofit organization that provides health and human service programs to East Bay residents. She has also volunteered for six years with Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, where each week she delivers meals to the homebound. In his January 2002 State of the Union address, Mr. Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities by volunteering. “My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years -- 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime -- to the service of your neighbors and your nation,” Mr. Bush said, according to the text of that address posted on the Web site of the White House. “Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you aren't sure how to help, I've got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout the world.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:23 PM | Comment Jury in Warwick murder trial has more testimony readWARWICK -- As the jury entered a fourth day deliberating the fate of James Richardson, who is accused of killing Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005, it asked to have more of the court record read back this morning. This time, the portions of testimony read to jurors were from cross examination of Dr. Dorota Latuszynski, a physician with the state medical examiner’s office. Jurors also heard testimony from the direct, the cross examination and the redirect questioning of Sharon E. Mallard, a state Health Department forensic scientist. Read about some of what they had to say during testimony. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford It wasn't the first time during deliberating that the jury has asked to have portions of testimony read. On Monday, the jury asked to hear part of the court record from Mallard. Read about that day in court here. Mallard testified on June 19 about DNA found beneath Duffy-Stephenson’s fingernails and how DNA is transferred. Yesterday, the jury told the judge they had deadlocked, but Judge Francis J. Darigan jurors a talk and urged them to continue deliberating. Read about that here. Richardson, 40, is accused of murdering Duffy-Stephenson, 37, of Warwick. She was found stabbed to death on Nov. 18, 2005, days after she returned from a family vacation in Florida. She was a teacher’s aide for special-needs students in East Greenwich. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:05 PM | Comment Providence porch fire contained, injuries avoidedPROVIDENCE – A small fire on the balcony of a three-story woodframe house in Fox Point has been confined to the porch. Everyone in the building has gotten out, and no injuries have been reported, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. The fire at 9 Preston St. was reported around 1:35 p.m. and was under control by 1:50 p.m., Taylor said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:58 PM | Comment Navigating Newport for visits by a president, Tall Ships
Journal photo / Frieda SquiresThe Pride of Baltimore, seen in Narragansett Bay between Jamestown and Newport, heads into Newport Harbor yesterday for the Amica Insurance Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007 event. NEWPORT -- With the double whammy of Tall Ships festivities and President Bush's visit tomorrow, people heading to events or just trying to get around the City by the Sea through the weekend should be prepared for big changes. Remember, first of all, that Newport is on an island and accessible to most by bridges -- the Pell Bridge connecting it with Jamestown and the Mount Hope Bridge linking it to Bristol. Traffic may back up at either point. If you're thinking of going by boat, you might want to weigh anchor first at the Newport harbormaster's site. "All visitors" to Newport are urged to park outside of the city and to use a bus-shuttle system, which will be in place tomorrow through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Tall Ships Web site. The cost to park in any of the lots to take the shuttle is $15 per car. The shuttle bus to downtown Newport is free. Admission to Tall Ships is free. Here are the places to park and from there take the shuttle, and click here for a map to help orient yourself: -- For visitors coming from places south or west, lot one is at the bridge interchange from the Pell Bridge. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes to the Gateway Visitors Center on America's Cup Avenue in downtown Newport. -- Lot two is at Middletown High School -- in Middletown, immediately north of Newport -- for people arriving from places north and east. Middletown High School is on Valley Road between East Main Road -- Route 138 -- and Green End Avenue. -- Also for people arriving from places north and east, lot three is at Gaudet Middle School in Middletown. Gaudet Middle School is on Turner Road, south of where the road meets East Main Road (Route 138). Signs will direct traffic to lots, and the state traffic radio station AM 1630 will have updates. Read on for more ways to get around in the next few days. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Parking meters will be posted “No Parking” in the Long Wharf area to accommodate vendors’ tents from today through Sunday, the polcie said. On Saturday, there is a ship crew parade from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. that begins at the Old Colony House on Washington Square, marching down to Thames Street and onto America's Cup Avenue, then to Thames Street to King Park on Wellington Avenue. As a result, according to the police, parking will be restricted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the metered spaces on the south side of Washington Square and on Thames Street from the Red Parrot restaurant to Lee Avenue. The police said all businesses should ask their regular delivery companies to complete their deliveries prior to 9 a.m. for their convenience. A free bus shuttle will run between the corner of America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street -- the Red Parrot Jug Handle -- to Fort Adams State Park every 20 minutes for those visiting ships, the Fort Adams Tall Ships Fair, and to view crew and cadet sports activities from this scenic harbor vista. There is also a harbor shuttle connecting the downtown and Fort Adams locations via Perrotti Park. Perrotti Park is one block south of the Gateway Center, overlooking the harbor. Handicapped accessible shuttle buses will be available from all three Tall Ships parking lots. Handicapped accessible parking spaces are also available at the Gateway Center and Fort Adams. Tall Ships organizers recommend people needing handicapped accessibility and who plan to visit Fort Adams drive directly to Fort Adams and park there. The Tall Ship Friendship is the only one with handicapped accessibility and is berthed at Fort Adams. Visitors who want to view the Tall Ships berthed along America’s Cup Avenue may find convenient parking at the Gateway Center and use a handicapped-accessible shuttle service, which will run along America’s Cup between Gateway Center and the Post Office -- the corner of America’s Cup and Memorial Boulevard. -- Traveling by water? The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority -- RIPTA -- has a Providence to Newport ferry boat. It has stops at Conley's Wharf -- Providence Piers located at 180 Allens Ave. -- and Newport's Perrotti Park. Reservations are recommended. Call (401) 453-6800 or reserve seats at www.nefastferry.com. And there's a Jamestown to Newport ferry, which makes stops at Jamestown, Rose Island, Fort Adams, Bowen's Landing and Perotti Park. Two boats will run during the Tall Ships period due to more visitors. Go to www.conanicutmarina.com. Parking is available to customers, which is part of the ticket price. -- Traveling by bus? Rhode Island Public Transit Authority runs from Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence to various routes. Check out RIPTA information by clicking here. There's also a Peter Pan Bonanza bus terminal in Providence By train, there's the Amtrak Kingston Station off Route 138 in West Kingston, which is 18 miles -- about 30 minutes -- from Newport. And there's the Amtrak Providence Station in Providence, which is 34 miles, or 45 minutes, from Newport. There are also car rental agencies in the region. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:20 PM | Comment Newport preparing for Bush's first visit to R.I.NEWPORT – The city’s gearing up for an even busier day than normal tomorrow as a visit by President Bush coincides with this year’s Tall Ships festival In his first presidential visit to Rhode Island, Mr. Bush is expected to speak tomorrow on the war on terror at the Naval War College at 11 a.m. He is here as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the college’s Naval Command College, a school for military officers from around the world. Mark Stahl, coordinator for the Rhode Island Community Coalition for Peace, sent out e-mails last week announcing plans for a demonstration. He has said that protesters plan to be outside the college during the president's speech. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:54 AM | Comment Record travel predicted for July 4thHave you started packing your bags for the July Fourth holiday week? With the summer holiday falling on a Wednesday this year, AAA Southern New England reports today that many who want to maintain their traditional celebrations with family and friends are making a week out of it rather than a long weekend. Extra: Where are you going for the July 4th holiday? Nationally, AAA expects the largest percentage of travelers – almost 38 percent – to leave on or before this Friday. Only 8.6 percent plan to leave on the Fourth for their destinations. AAA estimates that a record 41.1 million Americans will leave home during the holiday week, stretching from this Friday through Sunday, July 8. That’s .8 percent more than the 40.8 million who traveled last year. If you’re driving to your holiday destination, you’re in good company. AAA estimates that 84 percent of all holiday travelers – 34.7 million people – expect to go by motor vehicle, while 11 percent (4.7 million people) plan to fly and 5 percent (1.7 million people) will travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:06 AM | Comment Another perfect day for the beachIt’s another good day to hit the beach. It appears as if all beaches monitored by the state Department of Health are open and ready for sunbathers, swimmers, boaters, etc. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the state Department of Health’s beach-monitoring siteor call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. If you’re looking for marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region. Also, for all your nautical needs, boaters love the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:16 AM | Comment Traffic: Flowing again after accident on Pell BridgeA minor accident this morning on Newport’s Claiborne Pell Bridge has been cleared and traffic is flowing again, according to the state police. So if you’re heading to Newport for the Tall Ships activities, you should be OK and dealing with just ordinary Tall Ships traffic and not extra post-accident congestion. For a schedule of Tall Ships events, click here. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:01 AM | Comment Photo: Hazy days of summer
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:32 AM | Comment Deliberations to resume in Warwick murder trialWARWICK -- A jury is set to continue deliberating today to decide whether a landscaper killed his boss's wife in 2005. Jurors yesterday told Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. they were deadlocked, but the judge urged them to continue deliberating. "It's an inexact science," Darigan told the jurors. "Don't get discouraged." Deliberations began Friday afternoon and were suspended for the weekend. They will resume today at 9:30 a.m. Richardson, 40, is accused of murdering Margaret Duffy-Stephenson, 37, of Warwick. She was found stabbed to death on Nov. 18, 2005, days after she returned from a family vacation to Florida. She worked as a teacher’s aide for special-education students in East Greenwich. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:06 AM | Comment Road closure tonight for Route 195 relocation projectPROVIDENCE – Nighttime drivers, beware a road closing scheduled for tonight. The split taking traffic from Route 195 west to Route 95 south will be closed for work on the highway relocation project, according to the state Department of Transportation. DOT said it's closing the connection for driver and highway worker safety. All lanes will reopen for tomorrow morning's commute, the DOT promised. There will be detour signs and some other related closings. Here's tonight's closure schedule: -- Route 95 north: One lane closed 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., between exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and Exit 20 (Route 195). -- Route 195 west ramp to Route 95 south: closed 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. -- Route 95 south: Three left lanes closed 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between exits 18 and 20. Drivers on Route 195 west who want to go south on Route 95 will be directed to take Route 95 north to Exit 22B to Routes 6/10 south. That road rejoins Route 95 south at Exit 16, south of the work zone. Traffic going to the Rhode Island/Women & Infants/Hasbro Hospital campus should use exit 2 from Route 195 west and follow signs to the hospitals. The DOT encourages through traffic on Route 95 south to use Route 295 or the Routes 6/10 detour to avoid delays. The DOT said the closings are needed so workers can adjust the steel beam assembly put in place in late April and May when parts of the highway were closed. Future lane and highway closures may be needed over the summer, as well as a series of highway closures beginning in late July or early August when workers will begin setting steel beams for a new ramp from Route 95 south to Route 195 east. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:13 AM | Comment Sticky, hot and humid -- and highs in the 90sPROVIDENCE – At 76 degrees already, it’s hot and sticky – and only expected to get worse. Expect widespread haze before noon, patchy fog before 9 a.m. and a high near 91 on this mostly sunny day. With unhealthy ozone levels expected across all of southern New England today, this is the second ozone alert day in a row. That means free bus rides from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority – except for special services. So if you can, take a bus and leave the car at home. Do what you can to stay cool, and come back later to check the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:06 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story about life aboard a tall ship. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 26, 2007Providence sings the blues at Lupo's tonightThe blues, in all their timeless, trend-defying glory, come to Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence this evening. Josh Barber, who's opening tonight at Lupo's for the power lineup of Jimmie Vaughan, Roomful of Blues and Lou Ann Barton, made a page on projo.com's mp3 site last night and uploaded five tunes. For a link to the mp3, head over to Sheila Lennon's Subterranean Homepage News blog here on projo.com. For the uninitiated, Vaughan's brother was the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, a guitar player who could channel otherworldly rock and blues of Jimi Hendrix and jazzier stylings of Wes Montgomery. Jimmie Vaughan has some scorching licks of his own and has played with other heavyweights such as Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy. For tickets, $25, go to www.etix.com. For more info, call (401) 331-5876 or (401) 272-5876. Lupo’s is at 79 Washington St. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment Update: AG Lynch signs off on using tobacco fundsPROVIDENCE -- Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch signed off today on bond authorization needed to use millions of tobacco settlement dollars to shore up the state budget. He did so, he said later, after the signing document was revised. "With the important revisions that have been made, literally within the last two hours, however, I believe Rhode Islanders are better protected than they had been previously, and I have signed the document," Lynch announced in a late-afternoon statement. People across state government -- including legislators and officials in the governor’s office and the state budget office -- had been waiting to see if Lynch would decide on whether to sign the bond authorization or not after he signaled concerns last night. The recently adopted state budget includes using $22 million of anticipated tobacco-settlement bonds to end the current fiscal year in the black. And about $153 million in tobacco funds also will be used to balance the 2007-08 budget, despite Governor Carcieri's vocal opposition. Lynch, who must approve such bonding authorizations, had said yesterday that he might not be ready to do so by a 3 p.m. deadline today because he and his staff had not had enough time to review the bond documents and their implications. The Master Settlement Agreement included technical and complex conditions the state must continue to meet in order to receive money, Lynch said. "It's my job to slash through the technicalities and, ultimately, make the promise that the state of Rhode Island is continuing to comply with the terms of the MSA because, absent such compliance, the spigot could be turned off," said Lynch.
Lynch said he had concerns -- and still does -- about how lawmakers and the governor intended to spend the money, how it is prioritized in the budget. In the governor’s office earlier today, spokesman Jeff Neal said the state will have enough cash on hand to get through the fiscal year, which ends Saturday, without implementing any emergency measures, even if Lynch did not sign the bond authorization by today’s deadline. Lynch complained yesterday that he was being rushed and the tobacco money comes with strings attached. At issue was the attempt to raise $154 million for next year’s budget -- and another $20 million to finance shortfalls in this year’s budget -- by selling a portion of future payments from the tobacco master settlement, a 1998 agreement by tobacco companies and 46 states designed to recoup the societal costs of smoking. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Task force on DOT contracts: Binders, but no reportPROVIDENCE -- The task force assembled by Governor Carcieri to review contracting practices of the state Department of Transportation had a June 22 deadline that has come and gone. The governor's office has released four binders containing copies of contracts and rules and regulations, but the team was called off before it could complete a report and did not produce one. The task force was told to stop on June 15 and turn everything over to state police. Earlier this month, Carcieri said he asked the task force he assembled in May -- in response to news accounts of "outrageous'' overhead payments to contractors for staff, such as the now infamous $102,858 typist -- to "turn over to the state police and the U.S. Attorney's Office any documents related to DOT contracts.'' The governor said the Federal Highway Administration has also promised to "begin a review.'' More in tomorrow's Providence Journal and on projo.com ... -- With reports from Katherine Gregg of the Journal State House Bureau and Journal archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:42 PM | Comment Governor vetoes time-share taxation legislationPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri has vetoed a bill that calls for a different way of taxing time-share developments, calling it "a tax hike in disguise." The legislation would allow taxation of time-shares based on the resale value of interval weeks, along with "any other identifiable and commonly accepted methods of appraisal," according to the bill's description. Carcieri vetoed similar legislation twice before. "Time-share developments are now taxed like all other real estate properties. This bill would allow assessors to create special and so-far undisclosed new schemes to tax these properties ..." Carcieri's veto message from his office says. Carcieri also expressed concern that "additional legal challenges would occur." Time-share developments, his message said, have "certain intangible aspects," such as services that allow exchange of weeks in other time-share developments. Since cities and towns tax tangible property, "but are not constitutionally authorized to tax intangible property," turning the bill into law would "likely" mean more litigation, the veto message said. For a look at other bills the governor has vetoed this year, click here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:37 PM | Comment Bush's visit coincides with GOP meeting in NewportOn the same day President Bush is reportedly speaking at the Naval War College in Newport, Governor Carcieri is hosting a fund-raiser in the City by the Sea for the Republican Governors Association, which finances Republican campaigns for governor across the United States. According to RGA spokesman Matt Moore, Carcieri will be joined by U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and GOP governors Jim Douglas of Vermont, Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Matt Blunt of Missouri. Spellings will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will also feature a discussion of education and financial services, Moore said. The meetings, including a luncheon, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island, overlooking Newport Harbor, where the Tall Ships are now gathering for a visit to the city this week. The Republican contributors will also be feted at a New England clambake Thursday evening at the Eisenhower House (yes, named after former GOP President Dwight D. Eisenhower) at Fort Adams State Park. The White House has not officially announced Mr. Bush’s visit yet, but state and federal officials have said that the Naval War College campus is being readied for a presidential visit. It would coincide with a 50th anniversary celebration of its Naval Command College, a school for military officers from around the world. Carcieri has been in Prince Edward Island, Canada, over the past two days attending the annual conference of New England Governors and premiers from Canada’s eastern provinces. Jeff Neal, Carcieri’s spokesman, declined comment on the governor’s fund-raiser, or Mr. Bush’s appearance, saying only that ``I expect the governor will be at the war college’’ on Thursday. -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:24 PM | Comment Gryphon Solo first to finish Bermuda 1-2Joe Harris and Dobbs Davis won line honors in the second leg of the Bermuda 1-2 race just before midnight, but they had to work for the finish. "We were lucky to get through the Gulf Stream and keep a steady breeze all the way to the finish,” said Harris, skipper of the Open 50, Gryphon Solo. “We scratched and kicked and clawed our way through the Stream in light air and emerged on the north side with a nice southwesterly breeze allowing us to make 10 knots toward Newport." The second leg of the Bermuda 1-2 started Friday off St. George’s, Bermuda. Gryphon Solo’s unofficial elapsed time for the passage to Newport was 82 hours, 41 minutes 30 seconds. Harris set a course record for the solo leg of the event earlier this month. His elapsed time sailing south was 62 hours, 37 minutes from his start on June 9th. The old Bermuda 1-2 solo course record of 66:57 was set in 2005 by Kip Stone aboard the Open 50 Artforms. The record for Leg 2 of 70:14 set by Artforms in 2005 remains unbeaten. Meanwhile, Ken Read, driving the 90-foot Rambler, was leading the two other big boats that started the HSH Nordbank trans-Atlantic Race Saturday off Newport. A larger fleet of smaller boats started the race a week earlier, and were blessed with strong winds for the beginning of their passage. After three days of moderate breeze, the three big boats - Parsifal III, Bon Bon and Rambler – are expecting the wind to freshen. Posted by Tom Meade at 6:03 PM | Comment Weather update: More poor air tomorrow / Photo
PROVIDENCE --The latest forecast calls for more high temperatures, spurring more concerns about unhealthy air quality tomorrow aftermoon. State environmental officials have predicted high ozone levels for the second day in a row. That means all RIPTA bus and trolley routes, aside from special services, will again be free. The poor air quality is driven by higher ozone concentrations at ground level. Ozone is a big part of smog and is formed by a reaction of pollutants that come from motor vehicles, industry and other sources on days with hotter temperatures. The state Health Department said unhealthy ozone levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Symtoms get worse with exercise and heavy activity. Children, elderly people and those who have lung diseases, such as asthma, are at particular risk of suffering from the air quality. Check the latest predictions on the area's air quality. The hot and humid weather will continue across southern New England through Thursday, the National Weather Service says, before a cold front brings much cooler weather from Friday into the weekend. Temperatures tomorrow are expected to reach into the 90s again tomorrow. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:39 PM | Comment Providence mayor attacks the state budgetPROVIDENCE -- Mayor David N. Cicilline's office announced he will hold a news conference tomorrow about to the state budget that "fails to give Rhode Island cities and towns the tools they need to provide property tax relief." The news conference will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the mayor’s office at City Hall. According to a news release, the mayor will announce steps the city will take to "address the ramifications" of the budget. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:35 PM | Comment No verdict today in Richardson murder caseWARWICK -- The jury weighing the fate of James Richardson, the man accused of killing Margaret Duffy-Stephenson of Warwick in 2005, finished a third day of deliberations without reaching a verdict. The jury -- which this afternoon asked for information that was taken up with the lawyers in chambers and therefore not disclosed -- will be back in Kent County Superior Court tomorrow morning. That was after the jury told the judge at 1:23 p.m. today that it was dead-locked. Keep deliberating, Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. replied. When the jurors reported they have been unable to reach a verdict, Darigan essentially gave them a pep talk, encouraging them to go back in and deliberate more. "Two days and some hours isn't that much time, considering you've spent three solid weeks on this case," he told them. "You've been asked to do a difficult task. My hope is that you successfully complete that task by rendering a unanimous verdict." After a reasonable amount of time, if the jury cannot reach a verdict, Darigan said he'd go from there. The jury went back into deliberations at 1:33 p.m. Richardson is accused of the multiple-stabbing murder of Margaret Duffy-Stephenson, a teacher's aide from Warwick who was found dead in 2005 by her father after no one had been able to contact her. The jury in Kent County Superior Court began weighing the fate of Richardson, of Cranston, on Friday afternoon. Earlier today, the jury sought clarification from the judge on what constitutes a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt is based on evidence or lack of evidence, the jury was told today. It does not mean it is beyond all doubt, beyond all shadow of doubt or all possible doubt. "Mere suspicion, however strong, cannot sustain or justifiy a guilty verdict," Darigan told the jury. Yesterday, the jury asked to have some a transcript of some testimony read to them. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:25 PM | Comment Mom tells of finding daughter injured on Rte. 1SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- When Grazyna Chylinska answered the phone early Saturday, she heard her daughter’s worried voice. It was after midnight and Sylvia was stranded on Route 1 with a flat tire. Sylvia said she was afraid someone would hit her car on the dark highway, so she left it in the breakdown lane and waited for her mother in the grass nearby. Chylinska, a divorced mother of two, drove the five-minute stretch from her Green Hill home to the highway. Her daughter, Sylvia Bogusz, who graduated from South Kingstown High School June 18, had already enrolled in three summer courses at the University of Rhode Island. To celebrate Sylvia’s accomplishments, the family had eaten at an area restaurant. “Do I look beautiful?” Sylvia asked at dinner. “Yes,” her mother said, “of course you do.” Now, on Route 1, Chylinska spotted her daughter in a southbound lane of traffic, bleeding and unconscious. Only a few minutes before Chylinska had arrived, police said Heidi L. Harrall had lost control of her car and struck Sylvia, breaking her bones and throwing her more than 100 feet away. “I stood in the middle of the road and tried to slow down the traffic. I didn’t want a car to run over my baby,” Chylinska said today. “I was just five minutes away. If I had the power to fly, I could have flown to her and lifted her and saved her,” she sobbed. Sylvia remains in serious condition this afternoon at Rhode Island Hospital, where she had been upgraded yesterday morning from critical. -- Journal staff writer Paul Davis Chylinska spent this morning resting at her Aspen Street home. Unable to sleep well since the accident, she needed the rest, she said. The day before, she had cried in District Court as Harrall -- the 45-year-old woman charged with hitting her daughter -- was arraigned on felony charges of driving under the influence resulting in serious injury and driving with reckless disregard for the safety of others. Police said Harrall, who was held without bail on a previous charge, had been driving 90 miles an hour when she lost control of her 1994 Audi. But Chylinska today said little about Harrall. Instead, she focused on her daughter, born the same day as her mother: Dec. 21. “She’s my miracle baby, born on my birthday,” she said. “God gave me that baby for a reason.” Full story to come in tomorrow's Providence Journal and on projo.com ... Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:08 PM | Comment Alert: AG Lynch signs off on using tobacco moneyPROVIDENCE -- Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch today signed a bond authorization needed to use tobacco settlement money to close holes in the state budget. Lynch will elaborate on his reasons at a 4:30 p.m. news conference. People across state government -- including legislators and officials in the governor’s office and the state budget office -- were holding their breath today, waiting to see if Lynch would decide on whether to sign the bond authorization. Lynch, who must approve such bonding authorizations, had said yesterday that he might not be ready to do so by a 3 p.m. deadline today because he and his staff had not had enough time to review the bond documents and their implications. In the governor’s office earlier today, spokesman Jeff Neal said the state will have enough cash on hand to get through the fiscal year, which ends Saturday, without implementing any emergency measures, even if Lynch did not sign the bond authorization by today’s deadline. Lynch complained yesterday that he was being rushed and the tobacco money comes with strings attached. At issue is the attempt to raise $154 million for next year’s budget -- and another $20 million to finance shortfalls in this year’s budget -- by selling a portion of future payments from the tobacco master settlement, a 1998 agreement by tobacco companies and 46 states designed to recoup the societal costs of smoking. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Elizabeth Gudrais Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:07 PM | Comment 195 connection to 95 south closes Wednesday nightPROVIDENCE -- The split taking traffic from Route 195 west to Route 95 south will be closed tomorrow night for work on a relocation project, the state Department of Transportation announced today. DOT said it's closing the connection for driver and highway worker safety. All lanes will reopen for Thursday morning's commute, the DOT promised. There will be detour signs and some other relating closings. Drivers on I-195 West who want to go south on Route 95 will be directed to take I-95 north to Exit 22B to Routes 6/10 south. That will rejoin Route 95 South at Exit 16, south of the work zone. Traffic going to the Rhode Island/Women & Infants/Hasbro Hospitals campus should use exit 2 from Route 195 west and follow signs to the hospitals. The DOT encourages through traffic on Route 95 South to use Route 295 or the Routes 6/10 detour to avoid delays. The DOT said the closings are needed so workers can adjust the steel beam assembly put in place in late April and May when parts of the highway were closed. Future lane and highway closures may be needed over the summer, as well as a series of highway closures beginning in late July or early August when workers will begin setting steel beams for a new ramp from Route 95 South to Route 195 East. Here's tomorrow's closure schedule: -- Route 95 north: One lane closed 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., between exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and Exit 20 (I-195). -- Route 195 west ramp to Route 95 south: closed 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. -- Route 95 south: Three left lanes closed 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. between exits 18 and 20. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:03 PM | Comment R.I. senators back revival of immigration billWASHINGTON -- The Senate voted today to jump-start a stalled immigration measure to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants. President Bush said the bill offered a "historic opportunity for Congress to act," and appeared optimistic about its passage by week's end. The pivotal test-vote was 64-35 to revive the divisive legislation. It still faces formidable obstacles in the Senate, including bitter opposition by GOP conservatives and attempts by some waverers in both parties to revise its key elements. Supporters needed 60 votes to scale procedural hurdles and return to the bill. A similar test-vote earlier this month found just 45 supporters, only seven of them Republicans. This time, 24 Republicans joined 39 Democrats and independent Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut, to back moving ahead with the bill. Opposing the move were 25 Republicans, nine Democrats and independent Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont. Rhode Island senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, both Democrats, voted in favor of reviving the bill. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., an architect of the bill, said he was proud of the vote, calling it "a major step forward for our national security, for our economy, and for our humanity." "We did the right thing today because we know the American people sent us here to act on our most urgent problems. We know they will not stand for small political factions getting in the way," Kennedy said in a statement following the vote. Today's outcome was far from conclusive, however. The measure still must overcome another make-or-break vote as early as Thursday that will also require the backing of 60 senators. And there is no guarantee that it will ultimately attract even the simple majority it needs to pass. The Senate was preparing to begin voting as early as this afternoon on some two dozen amendments that have the potential to either sap its support or draw new backers. -- Associated Press, with projo.com reports Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:48 PM | Comment Update: Jury deadlocked in Richardson murder caseWARWICK -- The jury in the James Richardson murder trial told the judge at 1:23 p.m. today that it's dead-locked. Keep deliberating, Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. replied. When the jurors reported they have been unable to reach a verdict, Darigan essentially gave them a pep talk, encouraging them to go back in and deliberate more. "Two days and some hours isn't that much time, considering you've spent three solid weeks on this case," he told them. "You've been asked to do a difficult task. My hope is that you successfully complete that task by rendering a unanimous verdict." After a reasonable amount of time, if the jury cannot reach a verdict, Darigan said he'd go from there. The jury went back into deliberations at 1:33 p.m. Richardson is accused of the multiple-stabbing murder of Margaret Duffy-Stephenson, a teacher's aide from Warwick who was found dead in 2005 by her father after no one had been able to contact her. The jury in Kent County Superior Court began weighing the fate of Richardson, of Cranston, on Friday afternoon. Earlier today, the jury sought clarification from the judge on what constitutes a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt is based on evidence or lack of evidence, the jury was told today. It does not mean it is beyond all doubt, beyond all shadow of doubt or all possible doubt. "Mere suspicion, however strong, cannot sustain or justifiy a guilty verdict," Darigan told the jury. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:49 PM | Comment Assault charges dropped against man, 72SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Misdemeanor charges of assault and malicious destruction of property were dismissed against 72-year-old Thomas Grimshaw, whom the police said had smashed windows at the home of a man who served prison time for defrauding Grimshaw and 40 other people. Another misdemeanor charge, disorderly conduct, was filed for one year in District Court, South Kingstown, which means that as long as Grimshaw, of North Kingstown, stays out of trouble during that time the charge will be dismissed and expunged. Eight years ago, Ronald Acton of North Kingstown was sentenced to three years in prison after defrauding Grimshaw and 40 others of more than $1 million. Read more about the case by clicking here. In late 1997, Acton, a former lawyer for Newport Electric, approached Grimshaw with a real-estate investment opportunity. He said he was buying houses and selling them for a profit. Grimshaw invested $5,000 and said he was told he would get a $1,000 return on his money. Between December 1997 and March 1998, Grimshaw gave Acton more than $65,000, according to court records. He was never repaid. In August 1998, Acton wrote Grimshaw a check for $12,000 that bounced, Grimshaw said. Last month, the police said, Grimshaw took a bat from his garage, drove around the block to the house where Acton lives and smashed several windows. Grimshaw was arrested and faced four charges, including felony assault, because Eleanor Acton, Ronald Acton’s wife, was standing behind a window when Grimshaw smashed it. The charges were reduced. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:48 PM | Comment People escape unharmed when Coventry garage burnsCOVENTRY – No one was injured this morning when fire broke out in a garage attached to an occupied home on Kiley Way. The garage burned to the ground, though, and the fire damaged the aluminum siding on that side of the house and caused some damage to a neighboring home, Police Capt. Bryan Volpe said. Volpe said he was surprised the house didn’t sustain more damage. People inside the home escaped unharmed, Volpe said. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but it does not appear suspicious, he said. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:31 PM | Comment Driver gets 5 to 7 years in crash that killed officer / Photo
The sentence drew fury from family members of Cabral, who wanted more time than the sentence Judge Robert C. Rufo imposed. Tom Cabral, Robert's brother, told reporters after the sentencing that the judge was "spineless" and said the state's laws need to be tougher. Questioned by reporters, C. Samuel Sutter, the Bristol County district attorney, who was at the courthouse with the Swansea police chief, said that the laws for the crime are sufficient. Before the sentencing, Smith, 50, sobbed in the courtroom and said what happened in early November 2005 was a terrible mistake he lives with every day. Smith changed his plea to guilty on June 4. Quinn said Smith first started drinking in the early evening hours of Nov. 4 at a firefighters' fundraiser at a local Knights of Columbus hall. He continued to drink after he left to hear a fellow firefighter's band play at a nearby bar. He was heading home when he hit Cabral. In changing his plea, Cabral admitted to charges of manslaughter under the influence of alcohol. A second and lesser charge -- motor vehicle homicide, a felony -- was dismissed with the changed plea. First Assistant District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn today recommended a sentence of 7 to 10 years in prison. The minimum is five years and the maximum is 20. Smith's family spoke in the coutroom today, as did Smith's lawyer, Jeffrey S. Entin. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Alisha A. Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:25 PM | Comment Judge: Woman, 90, can stay at R.I. facilityPROVIDENCE -- It looks like Laurette Borduas Eifrig will be able to continue living at Capitol Ridge for the indefinite future. This morning, Superior Court Judge Alice B. Gibney removed Eifrig’s Virginia daughter, Francine Ardito, as co-trustee of her mother’s trust. The judge also revoked Ardito’s power of attorney for her 90-year-old mother, a retired schoolteacher who is now blind and suffers from dementia. At the request of Eifrig’s Providence lawyer, Richard A. Boren, Gibney made Eifrig’s guardian, North Providence lawyer Paula M. Cuculo, co-trustee of Eifrig’s trust, and also gave Cuculo power of attorney for her ward, who has been living since February in assisted-living on Smith Street. Cuculo said after court that she will immediately request all of the Virginia institutions that hold Eifrig’s trust funds to send all of Eifrig’s money to her so that she can continue to pay Eifrig’s bills and move her to a larger unit at Capitol Ridge. Ardito, who has been trying for more than a year to move her mother back to Virginia, began a campaign last month to freeze her mother’s trust funds in Virginia, acting under her power of attorney and as co-trustee of her trust. That came days after her mother testified that she wanted to remain living in Rhode Island, at Capitol Ridge. In court today, Boren argued that Ardito had breached her fiduciary responsibility to her mother by ordering Virginia banks not to release money to Cuculo for payment of Eifrig’s bills in Rhode Island. He also argued that she had breached a duty to her older sister, Suzette Gebhard, when she accompanied her mother to a Virginia lawyer a few years ago, a visit that resulted in changes to her mother’s trust that gave the Ardito family members more than 82 percent of her mother’s assets when she dies. Cuculo told Gibney Eifrig has told her she wants her two daughters, who have been engaged in a bitter tug of war over Eifrig’s care and finances, to share equally in her trust, along with her granddaughter, Alicea Ardito. Cuculo says Eifrig told her that she does not remember ever giving Francine and her family the lion’s share of her money. Extra: More on the Eifrig case in a special report by Journal writer Tracy Breton on elder abuse ... -- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton Ardito, of Reston, Va., did not show up for today’s hearing even though she entered her appearance last week to represent herself. In papers FAXed to Gibney last week, she had asked for a nine-week continuance of today’s hearing. Since Ardito wasn’t present, the judge forced the lawyer Ardito had discharged, Janet Mastronardi, to appear in her stead –which delayed the hearing for an hour so that Mastronardi could be contacted and drive to court from East Greenwich. The hearing became tense with Mastronardi repeatedly challenging Gibney on her authority to make her represent Ardito’s interests, since she’d been discharged by her client and wasn’t being paid by her anymore. At various points in the hearing, she called arguments made by Boren and Cuculo “stupid” and “a farce, a sham on this court.” “I’d like to be discharged right now. There is no way this court can keep me here uncompensated and having been discharged,” she argued. “I want to go now.” Gibney ordered her to stay and told her before the hearing adjourned that she wasn’t letting her out of the case yet since Ardito wasn’t present to represent herself. Mastronardi told Gibney that she was forcing her to violate the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s Rules of Professional Conduct. Gibney told her that under the lawyers’ rules of practice, she remains in the case for now and will leave the case when the court gives her permission to do so. After the judge left the bench, Mastronardi complained that Gibney was “holding me out for malpractice” and that she was going to get a lawyer to represent her. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:42 PM | Comment Jury asks judge for clarification in murder caseWARWICK -- The jury deliberating the murder case against James Richardson, who is accused of killing Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005, sought clarification from the judge today on what constitutes a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt is based on evidence or lack of evidence, the jury was told today. It does not mean it is beyond all doubt, beyond all shadow of doubt or all possible doubt. "Mere suspicion, however strong, cannot sustain or justifiy a guilty verdict," Judge Francis Darigan told the jury. The jury began weighing the fate of Richardson, on Friday afternoon, and yesterday afternoon they asked to have read to them a transcript of testimony about how DNA is transferred. The court reporter read a transcript of a portion of testimony by Sharon E. Mallard, a state Health Department forensic scientist. Her testimony included the varying likelihood of DNA being transferred from one person to another by different means. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, had returned to her Warwick home early from a family wedding in Florida. Her husband, James O. Stephenson III, and then 3-year-old son, Robert, stayed behind to visit with relatives. A teacher’s aide for special-needs students, Duffy-Stephenson returned to work at Archie R. Cole Middle School in East Greenwich on Nov. 14. She was last seen alive on Nov. 16 at an appreciation dinner. Sometime that night, Duffy-Stephenson descended the stairs from her second-floor bedroom and was met by her attacker. She was stabbed several times before dying at the bottom of the stairs. Her attacker ransacked the basement and stole $11,000 from a locked safe before fleeing through the basement bulkhead door. Duffy-Stephenson’s body was discovered on Nov. 18 by her father, John Duffy, who’d come to check on her after no one had been able to contact her. Her death was ruled a homicide by the state medical examiner and an autopsy was performed. DNA was found beneath one of Duffy-Stephenson’s fingernails, and Richardson could not be excluded as the source. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, With reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:08 PM | Comment Photo: A tall ship sails for Newport Harbor
Posted by Jack Perry at 11:00 AM | Comment Burrillville police ID man killed in motorcycle-car crashBURRILLVILLE – The police this morning have identified the man who died last night in a motorcycle-car crash on Hill Road as Michael A. Marcone, 38, of Hill Road in the village of Pascoag. The accident remains under investigation, and the medical examiner’s office is expected to conduct an autopsy today, according to Lt. John Connors. Shortly before 8 p.m. last night, Marcone was traveling east on Hill Road. A 40-year-old Glocester woman -- identified as Rebecca A. Carrier, of 160 Echo Rd. -- was driving a 1996 Ford Taurus west on Hill Road. As Carrier attempted to turn left onto Centennial Street, the motorcycle and car collided, Connors said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson It appears as if Marcone skidded into the intersection, the vehicles collided and the motorcycle spun off and landed perhaps 10 to 12 feet from the motorcyclist, Connors said. Marcone was transported to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, where he was pronounced dead, Connors said. The police don't believe he was wearing a helmet. Marcone may have moved recently to Burrillville, as his driver’s license lists a Hopedale, Mass., address, Connors said this morning. Carrier suffered “very minor” injuries. She had no passengers traveling with her, according to the police. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:26 AM | Comment Keep cool at the coastIt’s going to be cooler near the coast, so boaters and swimmers may want to head to the water today. Also, for all your nautical needs, visit the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. Be sure to review the Rhode Island tide charts on this site. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the state Department of Health’s beach-monitoring siteor call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:37 AM | Comment Warwick jury deliberations to enter third dayWARWICK -- The jury weighing the fate of James Richardson, who is charged with murdering Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005, is expected to return for a third day of deliberations this morning in Kent County Superior Court. The jury began deliberating on Friday afternoon. Yesterday afternoon, the jury asked for a transcript of testimony to be read to them about how DNA is transferred. DNA was found beneath one of Duffy-Stephenson’s fingernails, and Richardson could not be excluded as the source. The court reporter read a transcript of a portion of testimony by Sharon E. Mallard, a state Health Department forensic scientist. Mallard's testimony included the varying likelihood of DNA being transferred from one person to another by different means. According to Mallard's testimony last week, Mallard said that, even in controlled tests, many times scientists are not able to recover any DNA from beneath fingernails. DNA constantly transfers from surface to surface through blood, sweat, skin cells and semen, among other things, she said. For DNA to embed itself beneath Duffy-Stephenson’s nails suggests she was involved in a struggle with her assailant, Mallard said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:28 AM | Comment The heat is on, so is an ozone alertThe temperature could reach 93 degrees today in the Providence area, contributing to unhealthy ozone levels for much of New England, according to the National Weather Service. An ozone alert will run from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. today, the National Weather Service says. The temperature should fall to about 70 degrees tonight. Rides on all RIPTA buses, except special services, will be free because of the ozone alert. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment 3 indicted in Providence gang murderPROVIDENCE -- A grand jury today indicted three Providence men who are accused in the gang-related murder of 23-year-old Viceth Klakratok in January, the city's first homicide of the year. Named in the indictment charging each with one count of conspiring to murder and one count of murdering Klakratok are: Sarith Chith, 19, of 140 Bridgham St., Thomas Havey, 19, of 11 Oak Ave., and Tavarez Morales, 18, of 10 Barry Rd, Apt. #1. The three will be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on July 18, according to a statement from Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office. The indictment does not detail the case particulars. But earlier this year, the police said that on Jan. 28 that Hanover Boyz street gang members confronted a member of the Young Bloods gang and chased him to his death. The police arrested two suspects described as Hanover Boyz, and charged them with murder in the slaying of Klakratok, of 110 Atlantic Ave., Elmwood. When the police announced arrests in the case in late January, they included Veasna F. Pich, 20, of 172 Whitmarsh St., in the West End and a 17-year-old who was not identified because of his age at that time. The third arrest -- of Sarith Chith -- followed soon after. Pich was not named in today's indictment. "Our investigation continues" and it's possible other individuals may be charged, said Michael Healey, spokesman for Lynch. Morales, the 17-year-old who has since turned 18, agreed to be waived out of Juvenile Court and be tried as an adult, according to the Attorney General's Office. Klakratok was struck in the head several times with a club or pipe and fell in the middle of Cranston Street in the West End, dead from blunt-force trauma, the police and Special Assistant Attorney General James Baum said in January. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 AM | Comment Download today's front pageQuestions about the state budget and the latest on Newport Grand lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:46 AM | Comment June 25, 2007An act of courage: Try an open-mike nightIf it's a warm Monday night in summer, maybe it's time for an open microphone and a lot of courage. There are a few open-mike opportunities tonight in the area, including: On every first and fourth Monday, there's one at The Providence Black Repertory Company, 131 Washington St. Suite 405 (4th Floor), Providence. Call 351-0353 In Johnston, there's one every Monday at The Coda Lounge Bar & Grille, 678 Killingly St., Johnston. Call 331-5291. It runs from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with "DJ Nova and Sense." And there's the Custom House Tavern, 36 Weybosset St., Providence. Call 751-3630. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Weather update: Ozone alert on for tomorrowThe state has delared an ozone alert for tomorrow. All RIPTA routes, excluding special services, will be free. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is predicting that air quality will approach unhealthy levels, especially in southern Rhode Island in the mid- to late afternoon. The forecast calls for sunny skies in the 80s for the south coastal section of the state, with mild southwest winds. In the Providence area, it's expected to be hot and humid, with temps into the 90s. The DEM urges residents to help reduce air pollutant emissions by driving less and by limiting the use of small engines and charcoal lighter fuels. The Department of Health warns that unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and asthma. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity. The children, elderly and people who have underlying lung diseases, such as asthma, are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. You can check daily ozone levels for Rhode Island here. Get the latest weather conditions and forecasts at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:22 PM | Comment Carcieri vetoes motor vehicle, health-care council billsPROVIDENCE -- In the wake of the end of this year's General Assembly session early Saturday, Governor Carcieri's office this evening announced that he has vetoed several bills. They include one to allow motorists one business day to provide proof of insurance after being stopped by a police officer. Carcieri said in his veto message that the state police asked for a veto because the legislation would impose "a substantial burden on law enforcement agencies," including an "unnecessary and burdensome increase" in administrative paperwork. The change would also impede the state police's efforts to modernize its citation-system technology, according to the governor, who vetoed similar legislation last year. Read the bill here. Vetoes apply to both House and Senate versions of bills. Carcieri also vetoed a bill that would create a Health Care Planning and Accountability Advisory Council, which would do studies, issue opinions and create a plan for the state's health-care delivery and financing system. "In a time when the state should be streamlining its delivery of health services to consumers, this council adds yet another layer of bureacrqacy to an already crowded field," Carcieri said in his written veto message. He added that the legislature did not include any money for the council and that the council is "completely contingent on funding." The council is "large and unwieldy" has an "ill-defined" mission and duplicates things already being done by agencies, Carcieri stated. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:46 PM | Comment No West Nile, EEE in first R.I. mosquitoes testedPROVIDENCE -- Good news, so far, for skeeter-wary Rhode Islanders: The season's first mosquitoes tested by the state Department of Environmental Management did not carry West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The DEM collected mosquitoes from 38 traps set around the state on June 5 and June 13 and separated them into 64 mosquito pools for testing by the state Department of Health. DEM received the results Friday. Results from more mosquitoes trapped last week are expected by week's end. DEM said it will normally report mosquito test results once a week, with additional reports when needed. If results find mosquitos carrying West Nile or EEE, that generally will trigger additional trapping to assess risk. But there's still plenty of summer left. At this time of year, the DEM urges people to to get rid of anything in their yards that holds standing water -- think old tires, buckets, junk, and more. People should also make sure gutters are clean so they drain properly. And swimming pools should be properly maintained. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and one cup of water alone can allow the births of hundreds of mosquitoes, the DEM said Aerial or ground spraying will be recommended only when mosquito-control experts find the public is at "substantial risk" of contact by infected mosquitoes, the DEM said. For more information, check the DEM Web site here. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are both "firmly established throughout the state," so DEM said it won't be necessary to test birds for those viruses as an "early warning." The DEM said there's no evidence birds can transmit West Nile Virus to humans; mosquitoes that bite infected birds and then bite humans are the transmitters. But people should still use gloves or an inverted bag to place it in the double bag for disposal. Last year, 10 Rhode Island mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus, and three mosquito pools tested positive for EEE. There were no reported human cases in Rhode Island. But in Massachusetts, there were five human cases of EEE, including two deaths. More than 150 mosquito pools tested positive for EEE in that state. Connecticut had nine human cases of West Nile virus, including one death. EEE, a virus, is not as common as West Nile virus but has a higher death rate. It affects the brain with symptoms that appear 5 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck and decreased consciousness. Up to 50 percent of cases may result in death. People with symptoms suggestive of EEE should contact their doctor immediately. West Nile virus causes encephalitis. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more prone to infections. Symptoms begin 3-15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito and may include fever, headache, nausea, rash, stiff neck, muscle weakness, and disorientation. In cases with serious symptoms, up to 15 percent may result in fatality. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:46 PM | Comment Update: No verdict again in Richardson murder trialWARWICK -- The jury weighing the fate of James Richardson, who is charged with murdering Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005, deliberated for a second day without reaching a verdict. The jury resumes deliberations tomorrow morning in Kent County Superior Court. It began deliberating on Friday afternoon. This afternoon, the jury asked to have read to them a transcript of testimony about how DNA is transferred. The court reporter read a transcript of a portion of testimony by Sharon E. Mallard, a state Health Department forensic scientist. Mallard's testimony included the varying likelihood of DNA being transferred from one person to another by different means. According to Mallard's testimony last week, Mallard said that, even in controlled tests, many times scientists are not able to recover any DNA from beneath fingernails. DNA constantly transfers from surface to surface through blood, sweat, skin cells and semen, among other things, all of the time, she said. For DNA to embed itself beneath Duffy-Stephenson’s nails suggests she was involved in a struggle with her assailant, Mallard said. “[It’s] not from a handshake,” she said in court. “It requires more than casual contact.” Richardson was a friend of the family and an employee of the husband's landscaping business who had house-sat for the family in the past. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford Duffy-Stephenson, 37, returned to her Warwick home early from a family wedding in Florida. Her husband, James O. Stephenson III, and then 3-year-old son, Robert, stayed behind to visit with relatives. A teacher’s aide for special-needs students, Duffy-Stephenson returned to work at Archie R. Cole Middle School in East Greenwich on Nov. 14. She was last seen alive on Nov. 16 at an appreciation dinner. Sometime that night, Duffy-Stephenson descended the stairs from her second-floor bedroom and was met by her attacker. She was stabbed several times before dying at the bottom of the stairs. Her attacker ransacked the basement and stole $11,000 from a locked safe before fleeing through the basement bulkhead door. Duffy-Stephenson’s body was discovered on Nov. 18 by her father, John Duffy, who’d come to check on her after no one had been able to contact her. Her death was ruled a homicide by the state medical examiner and an autopsy was performed. DNA was found beneath one of Duffy-Stephenson’s fingernails, and Richardson could not be excluded as the source. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:02 PM | Comment Man, 61, accused of videotaping women at air showNORTH KINGSTOWN -- Alert for suspicious behavior of a terrorist nature, authorities at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show last weekend caught a suspected criminal of a different sort -- a retired New Bedford school teacher accused of surreptitiously videotaping up women’s skirts. Instead of taping the antics of planes, 61-year-old Philip Riviere was allegedly seen filming the underwear of unsuspecting women strolling around the air show at Quonset State Airport. Riviere caught the attention of two National Guardsmen when they saw him at first filming the planes and then holding the camera down and tilting it low as he followed different women and tried not to be noticed, according to state police Lt. David Neill. The two Guardsmen followed Riviere for two hours and then contacted the state police, who arrested him, Neill said. Riviere told state police investigators that he was embarrassed and had “never done anything like this before,” but had gotten the idea from Internet pornography sites, said Neill. The state police seized the 8mm camera and the video showing the underwear of three women, which Riviere told them he’d intended to watch for himself, Neill said. Riviere, of 64 Katherine St., was charged with video voyeurism, which makes it a felony for anyone to use cameras or other “imaging devices” to take pictures or video another person’s “intimate areas” without the other person’s knowledge or consent, and when the other person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The retired Parker Elementary School sixth-grade teacher was charged under a three-year-old law that had been backed by the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement and women who’d been the victims of voyeurs. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits The crime caught attention in Rhode Island in 2003, after a Warwick man was arrested for trying to shoot pictures up a teenage girl’s skirt as she shopped at a store, and a North Providence man was arrested for videotaping his then-girlfriend’s daughter with a camera hidden behind her bedroom mirror. Other women came forward and told their stories to the General Assembly of landlords and former friends who set up hidden cameras in their bedrooms and showers. The women said they felt violated and were worried their images were being sold on the Internet. The problem the police discovered at the time was that the state law did not cover this type of crime. State Rep. Donald J. Lally Jr., D-South Kingstown, and Sen. Daniel Daponte, D-East Providence, sponsored the legislation that made it a felony, punishable by three years in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000. The bill became law in 2004. Riviere was arraigned at the Wickford barracks by a justice of the peace and released on $5,000 bail with surety, Neill said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:57 PM | Comment Watch Hill mansion draws $4.5M bid at auctionGROTON, Conn. -- A Connecticut couple has offered $4.5 million at auction for the Watch Hill mansion belonging to the owner of the defunct Bess Eaton coffee-shop chain. The couple’s winning bid is short of the mansion’s assessed value and could be rejected by Louis A. Gencarelli Sr. and his wife, Karen E. Gencarelli, who have been trying to sell the property -- known as Treasure Hill -- for more than three years. The 17-room, 10,500-square-foot house at 2 Kidds Way in Watch Hill has an assessed value of close to $7 million, according to records from the Westerly tax office. The Westerly-based Bess Eaton chain was sold in a 2004 bankruptcy court auction to Tim Hortons Inc, the Canadian coffee-shop chain that was seeking expand in the United States. The Kidds Way house has been on the market since Louis Gencarelli pushed the coffee-shop chain founded by his family into bankruptcy. The original asking price for Treasure Hill was $7.75 million. The house was built in 1988 to replace a house that burned to the ground in 1987. Gencarelli bought the property in 2002 for $3.15 million from Anthony Fonda. Treasure Hill stands on the second-highest elevation in Watch Hill and comes with little more than one acre of land. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi The Westerly estate was offered in an open auction yesterday, with New York-based Sheldon Good & Co. handling the event at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton. About 15 people attended the auction, including at least two people relaying bids via cell phone. Bidding opened at the $3 million suggested by the auctioneer and moved quickly above $4 million, but offers never threatened to approach the mansion’s assessed value during the auction’s roughly 15 minutes. Mike and Diane McLean, of Simsbury, Conn., came out the winners at $4.5 million. A 7.5-percent buyer’s premium -- $337,500 in this case -- was added to the winning offer. A property closing will be scheduled within 45 days of the bid being accepted by the Gencarellis. After the auction, the McLeans said they will use Treasure Hill as a vacation home. They plan only “cosmetic” changes. In February of this year, Karen Gencarelli sold a house at 8 Cedar Rock Meadows in East Greenwich for $2.2 million, according to information from The Warren Group of Boston, a real-estate information service. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:27 PM | Comment Photo: Kids sell cool drinks for a good cause
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:54 PM | Comment State trooper still in serious conditionMore than a week after state trooper Brendan R. Doyle was critically injured – allegedly by a reckless driver he tried to stop in downtown Providence while off-duty – he remains in serious condition today at Rhode Island Hospital, according to spokeswoman Nancy Cawley. The son of Rhode Island running legend Robert Doyle, trooper Doyle has been fighting for his life. The man accused of punching Doyle to the pavement in downtown Providence was arraigned last week in District Court. James Proulx had allegedly called an ex-girlfriend as he sped away, leaving her an obscenity-laced message in which he bragged about giving “the beating of their [expletive] life.” Visitors to Doyle's hospital roomhave included state troopers, firefighters, family, friends and Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:46 PM | Comment Procaccianti Group backs out of Newport Grand dealThe Procaccianti Group is backing out of its plan to purchase Newport Grand for $155 million. The family that owns Newport Grand issued a statement that it "has received notice of termination from the Procaccianti Group to purchase Newport Grand and the 24-acre adjacent property." "I want to reassure the state, the city of Newport, and our employees of our commitment to develop Newport Grand into a world class gaming facility," Newport Grand CEO, Diane Hurley, said. Procaccianti had put down a $5 million deposit and signed a contract with Newport Grand earlier in the year. Within the sales contract was language that allowed Procaccianti to back out of the deal before July 15 and recover its deposit if a proposal to extend a five-year extension on the freeze on the video slot tax rate was unlikely. House Speaker William J. Murphy said last week that legislation introduced to that effect would not be voted on this year. Procaccianti spokesman Ralph Izzi issued a brief statement earlier today. "We had to make a business decision because of the result of the legislation," he said. "It was our decision." Newport Mayor Stephen Waluk said today that he was not surprised the deal fell through. "As long as Newport Grand operates and is a good community partner, I don’t know how much it matters to the city who operates it," he said. Procaccianti announced in April that it would continue the expansion of Newport Grand, which is under contract with the state to make $20 million in improvements, including building a hotel and adding 800 video slot terminals, bringing the total to 2,101. The expansion is part of larger plans announced last month by Procaccianti, calling for constructing hotels, restaurants, recreational and entertainment venues, in Newport and elsewhere in the state, for total spending in Rhode Island of $1.4 billion. -- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:25 PM | Comment Update: Teen's condition serious, driver arraigned
Harrall during arraignment
The police this morning identified the 17-year-old girl who was critically injured when she was struck by an alleged drunk driver on Route 1 in South Kingstown as Sylvia Bogusz. Bogusz graduated from South Kingstown High School last Monday night, Police Capt. Jeffrey Allen said this morning. Her condition at Rhode Island Hospital has been upgraded from critical to serious, spokeswoman Andrea Barbosa said around 10 a.m. today. When her car broke down early Saturday morning, Bogusz did everything right, Allen said. She pulled well off the road, she called for help and then she got out of her vehicle and stood off to the right of the passenger side – because she thought it would be safer to stand outside the car, he said. The driver, Heidi L. Harrall, 45, of South Kingstown, was arraigned this morning in Washington County Court, Wakefield, on charges of driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury, driving to endanger resulting in serious bodily injury and refusing to submit to a chemical test. Harrall was held without bail as a violator on a conviction from last year. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from photographer Mary Murphy The police say Harrall was driving southbound in the left lane of the two-lane road, the same direction Bogusz had been driving when her car broke down near the Charlestown line. Harrall apparently lost control of her vehicle, drove onto the median to the left of the southbound lanes, struck a guardrail and crossed back over the two lanes of traffic, Allen said. Her car then apparently drove around Bogusz’s stopped car and struck the girl, Allen said. “The poor girl was doing what she felt was the safest thing to do, and it ended up being, unfortunately, the wrong thing,” Allen said. Bogusz was thrown “quite a distance,” probably at least a couple hundred feet, before she struck the pavement, Allen said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:20 PM | Comment Update: Police ID body pulled from Pawtuxet RiverCOVENTRY -- The police this afternoon identified the body pulled from the Pawtuxet River yesterday as Richard G. Abramson. Abramson, 45, had a last known address of 10 Doris Drive, Coventry, the Coventry police announced in a statement. The investigation continues, while authorities await autopsy results from the medical examiner's office. A preliminary examination of the body when it was found "no sign of major trauma," the police said. At about 10:40 a.m. yesterday, the police responded to an access to the river, near Pilgrim Avenue, to speak to two Coventry residents who called the police and said they had found a body in the river. The residents said they were fishing from a canoe when they located the body floating, face down. The residents described the body as that of an older male with long hair. Police and fire personnel brought the body to shore and turned it over to the medical examiner's office, which will do an autopsy "at a later date," the news release states. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Kate Bramson Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:43 PM | Comment Marriage-ad campaign includes spot from ProvidenceA new ad campaign by a committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, titled "What did you do for your marriage today?" features spots shot in Providence, among several cities. That's according to a news release on PRNewswire today, which says the bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family will introduce the campaign "to highlight the value of marriage and to provide supports for engaged and married couples." The ads, described as public service announcements for television and radio airing, "stand as a creative response to concerns for marriage in U.S. Society." There will also be a Web component. The release does not specify what those concerns are. Spots for the ads were also shot in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas. The formal unveiling of the ads is scheduled for Wednesday in Denver. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:39 PM | Comment Fireworks over Providence announced for July 3PROVIDENCE -- City officials today announced the fireworks display over Providence will be held July 3 at 9:30 p.m. This year's Independence Day celebration is sponsored by the City of Providence and the Providence Tourism Council. In a news release today, Mayor David N. Cicilline and the City’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism promise a "spectacular fireworks display." Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:57 AM | Comment Gas prices down for 4th week in a rowGasoline prices have dropped in Rhode Island for the fourth consecutive week – for a total of 15 cents per gallon during that period, according to AAA Southern New England. Self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $2.93 per gallon. That’s three cents less than last week and four cents below this week’s national average. Prices around Rhode Island are ranging 31 cents for self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline – from $2.83 to $3.14. The priciest gasoline is full-serve premium unleaded, which is averaging $3.30 in today’s AAA survey of prices. On AAA’s Gas Savings Tips & Tools Web page, find the most up-to-date local gas prices. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:41 AM | Comment Bishop Tobin still making news over Giuliani criticismBishop Thomas J. Tobin is in the news again today for his harsh criticism of Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani's stand on abortion. The bishop, head of the Diocese of Providence, is quoted in a story in today’s New York Times examining the Catholic Church’s position on Catholic politicians, including Giuliani, who support abortion rights while personally opposing the procedure. In a recent column in the Rhode Island Catholic, Bishop Tobin compared Giuliani to Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Christ to death – and called the former New York City mayor’s stance ``pathetic’’ and ``hypocritical.’’ When Giuliani was asked about Bishop Tobin’s criticism during a Republican presidential debate, a lightning strike knocked out the sound system – and Giuliani’s initial response. A video of the moment went on to be a popular clip on YouTube. Today’s story is teased on the Times’ front page. -- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:01 AM | Comment Coventry police pull body out of Pawtuxet RiverCOVENTRY – The Medical Examiner is reportedly examining the body of a man that was pulled out of the Pawtuxet River yesterday by the Coventry police. Sgt. Michael Flanagan said this morning that more details should be available later today. He’s uncertain if the body has been identified. Channel 12 is reporting that the police say two fishermen spotted the body and called 911. The medical examiner’s office is reportedly conducting an autopsy. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:31 AM | Comment Today brings good beach and boating conditionsNot working today? Lucky you. Head to the beach. It should be a gorgeous beach day, and it looks as if all of Rhode Island’s beaches are open and ready for sunbathers, surfers and swimmers like you. If you’re looking for marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region. Also, for all your nautical needs, boaters love the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the state Department of Health’s beach-monitoring siteor call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:12 AM | Comment Summer's really here -- expect highs in 80sPROVIDENCE – It’s still cool and comfortable this morning – at 63 degrees – but it’s going to be hot today and even hotter later this week. Expect a high of 86 today and then into the low 90s for the next two days. Rain on Thursday should cool temps back down – to a high of 78 on Friday. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:07 AM | Comment R.I. watching ruling on Ca. global warming emissionsWASHINGTON -- Rhode Island is among the states watching for the Environmental Protection Agency's ruling on California's petition to implement greenhouse gas reductions on automobiles. The EPA plans to rule by the end of the year. The law can't take effect unless California gets a federal waiver. While the federal government has authority to make air pollution rules, California has unique status under the Clean Air Act to enact its own regulations as long as it receives permission from the EPA. Other states can then follow either the federal or California standards. At least eleven other states, including Rhode Island, are ready to implement California's emissions standards if it gets the waiver. At issue is a 2002 California law that requires automakers to cut emissions by 25 percent from cars and light trucks and 18 percent from sport utility vehicles starting with the 2009 model year. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story on how development in the resort community of Westerly has generated a parking crisis. There's also a story about an East Greenwich man who is embedded with an Army Civil Affairs Unit in Iraq. He will be sending periodic reports to The Journal. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 23, 2007Assembly: What they did, the uncut version / Photos
By early evening, the anticipated introduction of legislation allowing round-the-clock gambling at the state’s two slot parlors on weekends and holiday eves had also evaporated. But in a session that spanned more than 13 hours, lawmakers passed hundreds of bills in their race to adjournment, including a bill to allow people with disabilities, on public boards, to call in their votes by phone and another to ban forced overtime for nurses. Both were headed to the governor’s desk. Previously unseen bills surfaced – and passed - including one that would levy a new tax on the health-care bills paid by private insurers that, depending on who you talk to, could raise the health-insurance rates of the insured to create a new pool of money to help the uninsured. Another surfaced that was aimed at reversing a heavily criticized feature of the new state budget: the sentencing of 17-year-old criminals to the state prison to save money, because the Training School is more expensive. But it failed to pass both chambers. Lawmakers also went home without making any of the major revisions, sought by business owners, in the fire-code requirements adopted in the wake of The Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people. They debated a citizenship-verification bill that appeared the only survivor among a spate of dueling immigration-related bills. Despite House passage, the bills both died when the Senate refused to take them up. Continue reading ... -- By Katherine Gregg, Steve Peoples, Elizabeth Gudrais and Bruce Landis, Journal State House Bureau UNEXPECTED RECESS Three House members who are medical professionals – former municipal firefighters Rene R. Menard and Peter T. Ginaitt, and registered nurse Elizabeth M. Dennigan – rushed to Sullivan’s aid as rescue workers were called. Sullivan soon regained consciousness; House Speaker William J. Murphy explained that Sullivan hadn’t eaten much during the long day. Debate continued. Among the biggest shocks of the night was the House’s passage of Rep. Richard W. Singleton’s so-called Easter Bunny Protection Act, which was introduced in April, heard in early May, and moved to the floor last night without advance posting. Singleton’s bill responded to an incident in which Tiverton Schools Supt. William Rearick prohibited a parents’ group from sponsoring a photo booth featuring the Easter Bunny at a middle-school craft fair in March. A costumed Peter Rabbit appeared instead. The bill would have prohibited cities and towns and their subdivisions from enacting regulations “requiring the alteration of the name or concept of any religious or secular holiday or any religious or secular figure or symbol associated with any such holiday.” The House debated the bill for 30 minutes, then approved it at 11:13 p.m. on a vote of 55 to 12. The Senate, however, never took it up. POLLUTER FEES “It’s a vital piece of legislation,” said House Environment Committee Chairman Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick. The existing law provides for $1,000 per day fines for violations, “an affordable cost” to a major company, Ginaitt said, while the bill would raise that to a maximum of $40,000 per day, a serious penalty even for a big company. And while the House passed the bill near 3:30 a.m., the Senate never took a vote, in effect killing the proposal for the year. There were four Tiverton residents watching incredulously from the front row of the Senate gallery. For the last five years, they have been living in a neighborhood contaminated with coal gasification waste allegedly dumped almost a century ago by the former Fall River Gas Co., which was bought by Southern Union Co. “I am angry,” said Gail Corvello. “How can they let our children be exposed to hazardous chemicals every day for the next six months? That is unconscionable.” The governor’s office said the higher fines in the new bill is “the difference between a feather duster and a Louisville Slugger,” according to the governor’s deputy chief of staff, John R. Pagliarini. Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano largely blamed the bill’s death on the governor for putting the bill in without consulting the Senate. “The Senate never agreed to legal fees,” he said. “They’re trying to justify spending $3.5 million in taxpayer money in legal fees.” The bill also would have required companies guilty of contamination to pay legal fees incurred by the state. But Montalbano wasn’t concerned with the language in the bill. He was upset that the DEM had paid nearly $800,000 to pay a Washington, D.C. law firm, and requested another $3.5 million, to fight Southern Union. The bill had nothing to do with those legal fees, although Senate Finance Committee Chairman Stephen D. Alves, D-West Warwick, later reiterated Montalbano’s concern. Gary Rose, another Tiverton resident, said he didn’t know what he and his neighbors would do next. “We’re flying by the seat of our pants right now,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief. GAMBLING HOURS As of May, the state’s official revenue estimators were anticipating a total of $256.3 million from video-gambling this year, and $271.1 million in the new state budget year that begins July 1. As to how much round-the-clock gambling on weekends and holidays might add to the state’s coffers, no one seemed to know. However, lawmakers — talking one-on-one with lobbyists for lottery giant GTECH and the Lincoln dog track — came away with the impression the state could raise an additional $17.5 million from Lincoln alone, and “$25 million to $30 million’’ more from the two facilities. Were those numbers pinned to extended weekend and holiday openings only, or to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operations? No one could say. The new money would have been dedicated to local education aid. Governor Carcieri — the leading opponent of last year’s West Warwick casino proposal — gave the proposal his tacit approval. “If the town of Lincoln and the city of Newport are supportive, I would support that,” Carcieri told reporters after a news conference on Thursday. His director of communications, Steve Kass, cited what he called persuasive “public safety’’ arguments for extending the hours to reduce the rush of patrons out the door and onto the highways at closing time. Along the way, Rep. Sullivan recruited more than 30 co-signers for his bill to allow the 24-hour operations on weekends and the night before federally recognized holidays. But after talking privately with House Speaker William J. Murphy, D-West Warwick, Sullivan said he agreed that “with so much happening on the last day of the session,’’ it would be more responsible to introduce the bill early in next year’s session so the idea gets a “full committee vetting.’’ “We’ve all heard estimates as to what this might mean in terms of additional revenue,” Sullivan said. But, “without a firm grasp of how much revenue this would actually produce, I felt uncomfortable,’’ he said. Added Murphy during a break: “I don’t think I’ll personally have an objection,” but “we don’t have any numbers” and “at this point, this being most likely the last day of the session, we are not going to have time to go in tonight and have the Finance Committee vet the issue.’’
MUNICIPAL AID All together, the package was expected to raise $41 million for cities and towns. By 4 a.m., it was clear that the entire package was dead. The proposals, backed by the House leadership, were aimed at helping communities cope with the state budget finalized Thursday that stripped $19 million in state education aid from the governor’s proposal. Mayors and town administrators gathered at the State House this week to plead for help. It had been obvious early in the night that the package was in trouble. “They all came bombardiering up here because they want more money and they expect us to just start raising taxes to accommodate them?” House Minority Leader Robert A. Watson, R-East Greenwich, said of the mayors during a heated debate that found several Democrats joining the Republicans in attacking the proposed hikes. Among the most controversial was a bill to allow municipally owned water-supply companies, such as the Providence Water Supply Board, to add a “reasonable rate of return” — essentially, a profit — of at least 8 percent to their rates. More than 150,000 water customers would have been affected. But it was heated debate over a less-controversial fire-hydrant bill that set the tone. After nearly an hour of debate on the fire hydrant provision in which the chamber was largely divided, House Majority Leader Gordon Fox reluctantly withdrew that bill. Over the course of the rest of the session, Fox withdrew each tax proposal from the calendar when it was announced. But it wasn’t certain that a proposed tax on cable TV bills was dead until the House adjourned after 4 a.m. without voting on the measure. That had never been placed on the floor calendar, but as the rules had been suspended, it could have been brought up any time. The “video services tax” would have imposed a new 3.5-percent tax on all cable television and direct-broadcast satellite bills to raise a projected $7.68 million to be split among the cities and towns in proportion to their population. House leaders had been working to salvage one piece of the “municipal aid” package that initially included five bills: a hike in the real estate transfer tax from $2 to $3 on every $500 of selling price. But Fox gave up at close to 3 a.m. and moved to send the proposal back to the House Finance Committee. “It’s disappointing,” said Dan Beardsley, head of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, which had pushed the package. “But it’s Friday night. It’s getting warm. It’s the last night of the session. It’s almost to be expected.” ANTI-PRIVATIZATION FIRE CODE The bill would have given business owners tax credits for installing sprinklers or new fire alarms, and would have exempted some theaters from sprinkler requirements if they doubled their exit capacity. It would have mitigated some of the stringent requirements adopted after The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003, which killed 100 people and injured 200 more. The legislation was the product of months of work by a House oversight commission co-chaired by Rep. Ginaitt and Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, R-Warwick. They were taking last-minute testimony, and crafting amendments in response, through Friday evening. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed said the bill simply came over too late for the Senate to consider, given that no senator sat on the commission and there was no Senate companion bill for the measure. But Ginaitt called that “a poor excuse” and said the Senate was welcome to be part of the process in any way they chose from the beginning. Ginaitt said the Senate had let down businesses that were counting on Assembly action. “You can’t even imagine the amount of work that’s gone into this,” he said. HOSPITAL BED TAX The chairman, Alves, said the anticipated $15 million in new revenue would go to reducing the number of Rhode Islanders who are underinsured or have no health insurance, with the method to be chosen by a legislative commission. Matthew Stark, policy chief in the health insurance commissioner’s office, said the money might be used in a number of ways, including allowing discounted insurance rates for employers with low-income employees or to raise the income eligibility level for federally supported health insurance for children. Stark said the 3-percent tax would probably translate into a 1-percent increase in insurance premiums. Blue Cross spokesman Scott A. Fraser left no doubt the cost would be passed on to the insured: “The money’s got to come from somewhere, and that’s our members.” DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS The 54-16 vote came after 30 minutes’ debate, part of which consisted of Rep. Al Gemma, D-Warwick, reading the entire Senate vote into the record, name by name. House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, who is gay, spoke in support of the bill. “This is really about trying to be progressive,” he said, adding that his partner would not benefit from it. Fox said he chooses not to seek any benefits for his partner because he does not want to open himself up to criticism. SENTENCING OF 17-YEAR-OLDS The change is expected to save as much as $3.6 million because the cost of housing inmates at the Adult Correctional Institutions is much cheaper than at the Rhode Island Training School. But the plan to send 17-year-olds to adult prison brought a wave of opposition from national as well as local groups, including Human Rights Watch, The Sentencing Project and Rhode Island Kids Count. The Senate approved a bill proposed by the coalition, which would have raised the age of majority back to 18 and capped the number of inhabitants at the training school at 150. (There are more than 200 youths in the Training School now, officials said.) Putting young adults in prison “is not done in a civilized society,” said Sen. Daniel Issa, D-Central Falls. But the youths diverted from the Training School would have gone into community-based programs that also cost the state money, and Costantino, the House Finance chairman, said he wasn’t convinced the proposal could save as much money as advocates said it could. “That bill is not revenue neutral,” he said last night. And ultimately, no House committee ever considered the bill. CORRECTIONS The bills were part of a package aimed at reducing the state’s exploding prison population. Before this year’s legislative session even began, lawmakers were vowing to do something about prison costs, but specific measures did not begin to emerge from committees until the session’s final two weeks. Also on its way to the governor is a bill that would allow judges to waive the routine one-night stay at the Adult Correctional Institutions for people sentenced to serve on home confinement. Other proposals seemed destined for action when they moved through committees last week, but ultimately, lawmakers dropped proposals to increase the amount of time prisoners can get subtracted from their sentences for good behavior; release people who are incarcerated because they lack the money to pay court fines; and dismiss probation violations if people are not convicted of the criminal charge that constituted the violation. SEPARATION OF POWERS Common Cause of Rhode Island, the Conservation Law Foundation and Save the Bay unsuccessfully fought the resolution. The resolution’s supporters say the state Constitution gives the Assembly special responsibility for environmental matters, and therefore the CRMC should continue to include legislative appointees and lawmakers themselves. IMMIGRATION The American Civil Liberties Union had opposed the bill. So had several advocacy groups for immigrants, which said the bill encouraged discrimination against all immigrants, legal or illegal. Rep. Joseph S. Almeida, who voted against the bill, called supporting it “a vote against poor people, a vote against ethnic folks, and definitely a vote against human rights.” Rep. Elizabeth M. Dennigan, D-East Providence, stood up to oppose the bill, saying the database is full of errors and so ineffective it’s about to be phased out. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jon D. Brien, D-Woonsocket, said Dennigan was citing old information and that many problems with the database have been corrected. He also noted that more than 10 other states already mandated employers’ participation. House Majority Whip Peter F. Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, said the Assembly should pass the bill to avoid a situation here like the one that recently occurred in New Bedford, Mass. On March 6, federal agents raided a factory there and detained 361 people accused of being in the United States illegally. The workers told of working conditions that included locked emergency exits, working without heat in the winter, and a $20 fine if they were one minute late for work. “These people are being used,” said Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket. He added: “This bill is not anti-immigration. It is anti-illegal immigration.” Rep. Richard W. Singleton, R-Cumberland, introduced many immigration-related bills throughout the session, but got none through. Singleton called Brien’s bill “a start.” HEALTH INSURANCE Costantino’s plan frees insurers from most of the mandates that govern health insurance, the idea being that they’ll be able to offer cheaper plans if they aren’t required to provide such comprehensive coverage. The American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the American Diabetes Association and AARP all opposed the bill on the grounds that it would leave people with less coverage than they need. They said people would forego diagnostic tests if the tests aren’t covered, and would struggle to pay high deductibles while still paying insurance premiums. The criticisms prompted Sen. Leo R. Blais, R-Coventry, to accuse the groups of “ignoring the reality” that many sick people are already uninsured and some coverage is better than none. “How can you be against making health insurance more affordable for people in this state?” Blais asked during a Health and Human Services Committee hearing. The bill challenges insurers to offer a premium equal to 7.5 percent of the average state wage, or $240 a month, for an individual plan. It does not spell out for them how to get there. The new plans aim to attract employers that do not currently offer health benefits. They will be open only to employers that have not offered coverage in at least a year. Also on its way to the governor is a bill that sets criteria for the state health insurance commissioner’s review of requests by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to compensate its board members. Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller denied the insurer’s 2005 request to begin compensating its board. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CAMPAIGN FINANCE Rep. Thomas C. Slater, D-Providence, wanted to excuse everyone from mandatory online filing, saying the requirement was too onerous for candidates and officials who did not own computers or were not computer literate. Rep. Edith H. Ajello, D-Providence, fought Slater’s proposal, saying it would diminish the public’s ability to get information about who pays for campaigns and how candidates spend their money. Ajello said she is satisfied with the compromise because it makes the Board of Elections responsible for putting the information online, in the searchable database, within a day for candidates below the threshold. The board’s executive director, Robert Kando, has said the board doesn’t have enough staff to comply.
APPOINTMENTS Kerins, who lobbied in the past for the Narragansett Indians casino drive and this year for the Waste Management Association of Rhode Island and the Fraternal Order of Police, would replace the soon-to-retire Joseph Baffoni. Starting pay for the job is $98,670. With longevity bonuses, Baffoni makes $113,470. Kerins’ pay could not be determined. The full Senate approved Governor Carcieri’s nomination of Gary D. Alexander as director of the state Department of Human Services, a post that pays $138,000 a year. Carcieri nominated Alexander on a permanent basis last week. “I am confident that Gary will be able to provide the Department of Human Services with strong leadership in challenging times,” Carcieri said through spokesman Jeff Neal. All of Carcieri’s department heads required reconfirmation at the start of his second term. But not all have fared as well as Alexander. Department of Administration Director Beverly Najarian’s confirmation hearing was indefinitely postponed, and Carcieri withdrew the nomination of another facing defeat, Labor Director Adelita Orefice. Both can continue indefinitely until they or a replacement is confirmed. -- By Katherine Gregg, Steve Peoples, Elizabeth Gudrais and Bruce Landis, Journal State House Bureau kgregg@projo.com / (401) 277-7078 Posted by Andrea Panciera at 8:54 AM | Comment Assembly: What they did, at a glanceThe General Assembly finished its legislative work for the year overnight, in a marathon session ending at 4:04 a.m. Here's a quick look at major action taken over that one session spanning more than 13 hours: VETOES OVERRIDDEN Medical use of marijuana $7-billion state budget PASSED Eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for drug convictions Allow Sunday auto sales Prohibit nurses and certified nurse aides from being forced by their employers to work overtime Limit the ability of companies providing homeowners insurance to institute excessive deductibles on coastal properties Prohibit Newport from using zoning to block more slot machines at Newport Grand Ask the state Supreme Court whether separation of powers applies to the Coastal Resources Management Council Prevent judges from getting pension credit for time spent on unpaid leave Eliminate the in-state residency requirements that applied to some state employees Allow youths to preregister to vote at age 16, with registration automatic at 18 Pull state pension investments out of firms that do business with the Sudanese government Require birth certificates for stillborn babies Remove threat that a charitable contribution here will cost the donor residency in a more tax-friendly state Prohibit “human trafficking’’ Place time limits on building permits Allow a board of five Central Falls residents, appointed by the mayor, to run the federal Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility directly. FAILED Move up the date of the presidential primary Freeze Newport Grand’s slice of the video lottery terminal revenue pie five additional years Relax fire-code requirements to ease the burden on businesses Finance a $41-million municipal aid package with tax and rate hikes on cable TV, real estate transfers, water and fire alarms Raise the fine on polluters from $1,000 to $40,000 a day Force lawmakers to pay part of the premium cost for their health insurance -- By Katherine Gregg, Steve Peoples, Elizabeth Gudrais and Bruce Landis, Journal State House Bureau Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:57 AM | Comment Assembly: Wrapped up for the year at 4:04 a.m.PROVIDENCE — Despite pressure from municipal leaders and unions to add money to the local-aid pot, lawmakers squelched a $41-million package of eleventh-hour tax-and-fee increases before closing up shop for the year at 4:04 a.m. By early evening, the anticipated introduction of legislation allowing round-the-clock gambling at the state’s two slot parlors on weekends and holiday eves had also evaporated. But in a session that spanned more than 13 hours, lawmakers passed hundreds of bills in their race to adjournment, including a bill to allow people with disabilities, on public boards, to call in their votes by phone and another to ban forced overtime for nurses. Both were headed to the governor’s desk. Previously unseen bills surfaced – and passed - including one that would levy a new tax on the health-care bills paid by private insurers that, depending on who you talk to, could raise the health-insurance rates of the insured to create a new pool of money to help the uninsured. Another surfaced that was aimed at reversing a heavily criticized feature of the new state budget: the sentencing of 17-year-old criminals to the state prison to save money, because the Training School is more expensive. But it failed to pass both chambers. Lawmakers also went home without making any of the major revisions, sought by business owners, in the fire-code requirements adopted in the wake of The Station nightclub fire that killed 100 people. They debated a citizenship-verification bill that appeared the only survivor among a spate of dueling immigration-related bills. Despite House passage, the bills both died when the Senate refused to take them up. More to come ... -- By Katherine Gregg, Steve Peoples, Elizabeth Gudrais and Bruce Landis, Journal State House Bureau
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:46 AM | Comment June 22, 2007Assembly: Will they finish?PROVIDENCE -- After a dinner break, House lawmakers reconvened at 8 p.m. and headed into a night of closing out the state's legislative business for the fiscal year. They were working on item 49 on a list of 93 bills -- although, in practice, legislators do not always stick to items in the order listed on their agenda. Check in with projo.com late this evening or early this morning for updates of what the General Assembly hopes will be its last session of this year. And if the House and Senate go past deadlines for The Journal newspaper, projo.com will post another update tomorrow during the day. Gotta see what's happening yourself? Turn to Cox Cable Channel 15, where action is being carried live. Posted by Mike McKinney at 8:01 PM | Comment Assembly: Tax package backed by mayors is dying
Journal photo / Gretchen ErtlMembers of the House on the job today. PROVIDENCE -- In a major development out of the General Assembly tonight, the state tax package pushed by several mayors and town administrators appears to be dying. The House of Representatives killed two of the five bills that make up the package, and the remaining ones are not expected to survive. "It's on life support," House Finance Chairman Steven Costantino said of the package after the House recessed for dinner at 7 p.m. It's expected to reconvene shortly. The Senate has also taken a break. One of the two killed bills is H-6381, which would have allowed cities and towns to pass ordinances to assess a charge on people who use fire departments' master fire alarm boxes. The other bill, H-6414, would have saved a projected $5 million by prohibiting municipal water providers from charging rental fees for fire hydrants to cities and towns. Most of the bills would simply allow communities to enact service-related fees and taxes. The tax package -- also called a "municipal-aid package" by supporters -- was to let cities and towns raise a projected $37 million-plus in new taxes and fees, significantly more than the $19 million in education aid the Assembly stripped from the governor’s budget proposal. Debate spanned an hour on the fire-hydrant tax-package provision alone today, with many Democrats speaking out against the bill. And House Majority Leader Gordon Fox moved to "recommit" the bill, which given that this is the session's final hours, killed it for the year. Another proposal in the package calls for instituting a 3.5-percent tax on cable and satellite television service (the tax would not apply to Internet and digital telephone services) and would apply to all users across the state. The tax would cost an additional $1.75 for a customer with a $50 monthly cable bill. And it would provide hundreds of thousands of dollars to municipalities each quarter after being distributed based on population proportion. Another proposal would generate an estimated $8.5 million by raising municipal water rates by 8 percent. And another water-related bill would save $5 million by prohibiting municipal water providers from charging rental fees for fire hydrants to cities and towns. A separate real estate transfer tax would raise an estimated $15 million by increasing the fee paid by home seller at the time of sale. Governor Carcieri has said he would veto the bills if approved by the legislature. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:07 PM | Comment Assembly: A little shelter for man's best friendPROVIDENCE -- It's no secret to anyone who's watched that House members sometimes bark at each other this time of year. But beneath the State House dome this afternoon the barking went to the dogs. And then on to the Senate. The bill was H-5179, which would establish penalties against anyone who keeps a dog outside "tethered, caged, fenced" or confined in a number of other ways "without adequate shelter from the elements." According to the legislation, it would be a violation if a dog was confined outside for more than two hours without "access to an outdoor housing facility." It would also be a violation in several other scenarios. The House of Representatives, wading through a lengthy list of bills as the legislative session's adjournment awaits, narrowly passed it 34-31 and sent it to the Senate. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment President Bush will visit R.I. next weekPresident Bush will be in Rhode Island this coming Thursday -- his first visit to the state of his presidency -- a White House spokesman confirmed for the first time today. The spokesman would not say yet whether the president's visit will be to the Naval War College in Newport -- the location it's been rumored he is going to visit. But more details are expected to be forthcoming over the weekend. Cmdr. Karen Sellers, the War College’s public affairs officer, yesterday would not comment on talk that Mr. Bush will be in Newport on June 28 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Naval War College’s Naval Command College, a school for military officers from around the world. The five-day symposium and reunion for the 1,600 alumni of the Naval Command College will be held June 25-29. An exhaustive schedule for the celebration posted online by the War College lists in detail each day’s events, including presentations, speeches and meals. No events, however, had been scheduled for next Thursday. Mark Stahl, coordinator for the Rhode Island Community Coalition for Peace, sent out e-mails this week announcing plans for a demonstration. The reunion also coincides with the arrival of the Tall Ships to Newport. A flotilla is expected to be sailing into and around Newport Harbor -- which the Naval War College overlooks -- from Wednesday through Sunday, July 1. -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:07 PM | Comment Weather update: Shifting from sunny to scaryDepending on where you sit in Rhode Island right now, you could see nasty dark gray clouds or bright blue sky. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will continue to develop late this afternoon and move south-southeast across southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and northern Connecticut. While many locations could remain dry through 6 p.m., rainfall should generally range from one-tenth inch or less, with up to a half-inch in the heavier thunderstorms. Any thunderstorms will pose a lightning risk and contain briefly moderate to heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service warns. A few of these thunderstorms may also produce small hail. Take a look at the sky above downtown Providence via projo.com's Webcam, and check out the latest line of showers with our live radar, at: http://projo.com/weather. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:50 PM | Comment Photo: A familiar sight in the House
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:43 PM | Comment Update: Driver in fatal Barrington crash ID'd
BARRINGTON -- The police have identified the woman who died in a single-car crash today as 22-year-old Danielle M. Mello. Mello, who lived at 44 Maple Ave., was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release. Earlier today, the police said Mello, who died early this morning, was believed to be exceeding the 45 mph speed limit on Route 114 north near the Riverside turnaround. "Investigation to date indicates that excessive speed contributed to the cause of the accident," the most recent news release said. At about 2:26 a.m., the driver apparently lost control of the Lexus she was driving on Route 114, also known as Wampanoag Trail, and struck a tree broadside, snapping it in half and uprooting it, LaCross said. The car also rolled over, but LaCross said he’s not sure whether that happened before or after the car struck the tree. LaCross said earlier today he does not believe Mello was wearing a seat belt. LaCross said such tragedies are particularly difficult in a town as small as Barrington. "On behalf of the men and women of the Barrington Police Department, our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to the Mello family during their tragic loss," LaCross said in the statement this afternoon. -- projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:35 PM | Comment Update: No verdict yet in teacher's aide murder trial
WARWICK -- The jury weighing the fate of James Richardson, the Cranston man accused of killing Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005, was released this afternoon without reaching a verdict. The jury is scheduled to resume deliberating on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Kent County Superior Court. The defense delivered its closing arguments this morning, contending that all the prosecution had was a trace of what could be Richardson's DNA found on the dead woman's hand. In his closing argument, Special Assistant Attorney General Thomas O'Brien said the state had much more than that: Opportunity and motive. The DNA was the final piece in the puzzle, O'Brien said. The case went to the jury about 1:30 this afternoon. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, a teacher's aide in East Greenwich, was found slain in her Blackmore Street home on Nov. 18, 2005. Officials placed her time of death sometime during the night of Nov. 16 into the early morning hours of Nov. 17. In his closing, defense attorney John Hardiman argued that the DNA sample presented as evidence of Richardson's culpability is too small to be conclusive. He said it also could have come from casual contact. The DNA alleged to be from Richardson was found under a fingernail on the victim's right hand, according to the prosecution. Hardiman also said the crime scene was compromised, and there's more evidence against the victim's husband, James Stephenson, than Richardson. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Richardson is charged with one count each of burglary and first-degree murder. Read about yesterday's testimony in the case here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:50 PM | Comment Judge makes lawyer, not daughters, Eifrig's guardianPROVIDENCE – Superior Court Judge Alice B. Gibney decided today that neither of Laurette Borduas Eifrig’s grown daughters is suitable to be her guardian, saying there is too much animosity between them to put either in charge of their mother’s care and finances. Gibney, in a 33-page written decision issued late this afternoon, ordered that North Providence lawyer Paula M. Cuculo remain as Eifrig’s guardian and that only Cuculo should have access to Eifrig’s trust funds. Cuculo was appointed Eifrig’s temportary guardian by Gibney last summer after the 90-year-old Eifrig, who is blind and suffers from dementia, was moved by her older daughter, Suzette Gebhard, to Rhode Island from Virginia, where she resided for 13 years, near her younger daughter, Francine Ardito. Gebhard, former head of the Rhode Island League of Women Voters and a one-time Democratic congressional candidate here, secreted her mother in her house in Warren for many months and refused to let her sister or Cuculo visit. In late January, after police knocked down Gebhard’s door to gain access to Eifrig, she was hospitalized briefly and then moved by Cuculo to Capitol Ridge, where she has said she wants to continue to reside, according to testimony she gave to Gibney last month. Ardito, who has power of attorney for her mother and is co-trustee of her mother’s Virginia trust, has now started a legal battle in Virginia to wrest control of her mother’s money away from Cuculo so she can freeze her mother out of Capitol Ridge and bring her back to an assisted-living facility in Virginia. She has directed financial institutions there not to release any more money to Cuculo. Gibney has scheduled a hearing for next Tuesday to decide whether Ardito should be held in contempt. Until her further order, the judge also ordered that Eifrig remain at Capitol Ridge, where Gibney says she's adjusted well --Journal staff writer Tracy Breton Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:27 PM | Comment A topping off at Fidelity / Photo
SMITHFIELD -- Boston-based Fidelity Investments held a "topping-off" ceremony today for its newest and largest building in Rhode Island, a 577,000-square-foot structure being constructed on its 500-acre Smithfield campus. The building will house 1,000 employees, according to the mutual funds giant. Two years later, Fidelity completed a second building in Smithfield, a 275,000-square-foot structure. Combined, the two, four-story buildings cost $100 million. The newest building will triple Fidelity’s total investment in the 500-acre campus. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:49 PM | Comment Assembly: Separation of powers question back againPROVIDENCE -- Asking the state Supreme Court whether the Coastal Resources Management Council is subject to the 2004 separation of powers constitutional amendment won House approval after fiery debate this afternoon. But there's a long way to go, and H-6266, the bill asking the court to weigh in on whether the coastal permitting agency is subject to separation of powers, got plenty of talk. The question is whether the state Constitution gives the Assembly special jurisdiction over environmental matters, and therefore enables lawmakers and their appointees to continue sitting on the CRMC in spite of separation of powers, the 2004 ballot question whose passage removed lawmakers and their appointees from statewide bodies with executive power. The watchdog group Common Cause of Rhode Island claimed the question was worded so broadly that the opinion, depending on what it said, might have the effect of undoing separation of powers completely. Rep. Laurence W. Ehrhardt, R-North Kingstown, criticized it, saying, "We should hang our heads in shame" over the bill. But Rep. Al Gemma, D-Warwick, expressed support, as did Rep. Peter F. Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket. Kilmartin said that regardless of the voter-approved separation of powers amendment, the bill is worthwhile because there is a "natural tension" in the state Constitution. That tension is similar to the one between freedom of the press and protection of privacy, he said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Rep. Nicholas Gorham, R-Coventry, criticized the bill as one that will amount to asking the state Supreme Court whether it really counted when the state's voters approved the separation of powers amendment. "We're just delaying implementation of separation of powers," Gorham said. Later he added, that it is among the "most disengenuous" items he's heard the House consider. The House asked the state's highest court the exact same question last year, but the court declined to give an opinion. The reason was that the legislature returning this year would have some new members, so the court would be giving an answer to a different legislature than the one that asked. Later this afternoon, the House also passed H-6566, also sponsored by DeSimone, which is a House resolution asking the state Supreme Court justices to give a written opinion on the matter. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:45 PM | Comment Assembly: The final push beginsPROVIDENCE -- The traffic jam inside the State House begins this afternoon. In what could be the legislative session's final day, though it may go into tomorrow morning, the House and Senate will settle a host of unresolved, but potentially critical, controversial and sometimes last-minute, proposals. One to watch: Talk of allowing video-slot parlors at Newport Grand and Twin Rivers in Lincoln to stay open 24 hours a day on weekends. Just don't look for anything on paper telling you what it's all about -- the bill hasn't been introduced yet. By day's end, it could be. And by night's end, it could be law -- or not. Many more questions could soon be answered: - Will legislation pass easing some restrictions in the state's toughest-in-the-nation fire code? Read more about it here. - Will the legislature ban overtime for nurses? - Will a package of what officials call prison reforms survive? - Will Rhode Island join a herd of states in moving up its presidential primary date? - Will a hospital bed-tax that insurers would pay, but which could result in some cost being passed down to the public, win approval? Some bills will live as laws, some will be killed and others will simply die on the vine. The House Finance Committee, which will take up certain bills and then slingshot some to the House, has been meeting since about 1 p.m. The House was slated to go in at 2 p.m. but was actually called to order at 2:45 p.m.. Go here to see what the House has on its calendar today. The Senate has a full to-do list, too. Take a look here. Projo.com will help you keep up with the action by providing updates this afternoon and evening. If staying inside on another beautiful day in front of a TV doesn't faze you, you can also watch much of what happens on Cox Cable's Channel 15. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:25 PM | Comment Operation helps gimpy cheetah get back up to speedArthritis can even slow down the fastest animals on land. But Togo, a 15-year-old cheetah at Roger Williams Park Zoo, should start feeling better after a veterinarian spent two hours today operating on his right front leg. Togo, who is old for a cheetah, had been showing signs of discomfort over the past two years, and animal care staff at the zoo discovered arthritis in Togo's leg last fall. The operation fused what is the equivalent of the animal's wrist joint, according to Laura Dunn, a spokeswoman for the zoo. That will alleviate pain because it will stop the joint from moving and also provide more support, she said. The operation "went great. Everything went as expected. There weren't any complications," Dunn said this afternoon. Togo will be kept in a confined area of his exhibit for a while to limit his running and jumping. The public won't be able to see him again until possibly Sunday, Dunn said. Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land, capable of speeds up to 70 mph. And while Togo may never reach that speed, he should soon be able to move as he pleases around his space at the zoo, according to Dunn. "He's an old guy but he's in remarkable shape otherwise," she said. Posted by Jack Perry at 3:06 PM | Comment Europe OKs sale of drug produced in SmithfieldSMITHFIELD -- Alexion Pharmaceuticals has received permission to sell its drug Soliris in Europe, greatly expanding the market for the medication it plans to produce in its new facility in Smithfield. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in March, and Alexion began selling it in the U.S. the following month. This morning, the European Medicines Agency, a London-based Europen Union body, granted permission for sales in Europe, according to Alexion. Soliris is the only approved therapy in Europe and the U.S. to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, an illness that destroys red blood cells. The disease can cause anemia, severe fatigue, pain and kidney disease. -- Journal Staff Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 2:44 PM | Comment Photo: Portugal's president visits Fall River
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:03 PM | Comment Man charged with 42 lbs. of pot deported in 2005More details are emerging today about the man charged with possession of 42 pounds of marijuana. Juan Paula, 41, of 230 Dexter St., had been deported to the Dominican Republic in February 2005 after serving time in New York state for drugs, said State Police Lt. James O. Demers, commander of the high-intensity drug trafficking area task force. However, Paula returned illegally and set up shop in Providence, where he was selling marijuana to smaller dealers throughout the city, Demers said. The 42 pounds of marijuana would have sold for a total of more than $50,000. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:58 PM | Comment Update: Jury begins deliberations in Warwick murderWARWICK -- Jurors began deliberating the fate of James Richardson, the man accused of killing Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in 2005. The defense delivered its closing arguments this morning arguing that all the prosecution had was a trace of Richardson's DNA found on the dead woman's hand. In his closing argument, Special Asstistant Attorney General Thomas O'Brien said the state had much more than that: opportunity and motive. The DNA was the final piece in the puzzle, O'Brien said. The case went to the jury about 1:30 this afternoon. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, a teacher's aide in East Greenwich, was found slain in her Blackmore Street home on Nov. 18, 2005. Officials placed her time of death sometime during the night of Nov. 16 into the early morning hours of Nov. 17. Richardson is charged with one count each of burglary and first-degree murder. In his closing, defense attorney John Hardiman argued that the DNA sample presented as evidence of Richardson's culpability is too small to be conclusive. He said it also could have come from casual contact. The DNA alleged to be from Richardson was found under a fingernail on the victim's right hand, according to the prosecution. Hardiman also said the crime scene was compromised, and there's more evidence against the victim's husband, James Stephenson, than Richardson. Read a story from yesterday's testimony. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Jack Perry at 1:55 PM | Comment Findings: No wrongdoing by Westerly chief, policeWESTERLY -- Police Chief Edward Mello did nothing wrong in storing two handguns at his home and he and police officers handled properly a May incident in which his ex-girlfriend allegedly broke into his home and seized the guns, an investigator announced today. The department was also within rights to omit the incident from the daily police log so as not to reveal the address of the police chief, because that address would be sensitive information, according to the investigation by John J. Leyden, a retired U.S. Marshal asked by the town manager to investigate the police's handling of the incident. The findings were released at a Town Hall news conference this morning. Town Manager Joseph T. Turo had Leyden this month to look into the events of the early hours of Sunday, May 13, in which a woman, who Mello had dated regularly for a time, allegedly was in the chief's house. A report had described the offense as a "B&E dwelling house w/o consent" and said Mello declined to pursue charges. The investigation cleared the police for not pursuing the charges against the woman because she and the chief were deemed to no longer be seriously dating, so the incident did not fall under a domestic incident, which would have required pressing of a charge. The chief came home to find the ex-girlfriend with the guns, and she threatened to shoot herself. Before today's findings, some Police Department members called for a union vote of no confidence in the chief, but the union decided to wait until the investigation concluded. From 1994 to 2002, Leyden was the state's U.S. Marshal. He worked in law enforcement for 47 years before the 2002 retirement. Previously he was a major in internal affairs in the Providence Police Department. He served as North Kingstown police chief, after taking over as interim director of public safety in 1983. He has helped reorganize troubled police departments in North Smithfield, Scituate and Burrillville. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:47 PM | Comment Injured state trooper opens his eyes again todayPROVIDENCE -- Trooper Brendan Doyle opened his eyes again this morning, as he continues to show signs of improvement since he was critically injured by an alleged reckless driver in downtown Providence early Saturday morning. Doyle is still listed in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital. The 25-year-old man is being fitted for a special helmet to protect his injured head, said his father, Robert Doyle. The helmet will have a camouflage design and the Rhode Island State Police emblem on it. Doyle’s mother, Maureen Adams, a nurse at Rhode Island Hospital, has rarely left her son’s side. She has been holding her son’s hands and talking to him, protective of him, as he’s slowly brought out of the medically induced coma. “She’s a fantastic mother,” said Robert Doyle, her ex-husband. “Even though he’s 25, I can tell when she’s leaning over him and whispering in his ear, it’s like he’s one years old again,” Robert Doyle said. Doyle has also been visited by Governor Carcieri, Atty. Gen. Patrick Lynch, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and Providence Police Chief Dean M. Esserman, as well as numerous troopers, police officers and the firefighters who rescued him. State Police Col. Brendan Doherty has visited daily, Robert Doyle said. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Doyle was off-duty and out with friends on Pine Street after 2 a.m. on Saturday when he saw a convertible BMW suddenly jump the curb twice and drive recklessly through the pedestrian-clogged narrow road. Doyle ran after the car and yelled to the driver that he was a state trooper and should stop. When the car screeched to a stop in traffic at Dorrance Street, Doyle caught up to the vehicle and began to make a call, the police said. That’s when the driver, James D. Proulx, 36, of Smithfield, allegedly got out and sucker-punched the young trooper in the face, causing him to strike his head on the pavement. Proulx, a mortgage loan officer and formerly a state correctional officer and Smithfield police reservist, is being held on $1 million bail with surety for the assault. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:36 PM | Comment Police believe fatal crash victim was speeding / Photo
At about 2:26 a.m., she apparently lost control of the Lexus she was driving on Route 114, also known as Wampanoag Trail, and struck a tree broadside, snapping it in half and uprooting it, Police Chief John M. LaCross said. The car also rolled over, but LaCross said he’s not sure whether that happened before or after the car struck the tree. The police have not yet named the woman. LaCross said her parents, also of Barrington, have been notified, but he wants to give them time to contact other relatives and friends before he releases the woman’s name. LaCross said he doesn’t believe the woman was wearing a seat belt. He believes she died on impact. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Accident reconstruction teams were on scene all morning, LaCross said. It’s unclear how fast the woman may have been driving, he said, but evidence suggests she was exceeding the speed limit and lost control of the car. That evidence includes the skid marks and the fact that the car snapped in half and uprooted a tree that was perhaps 8 to 10 inches in diameter, LaCross said. The police do not know where the woman was going. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the state medical examiner’s office, which is now examining the body, according to the police. LaCross said such tragedies are particularly difficult in a town as small as Barrington. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased, on behalf of the police and fire department,” he said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:29 AM | Comment N. Kingstown police ID man from fatal crashNORTH KINGSTOWN – The police have identified the 83-year-old local man who died yesterday after a two-car crash on Boston Neck Road as Manuel Rocha, of 1955 Boston Neck Rd. Rocha was a passenger in a white Pontiac Grand Prix, which was driving north when the Pontiac and a gray Subaru Legacy wagon collided head-on at the intersection of Earle Drive, Lt. Carlton Arruda said this morning. The collision remains under investigation, and a police reconstruction team expects to go back to take measurements today, Arruda said. Rocha lived on Boston Neck Road, about two miles south of the accident scene, Arruda said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:04 AM | Comment Marine weather: Small craft advisory for later todayThe National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory for coastal waters from the Merrimack River in Massachusetts to Watch Hill, R.I., in effect from 2 p.m. today through this evening. Thunderstorms developing in southern New Hampshire during midday are expected to move southeast across the eastern Massachusetts coast this afternoon. They may arrive in the Merrimack River-Cape Ann region around 1 p.m., Boston Harbor and the upper part of Cape Cod Bay between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and then Plymouth and possibly the upper part of Narragansett Bay between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. With those storms, we could get small hail, wind gusts to 30 knots and a few dangerous lightning strikes. For additional marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region. Also, for all your nautical needs, boaters love the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the state Department of Health’s beach-monitoring siteor call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:29 AM | Comment Recycle fluorescent bulbs tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Environmental Management urges Rhode Islanders to take advantage of a fluorescent light bulb recycling day hosted by Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters and Sam's Clubs in Rhode Island tomorrow. Rhode Island was chosen as one of five states across the country to host the event, which will offer consumers a free opportunity to drop off and recycle their used compact fluorescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, according to the DEM. The bulbs, which contain small amounts of mercury, will be collected outside the stores from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can bring an unlimited number of CFLs, but there is a limit of five fluorescent tubes of 4 feet in length or smaller per household. Wal-Mart is partnering with Waste Management for the event. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:05 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the General Assembly's overriding Governor Carcieri's budget veto and a feature on Race Week on Block Island. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment Sunny today with a chance of thunderstormsIt's going to be a great day. Sunny and dry with an interesting little wind blowing from the northwest. And if you like thunderstorms, it could get even better this afternoon and tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather statement for most of southern New England. If a storm hits, winds could hit 40 mph with hail and lightning. The storms are most likely to hit between 3 a nd 9 p.m. Tomorrow will be clear and warmer with a high of 78. Then on Sunday there will be a chance of more thunderstorms. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:52 AM | Comment June 21, 2007Gallery Night Providence expandsArt is in the air tonight. The summer edition of Gallery Night Providence starts tonight, featuring many of the city’s top galleries, museums and historical sites. There will be traditional and contemporary works by Southwestern artist Caroline R. Carpio at the Gallery at 17 Peck; photographs of modern-day Vietnam at URI’s downtown campus; an exhibit chronicling recent excavations on the Greek island of Crete at Providence College; and a celebration of contemporary Rhode Island art at Gallery Z on Federal Hill. Two new venues, in the Wayland Square area, debut tonight: Twist on Angell, an Italian restaurant at 500 Angell St., celebrates its in-house art gallery with an exhibit of works by Russian-born painter and collage artist Onega Astaltsova. And the former Sexual Assault & Trauma Center is marking the opening of its new headquarters at 100 Medway St. with an exhibit of works by members of Wakefield’s Hera Gallery. The center is now called Day One. There will be free buses among Gallery Night sites. Free parking is available, including at the Metro Park lot behind One Citizens Plaza and the Providence Art Club lot at 186 Benefit St. For information, call (401) 490-2042 or go to www.gallerynight.info. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment Bill to ease fire code hits some snagsPROVIDENCE — A bill to ease some fire code restrictions on businesses hit opposition today from the fire services professionals who would have to enforce it, sending the architects of the legislation into new rounds of meetings to pound out the differences. The bill’s lead sponsor, state Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick, said late this afternoon that after several hours of meetings with members of the fire services, the bill was “almost there.” He sounded optimistic that the General Assembly would have a chance to pass the legislation before the end of the session. “We don’t want to leave here without something approved,” he said. The bill struck opposition at a hearing before the House Finance Committee today. Providence Fire Chief George Farrell, a former Rhode Island state fire marshal, suggested the legislation had been rushed. “We haven’t clearly looked at all the issues in this bill,” he said. “There has not been enough time to address the drastic changes...I’m just not in favor of this piece of legislation.” The bill filed last week proposes a variety of changes to address complaints from businesses. Under the bill, business owners forced to install sprinklers or new fire alarms would be entitled to a tax credit of up to $10,000, retroactive to 2003, though a business owner could not claim it until 2009. It would provide a 10-percent credit on Rhode Island income tax for safety improvements totaling up to $100,000. The bill also proposes that “performances theaters” that hold 800 or fewer patrons and stage events without alcohol, such as the Odeum in East Greenwich and the Columbus in Providence, would be exempt from sprinkler requirements — if they double their exit capacity. -- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Representatives of the fire sprinkler industry objected today to a section of the bill calling on the Department of Labor and Training to create a new license to allow pipe fitters to install a properly designed, retrofitted sprinkler system in buildings smaller than 10,000 square feet. That work, several representatives said, should be done by people specially trained to install lifesaving fire protection systems. Farrell objected to language in the bill to extend deadlines for businesses that haven’t complied with new fire alarm standards. Under the legislation as it was proposed, certain businesses with older alarms in working order would have until 2012 to upgrade to a new system that meets modern standards. Owners of buildings with no alarm would have until 2009 to install a system. Owners of small, mixed-use buildings that include residents would have one year to upgrade existing alarms. The bill would compel local fire inspectors to attend at least two training sessions per year to be conducted by the state fire marshal’s office. This regular training is an effort to even out the enforcement, addressing what has been a persistent complaint since the new laws were passed — that enforcement is inconsistent among the cities and towns. Farrell questioned if the state fire marshal’s office had the resources to provide the training. The commission’s leaders include Ginaitt and Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, R-Warwick. After The Station nightclub in West Warwick burned down in 2003, killing 100 people and injuring twice that number, Ginaitt and Trillo sat on a 17-member commission that took testimony from dozens of experts and then crafted a new state fire code, which adopted national standards, removed grandfather protection that had shielded older buildings from newer codes, and added special requirements for nightclubs and other places where people gather. Representatives from a number of local chambers of commerce testified in support of the bill today. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:00 PM | Comment House completes override of medical-marijuana vetoPROVIDENCE -- The House and Senate have made permanent the state's medical marijuana program by overriding Governor Carcieri's veto and giving final approval to the legislation. The medical marijuana law, which had been due to expire this month, allows seriously ill patients to use marijuana to ease their symptoms for a range of debilitating medical conditions. The Senate overrode the veto yesterday 29 to 4. The House followed suit this evening in a 58-to-11 vote. Democrats hold large majorities in the House and the Senate. Carcieri, a Republican, was against the law because he said it could allow federal prosecution of those who use it and encourages them to buy drugs from illicit dealers. He vetoed it on June 5, but Democratic legislative leaders expected an override to follow. A patient diagnosed as having a debilitating medical condition would be allowed to possess up to 12 marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of marijuana. An adult who has agreed to help an ill person’s medical use of marijuana — a caregiver — could have 12 plants and 2.5 ounces of marijuana for each of up to five qualified patients. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:17 PM | Comment Update: Legislature overrides Carcieri's budget vetoPROVIDENCE -- The Democrat-controlled House and Senate muscled past Governor Carcieri's noontime veto and gave final approval early this evening to the nearly $7-billion state budget for the coming fiscal year. The approved override means the fiscal 2008 budget stands as Democratic legislative leaders proposed it. The House approved the override 58 to 12, a party-line outcome save for two Democrats who broke ranks: Rep. Rene R. Menard, who represents Lincoln and Cumberland, and Rep. Steven F. Smith, who represents Providence and Johnston and is a teacher in the Providence schools. The Senate approved the override 28 to 7. A three-fifths majority was required in each chamber to achieve the override. To find out more about what's in, and what's not in, the budget, click here.
As Carcieri signed the expected veto at shortly after noon today, he tore into Democratic legislative leaders for a budget that would eliminate an education-aid increase, keep funding in for a new state courthouse in Lincoln and raises taxes. "This budget in my judgment puts the burden of the state's fiscal crisis clearly on the backs of Rhode Island families," Carcieri said in opening his veto press conference at the State House. Carcieri had touted his budget proposal as one that provided a 3-percent across the board education aid increase to communities. But he had also sought to cut 1,000 state employees jobs, a proposal that came in for heavy criticism. Carcieri said he opposed the $6.99 billion spending plan because it cuts school aid, raises taxes, "squanders" a one-time payment from tobacco settlement funds and limits the governor's ability to use private firms. He says the budget prioritizes a new $113 million courthouse in Lincoln at the expense of property taxpayers and communities. He said the General Assembly eliminated his proposal to increase school aid by 3 percent. The assembly also eliminated his proposal to include $5 million in scholarship money, he said. Carcieri claims the General Assembly's spending plan "will result in school budget cuts that will impact children, putting tremendous pressure on property taxes." The governor had promised to veto the budget immediately after it was passed by the Senate Tuesday evening. The proposal was the same as that passed by the House early last Saturday morning. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:04 PM | Comment Providence man had 42 pounds of pot, police sayPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man has been charged with possession of 42 pounds of marijuana, the state police announced today. Juan Paula, 41, of 230 Dexter St. was charged with marijuana possession in excess of five kilograms and with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He was also wanted on a warrant for illegal re-entry into the country after deportation, according to a news release. At about 9:30 p.m., the state police said authorities used a search warrant at the Providence residence and seized the mairjuana, $2,236 and drug-packaging materials in Paula's residence. Paula is being held without bail after arraignment in District Court, Providence, this morning, the police said. A bail hearing is slated for July 5. Involved in the arrest were members of the State Police/Federal Bureau of Investigation HIDTA Task Force and members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:43 PM | Comment Somerset town administrator can move on to new jobSOMERSET, Mass. -- The Board of Selectmen unanimously signed a release agreement for Town Administrator John McAuliffe this afternoon, allowing him to move to a similar -- but better-paying -- post in Wareham, Mass. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. His chief critic on the board, Eleanor Gagnon, is now the chairwoman. She had called for his suspension in connection with the lawsuit, and the two of dueled repeatedly over several issues, including a controversy over whether her husband properly developed land on North Street, an issue now in Superior Court. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:18 PM | Comment N. Kingstown beach can reopen to swimmersOn a day like this outside, here's news with timing. The state Health Department today recommended re-opening North Kingstown Town Beach to swimming, based on water sample results that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. The beach had been closed to swimming since Tuesday, when the Health Department announced findings of elevated bacteria. To check the status of beaches for swimming, go to the Department of Health Web site's beach closings page or call (401) 222-2751. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:14 PM | Comment Alexion Pharmaceuticals opens R.I. plant / Photo
The company already produces the drug at a contract laboratory in New Hampshire. It has hired more than 100 people to staff the Smithfield plant, its first commercial manufacturing facility. At a ceremony today, Governor Carcieri celebrated the company's arrival as a sign that the state's nascent biotechnology sector was growing. "This is really an exciting day," he said. "This is the future." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:04 PM | Comment Defense rests after murder suspect's mother testifiesWARWICK -- The defense rested in the murder trial of James Richardson after calling his mother and his son's former girlfriend to the stand today. Closing arguments are expected tomorrow. Edythe Richardson's son, James, is accused of murdering Margaret Duffy-Stephenson in Warwick in 2005. Her testimony was aimed at establishing an alibi for her son for the time police have said that Duffy-Stephenson was killed -- during the night of Nov. 16 or morning of Nov. 17, 2005. . Edythe Richardson testified that on Nov. 16, 2005, she and her son cleaned the house, had dinner and then she, her grandson and the grandson's girlfriend watched a movie while James was upstairs. James Richardson went upstairs after dinner, came downstairs around 8:30 p.m. or so, went upstairs a little bit later and returned downstairs around 10:20 p.m., Edythe Richardson said. He went back upstairs about 10 minutes later. Edythe Richardson said she went to bed around 12:30 a.m. and said her son did not come back down the rest of the night. She got up around 3:30 a.m. and went into the bathroom and stayed awake, first in the living room and then in bed upstairs until she had to wake up her husband and grandson at 5:45 a.m. After that, she slept for about a half-hour, waking up around 8 a.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford The prosecution countered today that what happened in the middle of the night through the morning was not in Edythe Richardson's statement to the police. "They only asked me up until the time I went to bed," she said in court, but did not ask her what happened through the next morning. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, was found slain in her Blackmore Street home on Nov. 18. She had come back a few days earlier from a wedding in Florida while her husband and son remained there to see relatives. Duffy-Stephenson worked as a teacher’s aide for special education students at Archie R. Cole Junior High School in East Greenwich. James Richardson is also charged with stealing $11,000 from a safe in the basement office of James O. Stephenson III, Duffy-Stephenson’s husband. The prosecution rested its case yesterday after calling more than 20 witnesses since the trial opened on June 7. Among the prosecution's arguments has been testimony from a state medical examiner's official who said that while more than 99 percent of the population could be ruled out for having DNA found under Duffy-Stephenson's fingernail, Richardson could not. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:37 PM | Comment Journal reporter catches some air / Photos
Sitting in front of Air National Guard Maj. John Klatt in his Extra 300L aerobatics plane, I couldn’t see what he was doing. Being just 5’3”, I couldn’t even see over the nose of the plane. But once we took off, it didn’t matter. Looking up, there, flying up-side-down and within arms reach was Sean D. Tucker. Flying nearby, were Eric Tucker and Michael Goulian. Looking down were the houses dotting Prudence Island, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, sailboats in the Bay. With short notice, down became up, I was hanging on the seatbelt harnesses and Klatt was exclaiming “Isn’t this great?” We agreed we may have the best jobs in the world. -- Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson
After some loops, spirals and a hammerhead turnaround – straight up, pause, spin, straight down – I felt the first wave of nausea. As soon as we touched down, it faded, only to return with a vengeance as I was driving down Post Road. I was wrecked. I pulled into a shady lot, rolled down the windows and breathed the deepest breaths I could, keeping down the morning’s coffee. Would I do it again tomorrow? My boss asked. Tomorrow? No. Next week? Without a doubt. If you go: The Quonset Air Show brings a roster of fighter aircraft from all over the world to North Kingstown's Quonset Point Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will perform along with F-15, F-16, and C-17 aircraft, precision-flying teams and parachute teams. Gates open to Quonset at 9 a.m. both days. The Rhode Island National Guard event is free, but a parking donation is requested. For more information on the family-oriented show, call (401) 275-4110, or visit www.riairshow.com. Posted by maria caporizzo at 4:35 PM | Comment Update: Assembly due to override budget veto / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- Before the ink on it dries, Governor Carcieri's budget veto may become a document of the past. The House and Senate this afternoon are scheduled to vote to override the Republican governor's noontime veto of the nearly $7-billion state budget that the two chambers passed over the past week. The House will go first, beginning with a 4 p.m. session and the Senate will follow. Democrats hold large majorities in both chambers. As Carcieri signed the expected veto, he tore into Democratic legislative leaders for a budget that would eliminate an education-aid increase, keep funding in for a new state courthouse in Lincoln and raises taxes. "This budget in my judgment puts the burden of the state's fiscal crisis clearly on the backs of Rhode Island families," Carcieri said in opening his veto press conference at the State House. -- projo.com staff writer Michael McKinney, with reporters from Journal staff writer Steve Peoples Carcieri said he opposes the $6.99 billion spending plan, because it cuts school aid, raises taxes, "squanders" a one-time payment from tobacco settlement funds and limits the governor's ability to use private firms. He says the budget prioritizes a new $113 million courthouse in Lincoln at the expense of property taxpayers and communities. He said the General Assembly eliminated his proposal to increase school aid by 3 percent. The assembly also eliminated his proposal to include $5 million in scholarship money, he said. Carcieri claims the General Assembly's spending plan "will result in school budget cuts that will impact children, putting tremendous pressure on property taxes." The governor had promised to veto the budget immediately after it was passed by the Senate Tuesday evening. The proposal was the same as that passed by the House early last Saturday morning. The Democrat-controlled Assembly is expected to easily override the Republican governor's veto.
Posted by Jack Perry at 4:20 PM | Comment North Kingstown man, 83, dies after two-car crashNORTH KINGSTOWN -- An 83-year-old North Kingstown man died at South County Hospital from injuries he sustained as a passenger in a two-car crash early this afternoon at the intersection of Boston Neck Road and Earle Drive, the police said. Police Capt. Charles Brennan said in an afternoon news release that the police are withholding identification of the man pending notification of next of kin. At about 1:20 p.m., the police and fire departments were called to the accident, which temporarily closed Boston Neck Road (Route 1A). Police on scene told the ambulance to "expedite their response to urgent" and said that the driver of one of the vehicles would need to be removed using an extrication device. A police accident reconstruction team has been investigating. The crash involved a Subaru Legacy wagon and a Pontiac Grand Prix. One person from the Subaru and two from the Pontiac went to the hospital. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:09 PM | Comment Trooper opens eyes for 1st time since hurt, father saysPROVIDENCE -- State Trooper Brendan R. Doyle opened his eyes this morning, for the first time since he was critically hurt early Saturday while trying to stop an alleged reckless driver in downtown Providence. His father, Robert Doyle, said today that his 25-year-old son was showing some signs of improvement, although his prognosis is still uncertain. Trooper Doyle opened his eyes at around 7 a.m. today, his father said, and seemed to recognize his family. The younger Doyle had been off duty and out with friends when they saw a convertible BMW jump the curb and speed into crowded Pine Street, according to the police. Doyle held out his badge and yelled for the driver to stop, but when he approached the car and began to make a call, the driver got out and punched him in the face, the Providence police said. Doyle fell backward and hit his head on the pavement, suffering severe head injuries that nearly cost him his life that morning. He is listed in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital, where his father said he has been in a medically-induced coma. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:41 PM | Comment Tractor-trailer rollover slows Middletown trafficMIDDLETOWN – A tractor-trailer rollover at the intersection of Routes 138 and 214 has severely restricted traffic flow. The truck was removed around 2:30 p.m., and Transportation Management Center operator Stephen McGovern said the area will likely be cleared within 20 minutes. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:32 PM | Comment Update: Boston Neck Road re-opens after crashNORTH KINGSTOWN – A section of Boston Neck Road has just re-opened after a two-car accident sent three people to the hospital, according to the police. As of about 2:20 p.m., an accident reconstruction team was investigating. The accident, near Earle Drive, was reported at about 1:19 p.m. It involved a Subaru Legacy wagon and a Pontiac Grand Prix. One person from the Subaru and two from the Pontiac went to the hospital. You can find traffic alerts describing accidents on the state DOT's Web site. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:25 PM | Comment Former N.Y. exec. guilty in Nantucket murderNANTUCKET, Mass., -- A former New York bank executive today was found guilty of killing his former girlfriend by a jury that rejected his claim that he was temporarily insane when he stabbed her to death in her island bungalow. Jurors returned the verdict of guilty of first-degree murder against Thomas Toolan III following about five hours of deliberations over two days. Afterward, Toolan, 39, was immediately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors said Toolan killed Elizabeth Lochtefeld, 44, a successful New York entrepreneur, after she rejected his marriage proposal and broke up with him. Toolan had been held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston for a time in 2004 since Rhode Island State Police arrested him that October on a drunken driving charge -- hours after Lochtefeld was found slain on Nantucket. He was charged with driving under the influence and as a fugitive from justice.
Toolan's defense lawyer told jurors that Toolan was suffering from a mental disease and struggling with alcohol addiction when he killed Lochtefeld on Oct. 24, 2004, three days after she turned down his proposal. Defense experts claimed years of drug and alcohol abuse by Toolan had caused brain damage and left him unable to control his behavior. But a psychiatrist who testified for the prosecution said Toolan knew his actions were wrong, despite his substance abuse problem. Toolan, a former Citigroup executive, met Lochtefeld during Labor Day weekend of 2004. The couple had a whirlwind romance, but Lochtefeld broke off their relationship the weekend before she was killed. Prosecutors said Toolan held Lochtefeld hostage in his New York City apartment the night she broke things off, but she escaped while he was asleep and fled to Nantucket. Toolan attempted to board a plane bound for Nantucket the day before Lochtefeld was killed, but was stopped after security screeners at New York's LaGuardia Airport found a knife in his coat. The next day, Toolan took another flight to the island, then rented a car and bought a fishing knife at a local store, authorities said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:44 PM | Comment Photo: Courting summer at the State House
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:42 PM | Comment House to consider changes to fire codePROVIDENCE – The House Finance Committee is poised to begin debate this afternoon on changes to the state fire code, which was altered in the aftermath of the tragic Station nightclub fire that killed 100 and injured 200. Business owners forced to install sprinklers or new fire alarms would be entitled to a tax credit of up to $10,000 under legislation written after several months of hearings by a special House panel. In the General Assembly’s rush to wrap up the session this week, there’s plenty more on committee calendars this afternoon, including coastal home insurance. Check out committee sessions here. Also, check out the House calendar here and the Senate calendar here. Debate on the fire-code bill was set to start at 1 p.m. but appears not to have begun yet. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:25 PM | Comment Providence's leafy limbs save greenbacks / Photo
City of Providence photoThis tree's estimated benefit is displayed by its sign. PROVIDENCE -- The mayor says there's value in the city's trees: $2,932,731 annually, to be exact. That's the annual benefit -- $118 per tree -- in terms of the amount of carbon and pollution the trees "intercept," the storm water they collect and the cut in energy consumption and increase to property values, according to a Providence tree inventory. Mayor David N. Cicilline's office called it the most comprehensive tree inventory in the city's history and said the tally will allow Providence to make decisions about caring for the nearly 25,000 street trees. The tally found that for every dollar the city spends on its tree program, it is "paid back" $3.33 in benefits yearly. More than 23 percent of trees were in excellent condition and 48.9 percent in good condition, according to the tally results. More than 18 percent were in fair condition, 7.3 percent in poor condition and 1.6 percent were dead. The tally also found that 41.5 percent of the trees had utility wires above them. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney “One hundred dedicated volunteers became our foot soldiers and spent the past year collecting critically important information about one of our most precious resources, our street trees," Cicilline said in a statement. Heading into "every single" city neighborhood, the volunteers used hand-held electronic devices to record the number of trees, species, age, location, size and the trees’ condition. More than 1,000 of the city's trees were planted last year. The Providence Tree Tally was paid for by the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust and the Rhode Island Foundation. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:12 PM | Comment State police announce new anti-graffiti effortA State Police anti-graffiti effort will include use of undercover surveillance detectives and installing new surveillance cameras to work with Providence, Cranston and Pawtucket police. The State Police today announced the "2007 Graffiti Initiative" to address excessive graffiti in Greater Providence. "This graffiti vandalism is a crime that is not only unsightly but reduces property values and encourages further criminal acts in these affected areas," according to the news release. The Rhode Island Island State Police Graffiti Initiative will use new surveillance cameras as well as state Department of Transportation cameras. And there will be increased patrols in areas impacted by graffiti to try to prevent more graffiti and to identify and arrest those who do it, the state police said. The public is asked to report acts of graffiti vandalism, which can make them eligible for up to a $500 award for information that leads to detection, apprehension, and conviction of any offender. The state police ask that Information about graffiti acts be reported to State Police headquarters at 444-1000 or the State Police Lincoln Woods Barracks at 444-1100. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:11 PM | Comment Photo: Fire burns 3-family house in Pawtucket
Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:23 AM | Comment Defense set to begin today in Warwick murder trialWARWICK – The defense in the murder trial of James Richardson is expected to begin presenting its case today. Richardson is accused of killing Warwick resident Margaret Duffy-Stephenson, 37, who was found slain in her Blackmore Street home on Nov. 18, 2005. The prosecution rested its case yesterday, after calling more than 20 witnesses to the stand. A physician with the state medical examiner’s office and a forensic scientist at the state Department of Health were the state’s last two witnesses. They testified about the autopsy report and DNA findings. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:06 AM | Comment Time to settle in for some good summer readingPROVIDENCE – There are some old classics and lots of newer titles on the children’s summer reading list available on the Providence Public Library Web site. Created collaboratively with the Providence Public Schools, the reading lists are online at the library’s site and are linked directly to the library’s catalog so parents and children can easily find the books, place them on hold and check them out. The reading lists are broken down in classroom groupings, like kindergarten through first grade, grades 2 to 3, etc. Also, check out the library’s summer performance schedule, which includes visits from authors, musicians and storytellers to branch libraries. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:45 AM | Comment Mariners, beware of afternoon lightning threatMariners, beware today’s weather forecast. What with the threat of hail, strong to severe thunderstorms and lightning, boaters and surfers should be prepared to seek safe harbor this afternoon. For marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region and the ever-popular Maine Harbors site. The latter is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. Beach-goers, if you’re looking to welcome summer with a laid-back trip to the beach, we’d suggest an early trip, given the afternoon forecast. To check the status of any beach for swimming, go to the state Department of Health’s beach-monitoring siteor call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:33 AM | Comment A gusty arrival for summerPROVIDENCE – Thunderstorms, lightning and hail could arrive this afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather outlook for today. But for now, this first day of summer looks glorious. It’s 59 degrees already and should approach low-80s later today. The skies are dazzlingly blue. Scattered storms could begin developing as early as mid-afternoon but are more likely to arrive between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The thunderstorms could be strong to severe. Along with the potential hail, we could also get gusty winds, the weather service reports. We’ve now got a 20 percent chance of rain tomorrow, a sunny Saturday on deck and a potentially rainy Sunday. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about a survey by Rhode Island Kids Count that shows a troubling increase in the percentage of pre-term births in Rhode Island. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 20, 2007Looking for laughs? Go to East ProvidenceFor laughter tonight, head to East Providence. Cambridge, Mass., native Stephanie Peters will be on stage at the Comedy Connection, at 39 Warren Ave. Call (401) 438-8383 for more information. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment Senate overrides governor's medical marijuana vetoPROVIDENCE -- The state Senate has overridden Governor Carcieri's veto of a medical marijuana program. A spokesman for Senate President Joseph Montalbano says the vote was 29 to 4. House lawmakers are planning a similar vote later this week. Democratic lawmakers are trying to make permanent a program allowing seriously ill patients to use marijuana to ease their symptoms. The program will expire this month unless the House and Senate override Carcieri's veto. The program applies to patients with cancer, AIDS and other debilitating illnesses. Carcieri, a Republican, opposes the program because he says it leaves patients open to federal prosecution and encourages them to buy drugs from illicit dealers. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:48 PM | Comment Sharks and waves aren't the only dangerATLANTA -- Waves and sharks aren't the only dangers at the beach. A father-and-son team of doctors reports more than two dozen young people have been killed over the last decade when sand holes collapsed on them. They found that since 1985, at least 20 children and young adults in the United States have died in beach or backyard sand submersions. And at least eight others died in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. That's according to a letter from the doctors published in this week's issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Among the victims was Matthew Gauruder, who died from a collapse at an after-prom beach party in Westerly six years ago. The 17-year-old was playing football with friends when he fell backward into an eight-foot-deep hole someone had dug earlier. Gauruder, of Manchester, Conn., was a senior at Rockville High School in Vernon, Conn. -- The Associated Press, with Journal archival reports. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Prosecution rests in Richardson murder trialWARWICK -- The prosecution rested its case in the murder trial of James Richardson, with a medical examiner testifying that Margaret Duffy-Stephenson had 11 stab wounds to her body. Wounds to Duffy-Stephenson's neck caused her death, according to testimony in Kent County Superior Court by Dorota Latuszynski, a physician in the medical examiner's office. A major vein in Duffy-Stephenson's throat was cut. Also today, Sharon Mallard, a forensic scientist at the state Department of Health who did DNA work in the case, said that male DNA was found under one of Duffy-Stephenson's fingernails. Richardson could not be excluded as a source of the DNA, while testimony in the case has already said that more than 99 percent of the population could be excluded. Richardson, of Cranston, according to testimony, was hired in 2000 by Duffy-Stephenson's husband, James O. Stephenson III, through a Cranston-based temporary-employment company, Labor Ready, to work at Stephenson’s company, Picture Perfect Landscaping. Richardson worked for the company, full- or part-time, until 2005, Stephenson said. But beyond his work for the company, Richardson also performed odd jobs for the Stephensons, including tending to their Blackmore Street lawn and painting rooms in the house. The defense, in its opening statement, has said Richardson had an alibi and family members could account for his presence during the time Duffy-Stephenson died. The defense can begin calling witnesses tomorrow. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford and archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:24 PM | Comment Court upholds 2003 conviction of NYC manPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of Timothy Stone, who robbed and shot a cab driver and then assaulted two employees inside Capriccio's Restaurant in Providence seven years ago. Stone, who was from New York City, was convicted in 2003 on nine charges, among them first-degree robbery, assault with intent to commit murder, committing a crime of violence while armed with a firearm, and carrying a firearm after having been previously convicted of a crime of violence. In appealing to the state's highest court, Stone asserted the Superior Court judge erred in denying several motions to dismiss various counts of the indictment. The high court disagreed. Read the reasoning in depth here (pdf). On June 11, 2000, Connecticut cabdriver Joseph Koch picked up two men, one of them Stone, who asked to be driven to Providence, according to the court decision. Koch asked for payment ahead of time because of the long distance and Stone gave Koch $100. Eventually, while stopped at a red light, Koch was shot in the back of the head and lost consciousness for a while. He regained consciousness to find the two men gone. Koch honked the car horn to try to get help, and a Johnston and Wales University security officer discovered Koch "bleeding profusely from the neck," the court's decision says. Another Johnson and Wales security officer heard the gunshots and saw the bleeding Koch outside the cab. Koch told the officers he'd been shot by his passengers. Laurence Russolino and Armando Gomes Alves -- Capriccio’s restaurant employees -- testified that after 10 p.m. they had finished their shifts and were standing outside when they heard gunshots. Russolino said he noticed a taxi stopped in the middle of the street and saw two men leave it. Stone approached Capriccio's while the other man ran away. Russolino testified that he and Alves went back in to Capriccio’s and Stone ran after them. Inside, Russolino yelled for someone to call 911 and tried to leave but could not get out using a route that took him to the front door, which was locked with a chain. Russolino ran back downstairs and came upon Stone beating Alves on the head with the gun. Alves testified that after Stone chased him into Capriccio’s, the two men struggled for the firearm. While Alves had the gun he emptied the bullets from the clip. When Stone grabbed the weapon, Alves ran into the dining area. Stone attacked him with the gun and Alves "suffered serious head injuries; he was hospitalized and required stitches and staples to his skull," according to the court. Alves was also shot in the hand. Providence police officers Brian McNally and Frank Villella went into the restaurant through the back entrance, went down the back stairs, through the kitchen, and to the front door, where they said they found Stone holding a gun to a cook's head and threatening to kill him. After repeatedly ordering Stone to drop the gun, the officers fired their weapons. Stone was shot in the wrist and was taken into custody. Police said they recovered the $100 bill that Stone was found to have taken from the cab driver. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:12 PM | Comment Fourth suspect pleads guilty in debit-card schemePROVIDENCE -- The fourth suspect this week admitted his role in a scheme to steal debit and credit card information from Stop & Shop customers. Mikael Stepanian, 28, of Studio City, Calif., pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to U.S. District Court documents. He is the last of four men arrested in February at a Stop & Shop in Coventry as they tried to retrieve a doctored PIN pad from a checkout lane. Federal and state authorities later charged the men with helping divert $132,000 from customers at two of the supermarket chain’s Rhode Island stores. Three other suspects, all from California, pleaded guilty in the same case: Gevork Baltadjian, 20, of Winnetka; Arutyun Shatarevyan, 20, of Los Angeles; and Arman Ter-Esayan, 22, of Valley Glen. Law-enforcement officials said the four men, all from the Los Angeles area, flew into Southern New England twice in February to pull off the scheme. They are accused of removing or trying to remove PIN pads from Stop & Shops in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi In as little as 12 seconds, officials said, the group could replace the devices with doctored machines capable of recording financial information belonging to supermarket customers. The suspects would return days later to retrieve the doctored PIN pads and extract the information from the units. State and Coventry police arrested the men Feb. 26 at the Stop & Shop on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry. At least 1,100 credit and debit accounts were compromised at Stop & Shop stores in Coventry and Cranston, federal officials said. U.S. Secret Service agents have confirmed that fraudulent charges or withdrawals totaling $132,000 were made in Arizona and California on at least 232 of the accounts. As a result of their guilty pleas, the four men are subject to up to five years’ imprisonment on the first charge and at least two more years in prison on the second charge, plus fines of up to $250,000 on each charge, according to federal court documents. Stepanian is scheduled to appear Friday in U.S. District Court. Sentencing for Ter-Esayan and Baltadjian is set for Sept. 7. Shatarevyan’s sentencing is set for Sept 21. All four men are being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:49 PM | Comment R.I. Supreme Court orders new trial for convicted manPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court today ordered a new trial for a Providence man convicted on drug charges, saying a mistrial should have been declared because the defense lawyer was not given certain FBI reports before trial. Radames Gonzalez, 44, of 301 Blackstone St., was sentenced to three years in prison after a jury convicted him on numerous drug charges, including three counts of delivery of cocaine, and on a charge of resisting arrest. On appeal, Gonzalez’s lawyer argued that the state violated discovery rules, which require prosecutors to turn over certain information to the defense to prevent “trial by ambush.” During the trial, an undercover detective testified that he watched Gonzalez dealing drugs several times before he made his first purchase from Gonzalez on Aug. 7, 2003. During cross-examination, the detective revealed for the first time that he prepared reports about those earlier incidents, and the FBI had the reports. But those reports were not provided to defense lawyer John F. Cicilline prior to trial, so Cicilline asked for a mistrial, arguing that he had inadvertently “opened the door to evidence of uncharged drug offenses” because he didn’t know about the FBI reports. The prosecutor, Special Assistant Attorney General Kelly A. McElroy, said she did not find out about the FBI reports until after the trial began. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia agreed discovery rules had been violated, but he said the violation was not intentional and refused to declare a mistrial. And instead of declaring a mistrial, he apparently decided to let the defense cross-examine the detective with information from the reports while preventing the prosecutor from asking follow-up questions. In a 12-page opinion written by Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg, the Supreme Court said, “We are satisfied that, in the case before us, a mistrial was warranted and a continuance or any lesser measure could not counterbalance this evidence or remedy the fact that defendant’s trial strategy was neutralized.” The high court agreed that the failure to disclose the FBI reports was unintentional but said, “The prejudice was significant.” “The jury learned about prior, uncharged criminal conduct of the defendant, and the defense strategy was irreparably altered,” Goldberg wrote. “In light of defense counsel’s representation that, had he known of those reports beforehand, he would not have engaged in that line of questioning, we are satisfied that the refusal to pass the case was a clear abuse of discretion.” So the Supreme Court wiped out the convictions and sent the case back to Superior Court for a new trial. In a footnote, the court said, “Because it is undisputed that the discovery violation was unintentional, we discern no double jeopardy issues that would preclude a new trial.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:45 PM | Comment Carcieri pulls labor nominee; blasts NeePROVIDENCE -- In a big dust-up today, Governor Carcieri withdrew his nomination of Adelita Orefice for state Labor Department director and blasted George Nee, secretary treasurer of the state AFL-CIO with killing Orefice's nomination. The governor, a Republican, charged that the maneuver was retaliation for Orefice's role as a whistleblower in the Beacon Mutual case. Nee readily acknowledged that he intended to speak against Orefice’s confirmation at the cancelled hearing. Why? "Because I think she has been a very poor director of the Department of Labor and Training. I’ve dealt with directors since 1976. They’ve come from the business community. They’ve come from the labor community and they’ve come for governmental service and I would say she’s been the worse." He cited a number of issues of concern, including what he called the “pathetic’’ enforcement of prevaiing wage laws, and ill-advised use of state p risoners to transport documents with social security numbers, that were inadvertently dumped at the state landfill, tback to her department for shredding.
Nee, the governor said, lost $20,000 a year when he lost his position at Beacon. “In the last few days, we understand that George Nee -- who lost his seat on the Beacon board in the wake of the scandal -- has been actively lobbying against Adelita’s re-confirmation," Carcieri said in a news release. "He has even gone so far as to personally warn people not to testify on her behalf.” Beacon is the state's dominant provider of workers' compensation insurance with about 14,000 policyholders. At least one now-former Beacon official has been indiated by a statewide grand jury on charges of conspiracy and insurance fraud. And an outside review of Beacon released in April 2006 found indications of unfair pricing practices and preferential treatment by Beacon of some of Rhode Island's big businesses. Beacon's board hired a new chief executive with ties to the governor. The appointment of DeOrsey is part of a management overhaul of Beacon that began more than a year ago with the firing, for cause, of Clark and Beacon's president and chief executive officer, Joseph A. Solomon. An outside review of Beacon released in April 2006 turned up evidence of unfair pricing practices and preferential treatment by Beacon of some of the state's big businesses. Carcieri "temporarity withdrew" Orefice's nomination for Department of Labor & Training as the Senate Labor Committee was due to vote on the nomination at its 2:30 p.m. meeting today. “It is clear that the Senate planned to reject Director Orefice’s nomination as political retaliation for standing up to organized labor and defending Rhode Island taxpayers,” Carcieri said in the statement. “Members of my staff have been told that her nomination was doomed to failure.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and Katherine Gregg, Journal State House bureau chief Nee todau cited a number of issues of concern regarding Orefice's tenure, including what he called the “pathetic’’ enforcement of prevaiing wage laws, and ill-advised use of state prisoners to transport documents with social security numbers. Asked if the union campaign to scuttle her nomination was payback for her role in bringing problems at Beacon to light, he said: “Beacon is behind us. The statements in the governor’s press release are not even worthy of comment. He’s gotten to the point of being irrelevant and pathetic.’’ Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:10 PM | Comment Carcieri calls for investigation of TV targetPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today called for an investigation of a former state employee shown on television "frequenting" a bar during work hours, an announcement that comes as the governor and largest state employees union have battled over the state budget. A news release from Carcieri's office notes in a headline that former employee Robert Pelosi is a Council 94 member and calls the employee's alleged behavior "outrageous." Pelosi would "regularly arrive at the bar in the morning in a state owned vehicle while at the same time collecting $21,000 in overtime payments" in 2006, the governor's office said citing the ABC6 newcast. Carcieri asked the director of the Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals to review the case of Pelosi, who worked for the department. According to an ABC6 newcast, Pelosi was shown frequenting the bar. In recent weeks, the governor and Council 94 have been at loggerheads. Carcieri proposed cutting 1,000 state employee jobs as one component of a deficit-closing plan. Democrats who command large majorities in the House and Senate easily pushed aside that proposal in passing a budget the governor has vowed to veto. Democrats have said they can override a veto. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:05 PM | Comment Cranston police ID officer who shot manCRANSTON -- The Cranston police officer who shot an apparently suicidal man Thursday afternoon has been identified as Jaime Cahill, an eight-year veteran of the police department. Cahill, according to a police report released today, responded to a call about a possible suicide attempt at an apartment building at 28 Harris Ave. at about 4:53 p.m. that day. The officer made his way to apartment 229 with several firefighters in tow and encountered a man, standing at the doorway, who said, “He’s got a knife, I’m not going in there.” As Cahill approached, he saw a second man standing in the kitchen, holding a knife in his right hand and yelling at the officer to “get out.” The officer ordered the second man, Keith Olin, 44, of Cranston, to put the knife down several times, according to the report. Olin, who was bleeding from one arm, swore several times and at one point said “blow me away,” according to the report. He moved into the living room, and Cahill walked into the kitchen. -- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg Olin lowered his knife at one point, at Cahill’s command, but when Olin raised his knife and began moving toward Cahill, the officer fired two shots at him. Olin stumbled back into the living room and went down on a knee. Olin, who has been charged with aggravated assault, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition today. Cahill has been placed on administrative duty, according to procedure, while the attorney general’s office, the state police and Cranston police conduct an investigation. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:31 PM | Comment Photo/Cianci leaves halfway house, returns to R.I.
PROVIDENCE -- Former Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci Jr., convicted in 2002 for racketeering conspiracy, was released today from Coolidge House halfway house in Boston. He will remain on home confinement until July 28, presumably at the home of his nephew in East Greenwich. Cianci will leave federal Bureau of Prisons custody on July 28 and will be on two years of supervision by the U.S. Probation office, said Mike Truman, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons. Cianci has sought approval to live in nephew Brad Turchetta's home in East Greenwich. Truman said he did not know where Cianci will live. On June 11, Turchetta faxed a no-trespass order to The Journal and other news organizations telling media members to stay away from his East Greenwich home. At Cianci's trial, the prosecution said he oversaw widespread corruption at City Hall. He was only convicted on one conspiracy count. Cianci was released from federal prison in Fort Dix, N.J., last month after about 4 1/2 years there and arrived at Coolidge House to a horde of media waiting for him. He, his nephew and his daughter got out of an SUV and entered the building's graffiti-scrawled back entrance. Since his release from prison, there's been talk about whether Cianci would get a talk-radio program and whether he could run for office again. But he's had the more immediate need of securing employment while finishing out the terms of his sentence. At first, a public relations firm announced Cianci would work at Fifteen Beacon, a luxury hotel on Boston's Beacon Hill. Later, a different public relations firm announced Cianci was working at The 903 Residences -- a 330-unit condominium complex in Providence behind Providence Place Mall. Cianci started work at The 903 Residences, co-owned by another former Providence mayor, Joseph Paolino, in early June. He is an assistant to project manager Frederick J. Vincent, who retired in 2005 as acting director of the state Department of Environmental Management. Read more about his job here. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:47 PM | Comment Businessman convicted of tax evasionPROVIDENCE -- A businessman who used aliases, post-office box mail drops and extensive ATM withdrawals to "distance himself" from his income, according to prosecutors, has been found guilty of evading taxes on about $1.2 million, the U.S. Attorney's office announced today. A jury in U.S. District Court, Providence, found Neil Stierhoff, 51, of Hollywood Avenue, Providence, guilty yesterday, according to the release from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente and Eileen O'Connor, an assistant attorney general with the U.S. Department of Justice. Between 1999 and 2002, Stierhoff "attempted to conceal" the income by doing business under aliases, such as Joseph Adams, Adams Associates, and Universal Audio, according to a news release. An IRS revenue agent testified that Stierhoff owed more than $450,000 in federal taxes for the years 1999 through 2002. The jury found Stierhoff guilty of four counts of income tax evasion. The maximum penalty for each count is five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled for sentencing September 26. Stierhoff had been free on bond, but, after the verdict, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi ordered him detained. Stierhoff used mail drops in Providence and White Plains, N.Y., the release says, along with withdrawing about $240,000 from ATMs between 1999 and 2002. A state police detective said he found more than $100,000 in cash in a room of Stierhoff's residence. He used a fictitious name, Joseph Adams, to introduce himself to customers and has fake identification cards and bank cards under the name. He opened accounts at Fleet bank and through Paypal on the Internet and used ATM withdrawals as a kind of cash conduit, according to the prosecution. He used cash to buy money orders that he in turned used to pay off bills to avoid a paper-trail of checks. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:27 PM | Comment Injured trooper still in serious conditionA state trooper remains in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital this morning after being upgraded yesterday from critical condition for injuries sustained early Saturday morning. Brendan R. Doyle was off-duty Saturday when the police say he attempted to stop a reckless driver in downtown Providence who then allegedly punched him so hard he fell backward onto the street and struck his head. The man accused of punching Doyle is being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions on $1 million bail with surety on a charge of felony assault on Doyle. He is also held without bail for violating a protective order from his ex-girlfriend. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:54 AM | Comment State flags lowered in honor of fallen firefightersOn Governor Carcieri’s orders, Rhode Island flags will be flown at half-staff through Sunday in honor of the nine firefighters who died battling the inferno in a South Carolina furniture warehouse. “As Rhode Islanders, we know all too well the horrors that fire can bring on a community. We recognize that firefighters put themselves on the line to save people and property every time they arrive at a blaze,” Governor Carcieri said in a statement issued this morning. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the firefighters and people of Charleston, South Carolina, today.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:35 AM | Comment Not a great day to hit the beachToday is not a good beach day – at least not at this hour. The next few days should be better swimming weather. One of Rhode Island’s beaches remains closed today, according to a Department of Health press release. North Kingstown Town Beach is closed to swimming due to high bacteria counts. If you’re looking for marine weather information, check out the National Weather Service’s interactive coastal marine map for this region. Also, for all your nautical needs, boaters love the Maine Harbors site, which is packed with tide charts, marine weather news, information on fishing tournaments and links to local boat builders, charter operators, lighthouses and publications. The tide charts on this site are so well done that boaters rave about them. Check out Rhode Island’s chart. Today, winds should be southwest 10 to 15 knots, with seas of 2 to 3 feet. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:00 AM | Comment Traffic: Fog and some congestionTraffic delays are heating up this morning. What looked like an easy-going commute on the area’s roadways at 7 a.m. now looks more congested. Before you start your morning drive, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. And look out for this morning's fog, which is expected to clear around 9 a.m. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:29 AM | Comment 'Well Workplaces' recognized this morningGovernor Carcieri will present "Well Workplace" awards to 44 Rhode Island organizations this morning. The organizations recently achieved "Well Workplace" status by the Wellness Councils of America. The awards will be presented at a breakfast sponsored by the Worksite Wellness Council of Rhode Island. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:04 AM | Comment Morning fog should liftPROVIDENCE – It’s a hazy, foggy morning, and we’ve got a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The fog should lift before 9 a.m. As for the showers, they’ll accompany a cold front moving across southern New England today. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the region because it expects occasional lightning strikes and heavy downpours in some areas. When it’s not raining, today should be a cloudy one. Expect a high near 77 today. The next three days should be mostly sunny, with highs in the high 70s or low 80s. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:03 AM | Comment Today's front pageDespite their concerns in several areas, the state Senate yesterday approved the $6.99 billion budget approved by the House early Saturday, according to a story on today's front page. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 19, 2007Update: Senate passes House's budget unchangedPROVIDENCE -- The state Senate has approved a $6.99 billion spending plan, despite strong objections from some lawmakers over provisions regarding sending 17-year-olds to the state prison and restricting the governor's ability to privatize state services. The Senate approved the budget with a 29 to 9 vote at 6:10 p.m., about an hour and a half after the debate began. The vote comes four days after the House overwhelmingly approved the same exact budget. The budget now goes to the desk of Governor Carcieri, a Republican, where it faces a certain veto, although his office has acknowledged it doesn't have the votes to block a veto override by the Democrat-controlled Assembly. Less than an hour after passage, Carcieri released a statement saying he had no choice but to veto the budget. “This budget is a huge disappointment for every Rhode Islander who wants a bright future for their children and grandchildren,” Carcieri said. “But it is a huge win for the labor leaders who appear to be in charge of both the House and the Senate.” The Senate was not expected to make any substantive changes to the 2007-2008 spending plan. And it did not. Senators voted down several budget amendments this afternoon. One would have increased the capital gains tax to help restore state education aid. Another would have increased income limits to restore state subsidized child care for the 2,400 children who will lose coverage on July 1. The Senate also shot down an amendment that would have stripped the budget of a provision that institutes a series of strict standards regarding the governor's plan to privatize state services. Each amendment was killed by an overwhelming majority in the Senate. "It takes a lot of courage to vote for this particular budget," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Stephen D. Alves said. "It's what needs to be done at this stage." The spending plan balances a budget deficit for next year projected at around $200 million. “Instead of agreeing to my plan to solve the budget problem by reducing personnel costs, the General Assembly has decided instead to balance the budget on the backs of Rhode Island families,” Carcieri said in his statement. “In particular, the General Assembly cut school aid, raised taxes and squandered one-time tobacco settlement funds.” Carcieri had proposed laying off 1,000 state employees, freezing union-negotiated pay increases and privatizing virtually every state service possible. Posted by Steve Peoples at 7:14 PM | Comment International film fest offers movies in Kingston tonightKINGSTON -- It's been a nice day out there, and if you want to cap it off with a movie, head to the Courthouse Center for the Arts for some thing you won't catch in the big cineplex. The Rhode Island International Film Festival’s Encore Series presents "Class Act," a 90-minute documentary that looks at arts education in public schools and tells the story of drama teacher Jay W. Jensen. Also being shown are two shorts: "Caught in Paint" and "Reflection of Self." The Center for the Arts is at 3481 Kingstown Rd. (Route 138). Admission is $5, $4 for members. Call (401) 782-1018, or visit www.courthousearts.org. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:51 PM | Comment Update: Man pleads not guilty in Fall River 'cold case'FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A man accused of committing a "cold case" murder that is more than two years old pleaded not guilty in Fall River District Court today. Jermaine Holley, 24, formerly of 671 Durfee St., Fall River, is charged with the first-degree murder in connection with the April 2005 stabbing of 23-year-old Suzy Goulart in her Pleasant View apartment. Holley is being held without bail at the Plymouth County, Mass., House of Corrections. He has been serving an unrelated jail sentence in Plymouth County. Last month, in announcing the arrest of Holley, Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter said Goulart was “brutally, viciously stabbed." He declined at the time to provide additional details on her death or say whether Holley and Goulart knew each other. Goulart was struggling with drug addiction at the time of her death, Sutter said last month. “Nevertheless,” he said, “she had her entire life ahead of her. Her life was just as valuable as anyone else’s … It was a senseless, vicious, brutal murder.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims and archival reports Sutter has encouraged residents to call the new telephone tip line — (866) SOLVE-07 — if they have information on unsolved killings. In Bristol County, 80 homicides over the last 25 years remain unsolved, including the so-called highway murders in 1988 and 1989 of nine women whose bodies were dumped along area highways. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:48 PM | Comment Update: Rte. 95 backups from Exit 9 car fire are overTraffic backups that resulted from a car fire at exit 9 on Route 95 south are over, the state Transportation Management Center reports. Traffic flow is normal in the areas of Route 95 south from exit 14 -- Route 37 -- to Exit 9, Route 4 south. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:33 PM | Comment ME: 2 women found dead in fire died violentlyPROVIDENCE -- The two women found dead in a burning Plainfield Street apartment this month died not from the fire but from other violent causes, the state Medical Examiner's Office announced this afternoon. Amanda Sousa, 17, died from "multiple blunt impact and sharp force injuries" and Heather Jesus, 21, died from "sharp force injuries and asphyxia due to neck and chest compression," the office said in a statement. Before the medical examiner's announcement, the police said they are investigating the case at 381 Plainfield St., in the Silver Lake section, as a double murder. Both women had lacerations, according to police, and their injuries occurred before the fire started. The police have also said the fire was set intentionally, apparently to destroy evidence. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:32 PM | Comment Traffic advisory: Serious accident on Rte. 95, Exit 9A warning to drivers: Traffic is backed up on Route 95 south because the Exit 9 ramp has been affected by a serious accident involving a car fire in the area, according to the DOT. Also, most lanes on Route 4 south -- which is what Exit 9 connects to -- are closed, with just the right lane open. "The areas of 95 southbound from the [Route 295 south merge] to 95 South, to Exit 9 (Route 4) is currently experiencing very heavy traffic congestion," the state DOT's Transportation Management Center says in a 5 p.m. advisory. The car fire has been brought under control, the TMC says. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:27 PM | Comment Update: 'Mega-yacht' repair yard planned at QuonsetNORTH KINGSTOWN -- A Florida developer plans to build a $150-million shipbuilding and repair yard for servicing "mega-yachts" at Quonset Point, according to the Quonset Development Corporation, the agency that controls the former Navy base in North Kingstown. The company, Island Global Yachting, began discussing the project with the QDC in January. Last night, the QDC granted the company access to the 43-acre site, where it says it will employ as many as 450 workers servicing yachts ranging from 80 to 600 feet in size. In addition to a shipbuilding facility, Island Global Yachting hopes to construct two buildings for repairing so-called mega-yachts, as well as space for yacht storage and sales. Services would include painting, general maintenance and the upgrading of electrical systems. Mega-yachts require up to $5 million in maintenance and refitting every year, according to the Quonset Development Corporation. In all, the company says the 500,000-square-foot facility, including equipment to raise and transport yachts measuring 600 feet, would employ about 400 craftsmen, according to state records. They would earn an average salary of $50,000. The company says it could take two years to complete the final design and obtain the necessary permits from federal and state agencies. --Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:16 PM | Comment Update: N.K. beach again recommended for closureThe state Health Department has again recommended closing North Kingstown Town Beach to swimming because of high bacteria counts. Officials will monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the area is deemed safe for swimming, according to a news release today. The department had recommended closing the beach to swimming earlier this month as well. This most recent closing is not yet reflected on the Health Department's list of beach closings on its Web page, but is referenced in a press release on that page. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:06 PM | Comment Schilling back in Boston to have his shoulder examinedJournal sports writer Sean McAdam reports this afternoon from Atlanta that veteran pitcher Curt Schilling has left the Red Sox and returned to Boston to have his shoulder examined. Details on projo.com's Sox Blog. Posted by Art Martone at 4:35 PM | Comment Cink, Henry win CVS Caremark Charity Classic
Faxon and teammate Zach Johnson needed to birdie the 18th hole today to force a playoff with Stewart Cink and J.J. Henry at minus-20. Things weren't looking so good when Faxon's tee shot went onto the crushed shell cart path near the 16th. But his relief spot -- the ball had also landed behind one of the electric scoreboards -- gave him a favorable spot and he gave himself about a 12-footer for the tie. Johnson's birdie try was a little bit longer, and he put it just inches right of the cup. Faxon and Johnson had a two-shot lead after 11 holes, but Cink-Henry birdied the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th holes to get to 20-under. Faxon-Johnson, at minus-17 after a birdie on 11, added just two more the rest of the way. For more on the Classic, check out Shalise Manza-Young's entries on the SportsBlog. Posted by Mike McDermott at 2:47 PM | Comment Update: Suspect in trooper attack put in high securityThe former state correctional officer accused of punching Rhode Island state Trooper Brendan R. Doyle in downtown Providence this weekend has been placed in high security in protective custody at the Adult Correctional Institutions. James Proulx, 36, of Smithfield was moved out of the general inmate population at the intake center of the state prison because of the high profile of the case and because he’s a former correctional officer at the ACI, prison spokeswoman Tracey Z. Poole said today. Meanwhile, Trooper Doyle has been upgraded to serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said at noontime today. Doyle, 25, had been hospitalized in critical condition since Saturday morning after he was punched while taking action when he was off-duty in Providence. The police have said Doyle was trying to prevent others from being hurt by Proulx, who was allegedly driving a BMW recklessly through the streets. Proulx is accused of hitting Doyle so hard that he fell backward and struck his head on the pavement. Proulx is charged with felony assault and reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor. He is held at the ACI on $1 million bail with surety that was set yesterday for the assault charge. Even if he were to post that bail, he would remain at the ACI because he is being held without bail for a prior charge until a July 2 violation hearing. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits and projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Michael McKinney Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:48 PM | Comment Accidental fire damages condo in PortsmouthPORTSMOUTH — Fire investigators could not determine what caused a blaze that badly damaged a condominium in Oakland Farms early this morning. Although it started on the outside of the building, as did a series of suspicious fires in nearby Newport earlier this year, this one has been deemed purely accidental. “This fire was not suspicious in any way, shape or form,” said Deputy Chief Philip Simmons. “This is an accidental fire, although we can’t pinpoint the cause.” The fire started on the exterior of one of two units in a single-story condominium building at 51-53 Cornell Dr., Simmons said. It’s one of many condominiums in the Oakland Farms development off East Main Road, south of the State Police barracks. Donna Bouressa lives in the unit with John Butler and two dogs. When one of the dogs got agitated just after midnight, Bouressa awoke and noticed light coming through one of the windows, Simmons said. It was flames shooting up one of the outside walls. She called 911, and he tried but failed to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. The flames had penetrated the soffits and reached the attic. “It had probably been burning in the attic for some time,” said Simmons. “It made it a very difficult fire to fight.” Firefighters had to punch holes through the ceiling to fight the fire in the attic, he said. It took 45 minutes to get the fire under control, said Simmons, but firefighters continued to douse hot spots in the attic for several hours more. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Bouressa’s condominium was seriously damaged and left uninhabitable, Simmons said. The adjacent condominium received smoke and water damage and will have to be professionally cleaned before its occupants return, he said. A fire wall between the two units and separate attics spared the adjacent condominium worse damage, he said. “It definitely stopped it,” he said. Simmons said there was some shrubbery and mulch in the area where the fire started, but could not say for sure whether they were a factor. There was no source of electricity near the fire’s origin. The state Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in the investigation. “We just don’t have a substantial amount of hard evidence” to determine an exact cause, Simmons said. “It’s pretty much a closed case.” Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:30 PM | Comment Plea hearing postponed in steroid distribution casePROVIDENCE -- A plea hearing was postponed today for a former New York doctor charged in a steroid distribution case. Ana Maria Santi had planned to plead guilty in federal court today to charges that she wrote prescriptions for steroids and human growth hormones for customers she never met or examined. But U.S. District Judge William Smith continued the hearing until July 13 after Santi challenged the government's description of the case against her. Santi is accused of writing medically unnecessary prescriptions under the name of a doctor who was retired and living in California. Santi today said she had permission from that doctor to use his name. A federal prosecutor said Santi's claim was irrelevant, but the judge said he would not accept a guilty plea today. Prosecutors have said Santi and other doctors were enlisted by the president of New Jersey-based American Pharmaceutical Group to write prescriptions for bodybuilders and other customers, including some in Rhode Island. -- Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:14 PM | Comment Group protests budget hours before Senate votesPROVIDENCE -- Hours before the Senate will take up the state budget, about 25 business leaders and Republicans gathered at the State House this afternoon calling on state leaders to properly close the structural budget deficit. They held signs bearing messages such as "stop putting today's burden on the backs of our children." As they held a news conference, a large group of children on a State House tour stopped by and watched for a bit. Meanwhile, state Sen. Stephen Alves, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed, D-Newport, watched the news conference from the second-floor balcony for about five minutes. Alves and Paiva Weed indicated later that they did not expect significant change to take place today when the Senate considers the proposed budget passed by the House last week (H 5300 Sub A). Democrats hold a wide majority in both houses. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to consider the budget at 3 p.m. and then the Senate will take it up at 4 p.m. Amendments are expected to be introduced in the Senate, but none are expected to pass. The debate is not expected to match the 11-hour marathon the House held on Friday night into Saturday morning before giving its approval to the proposal, which Governor Carcieri, a Republican and former business executive, has decried. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:07 PM | Comment Quigleys prosper at the CVS in Barrington
Posted by Peter Phipps at 11:54 AM | Comment Commission sets calendar for Montalbano casino casePROVIDENCE -- The Ethics Commission this morning established a schedule for briefs to be filed regarding the prosecution of Senate President Joseph Montalbano on charges that he used his political position to reap financial benefits from a proposed casino in West Warwick. Commission lawyer Dianne L. Leyden proposed that Montalbano, through his lawyer, Max Wistow, has until July 6 to submit a legal brief to the Ethics Commission. She will have until Aug. 6 to respond to Montalbano’s position. After both sides exchange briefs, Montalbano will have until Aug. 16 to counter Leyden’s argument. Finally, Leyden and Wistow are scheduled to appear before the Ethics Commission on Aug. 21 to air their positions. The Ethics Commission unanimously approved the schedule and ruled that each side will be limited to 30-minute presentations at the public hearing followed by 10-minute rebuttals. A trial-like hearing against Montalbano was indefinitely postponed more than two weeks ago after Wistow raised multiple constitutional challenges about the proceedings. In a related development, the Ethics Commission decided to table any action against former Senate President William Irons, who is being prosecuted in a separate case, until Montalbano gets an answer to several constitutional law issues. -- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski The rulings could have a direct impact on the Irons case. Among the claims Wistow has raised that most concern reform groups is that immunity legislators enjoy under the state and federal constitutions bars the commission from even trying Montalbano on four of the eight charges against him because they depend on his votes in the Senate. After this morning’s brief hearing before the Ethics Commission, Wistow met with reporters in the hallway. He said Montalbano’s voting record “itself can’t be the basis for the charge against him.” But, he said, if Montalbano -- or any other elected official -- was involved in an “elicit arrangement,” he could face criminal prosecution. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:18 AM | Comment Beach report: All open in R.I. and ready for actionIt’s a beautiful beach day today, and all of Rhode Island’s 118 licensed bathing beaches appear open and ready for sunbathers, swimmers, joggers and beachcombers. Before you head to your favorite beach, check the state Department of Health’s beach closures and advisories on the department's Web site. You may also call (401) 222-2751 for an update on swimming at the state’s beaches. Beach status may change on a daily basis, particularly if we get heavy rains. However, there's none of that on the forecast for any day soon. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:43 AM | Comment Traffic: Check out your commute via DOT siteRoute 195 west is slow in downtown Providence, but what else is new? It appears to be a typical commuting morning at this hour. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:48 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe arraignment of the man accused of beating Trooper Brendon Doyle and a story on the state budget lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 7:45 AM | Comment Enjoy the prelude to summerPROVIDENCE – It’s going to be a beauty today, so if you can find some time to get outside and enjoy, be sure to do so.
We should see a high of 85 or so, with coastal areas cooler than inland areas.
Aside from a few morning showers tomorrow, we’ve got sun and 80s or near 80s for the rest of the week.
Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:35 AM | Comment Baby giraffe gets a name, awaiting half-sibling
Journal file photoThe new giraffe shortly after his birth in May.
He is now known as Mtembei (pronounced mu-TEM-bay), which is Swahili for “one who roams.” What Mtembei may not be able to do is remain “the new baby giraffe” for long, as he is likely to have a half-sibling born “any day now,” according to zoo spokeswoman Laura Dunn, who said that zookeepers and the zoo’s director for animal programs believe a second giraffe birth at the zoo is imminent. The giraffe who was born May 5 to Sukari – before a crowd of oohing and ahhing spectators – has been named after the zoo held a naming contest that drew more than 5,000 entries. The contest began on Mother’s Day and concluded yesterday, on Father’s Day. The zoo selected the name suggested by the Wojtyszyn family of North Kingstown – Lori and Bill and the couple’s 4-year-old son, Riley. Read more about the giraffes at Roger Williams Park Zoo and about Mtembei’s birth. Also, check out the zoo’s Web site for video of Mtembei’s birth and of his first attempts to stand. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson As winners of the naming contest, the Wojtyszyn family were given a family membership to the zoo, a framed photo of the calf and a chance to meet the zookeeper. At a zoo with one adult male giraffe and two adult females – who gave birth to two calves less than two weeks apart back in 2002 – animal experts are expecting another birth soon. “We’re still waiting with baited breath” for another birth, Dunn said today. It’s difficult to know precisely when a pregnant giraffe is expected to give birth, and it can even be difficult to be sure if a giraffe is pregnant, according to the zoo’s deputy director for animal programs. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:07 AM | Comment June 18, 2007Martines Pina sentenced on 3 drunk-driving chargesNEW BEDFORD — The wife of a former Bristol County district attorney was sentenced today to serve six months in prison on three charges of drunken driving, despite a prosecutor’s call for a longer sentence. Sheila Martines Pina, 50, pleaded guilty to all three charges in New Bedford District Court before Judge John Julien, who sentenced her, over the objections of district attorney Gregory Tinsworth, to 30 months in prison, with all but six months suspended. Pina must serve at least five months of the sentence, according to a statement today by the district attorney’s office. The judge also placed Pina on probation for three years and ordered her to pay $1,050 in fines and court fees. -- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims The district attorney’s office had recommended Pina serve mandatory, consecutive sentences totaling 3 1/2 years for the charges, which are her third, fourth and fifth drunken-driving offenses. Pina had been out on bail on two 2006 drunken-driving cases when she was arrested on May 29 near the Davy Jones restaurant in New Bedford on suspicion of driving drunk. The wife of Ronald Pina, Sheila Martines Pina was previously a Rhode Island television personality. She was fired last January from her 18-year post as president of the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau. She was convicted in 1989 and in 1997 on drunken-driving charges.
Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:01 PM | Comment Carcieri: Privatization bill '11th hour sellout to unions'PROVIDENCE -- This afternoon, Governor Carcieri blasted the House of Representatives for effectively killing his plans to save millions of dollars by expanding the privatization of state services. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the House of Representatives bypassed the standard legislative process and overwhelmingly approved a privatization bill as part of the 2007-08 budget. Privatization is a key a key part of the governor’s plan to close a structural budget hole by cutting 1,000 state jobs. “It was an 11th-hour sellout to the unions. It’s shameful,” Carcieri said during today's State House press conference. “It essentially turns over the keys of state government to the unions.” The proposal, which is expected to be approved tomorrow when the Senate votes on the budget, gives the Legislature new oversight by requiring detailed cost comparisons and a Superior Court appeals process for state services set to be replaced by the private sector. George H. Nee, secretary-treasurer of the state AFL-CIO, said that labor has been fighting for the proposal for more than 10 years. The intent was not to handcuff the governor, Nee said, but “to make it a difficult process, because you're dealing with peoples lives.' For it to be a difficult process I think is a good thing.” -- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:58 PM | Comment Man accused in domestic slaying held without bailPROVIDENCE – A man accused of stabbing his former girlfriend to death last month in the Federal Hill apartment they used to share was ordered held without bail today. Hamlet Lopez, 51, remains at the Adult Correctional Institutions, where he has been since his arrest May 21, the day after the police allege he killed child-care operator Miledis Hilario. The case against Lopez has not yet gone to a grand jury, according to Michael J. Healey, spokesman for the state Attorney General’s Office. Healey said the office is preparing to present the case to a grand jury. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Today, Sixth District Court Judge Elaine T. Bucci set a deadline of Aug. 17 for indictment, Healey said. If the state has not presented the case to a grand jury and secured an indictment against Lopez by that date, Bucci will discuss possible bail, Healey said. The state is prepared to present the case in time to meet that deadline, Healey said. In court today, Lopez did not contest that the state has enough information to hold him without bail, Healey said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 5:46 PM | Comment Duke, 3 former lacrosse players reach settlementDURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University has reached an undisclosed financial settlement with three former lacrosse players falsely accused of rape, the school said today. Duke suspended Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and Dave Evans after they were charged last year with raping a stripper at an off-campus party. The university also canceled the team's season and forced their coach to resign. Seligmann is due to transfer to Brown University this fall and play lacrosse there. The players' former coach, Mike Pressler, is now coaching at Bryant University in Rhode Island. "We welcomed their exoneration and deeply regret the difficult year they and their families have had to endure," the school said in a statement. "These young men and their families have been the subject of intense scrutiny that has taken a heavy toll." The allegations were debunked in April by state prosecutors, who said the players were the innocent victims of a "tragic rush to accuse" by Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong. He was disbarred Saturday for breaking more than two dozen rules of professional conduct in his handling of the case. The players' families racked up millions of dollars of legal bills in their defense, and appear likely to file a lawsuit against Nifong. The players said in a joint statement that they hoped the agreement would "begin to bring the Duke family back together again." Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:07 PM | Comment Update: Fire at Federal Hill apartment building / Photo
Everyone was out of the three-story building at the intersection of Almy and Tell streets when fire crews arrived this afternoon, Fire Chief George S. Farrell said. As people begin coming home from work, the fire department may learn of additional people displaced by the blaze, which was reported at 3:55 p.m. Despite an initial report of children trapped on the third floor, all occupants were safely out of the building, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the fire department. The two-month-old girl was found at a store nearby and was taken to Hasbro because she was having trouble breathing, Taylor said. She was breathing on her own, Farrell said at the scene. The fire was under control within about 20 minutes, Farrell said. By 4:30 p.m., fire crews were pouring water on the triple-decker, but no flames were visible. The department sent eight engines, four ladder trucks and three rescue vehicles to the two-alarm blaze, Farrell said. The fire is under investigation. Farrell said the cause is unknown at this point, and it’s not even clear yet where the fire started. Most of the damage was to the second and third floors. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:55 PM | Comment CCRI student gets 10 years for DUI double fatalSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- CCRI sophomore Brandy Graff was sentenced this afternoon to 15 years in prison, with 10 to serve, after pleading guilty to two counts of driving under the influence, death resulting, for the 2005 crash that killed two sisters who were taking a scenic drive on Ocean Road. Graff, 20, apologized in court today to the families of the two sisters, and she addressed Judge Stephen P. Nugent in Washington County Superior Court. “I never thought my choices would ever hurt anyone but myself,” Graff said to the judge. “There isn’t one minute that passes that I don’t wish I made better choices that day.” More to come ... -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:57 PM | Comment Senate panel to meet on legal fees paid by DEMPROVIDENCE -- The Senate Finance Committee will meet tomorrow to investigate legal fees paid by the state Department of Environmental Management, according to a news release issued today. The committee is "expanding the scope" of the hearing after reports of "exorbitant amounts" paid to an out-of-state law firm hired by DEM in connection with a case of soil contamination in a North Tiverton neighborhood. Legislative leaders have said they want to question Carcieri administration officials about the hiring of a Washington law firm that's billed the state $448,000 in a Tiverton environmental case. Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano told The Journal last week that the Senate Finance Committee would hold a public hearing on the circumstances surrounding the Department of Environmental Management’s hiring of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan at rates of up to $680 an hour. The commiteee has asked DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, Department of Administration Director Beverly E. Najarian and DEM executive counsel Patty Allison Fairweather to appear at the hearing, the news release says. The hearing is scheduled to start at the rise of the Senate tomorrow and be held in the Senate Lounge. -- With archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:52 PM | Comment Update: $1M bail for man accused of injuring trooper
Journal photo/ Bill MurphyFormer ACI guard James Proulx (center) of Smithfield is arraigned in Providence District Court this morning. PROVIDENCE -- After allegedly punching State Trooper Brendan Doyle so hard Saturday that Doyle is now fighting for his life in a hospital, James Proulx, a former state correctional officer, made a profanity-laced cell phone call to an ex-girlfriend that same morning, the police say. During the call, Proulx accuses his ex-girlfriend, Erica Geisser, of sending people after him, according to the text of a voice mail message that prosecutor James Baum read in District Court, Providence, this morning. Proulx says he has has given "them" the beating of "their ... life" and says they are "probably all sucking their lunch out of a straw right now," according to the transcript of the message. "That's so ... not right that you ... sent those guys after me, okay," he continued. "I would never do that to you, okay. But they're not telling -- Trust me when I tell you, they ain't coming after me again, 'cause they're ... hurting right now. All right. But that was really funny." With the state police superintendent and five state troopers standing in the back of the courtroom, Chief District Court Judge Albert DeRobbio initially talked of setting bail at $500,000 for the felony assault charge but ultimately set it at $1 million with surety. In any event, Proulx, 36, was ordered held without bail today for violating a no-contact order on a prior charge of domestic violence. Proulx, wearing a green shirt and blue jeans, said little during the arraignment. Doyle, 25, is in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital after the incident, which happened around 2 a.m. Saturday. Defense lawyer Michael DeMarco argued that guidelines for a felony assault charge call for $20,000 with surety bail. "$500,000 is very excessive," DeMarco told the judge. But the judge said he took a host of circumstances in this case into account, including the text of the cell-phone call. "High bail is not excessive bail," the judge said. After the arraignment, State Police Col. Brendan Doherty said outside the courtroom that he was "pleased" with the judge's decision. DeMarco declined comment, other than to say the bail was excessive, as he left the courthouse surrounded by reporters. Trooper Doyle's father, Robert Doyle, said his son can hear them, and he has squeezed his mother’s hand. This morning, he gave the family a "thumbs up" when asked to hold up two fingers. His prognosis is still uncertain, his father said. The doctors say all brain injuries are different and all patients are different, Robert Doyle said. Trooper Doyle is from a family of athletes — his father is a six-time winner of the Ocean State Marathon and has the fastest time of any Rhode Islander in that race. His uncle is the track coach at Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick. The family had owned Doyle Sporting Goods in Pawtucket years ago. Doyle himself an avid runner. When he became a state police trooper two years ago, he joined other troopers in benefit runs. He is also part of the family of state police officers — one uncle is a retired state police lieutenant, and another, Lt. Eric LaRiviere, is still serving. State police, Providence police, the firefighters who first treated Doyle Saturday morning, and his friends and fellow runners from all over the state have been visiting, his father said today. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:27 PM | Comment Carcieri to 'express dismay' over House budget planPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri will hold a press conference this afternoon to "express his dismay' over the budget passed by the House of Representatives early Saturday morning. In a media advisory just issued, his office says Carcieri will address several areas of particular concern, specifically: Aid to local schools, use of the national tobacco settlement, raised taxes and "preventing cost-savings initiatives from privatization from taking place." The House approved a $6.99 billion budget following a marathon session that spanned more than 11 hours. The plan froze state education aid, closed a series of corporate tax shelters, knocked an estimated 2,400 children off state subsidized childcare, agreed to allow Sunday auto sales, dedicated millions from the sale of tobacco-settlement bonds to balance the budget and required that 17-year-olds be tried as adults for criminal offenses. The Senate will take up the proposal this week. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:42 AM | Comment Gas prices drop againGasoline prices in Rhode Island have dropped for the third straight week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price is $2.969 for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. That's four cents less than last week. The price has dropped 12 cents in the past three weeks, AAA said. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:38 AM | Comment R.I. Guard members heading to IraqCRANSTON -- Nine members of the Rhode Island Army National Guard's Public Affairs Operations Center are shipping off to Iraq for one year. They will depart today for initial deployment in Fort Dix, N.J., before forward movement to Iraq. Their mission will be to develop and deliver internal command and external media messages. They are expected to depart from the Rhode Island National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters in Cranston following a send-off ceremony set for 1:30 p.m. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 10:33 AM | Comment Verizon launches cable service in West Bay / Photo
WARWICK -- Verizon Communications launched its cable television service in the West Bay area this morning, becoming the first new provider of cable TV in Rhode Island in about 20 years. The company held a launch event at a new Verizon dispatch facility in Warwick that included a ribbon "cutting" ceremony: a convoy of 10 Verizon service trucks rolled off the lot to begin the first installations. The lead truck broke through a red ribbon that officials had stretched between two poles. The company has permission from the state to offer its FiOS TV service to Service Area 6, which includes 79,600 households in Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, North Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and West Greenwich. Its expanded tier will cost customers $42.99 per month plus $4.99 for a cable box and remote control. The company has also applied for licenses to serve Service Areas 2, 3 and 8, which include 158,000 households in Charlestown, Cranston, Foster, Hopkinton, Johnston, Narragansett, North Providence, Providence, Richmond, Scituate, South Kingstown and Westerly. The company could get final approval for those three areas as soon as this fall, according to a state official. Posted by Tim Barmann at 10:13 AM | Comment 2,000 sailors converge upon Block Island this weekThe population of tiny Block Island will swell by more than 2,000 sailors while marinas fill with an extra 200-plus boats when the Storm Trysail Club arrives to coordinate -- for its 22nd time -- Block Island Race Week. The event, presented by Rolex, is one of the most popular sailing weeks in America, repeating itself on the island biennially since 1965. In 2005, through contributions and a raffle, Race Week raised in excess of $18,000 for three charities. Benefiting this year will be Block Island North Lighthouse, BIock Island Rescue Squad and Block Island Early Learning Center. Highlight of the event happens on Wednesday, when a sea of colorful spinnakers makes its way completely around Block Island. Posted by Pam Cotter at 9:20 AM | Comment So far, traffic's moving smoothly on major roadsPROVIDENCE -- It appears to be a mostly smooth ride through the capital city and its adjacent communities this morning on Routes 95 and 195. The state Transportation Management Center's cameras show no standing traffic on those highways. Things are moving fine on Routes 10 and 6 as well. See for yourself: Click here to go to the Transportation Management Center. On the site, click on traffic cameras to see how various stretches of roads are looking. And you can click for the latest report of an accident. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:13 AM | Comment Temperatures will rise into the 80s, mostly sunnyIt's expected to rise into the 80s and be mostly sunny today. Right now, it's 67 degrees in the Providence area, 65 degrees in Newport, 67 degrees in North Kingstown, 65 degrees in Pawtucket and in Westerly, and 64 on Block Island. The high in the Providence area is expected to be 84 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. So far, the humidity is above 60 percent in most of the state, with an exception of Newport, where it's 75 percent, and Block Island, where it's 84 percent. Tonight, the forecast calls for mostly clear skies with lows in the upper 50s. The forecast's first sign of trouble is tomorrow night, when there is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:03 AM | Comment Today's front pageIt was a busy Father's Day weekend at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence with about 30 babies being born, including Hailee Ava Pomeranz, who is featured in a story and photograph with her mother, Ria, and father, Mike, on today's front page. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 16, 2007House budget final: Much debate, few surprisesPROVIDENCE -- The House of Representatives approved a 2007-08 budget early this morning following a marathon session that spanned more than 11 hours. There were few surprises, but plenty of political posturing and emotional debate before exhausted lawmakers approved a $6.99 billion spending plan at 1:34 a.m. that froze state education aid, closed a series of corporate tax shelters, knocked an estimated 2,400 children off state subsidized childcare, agreed to allow Sunday auto sales, dedicated millions from the sale of tobacco-settlement bonds to balance the budget and required that 17-year-olds be tried as adults for criminal offenses. The Senate will take up the budget next week. No changes are expected, according to Senate Finance Chairman Stephen D. Alves, D-West Warwick.  Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez House Speaker William Murphy listens to House Labor Committee Chairman Arthur Corvese last night. The budget passed this morning largely mirrors the spending plan passed last week by the House Finance Committee -- with one exception. Democrats fought through Republican outrage to pass an amendment that limits the governor’s ability to privatize state services. The move comes about a week after Governor Carcieri, a Republican, released a plan to lay off 1,000 state workers and expand efforts to replace union employees with private workers. Governor Carcieri’s spokesman characterized the privatization effort as “nothing more than a blatant giveaway to the state employee unions.” The governor wasn’t happy with the other provisions either. The Democrat-led House did not provide any additional education aid. The capital gains tax phase-out was frozen at 1.67 percent. And lawmakers did vote to use $154 million in tobacco settlement bonds to balance the budget. “It appears that the House [passed] a budget that will be a disaster for Rhode Island taxpayers, businesses and local schools,” Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said late last night. “Unless this budget dramatically changes before passage by the Senate, the governor would have no choice but to veto.” The passionate debate over education financing divided the House’s Democratic majority and forced lawmakers to go on record voting for a budget that gives cities and towns $19.4 million less than Carcieri proposed earlier in the year. “I think I’m agreeing with a conservative Republican governor that we have to fund education,” said Steven F. Smith, D-Providence. “If we’re the school board for the state, we have to fund education properly; $19 million is not a lot of money in a $6-billion budget.” The political implications of the school-aid vote were not lost on Republicans, who were a small but vocal presence last night, representing just 13 of 75 members. “This is the showdown vote,” said House Minority Leader Robert A. Watson, R-East Greenwich. “If you vote for this article, you might be doing what the leadership in the chamber wants you to do. You decide. Are you with your community, or is your vote in this room?” Smith, the president of the Providence Teachers Union, was among 12 Democrats who joined the 13 Republicans voting against level funding. Fifty Democrats, including House Speaker William J. Murphy, Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence, and House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino, D-Providence, voted for the measure. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Fox told those who voted yes. While lawmakers did not increase funding over last year’s amount, the state will distribute $864 million to communities next year, he noted. “That is providing aid,” Fox said, adding that “a message has to be sent” to local school committees to control spending. And with virtually no debate, lawmakers approved, on a 48-to-19 vote, one of the more controversial proposals of the night: trying 17-year-olds as adults on all criminal charges. “I understand that we must do this,” said Rep. Joseph S. Almeida, D-Providence, who ultimately voted against the change. But, he warned, time spent at the Adult Correctional Institutions “doesn’t correct anybody.” Continue reading for the full report ... -- Journal staff writers Steve Peoples, Elizabeth Gudrais and Amanda Milkovits While the vote represents a major policy shift, it was framed as a budget decision. The average annual cost of incarcerating someone at the ACI is about half the average cost of housing a youth at the Rhode Island Training School. Starting July 1, 17-year-olds tried as adults, convicted of crimes and sentenced to probation, rather than prison time, will also fall under the Department of Corrections budget rather than the Department of Children, Youth and Families. All told, the changes are expected to save $3.6 million. SOCIAL SERVICES Lawmakers approved the social-services budget as proposed by House Finance last week, which restores some, but not all of Carcieri’s proposed cuts. They made no changes to the structure of state’s cash assistance or subsidized health insurance programs, although changes in federal law to require increased documentation are expected to cause 5,750 people to lose their state-paid health coverage. They maintained the so-called Independent Living Program, which provides services such as health insurance, college tuition payments and housing assistance to former foster children, but cut half of the program’s funding and told the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, which administers the program, to find a way to make it less expensive. Lawmakers made two changes to the state’s subsidized child-care program. Together, the changes are expected to make 2,400 children ineligible for the program. Legislators are lowering the upper age limit for the program from 16 to 13. House fiscal staff said about 300 children between ages 13 and 16 now qualify for state-subsidized care. They are also lowering the income-eligibility threshold from 225 percent of the federal poverty level ($46,463 for a family of four) to 180 percent ($37,170). That change is expected to disqualify about 2,100 children. A group of lawmakers, led by Rep. Grace Diaz, a Providence Democrat who has been a child-care provider in the past, tried to amend the budget to bring the rate back up to 225 percent. “We’re talking about parents who work every day and pay their taxes,” said Rep. Joseph S. Almeida, D-Providence, who voted for Diaz’s amendment. But the amendment ultimately failed. Costantino noted that Carcieri proposed pushing the threshold down to 150 percent of poverty ($30,975 for a family of four), and lawmakers had to add in $7.6 million to bring it up to 180 percent. Diaz’s amendment would cost another $7 million, “which quite frankly, we do not have,” Costantino said. “I don’t think there’s any question that child care…keeps people in their jobs,” he said. “At this point, we just can’t afford it.” 
Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez House Finance Chairman Steven M. Costantino, right, chats with House Majority Leader Gordon Fox last night. TAXES: Lawmakers fought off a proposal to increase the long-term capital-gains tax to 5 percent. It fell from 5 percent this year to 1.67 percent and was set to be phased out next year as part of the Assembly’s recent tax-reform package. House leaders supported freezing capital gains at the current 1.67-percent rate, but would go no further. Opposition came from Republicans — who fought anything but a phase-out — and a handful of Democrats, who saw an increase to 5 percent as a way to pay for education and social services. “We have to give this at least a try to see if it works to see if we can get the kind of investment and job growth in this state that is severely lacking,” Costantino said of a reduced capital-gains tax, responding to a push by Rep. David Segal, D-Providence, to bump it up to 5 percent. While the majority of Republicans joined the Democratic leadership against Segal’s proposal, one Republican broke ranks. “Our mission is not to give breaks to people who can afford it,” said Rep. Joseph N. Amaral, R-Tiverton. “If we take the responsibility off our corporate citizens…then we’re transposing the tax burden onto our constituents, many of whom are working poor or ... senior citizens.” The House also voted to close a series of tax shelters that would have cost the state more than $10 million next year. The vote on the measure was largely split along party lines. House Republicans, like Carcieri, opposed changing the state’s corporate tax code, fearing that it would scare away business. “One man’s loophole is another man’s incentive,” said Rep. Carol Mumford, R-Scituate. “And it’s an incentive to do business in Rhode Island.” But Costantino said the perceived “loopholes” benefited large multi-state corporations above local business. “Quite frankly, the small business community should be outraged,” Costantino said. “When large businesses have these kinds of issues, the tax burden gets put on residents and small business.” An estimated 10 to 20 companies operating in Rhode Island — primarily large banks and major retailers — use loopholes to reduce their tax liability. The vote prevents companies from using real estate investment trusts and passive investment companies, which currently allow corporations to save by paying an out-of-state subsidiary to manage its property and “intangible assets” such as its own corporate logo. Rep. Nicholas R. Gorham, R-Coventry, held a yo-yo to reinforce the point that lawmakers were inconsistent with their tax policy. “You know what we look like? A bunch of yo-yos,” he said. SUNDAY AUTO SALES: Lawmakers spent about an hour debating whether to allow car dealerships to open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Their ultimate verdict: yes. The change is expected to produce tax revenue as people buy cars in Rhode Island on Sunday rather than cross the border into Massachusetts and pay sales tax there instead. “These are 20, 30, 40-thousand-dollar vehicles that we’re losing 5 percent on,” said Costantino. The House defeated attempts by Republican representatives to kill the Sunday-sales provision and to add a sunset clause so the General Assembly would need to revisit the issue next year. Dealership owners “work 14-hour days, 6 days a week,” said Mumford. “They need Sundays” for relaxation and family time, she said. Mumford’s comments prompted Rep. Timothy A. Williamson, D-West Warwick, to comment that it was unusual to find Republicans sticking up for workers’ rights. “This must be bizarro world,” he said. The length of debate on the issue prompted Minority Leader Watson to remark: “Mr. Speaker, when we’re done with the budget, we can leave here and buy a car, because it will be Sunday.” TOBACCO: Lawmakers voted to use $153 million from the sale of tobacco-settlement bonds to balance the budget, following the recommendation of the House Finance Committee. In his original budget proposal, the governor outlined a plan to raise $160 million through the sale of the bonds, but suggested that revenue be used for capital improvements and transportation projects. Watson, echoing the governor’s concerns, accused the Democratic majority of “squandering” the tobacco money. “These tough budgets are going to continue to come our way,” he said. “And guess what? The tobacco money is gone.” Costantino blamed the Carcieri administration in part for the need to spend tobacco money on the operating budget. He said that state departments overspent in the current fiscal year by $20 million. “That … overspending could have been the 3 percent for education.” The leadership has also cited the need to use tobacco money because an $80-million settlement from the insurance giant American International Group was tied up in litigation. BLACKSTONE VALLEY COURTHOUSE: The House approved a measure to pay $71 million for a new Blackstone Valley Courthouse. The vast majority of the chamber voted for the proposal, but a vocal Republican minority sought to block the move. John A. Savage, R-East Providence, tried and failed to eliminate the funding for the courthouse entirely. “In this budget year, we can’t afford it,” Savage said. “It’s not the time. It’s not the place.” Rep. Peter F. Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, disagreed. “If anything, it has positive impact. It’s something that’s necessary,” he said. “You can say we can’t afford it now. But when can we?” The proposal would cost taxpayers $113 million over the next 20 years, beginning in 2009. MOTOR VEHICLES: Lawmakers increased registration fees for some types of vehicles and some types of license plates, but they maintained the same rate on the car-tax phase-out. Starting July 1, Rhode Island residents will pay twice as much — $60 instead of $30 — to register their much-loved vanity plates. Knowing the fee hike might result in fewer people getting vanity plates, lawmakers did not budget for the revenue from vanity plates to double, instead estimating that 30 percent fewer people will choose vanity plates. The state will also begin charging higher registration fees for heavier vehicles. Anything under 4,000 pounds will still be subject to the current annual fee of $30 (which translates into a $60 total bill when people renew every two years). For vehicles heavier than 4,000 pounds, the annual fee will range from $40 to $140. Regarding the car tax, the first $6,000 of any car’s value will be exempt from taxation next year. Taxpayers’ actual bills will vary depending on the tax rate in the community where they live, but most taxpayers should see their bills go down as their cars depreciate and the same amount of value is exempted. The General Assembly created the car-tax phase-out program in 1998, agreeing to reimburse cities and towns for some portion of cars’ value so the municipalities could phase out the tax without suffering from the lost revenue. Lawmakers originally envisioned the program exempting the first $1,500 of value in 2000, and gradually increasing that value through $15,000 in 2005 and then a car’s full value in 2006. By the time the phase-out program took effect in 2000, lawmakers had already begun to tinker with the formula, lowering the exemption values for the out-years so just $9,400 would be exempt in 2005, and the full value would be exempt in 2007. In 2002, they brought the exempt value up to $3,500 for the current year and $4,500 for the next year, but scrapped the out-years from the formula altogether. They increased the exemption to $5,000 in 2005 and $6,000 last year.
The House passed a measure after midnight to limit the governor’s ability to privatize state services without legislative oversight. In addition to disclosing plans to lay off 1,000 state workers, Carcieri last week said he would replace union employees with private workers for "every state service that could possibly be performed more efficiently by the private sector." An article, introduced by Rep. Charlene M. Lima, D-Cranston, passed last night would set up a series of oversight provisions for the Department of Administration required “prior to the closure, consolidation or privatization of any state facility…” Several fiscal analysis reports must be issued 60 days before bids are sought by the state. “This amendment is essential if we are to stop scandals,” Lima said referring to governor’s use of private staffing firms. The measure also gives competitors the right to appeal privatization decisions. And it gives the Assembly essentially a veto over any privatization plan. The Assembly has “the right to review any final program decision…in the event that it believes that the public interest is sufficiently at risk.” House Republicans were outraged that the proposal was even brought up in budget discussions last night. It was initially proposed as an individual bill and was set to be heard in committee next week. “This is literally an 11th-hour power grab,” Watson said. “It’s the legislature trying to invade the executive branch.” Mumford agreed: “We have a blatant giveaway to the state employee unions at the expense of the Rhode Island taxpayer.” The party-line vote to pass the measure was 61 to 13. DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION The House approved a major reorganization plan that would shift the oversight of the Traffic Tribunal, set uniform terms for all the magistrates, and assign the state Office of Health and Human Services to manage five state health agencies. The office will lead the departments of children, youth and families, elderly affairs, health and human services, and mental health, retardation and hospitals. But coming fresh off a contentious debate over school funding, some of the Republican legislators went after the Health and Human Services by trying to cut the budget by 3 percent. Republican Rep. Watson’s idea was heatedly shoved off by several Democrats. The reorganization also lays out terms to create a new state Department of Public Safety by the next fiscal year that would include all of the state’s public safety agencies: the state police, the E-911 division, the state fire marshal, the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review, the justice commission, municipal police training academy, and the sheriffs and capitol police. The state police superintendent will be the director. The plan would take effect as early as July 1, 2008, and no later than Jan. 1, 2009. The article, which originated out of the House Finance Committee, is intended to save money by consolidating some services. While the new department didn’t attract much interest from the legislators last night, the fates of the 18 magistrates did, mildly. This plan shuffles the eight-year-old Traffic Tribunal from under the oversight of the District Court chief judge to a chief magistrate – a new position – who will be appointed by the state Supreme Court chief justice. That magistrate will in turn appoint other magistrates to the Traffic Tribunal, eventually saving money instead of having judges, but not putting them through the same merit-selection process that judges face. All new magistrates will have to be appointed by the top judges or magistrates in their division, undergo Senate confirmation, and serve 10-year terms. Right now, some serve 8 or 10 years, others are lifetime magistrates. Rep. Donna Walsh, D-Charlestown, said she had “philosophical problems” with the magistrates, but she’d pursue that issue next year. Rep. Mumford suggested voting on the magistrates and Traffic Tribunal changes separately. “There’s quite a bit that needs to be reorganized in state government,” she said. “However, we have something that’s working well, and that’s the Traffic Tribunal.” The majority voted for the new plan.
The House declined to act on a proposal to impose a new tax on cable TV service, but said the idea might return next week in the form of a bill separate from the budget. The proposed 3.5-percent tax would generate an estimated $7 million to $9 million for the state next year, but the state would parcel it out to municipalities proportionally based on population. According to a chart produced by the House, the City of Providence would get $1.5 million; East Greenwich would get $111,000. Costantino said the new tax was conceived as part of a “municipal aid package” to help municipalities in other areas since they won’t be getting any increase in education aid from the state. The package of ideas also included prohibiting water authorities from charging cities and towns to use their systems, and allowing cities and towns to charge for the use of master box fire alarms. All three ideas were meant to bring municipalities extra money without costing the state anything, but some lawmakers objected, saying the cost would be passed along to the taxpayers in the form of increased water rates and cable bills. Several said they wanted to see hard numbers on the impact to consumers before deciding. House leaders withdrew the amendment because it was too controversial, but said they would consider it further next week. 
Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez Rep. Nicholas Gorham expresses his displeasure with the budget. UNLIKELY VICTORY: Rep. Nicholas Gorham, R-Coventry, the perpetual thorn in the side of House Democrats, offered four amendments at the end of the night, prompting groans from his colleagues. At one point, Democrats cut Gorham off mid-sentence with a procedural motion to kill his amendment, which would have given the governor the power of line-item veto on the budget. “I haven’t even finished the description!” Gorham protested. But in the end, the House did adopt one of Gorham’s ideas. That amendment, the “farm to school income tax credit,” creates a tax incentive to encourage schools to buy locally grown produce and other Rhode Island farm products. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 9:12 AM | Comment June 15, 2007House budget: School aid level-funded
After more than two hours' debate, the vote was 50 to 25 -- not uniformly along party lines, indicating the difficulty the education aid plan posed for legislators who will return home to some districts where school committees may not be pleased. Symbolically, though, it represented a two-thirds majority, which will be required to pass the overall budget when House members reach that point. Rep. Amy Rice, D-Portsmouth, for instance, announced on the House floor after all amendments had been heard that she would vote against the education-aid article. The level-funded aid set forth by House Democratic leaders cut a 3-percent across the board education aid increase that Governor Carcieri's budget proposal had included. The proposal, contained in Article 21 of the House budget, still needs to go before the state Senate next week. Republican House members launched into amendments beginning in the afternoon. All failed. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Rep. Robert Watson, R-East Greenwich, the House minority leader, offered an amendment to add more than $6 million to be distributed equally among every community. Watson's proposal called for level funding the state Department of Education's budget. He cast it as an ultimatum for the other representatives. "You're either going to support your communities" or support a bureacracy, Watson said during the televised debate. "My vote's going to be with the children." The House voted it down. Rep. Joseph Trillo, R-Warwick, offered an amendment that he said would have given school systems the option of nullifying a collective bargaining agreement. Trillo said his community is facing serious problems without some way to make available more money for education. An amendment by Rep. John Loughlin, R-Tiverton, called for allowing school districts the choice of going to the state Department of Education to say they are not going to comply with certain "unfunded mandates" that they currently must pay for themselves. Details were not fully available, but it appeared that it generally would have applied to communities where such mandates push them over a tighter budget cap that communities must adhere to. An amendment by Rep. David Segal, D-Providence, sought to raise the capital gains tax back to 5 percent to provide more money for education aid. The capital gains tax was 5 percent last year, went down to 1.67 percent this year and was due to be phased out next year, Though Segal's amendment failed, the House budget already includes a provision -- prior to today's debate -- to freeze the capital-gains tax at 1.67 percent next year. One amendment did pass. It added $615,000 to the education-aid article. But that simply brought the education aid up to level funding in communities slated to lose money because the budget had called for reductions in towns that had fewer group-home beds than in the previous year. Shortly after 7 p.m., the House went into recess for dinner. Projo.com will update the House's budget actions later tonight. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:33 PM | Comment Weekend: Hear Rhode Show, Lennon tributes
Rhode Show, the youth hip-hop group that’s an outgrowth of the Broad Street Studio at AS220, finally cut a CD, and projo.com has put half of it online as mp3s at projo.com/music. Also there, you'll find links to samples from Instant Karma: The Campaign To Save Darfur, a 23-track double CD on which musicians such as U2, Green Day, Willie Nelson, REM, The Deftones, Barenaked Ladies and many, many more cover John Lennon tunes. Listen, then chime in on our survey on our music page: In these tributes, "Who honors Lennon and who doesn't?" Posted by Sheila Lennon at 6:57 PM | Comment House budget: Big debate about school aid ensues
The level-funded aid set forth by House Democratic leaders cut a 3-percent across the board education aid increase that Governor Carcieri's budget proposal had included. The House has been taking up its budget since just after 2 p.m., and Article 21, which covered the education-aid-to-communities component, is pushing the discussion into the evening. The House budget contains 42 articles. As 6 p.m. nears, the House is debating an amendment by Rep. David Segal, D-Providence, to raise the capital gains tax to provide more money for education aid. A raft of Republican lawmakers' amendments have all failed. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Rep. Robert Watson, R-East Greenwich, the House minority leader, offered an amendment to add more than $6 million to be distributed equally among every community. Watson cast his proposal as an ultimatum for the other representatives in the House chamber. "You're either going to support your communities" or support a bureacracy," Watson said during the televised House debate. "My vote's going to be with the children." The House voted it down. Rep. Joseph Trillo, R-Warwick, offered an amendment that would give school systems the option of nullifying a collective bargaining agreement. Trillo said his community is facing serious problems without some way to make available more money for education. An amendment by Rep. John Loughlin, R-Tiverton, called for allowing school districts the choice of going to the state Department of Education to say they are not going to comply with certain "unfunded mandates" that they currently must pay for themselves. Details were not fully available, but it generally would have applied to communities where such mandates push them over a tighter budget cap that communities must adhere to. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:03 PM | Comment Update: Ex-Latin Kings member nabbed on 10 chargesNORTH SCITUATE -- Two Providence men, one a former Latin Kings gang member who served time, were arrested today on a bevy of charges, the state police said at a news conference today. Kareem Abdullah, 31, identified by police as the former gang member, and Francisco Perez, 25, were both living at 362 Carpenter St., Apt. 1, Providence. Police leveled 10 charges against Abdullah, from firearms possession to drug possession, to fireworks possession, to counterfeit money possession. Perez faces a total of 9 similar charges. The police said that Abdullah served about 11 years in prison for his role in the Latin Kings gang and got out in April 2006. (In a news release earlier today, a man arrested was described as a "chief enforcer" of the Latin Kings. It is not clear at this time whether that applied to Abdullah and when.) Other than the fact that the two men were living at the same address, the police would not say what the connection was between Abdullah and Perez. The police did not say whether Perez had any Latin Kings connection. There may be future arrests, the police said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi The twoy will be held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston until District Court arraignment, probably on Monday, according to the police. The police said that the Latin Kings nationally saw an upsurge in the 1990s and then investigations by federal, state and local authorities helped reduced that. But there has apparently been a spike nationally recently. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:49 PM | Comment House budget: Corporate tax 'loopholes' closedPROVIDENCE -- In approving another part of its state budget proposal, the House voted to close a series of perceived "loopholes" that let multi-state corporations avoid paying certain Rhode Island corporate taxes. The provision won overwhelming approval in the Democratic-majority House over Republican opposition. "One man's loophole is another man's incentive," said Rep. Carol Mumford, R-Scituate. Governor Carcieri, a Republican, expressed opposition to the move, saying earlier this week that it was among proposals in the House Democrats' proposal that amounts to "backsliding" from already enacted tax "reforms" the governor has supported. For anyone keeping score -- and ignoring the amazingly sunny day outside -- the House was wading into article 21 of its 42-article budget proposal as of 5:15 p.m. That's the one covering the highly controversial issue of education aid to communities. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:15 PM | Comment House budget: A new courthouse survives -- for nowPROVIDENCE -- House consideration of its version of the state budget drew its first mini-debate this afternoon -- whether to keep a proposed new Blackstone Valley state courthouse in the spending plan. And it appears the courthouse, which would be built in Lincoln, survived that debate. Rep. John Savage, R-East Providence, offered an amendment seeking to cut the courthouse capital project, included in a section of one of the budget articles the representatives are voting on this afternoon into the evening. The amendment went nowhere, with the House voting 52 to 13 against it. "I do not think this is the type of thing we should be considering at this time," Savage said during floor debate, which is being televised live on Channel 15. House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino, D-Providence, stood up twice -- once during Savage's amendment debate and then during another courthouse amendment debate -- to defend inclusion of the capital project. Costantino said the courthouse was needed, in part, to relieve heavy congestion that occurs at the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence. Another Republican-offered amendment, to take the courthouse out and have it go before voters in the future, also died. Governor Carcieri, a Republican, has opposed the courthouse, projected to cost $71 million in borrowing at a time when the state is running a deficit. The courthouse amendments were in Article 5 of the House budget proposal. As of 3:40 p.m., they're on Article 10. Only 32 more budget articles to go. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:43 PM | Comment Update: Police ID man shot by officer in CranstonCRANSTON -- A local man who was shot by the police yesterday after he charged at an officer with a weapon has been identified today as Keith Olin. Police Chief Col. Stephen McGrath said that the police were called to an apartment in a complex at 28 Harris Ave. after the Fire Department responded first to reports of a man who had had tried to kill himself. When the first officer arrived shortly before 5 p.m., McGrath said that he found the 44-year-old Olin bleeding and brandishing a weapon. McGrath declined to identify the weapon, citing the fact that the case is under investigation. Olin was transported by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition this morning. Olin, who lives on nearby Bain Street and was visiting a friend in apartment 229 of the building, came toward the patrol officer with the weapon and refused to put it down despite repeated verbal commands to do so, according to the police. The officer, whom McGrath refused to identify, then shot Olin. “He came at the officer with a weapon, and that’s what led to the use of deadly force,” McGrath said. The officer was carrying a department-issued .40-caliber Glock handgun. McGrath said the incident is being investigated by the Attorney General’s office, State Police and Cranston police and could possibly be sent to a grand jury. In accordance with Cranston Police Department regulations, the officer will be placed on administrative duty until the matter is resolved, McGrath said. -- Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:09 PM | Comment Bicyclist struck by auto in ProvidencePROVIDENCE – A bicyclist has been struck by an auto at 66 Branch Ave., in the street near the Benny’s. More details are not yet available about the accident in the Mount Hope neighborhood that happened shortly before 3 p.m., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:04 PM | Comment Child pornography charges leveled at Middletown manA Middletown man who was free on bail from a state charge of second-degree child molestation is now accused of producing and possessing child pornography. Barry Zurybida entered no plea today and was ordered detained when he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Middletown Police officers arrested Zurybida today, armed with a federal complaint that was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court, Providence, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Today, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Warren Bamford and Middletown Police Chief Anthony Pesare jointly announced the complaint today. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The complaint stems from a Middletown Police investigation into allegations of child molestation that began in January. The FBI joined that investigation, and Middletown Police arrested Zurybida in March on the second-degree child molestation charge. A federal grand jury will now review the charges of producing and possessing child pornography, which are felony charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A conviction on production of child pornography would carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison plus a $250,000 fine. A conviction on the possession charge would carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:58 PM | Comment House kicks off debate on budget / Photo
Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez House Finance Chairman Steven M. Costantino, left, and House Fiscal Advisor Michael O'Keefe chat today. PROVIDENCE -- The great debate at the House of Representatives has begun. The House convened today shortly after 2 p.m. for what is expected to be a marathon session to pass the 2007-08 state budget. The 75 representatives will go through the budget passed by the House Finance Committee last week one section, or article, at a time. There are 43 articles. Each lawmaker has the opportunity to introduce floor amendments aimed at changing the budget. At least 90 amendments have been drafted. While not every amendment is debated, the session is expected to be among the longest of the year. Last year's House budget debate spanned nine hours. The major sticking points today are expected to be restoring child-care subsidies, state education aid, and requiring 17-year-olds to be tried as adults. But at the end of the night, which may cross into morning, the House is expected to have passed next year's state budget. The Senate is expected to endorse the plan early next week. Then it faces a potential veto from the governor, although Carcieri's staff this week acknowledged he doesn't have the support in the General Assembly to block a veto override, which requires a three-fifths vote. Projo.com will help you keep up with the debate by providing updates this afternoon and evening. If staying inside on a nice day in front of a TV doesn't faze you, you can also watch the entire proceeding on Cox Cable's Channel 15. It's on right now. -- Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau and projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:29 PM | Comment Buying to the beat at farmers' market / Photo
PROVIDENCE – Children downtown are dancing to the swing-blues band, and shoppers are buying kettle corn, vegetables, coffee and pastry and artisan crafts. Those who live and work downtown know what that means – today is the first day of the Farmers’ Market in Kennedy Plaza beside the skating rink. It’s open today until 3 p.m. and will return each Friday through Oct. 26. It just feels more like summer when the market kicks off its season, doesn't it? However, this isn’t the first – or last – market of the season to open. The Goddard State Park market in Warwick opened May 4 and continues on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 26. The Burrillville Farmers’ Market held its grand opening on June 2 and will be open again tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training farmers’ market, on the other hand, doesn’t open at the Pastore Complex in Cranston until July 27. For more information about farmers’ markets near you, head to the Farm Fresh Rhode Island Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:25 PM | Comment Update: High court upholds Pona's murder convictionPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court today upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Charles "Manny" Pona in what the court called "the senseless, random killing of Hector Feliciano" in 1999. The state's highest court concluded Superior Court Judge Robert D. Krause did not err in denying Pona's motion for a new trial. The Supreme Court also upheld the Superior Court in the various other issues that formed the basis of Pona's appeal. The decision also affirmed the conviction of Pona on charges of attempted arson and carrying a pistol without a license. In July 2000, a jury found that Pona murdered the 17-year-old Feliciano in August 1999. More than three years later, a Providence County Superior Court jury convicted Pona for orchestrating the murder of Jennifer Rivera, the 15-year-old witness gunned down the night before she was to testify against Pona. Pona is now serving two consecutive life sentences in prison, plus 28 years, for his crimes, according to the Attorney General’s Office, which issued a statement this afternoon by Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch "As I said when Charles Pona was convicted of masterminding the brutal murder of Jennifer Rivera from inside his jail cell at the ACI, his actions over the course of eight months in 1999 and 2000 were heinous, cowardly, and unforgivable, and they tore a community apart,” Lynch said in the statement. “Today's decision by the Supreme Court upholds the important conviction for Pona's senseless murder of Hector Feliciano." In the appeal pertaining to Feliciano's murder, lawyers for Pona, who is black, asserted that prosecutors kept a black woman off the jury because of her race. Defense lawyers argued in briefs that Krause denied Pona his constitutional rights in accepting the prosecution's reasons for removing "the only black juror seated on the panel." The two sides argued the case on Feb. 27 before the Supreme Court. The court's finding was made public today. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:32 PM | Comment Two RIPTA trolley stops will move tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's Providence LINK Gold Line and Green Line trolley stops will be moved tomorrow to accomodate the Rhode Island Pride Parade. Passengers will be picked up and dropped off at teh M stop in Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA announced today. The relocation will begin at 8 a.m. and end with the day's last trip. For more information, call (401) 781-9400. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:12 PM | Comment Family gathering to mourn murdered cousinsPROVIDENCE – Family and friends of the two young women found dead early yesterday in a burning Silver Lake triple-decker are traveling to bring out-of-town relatives to Rhode Island. The women found dead were cousins who had not spoken for some time until two months ago – when the elder, 21-year-old Heather Jesus, learned she was pregnant, said two women at the crime scene today who said they were first cousins of Jesus and 17-year-old Amanda Sousa. The police have not yet said how Jesus and Sousa died. The state Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting autopsies but has not said yet how the women died. Evidence on the scene led firefighters to call the police for help. The two women were found dead yesterday in a third-floor apartment at 381 Plainfield St. The building is boarded up today, with police tape surrounding it and cards from insurance estimators stuck to the plywood that’s now covering the burnt-out doors and windows of the multi-family residence that also housed a first-floor taco shop. Sisters Helen Haworth and Alicia Haworth came to the Plainfield Street triple-decker this morning to see where their cousins died. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi “It’s horrible. They lost two in one shot,” Alicia Haworth said of the women’s extended family. When Jesus told her family she was pregnant, she and Sousa became inseparable, the women’s cousins said. Sousa spent most nights at Jesus’ apartment, which is where the two were found dead. Jesus was looking forward to her first prenatal doctor’s appointment on Monday, when she would learn more about the baby she was carrying, her cousins said. “Heather was the more adult,” Helen Haworth said. “She was so happy. She had her first appointment on Monday.” Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:01 PM | Comment Lacrosse player: 'We were in their minds ... guilty'RALEIGH, N.C. -- Facing ethics charges that could lead to his disbarment, Mike Nifong took the witness stand today to testify in his own defense about his handling of the Duke University lacrosse rape case. He was preceded by emotional testimony from one of the players later cleared of charges in the case, Reade Seligmann, who will be attending Brown University this fall. The North Carolina State Bar has charged Nifong with violating several state rules governing professional conduct, including an allegation he withheld critical DNA test results from defense attorneys representing the three players charged with raping a stripper at a team party. The bar has also charged Nifong, the Durham County district attorney, with lying to both the court and bar investigators, and making misleading and inflammatory comments about the three indicted athletes. Those statements included calling the players a "bunch of hooligans" and confidently proclaiming he wouldn't allow Durham to become known for "a bunch of lacrosse players from Duke raping a black girl." "I think clearly some of the statements I made were improper," Nifong said. "The comment about race was not a comment that should have been made." "In a single word the man gave us our life back," Seligmann testified earlier today. "My whole life turned around on that one word." Video: Watch part of Reade Seligmann's testimony today. Seligmann testified he and his teammates didn't hesitate to give investigators DNA samples, believing it would be the quickest way to clear their names. Those tests failed to show any physical contact between the accuser and members of the lacrosse team, but Nifong still sought indictments against Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and Dave Evans. "The feeling on campus, it was as lonely a feeling as you could ever imagine. ... We were in their minds completely guilty," Seligmann said. "Everyone assumed they knew who we were. This is who we were. We went from being viewed as athletes to being viewed as rapists." Seligmann had previously appeared in a few televised interviews, but today's appearance before a disciplinary hearing committee was the first time he had answered detailed questions in public about the high-profile case. He was the state bar's final witness, capping several days of sometimes legally intricate testimony with a flood of emotion. He broke into tears as he described how his attorney got a call from Nifong notifying him of the indictment. He said the attorney glanced his way and said, "She picked you." The mothers of all three players, watching in the audience, also began to cry as he spoke. "My dad just fell to the floor, and I just sat on the ground," Seligmann said. "And I said, 'My life is over.' ... The first thing I thought about was, 'How am I going to tell my Mom." "Right away, my Dad says we have to start putting together alibi information. We never thought it was going to be me, so we never thought about it," Seligmann said. Since opening its case on Tuesday, the state bar has largely focused on the DNA testing, specifically when Nifong learned about the results and when he shared that information with the defense. If convicted by a disciplinary committee, Nifong could be stripped of his license to practice law in the state. The team's coach, Mike Pressler, has since become the coach of the lacrosse team at Bryant University in Rhode Island.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:00 PM | Comment Cranston police moving to new headquarters /Photo
CRANSTON – Today marks the end of an era for the Cranston Police Department. For the last time, Cranston police officers gathered this morning for roll call in the department's headquarters on Atwood Avenue. Tomorrow morning, officers will assemble for roll call in the new headquarters located at Garfield Avenue and Cranston Street, Chief Col. Stephen McGrath said this morning. Workers and officers are moving the last of the furniture and boxes from the old headquarters today, even as the day-to-day police work continues. The department is “almost completely out of [the Atwood Avenue headquarters] and almost completely in Garfield Avenue,” McGrath said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:44 AM | Comment Injured soldier heading to Texas, not D.C.An Army soldier from Rhode Island who was injured in Iraq is being flown to Texas instead of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., according to his aunt. The Army informed the family of Angel Gomez today that he will be taken to a hospital in Texas instead of Walter Reed, his aunt Deya Garcia said this morning. Garcia is upset by the change and said the family wasn't given any reason for it. She doesn't know which hospital he's being taken to. She said the family hasn't received much information from the Army. Gomez, who has been serving in Iraq since February, was injured when the Humvee in which he was traveling was blown up by a bomb, said his mother, Mayra Lopez, through an interpreter. His right leg was amputated below the knee and he suffered injuries to his arms and abdomen. He underwent surgery in Germany yesterday and remains in critical condition. Gomez joined the Army in August 2004 following his graduation from The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in Providence, said his aunt. A fund is being established to help Gomez. Donations can be dropped off or sent to The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, 325 Public St., Providence, R.I., 02905. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi Posted by Jack Perry at 10:05 AM | Comment Fatal Swansea fire under investigationSWANSEA – The Swansea police and fire departments are investigating after a 48-year old man was found dead in his burning garage yesterday afternoon. The Swansea Fire Department responded to a 911 call yesterday about 4:30 p.m. and found “heavy fire” at a detached garage at 192 Barneyville Rd., Swansea Fire Chief Peter Burke said this morning. Firefighters quelled the fire within 15 minutes, Burke said. Firefighters found the body of Jean Valiquette on the floor. Burke said the fire is under investigation by Swansea police and fire departments and the state’s fire marshal. Burke said he could not comment on whether the fire appeared suspicious. A spokesman for the Bristol County District Attorney’s office could not be reached for comment this morning. -- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Posted by Jack Perry at 9:53 AM | Comment Bar association's Station talk canceledThe Rhode Island Bar Association has canceled its panel discussion on The Station fire case. The discussion on "lessons from The Station fire" was to be held as part of its annual meeting today. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:37 AM | Comment Man shot by Cranston police officer is criticalCRANSTON – A 44-year-old man who was shot last evening by a police officer is in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital this morning. The man was shot after the police and fire departments were called to respond to the report of a suicidal male at 28 Harris Ave., apartment 229, last evening, Cranston Police Chief Col. Stephen McGrath said. “He came at the officer with a weapon, and that’s what led to the use of deadly force,” McGrath said. McGrath would not say what weapon the man wielded, nor has he named the man who was shot or the officer who shot him. That officer has been placed on administrative duties while local and state police and the Attorney General’s Office investigate the shooting, McGrath said. Because the shooting will lead to a grand jury investigation, McGrath said he will not release the officer's name yet and he will consult with the Attorney General's Office before deciding if he will release the officer's name. The officer was not injured in the incident, he said. The shooting took place around 4:53 p.m. yesterday in apartment 229, McGrath said. The man does not live in that apartment, he said. The police expect to discuss more details about the shooting this afternoon, McGrath said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Just three weeks ago, a grand jury cleared two Central Falls police officers of wrongdoing after they shot and killed a man brandishing a knife during a late-night confrontation. The grand jury concluded that Patrolman Derrick V. Levasseur and Patrolman Maximiliano Gonzalez were in fear of their lives and of the lives of people in the apartment house at 71 Rand St. when Selvin M. Garrido Morales threatened them with a kitchen knife on April 8. The two were, therefore, legally justified in fatally shooting the man, the grand jury said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:09 AM | Comment Download today's front pageA double murder and an investigation of the DOT headline today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 8:56 AM | Comment Traffic: Route 295 south construction delaysConstruction on Route 295 south between exit 6 B (Hartford Avenue) at Route 6 west and exit 5 (Rhode Island Resource Recovery/Shun Pike) has slowed traffic in that area, as it has since the project began. Otherwise, traffic hasn’t really heated up yet this morning. For other traffic needs throughout the day, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:14 AM | Comment House budget on the agenda todayPROVIDENCE -- The battle of the state budget is coming to a head. The House begins budget debate today. And despite vehement opposition from many quarters because of proposed cuts to child care and education aid programs -- including Governor Carcieri, Republicans and even unions -- the budget the House approves is unlikely to stray far from the seven-billion dollar budget proposed by the House Finance Committee. House Finance Committee Chairman Steven Costantino says there are no resources to restore cuts. The House Republican caucus yesterday afternoon release a list of 37 amendments it plans to introduce to the debate. Republican members slammed the House leaderships budget proposal for failing to close projected future deficits. The Senate debates the budget next week. Then it goes to the governor's desk. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:05 AM | Comment Warm day today could turn to rain for weekendPROVIDENCE – We’ve got a beautiful day in store for us, with a high near 70, sunshine and a few clouds. Those clouds will be increasing tonight, though, as the low dips near 53, and we’ve got a slight chance of showers tomorrow and a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday. Highs this weekend should be mid-70s on Saturday and mid-80s on Sunday. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment June 14, 2007Update: DOT chief engineer put on leave amid inquiryPROVIDENCE -- Amid troubling questions about state Department of Transportation contract practices, DOT chief engineer Edmund T. Parker has been put on paid administrative leave and any documents relating to contracts are to be turned over to the U.S. Attorney's Office and state police. Governor Carcieri's office this afternoon announced the moves as part of a review to determine the way business has been conducted by the DOT. Carcieri expressed three concerns in a statement. One was discovery that "a senior DOT employee, Ed Parker, participated in the decision to award a major contract to a company called Plexus, which is owned by his step-nephew," according to the news release. As part of the same contract, another senior DOT employee "changed the evaluation scores on the different bids in order to strengthen the case for hiring Plexus." Plexus already had the highest score, but the employee "gave them additional points so that the company would even more clearly outscore its competitor." And the state review of DOT contracts has found "a number of instances of contracts that have been repeatedly extended over time, without new bids," according to the release. The Plexus contract started in 1997 as a $1.1 million contract to provide a project-tracking system for the DOT. But the contract had grown to $8.5 million 10 years later, the governor's office says. Another contract, with Gordon R. Archibald, Inc. for the Quonset Point Improved Access Design, began July 1, 1982, for $361,423. Since then, "it has been extended 233 times and its total value now exceeds $20 million," the release says. The contracts were never re-bid and DOT officials amended them to let new work be done under the old contract. “This is not only poor management,” Carcieri said in the statement. “It appears to be a violation of state purchasing laws.” “Over the last few months and weeks, I have become increasingly alarmed about information being uncovered at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation,” Carcieri said this afternoon. “After high overhead rates in one contract were exposed, we began a review of all other DOT agreements to see if we could uncover any other, similar problems." Carcieri administration officials met today with State Police Supt. Brendan Doherty and with representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss an investigation of potential wrongdoing at the DOT. “Given the gravity of these concerns, and in light of his involvement in these contracting decisions, I have also instructed DOT to put Ed Parker on administrative leave with pay until a more thorough review of his conduct can be performed,” Carcieri said in the statement. “Let me be clear. I am not prejudging the results of this review. But given his role in many of the contracts we are investigating, I do not believe he can continue to serve in that position while the investigation is ongoing.” Yesterday, Carcieri met briefly with Doherty to request the opening of an investigation. The governor’s staff also contacted U.S. Attorney Robert Corrente to discuss the potential for a federal investigation. Additionally, in a telephone conversation with the governor’s staff, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) promised to also begin a review. DOT Director Jerome Williams also confirmed that Parker has been placed on paid administrative leave. Parker is on administrative leave with pay "until his role could be more fully reviewed," the governor's statement said. The governor’s office told Gerald Aubin, who is leading an inquiry into all state contracts that involve the retention of professional services, to turn over to the State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office any documents related to DOT contracts. “My message to Rhode Island citizens is simple,” Carcieri said. “The Department of Transportation has some major problems ... We will end the mismanagement and take the necessary steps to deal with any criminal activity we find.” Extra: Look back at Journal coverage of this topic. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:13 PM | Comment Update: Police: 2 found dead in fire a double-homicidePROVIDENCE – Two women were found dead in a burning Silver Lake triple-decker early this morning, and police are saying that the incident is a double-homicide. Firefighters responding to the 2 a.m. blaze at 381 Plainfield St. found Amanda Sousa, 17, of Providence, and Heather Jesus, 21, lying dead on the living room floor. Police say that although they were found in a burning apartment, the actual cause of their death is unclear — and may not have been the fire at all. Some of the “evidence surrounding the victims” prompted fire officials to turn to the police for help investigating the fire at the third-floor, said Mark S. Pare, assistant chief of administration for the Providence Fire Department. The fire broke out on the third floor of the triple-decker, said Pare and James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. There are two businesses on the first floor, including the California Taco Shop at 381 Plainfield St., while five apartments occupy the second and third floors. A half-dozen police officers combed the scene for several hours this afternoon, checking the doors to the apartment, examining the inside and searching the grounds outside the house in cracks and small areas. The bodies of both women are at the medical examiner’s office, where autopsies are being performed. The fire was reported at 1:59 a.m. and was under control by 2:30 a.m., Pare said. — Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi and and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Jose Diaz lives in the second floor apartment directly beneath the apartment where the fire occurred. He said that while he was trying to sleep, shortly before 2 a.m., he heard repeated heavy noises, “thumps” as he described them, coming from the apartment above. “I got up and banged on the ceiling with a broom,” he said. Then the noises stopped, and he went back to bed. Soon after, other neighbors banged on his door to alert him that there was a fire and that he needed to evacuate. As he stood in the street waiting to be allowed back in, he was shocked to see two bodies brought out on stretchers. “I was just thinking it was a regular fire until I saw them bring the two bodies out,” he said. Elio Olivero co-owns the Petro Mobil across the street from the gutted apartment. He said that Jesus, who he said was pregnant, used to come in regularly to buy cigarettes. “She would come over here late night at night, all the time,” he said. Cesar Morales owns the home next door to 381 Plainfield St. He said that it is a transient neighborhood with people moving in and out regularly, and that few neighbors know each other. He said that people would come in and out of the 375 Plainfield St. apartment at all hours of the night. He also said that there was a serious fire in the same building a year ago, which caused heavy damage. The Red Cross is assisting four adults and one child displaced by the fire, according to spokeswoman Marisa Albanese. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:56 PM | Comment Testimony by Biechele, Derderians sought in suitPROVIDENCE -- Lawyers for the victims of The Station nightclub blaze are pressing a band tour manager and the nightclub owners to testify for the first time since the fire killed 100 people and injured twice that many four years ago, according to court documents. The request comes in a massive civil lawsuit filed by more than 300 survivors and victims' family members against dozens of defendants they hold responsible for the fire, The Associated Press reported. If a U.S District Court judge consents, the depositions of tour manager Daniel Biechele and club owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian would be the first time they've had to speak under oath about the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station club in West Warwick. Each man reached plea deals with prosecutors that averted a lengthy trial but left some victims' family members outraged. David Kane, who lost his 18-year-old son Nicholas O'Neill in the fire, said he hoped the civil proceedings will uncover new evidence leading to criminal charges. Biechele's lawyer has objected to the request, while a lawyer for the Derderians did not immediately return a call seeking comment. "This has got nothing to do with the money," Kane said. "The only thing we have right now is the civil case. That can maybe open the door to depositions." -- The Associated Press The request for depositions came during a series of legal maneuvers. In April, the parent companies of a radio station running a promotion the night of the fire asked to be dismissed from the case. Lawyers for the Capstar Radio Operating Company and Clear Channel Communications said there was no evidence they controlled the concert, the club or the pyrotechnics and couldn't be held responsible for the fire. A tour manager for the band Great White, Biechele ignited a pyrotechnics display inside the Derderians' packed roadside bar. Sparks ignited flammable foam used as soundproofing on the club's walls. Flames and toxic black smoke engulfed the wood building within minutes. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison. The Derderians pleaded no contest to the same charges. Michael Derderian received a four-year prison sentence, while his brother Jeffrey got a suspended sentence and probation. But lawyers for the victims and their families argue more evidence is necessary to evaluate those claims, including a deposition with Biechele and the Derderians, among others. Donald Maroney, an attorney for Biechele, said in a court filing that he doesn't want his client speaking with the plaintiffs. A defendant in the civil suit, Biechele has a constitutional right to refuse any questions to avoid criminal self-incrimination. While state prosecutors have finished their criminal case against Biechele, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the fire and could still press charges. "While Mr. Biechele is unaware of any pending federal investigation, the possibility of a federal prosecution remains open," Maroney wrote. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:47 PM | Comment Photo: Showing the flag at Warwick school
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:11 PM | Comment No toxic Thomas toys at Edaville railroad eventThe recall of about 1.5 million Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys because of lead paint should not affect the popular "Day Out with Thomas" event at Edaville USA in Carver, Mass., this weekend, where parents can bring children to ride a train led by Thomas the Tank Engine. That's according to a spokeswoman, who said all of the products listed in the recall have been pulled out of the mix offered at such train-ride visits. There may be other items for sale in a retail area of the event, but they are not the lead-paint containing ones that have been recalled, said Danielle Webb, a spokeswoman for HIT Entertainment, which owns the Thomas & Friends brand, of which Thomas the Tanks Engine is a part. Items containing lead paint can be toxic if ingested by young children. The recall includes wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set components, which are listed on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice about the popular children’s toys, which are manufactured in China. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Kate Bramson The Edaville USA Web site describes the Thomas ride as a "classic storybook engine" that "chugs into a station near you." Participants get 25-minute rides on the train and hear a story telling, live music and more. This event runs tomorrow through Sunday. Meanwhile, the company that has the recalled items in question, RC2 Corp., has posted additional information about the recall on its Web site, including the fact that toys named in the recall list that are marked with codes containing “WJ” or “AZ” are not included in this recall. Parents and caregivers are urged to take the recalled toys away from young children immediately. They may contact the RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., for replacement toys. RC2 Corp. can be reached toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Thursday and on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. The recalled toys were sold nationwide at toy stores and other retailers from January 2005 through June 2007 for prices ranging from $10 to $70. The front of the packaging carried the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” on the upper left-hand corner and a manufacturing code may be located on the bottom of the product or inside the battery cover, according to the company. No injuries have been reported with regard to the many recalled toys, according to the safety commission. As a percentage of Thomas products on the market, 1.5 million is actually a relatively small number, Webb said. RC2 is one of several companies with licenses to sell the Thomas brand. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:47 PM | Comment FWS would buy state land to save Charlestown parcelThe U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to buy 70 acres of state-owned land in South Kingstown, bordering the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Regufe, in exchange for the state conserving the approximately 50 acres in Charlestown it had proposed to sell for $3.4 million to balance its budget. The 70 acres would be purchased at fair market value -- to be determined through a certified appraisal -- and public uses would be continued, Charles E. Vandemoer, refuge manager of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, wrote to Rep. Steven M. Constantino, chairman of the House Finance Committee. House spokesman Larry Berman said Constantino “is aware of the existence” of the letter but “is leaving the money savings in the budget for the sale of the (Charlestown) land." “All we did was (to) put the money in the budget that Governor Carcieri suggested would bring revenue to the state of Rhode Island,” Berman said this afternoon. “That amount of money,” Berman said, referring to the $3.4 million estimated the 50 acres of open space land bordering the state’s Burlingame Management Area and Watchaug Pond would draw, “is remaining in the budget." “It’s up to Governor Carcieri to work out the details as to this sale or an exchange of land.” The House will take up the proposed budget tomorrow. Rep. Donna Walsh, D-Charlestown, said today she intends to withdraw an amendment she filed yesterday — which proposed to remove the land sale from the budget and reduce the Judiciary’s budget by the projected $3.4 million — if she gets firmer assurances the land will not be sold. -- Journal staff writer Maria Armental Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:48 PM | Comment Update: Carcieri, U.S. Attorney team members meetGovernor Carcieri today confirmed that members of his team have met with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ask them to look into matters at the state Department of Transportation. In recent days, Carcieri has asked the state police to begin a review of the way business has been conducted by the DOT. This afternoon, Carcieri addressed the issue at an unrelated press conference for a Big Brothers announcement about a chocolate chip cookie fundraiser. When asked what his concerns over the DOT are, Carcieri said business practices. Thomas Connell, a spokesman for U.S. Atty. Robert Clark Corrente in Rhode Island, said that Corrente and members of his staff met with the governor’s representatives at about 11 a.m., at Carcieri’s request. He declined to elaborate on the topic(s), participants or length of the meeting.
-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg and Mike Stanton Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:11 PM | Comment Father of missing Newport sailor diesThe father of a Newport sailor whose boat went missing last month has died, without knowing the fate of his daughter. James J. Grinavic, 52, died Monday of a heart attack while at home in Cumberland with his wife, Mary Grinavic. He collapsed as the two were bagging the trash, his wife said in an interview today. She called 911, and emergency responders were there in two minutes. However, just as they came in the door, James Grinavic died, his wife said. Their only child, 26-year-old Christine Grinavic, was one of four sailors aboard the 54-foot Flying Colours when the sailboat disappeared in a growing tropical storm off the coast of the Carolinas on May 7. The U.S. Coast Guard led a massive, six-day search for the sailboat that included jets, search planes and cutters from several states and military stations over a region the size of Texas. The Coast Guard suspended the search after finding no trace of the boat or its crew. Mary Grinavic said the Coast Guard has still not found a sign of the boat, “not a bit of debris, nothing.” The couple had held out hope. “We have to go forward” was their attitude – until Monday, when James died, his wife said. Now, she continues to hope – convinced that “some sign of something” has to show up eventually. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson If she were to give up hope and then the sailors are found drifting at sea, “she’d be so mad at me” for losing the faith, Mary Grinavic said of her daughter. For now, Christine’s mother is working with the family’s lawyer to handle her daughter’s finances. She doesn’t want to leave outstanding bills unpaid and have her daughter return to a bad credit rating. Christine, a Cumberland High School and University of Rhode Island graduate, had expected to be home for Mother’s Day, which was the Sunday after the sailboat was lost. The last time Christine had seen her parents was when she was home in December for her grandmother’s funeral. Mary Grinavic’s mother died Dec. 12. Leading up to this week, Mary Grinavic had worried about this Sunday. “I didn’t know what we were going to do for Father’s Day,” she said. “And now I don’t have to worry,” she added softly. Although her husband had chronic health issues – among them, diabetes and sleep apnea – and she didn’t expect to grow old with him, James Grinavic had just been to see his doctor last month and there was nothing significant that appeared worrisome at this time, his wife said. His doctor wanted to see him for a check-up in three months. Mary Grinavic said her husband's sister said she thinks he died “of a broken heart.” His wake is set for tomorrow in Norwood, Mass., the community where he and his wife met and where his parents and her mother are buried. The funeral will be from the funeral home on Saturday followed by a funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Norwood. Grinavic said she’ll have the priest say a special prayer tomorrow night as a vigil is going on in Oregon for one of the sailors missing with Christine. Family members of Rhiannon Borisoff, 22, who live in Oregon, had planned a vigil for tomorrow night, well before James Grinavic’s death. Now on each coast, the families will be hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. “But then I’d have to tell her her Daddy’s dead,” Mary Grinavic said, her voice catching.
Read more about the sailors and the Flying Colours at a Web site created by a family member of the boat's captain, Patrick "Trey" Topping. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:55 PM | Comment Sound Session lineup announced for ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- The lineup for the summer's Sound Session, produced by the Black Repertory Company, has more than 50 artists, from Brazilian funk to jazz legends to reggae, Mayor David Cicilline's office announced today. Among those scheduled to perform are The Spinners, jazz musician James Moody, reggae musician Queen Ifrica, jazzman Ben Allison; "hip-hop troubadour" Taylor McFerrin, the New Orleans-style Youngblood Brass Band, and more. The seven-day festival kicks off at the Providence Black Repertory Company’s Xxodus Café on Sunday with gospel music and continues through the week. The festival ends Jule 21 with a concert at Waterplace Park, a parade through the streets and a block party on Westminster Street. Flanked by drummers, singers and entertainers dressed in costumes, Cicilline and Providence Black Repertory Company Executive Artistic Director Donald W. King announced the lineup. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney “Over the past three years, Sound Session has grown into one of our region’s most exciting music festivals, attracting thousands of people to our city from all over New England,” Cicilline said in a statement. “This is a festival that transcends cultural barriers and brings people together from diverse backgrounds for a week of great, live entertainment.” “Sound Session is genuine cultural exchange at its best,” said King. “It educates, inspires, excites the imagination and amplifies the kind of cultural programming and shared experience that Black Rep offers all year round.” There will also be neighborhood and community programming, including workshops, neighborhood concerts and master classes. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:40 PM | Comment W. Warwick student accused of having gun to scareWEST WARWICK -- West Warwick school officials accuse a student of having an unloaded gun inside a middle school yesterday to scare off someone else. Superintendent James DiPrete says the incident happened at Deering Middle School and that no one was in immediate danger. Early yesterday, three students told a teacher they had seen a seventh-grader with a gun. DiPrete says an assistant principal led that student back to his locker. A police officer examined the student's backpack and found the unloaded firearm. DiPrete says police questioned the student, then took him into custody. The boy was taken to Family Court in Providence, but school authorities weren't certain if he will face charges. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:58 PM | Comment ALERT: Mass. lawmakers block gay-marriage banBOSTON -- Massachusetts lawmakers today blocked a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage from reaching voters, a stunning victory for gay marriage advocates and a devastating blow to efforts to reverse a historic 2003 court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The 45-151 vote means Massachusetts remains the only state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The question needed the approval of 50 of 200 lawmakers in consecutive sessions to advance to the 2008 ballot. It got the first approval at the end of last session in January with 62 votes. As the tally was announced, the halls of the Statehouse erupted in cheers and applause from supporters of gay marriage gathered outside the House chambers. "We're proud of our state today, and we applaud the Legislature for showing that Massachusetts is strongly behind fairness," said Lee Swislow, executive director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:44 PM | Comment URI scientist to research safe water supply in IndiaSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A University of Rhode Island associate professor has gotten a $190,000 grant from the World Bank to come up with a way to provide people in rural India with "safe, affordable and reliable drinking water." The university issued a news release saying Thomas Boving, associate professor of geoscience, is one of 22 grant winners from 13 countries out of a pool of 2,900 people who applied for the grants. The World Bank's Global Development Marketplace and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are the agencies paying for the grants. Boving's project will "use a low-cost, easy to replicate approach of treating polluted surface water with riverbank filtration wells." Next fall, Boving will start by surveying some residents in India about water needs and related issues. He will also track infection rates from water-borne diseases and find several potential sites to install riverbank filtration wells. "We¹ll drill the wells near the river, and the pump will force the water to flow into the well through natural sediments that will clean it of pathogens," Boving said in the news release. "To ensure that the water is cleaned thoroughly, it should take about 20 days for the water to travel from the river to the well. The exact location of the wells -- how far away from the river to put them -- will be determined by the geology." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Water-borne disease accounts in India for 21 percent of all communicable diseases and results in 1,600 deaths each day, according to a news release. "The Kali River in southern India is very polluted, so if the locals rely on water from the river to drink, they get sick," said Boving. "If they rely on existing wells for their water, they typically must carry the water long distances and the wells often go dry. Riverbank filtration wells, however, make use of the natural filtration capacity of the sediments underlaying the river and produce water without contaminants." Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:49 PM | Comment R.I. soldier injured in Iraq heading to Walter ReedAn Army soldier from Rhode Island is being flown to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., after suffering serious injuries in Iraq. Angel Gomez, who had been serving in Iraq since February, was apparently injured when the Humvee he was traveling in "got blown up," said Dennis Littky, founder and co-director of the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in Providence. Gomez joined the Army in August 2004 following his graduation from The Met school, Littky said. He had been stationed in Kansas and specialized in humvees, Littky said. Littky did not know exactly where or when Gomez was injured. He said he has talked to Gomez's mother. Gomez is supposed to arrive at Walter Reed today or tomorrow, according to Littky. A fund is being established to help Gomez. Donations can be dropped off or sent to The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, 325 Public St., Providence, R.I., 02905. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:29 PM | Comment State wants to bring salmon back to the BlackstonePAWTUCKET -- The state has moved closer to bringing salmon back to the Blackstone River for the first time in two centuries. The state Department of Environmental Management yesterday signed a purchase agreement for a dam in Pawtucket and the former Elizabeth Webbing hydro plant in Central Falls. That gives the state control of four dams along a key stretch of the river and opens the door for the construction of fish ladders that would allow salmon to make their way up the waterway to spawn. -- The Associated Press Salmon have been unable to swim upstream since the construction of numerous textile mill dams 200 years ago. Department Director Michael Sullivan says building the fish ladders will require about two years of engineering studies and analysis, and he hopes construction will be complete by 2010. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:43 AM | Comment Some 1.5 million Thomas & Friends toys recalledAbout 1.5 million Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys have been recalled because they contain lead paint, which can be toxic if ingested by young children. The recall includes wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set components, which are listed on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice about the popular children’s toys, which are manufactured in China. The company, RC2 Corp., has posted additional information about the recall on its Web site, including the fact that toys named in the recall list that are marked with codes containing “WJ” or “AZ” are not included in this recall. The recalled toys were sold nationwide at toy stores and other retailers from January 2005 through June 2007 for prices ranging from $10 to $70. The front of the packaging carried the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” on the upper left-hand corner and a manufacturing code may be located on the bottom of the product or inside the battery cover, according to the company. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson No injuries have been reported with regard to the many recalled toys, according to the safety commission. Parents and caregivers are urged to take the recalled toys away from young children immediately. They may contact the RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., for replacement toys. RC2 Corp. can be reached toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Thursday and on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:26 AM | Comment Red Cross fundraiser to support armed forcesNEWPORT – The Red Cross has been busy today since responding at 3 a.m. to a Silver Lake fire in which two people were found dead. The organization is helping five others affected by that fire and was then called to help three people displaced by a fire around 7 a.m. today in Olneyville. Now, the Red Cross is hosting a fundraiser from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Atlantic Beach Club in Newport. The Flag Day breakfast is raising funds to support emergency services for the armed forces, spokeswoman Marisa Albanese said. The breakfast fundraiser is open to the public. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:30 AM | Comment Photo: Two found dead after a fire in a triple-decker
PROVIDENCE – Firefighters found two bodies in a burning Silver Lake apartment overnight. Fire and police officials consider the triple-decker a crime scene and are investigating. Some of the “evidence surrounding the victims” prompted fire officials to turn to the police for help investigating the fire at 381 Plainfield St., said Mark S. Pare, assistant chief of administration for the Providence Fire Department. The fire broke out on the third floor of the triple-decker that has two businesses on the first floor, said Pare and James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. Investigators are still trying to identify the people found dead in the fire, Pare said. It’s unclear at this point whether the people died from the fire or another cause, Taylor said. The fire was reported at 1:59 a.m. and was under control by 2:30 a.m., Pare said. The Red Cross is assisting four adults and one child displaced by the fire, according to spokeswoman Marisa Albanese. The California Taco Shop is on the first floor of the building. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:09 AM | Comment Photo / Fire in Olneyville displaces 3 residents
PROVIDENCE – The Red Cross is assisting three adults after an early morning fire in Olneyville. The fire at 30 Covell St., just off Atwells Ave., was reported at 6:56 a.m. and was under control by 7:08 a.m., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. No one was injured in the second early-morning fire in the capital city, Taylor said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:53 AM | Comment Chance of showersThe National Weather Service has forecast patchy fog before noon and a slight chance of showers today in the Providence area. The high should reach 64 degrees with winds from the northeast between 13 and 18 mph., gusts up to 30 mph. The temperature should drop to 50 degrees tonight with s chance of showers before 9 p.m. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:03 AM | Comment Middleborough selectmen delay vote on casinoMIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Mashpee Wampanoag Indians' plan to pay Middleborough $7 million annually over the next 10 years in exchange for hosting their proposed casino has been delayed while town officials weigh the offer. After hearing from residents on both sides of the issue at a hearing Wednesday night that ran more than three hours, the board voted to delay a vote for at least a couple of weeks to allow some revisions to the draft proposal. -- Read the full Associated Press story. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about a rally at the State House over the proposed layoff of 1,000 state workers. There's also a story about a Jamestown couple and their adopted children from Russia. Download today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 13, 2007Union rally at State House highlights budget battlePROVIDENCE -- In the escalating tug-of-war over the state budget, state workers and their union leaders this afternoon used a State House rally to criticize Governor Carcieri's deficit-closing proposal that includes cutting 1,000 state employee positions. The 45-minute rally saw speeches from union officials such as Dennis Grilli, executive director of Council 94, which represents thousands of state employees. "We will remember this. We will never forget what you did last Thursday," Richard Ferruccio, head of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, said in comments referring to the governor's proposal. State workers took exception to the governor's office saying the average state employee's salary is $58,000-plus. Ferruccio said he has worked as a correctional officer for 23 years and he makes $46,000. But the governor's office acknowledged that the average includes all state employees, including top managers. And Jeff Neal, spokesman for the governor, said "the governor has pointed out that his office won't be exempt" from consideration for reductions. The governor's office is not only going to look at layoffs for union workers but at managers as well. House Democratic leaders, meanwhile, have proposed a budget plan that includes cutting the education-funding increase the governor's proposal had called for, drawing criticism from school leaders and others in communities. A petition signed by 15 senators and 9 representatives, all of them Democrats, has urged the leadership to put back the 3 percent increase that Carcieri's proposal sought. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:13 PM | Comment Providence library, city agree to historic pactPROVIDENCE -- The city and the Providence Public Library have agreed to a one-year renewable contract, ending a years-long dispute over library service and establishing the first written agreement in the history of their 100-year relationship. The agreement brings to an end several years of debate over the level of funding the city should provide, who controls the library’s branches, and staffing levels and hours at the city’s libraries. The PPL wanted the city to take over the branch library system, while the PPL ran the Central Library downtown. But the city was not interested. At the same time, the city wanted more public, voting members on the library’s Board of Trustees, but the libraries held fast on that point. The city agreed to increase its contribution by $300,000, giving the libraries $3.3 million this year, with increases every subsequent year tied to the cost of living. It will also give a one-time payment of roughly $100,000, making the city and the state’s contribution $4.15 million in the fiscal year beginning July 1. The library agreed to the establishment of an advisory board to oversee finances across the entire library system, though the body would have no authority over the PPL’s trustees. The agreement will mean a reduction in hours at most library branches, and layoffs of up to 10 library staffers — a number the library hopes it can reduce by restarting its fundraising efforts, which have long stagnated as donors shied away from giving during the protracted city-library struggle. -- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi The PPL is a private, nonprofit organization that has provided library services for city residents for more than 100 years without a contract. The fiscal year ending June 30 was to be a transition year that gave the city and the PPL time to carve out a new, long-term agreement for library services in Providence. More to come in tomorrow's Providence Journal and on projo.com ... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:09 PM | Comment Update: Union chiefs call for GOP chair to resignPROVIDENCE -- Leaders of unions representing state workers and teachers today called on state Republican Party Chairman Giovanni Cicione to resign over a flap over yard signs printed for the GOP that say cutting 1,000 state worker jobs was a "good start!" Dennis Grilli, executive director of Council 94 -- the largest union of state workers -- and Bob Walsh, head of the Rhode Island affiliate of the National Education Association, called for the resignation during an afternoon rally at the State House. The controversy surrounds hundreds of yard signs the state Republican Party apparently had printed. It was unclear how many signs were actually distributed. Cicione, of Barrington, was chosen unanimously by Republicans at the state convention in March to be party chairman. He replaced Patricia Morgan. He was described in March as a lawyer with the Providence firm Adler, Pollock & Sheehan. He served as legal counsel to the Republican National Committee in Rhode Island last year. Governor Carcieri's office today distanced itself from the sign issue, saying it had asked that the signs be taken down when it became aware of them. The governor, a Republican, has called for cutting 1,000 positions as one of several components of a plan to close a budget deficit of $300 million to $400 million. House Democrats have offered a different proposal. Donna Perry, spokeswoman for the state Republican Party, said in response to the unions today: "The budget debate is a critical discussion the state should have right now. The unions want to demonize this governor and demonize the chairman of the party" for the purpose of changing the conversation. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau and Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Photo: A day worth a hundred cakes
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:31 PM | Comment Bill financing R.I. military projects clears committeeWASHINGTON -- A bill earmarking money for rebuilding the wharf that connects two piers at Naval Station Newport, a Quonset National Guard special-ops training facility and other Rhode Island military projects moved a step closer to law today. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs approved a $64.7-billion spending bill for projects around the country, the office of U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced. It also includes money for veterans' health issues. The bill next needs approval from the Appropriations Committee before it goes to a vote on Senate floor. Money in the legislation would also "bolster work at the Army Aviation Support Facility in North Kingstown and Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich," says a news release from Reed's office. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Some $9.9 million is in the bill for reconstructing the wharf connecting Piers 1 and 2 at the naval station in Newport. "These piers are an integral part of naval operations at the base with Pier 1 anchoring two inactive carriers and Pier 2 serving as the primary operational pier for the naval station supporting four Coast Guard ships, visiting ships, and a building that houses port operations, Coast Guard Offices and shops, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) periscope repair facility," Reed's office said. Since being built in 1954, the wharf connecting the piers has deteriorated and was closed in 2004 because it could not support any loading. And $750,000 is included for planning and design of an addition to the Bachelor Quarters on Coddington Point at Naval Station Newport and $810,000 for planning and design of a new building for the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office in North Kingstown. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:26 PM | Comment Somerset administrator gets Wareham job offerSOMERSET, Mass. -- John McAuliffe, the town's administrator for the past 9-1/2 years, has been selected as the new administrator in Wareham -- and, he said this afternoon, he expects to take the job. The vote by the Wareham Board of Selectmen, announced earlier today, was unanimous. Wareham was offering between $105,000 and $120,000, which would probably mean a pay increase for a man who was also a finalist in Middleboro, Mass. McAuliffe said Wareham is wooing him because, ``first and foremost, they want to tackle some financial challenges, which works nicely with my background'' with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. McAuliffe began looking for another post after losing the support of the majority of the three-member Board of Selectmen in a town where the political climate has gotten increasingly venomous. He angered the current chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen by ruling that her husband, then a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, may have bent the rules when developing some house lots. He was also the subject of two citizen petitions calling for his removal, both drafted by a local chiropractor who objected that his wife's business was cited when McAuliffe tried to enforce the town's sign ordinance. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:19 PM | Comment Group: Tobin's attack on Giuliani may violate tax lawA Washington-based religious advocacy group accuses Bishop of Providence Thomas J. Tobin of violating tax law by criticizing GOP presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani's abortion views in the diocesan newspaper. The group says the Internal Revenue Service "should investigate" the diocese. Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued a news release today saying "federal tax law forbids non-profits to use organizational resources to support or oppose candidates for public office." The organization says it sent a letter to the IRS noting that. Rev. Barry W. Lynn, the group's executive director, said in the letter that Tobin, "appears to have violated federal tax law by attacking Giuliani," according to the news release. Tobin made his comments in a piece in the Rhode Island Catholic, the diocese's newspaper, questioning Giuliani's personal belief that abortion is wrong while feeling that government should not intervene. “If the bishop wants to join the political fray, he should do so as an individual without dragging along his tax-exempt diocese," Lynn said in the news release. "A church is not a political action committee, and it should not act like one.” On its Web site, Americans United for Separation of Church and State describes itself as having members in every state and as an "nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the constitutional principle of church-state separation." A spokesman for Tobin told the Associated Press the complaint lacks merit. The site contains a feature critical of what it calls the "the religious right after Falwell," which shows images of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Pat Robertson and James Jobson, who leads Focus on the Family, a group that opposes same-sex marriage. The organization posts "alerts" on various issues such as "undermining evolution" and, therefore, in its words, undermining science standards in the public schools. It accepts financial contributions on part of its Web site. And it suggests contacting members of Congress on issues. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:49 PM | Comment Legislator aims to cut open-space land saleState Rep. Donna Walsh filed today an amendment to the state budget seeking to remove a proposal to sell up to 50 acres of open space land bordering the state’s Burlingame Management Area and Watchaug Pond for an estimated $3.4 million to plug a hole in the state’s budget. The Charlestown Democrat proposes cuting the Judiciary’s budget by that amount to help balance the budget. Governor Carcieri originally proposed the land sale in his budget proposal amid a broader $28.2-million land sale proposal. He later said through a spokesman he no longer counted on the land sale, but said it is up to the General Assembly to set the final budget. Carcieri has not said if he’d stop the sale if it is authorized by the General Assembly. Legislators blame Carcieri for proposing the sale in the first place. Those who oppose the open space land sale say it would violate existing state law and would set a dangerous precendent. The state’s proposed 2008 budget, and all amendments, will be considered Friday by the House of Representatives. -- Journal staff writer Maria Armental Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:44 PM | Comment Joint chiefs candidate speaks at Naval War CollegeNEWPORT -- The Navy admiral tapped to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he favors a diplomatic approach in dealing with Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, but offered few clues on how he would handle the war in Iraq. Admiral Michael Mullen accused Iran, without being specific, of giving aid to insurgent forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Still he called diplomacy "the right path." "I'm concerned about what Iran's doing in Iraq and Afghanistan, you know, broadly providing capability to which we are losing American soldiers on the ground and Marines on the ground, and I consider that not to be acceptable," he said. The Navy must stay in the Persian Gulf to reassure allies and maintain its ability to act quickly in a crisis, he said. "I think we will be there with a strong presence for a long time," he said, during a question-and-answer session at the Naval War College in Newport. -- The Associated Press Mullen, 60, said little about Iraq while at the college and ducked a question about his strategy there during a brief news conference with reporters. "I'm honored to be recommended to be nominated, and we'll just take it one step at a time," Mullen said. Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended Mullen for the chairman's seat after key lawmakers warned the Bush administration that Gen. Peter Pace would face a public grilling over the Iraq War if nominated for another term. Pace's departure means a largely new slate of military commanders will be responsible for a war that has killed more than 3,500 U.S. troops. Democratic leaders in Congress say they want a nominee committed to changing the course of a war now in its fifth year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has warned the next chairman cannot be an advocate for a "failed policy." During the forum, Mullen reiterated his support for the creation of a new strategy for U.S. maritime forces, a project that hasn't happened on a large scale since the end of the Cold War. He wants to expand the Navy's fleet to more than 300 ships. "You can't be in as many places in 200 ships that you can with 300 or 400," he said. "You got to be there to have the impact." With nearly half of its 277 warships supporting missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mullen said the Navy faced a "very challenging time" and could not secure international seaways by itself. U.S. naval forces have shrunk 40 percent since the end of the Cold War, he added. He said U.S. officials are working with allies abroad to create a naval alliance that would be based in ports around the world and respond quickly to problems. "Nobody can do it alone," he said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:20 PM | Comment Photo: Police sergeant arraigned for burglary
Posted by Jack Perry at 3:14 PM | Comment Photo: Woman arraigned for sports bar stabbing
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:53 PM | Comment MySpace meeting leads to child molestation chargePAWTUCKET – A 21-year-old Pawtucket man is held without bail today at the Adult Correctional Institutions on a charge of first-degree child molestation for allegedly having sexual intercourse with an 11-year-old Providence girl he met on MySpace. Otensi Dekargai, of 10 Anthony Ave. in Pawtucket, and the girl, whom the police are not identifying, had communicated via the Internet for a while before meeting once in person in April, Pawtucket Det. Lt. Daniel Mullen said today. Each apparently lied about their age, Mullen said. Dekargai said he was 17 or 18, and the girl said she was 16, he said. Dekargai allegedly picked up the girl at a pre-arranged meeting spot in Providence and drove her to a Pawtucket apartment, where the two had sex, Mullen said. He then apparently gave her cab fare to get back to Providence, according to the police. The police learned of the encounter after the girl was taken Monday to Women and Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island for some “medical issues” she developed “as a result of this encounter,” Mullen said. He declined to say any more about her medical condition. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The hospital contacted the Providence police because of the nature of the girl’s health issues and her age, Mullen said. Once the police determined the incident happened in Pawtucket, the case was referred to that police department. The girl cooperated with the police and went into MySpace with the police to locate the man she had met there, Mullen said. Both Dekargai and the girl have said their encounter was consensual sex, according to Mullen. Rhode Island law, however, would not allow an 11-year-old to consent to sex. First-degree child molestation sexual assault is defined as sexual penetration with someone 14 years of age or under. A conviction on this charge carries a sentence of not less than 25 years and may be life imprisonment. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:29 PM | Comment Providence detective pleads not guilty to assault / Photo
Jason Simoneau, 32, of 19 Higgins St., Smithfield, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Simoneau was indicted by a grand jury and appeared today before Magistrate Joseph Keough. Specific details have been few. The incident allegedly occurred outside a bar in the vicinity of Westminster and Union streets on Christmas Eve last year when Simoneau was not on duty. He is accused of assaulting Matthew Turgeon, 26, and Eric O'Connell, 28. Their addresses were not yet known. Simoneau's lawyer, Kevin Bristow, said in an interview that a disagreement ensued between Simoneau and the two men. He said that Simoneau was actually trying to get away from them, and they followed him to the doorway of his then-apartment house on Westminster Street. At some point Simoneau is accused of pulling out a gun, which was not his duty firearm, and pointed it in their direction. Bristow implied this was a defensive action. He was not conceding that Simoneau did anything wrong. "There's a lot of evidence yet to be presented," Bristow said. Keough set $10,000 personal recognizance bail for Simoneau and ordered him to have no contact with the men. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:27 PM | Comment Scorecard: R.I. health-care system ranks 6th in U.S.Rhode Island's healthcare system ranks sixth overall in the country -- and first in quality of care -- according to the first ever scorecard of states' health systems. Hawaii is ranked first overall nationally, followed by Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island. Behind Rhode Island are Connecticut and then Massachusetts. "For the past decade, Rhode Island has provided incentive payments to Medicaid managed-care plans that reach quality targets; it now ranks first on measures of the quality of care," according to the scorecard by Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System. Rhode Island is also among five "leading states" in terms of access to care as well. That, along with higher rates of insured residents, equated to better car quality. The scorecard ranked five "dimensions" of healthcare then came to overall conclusions about states. The scorecard also lists 32 specialized "indicators" of health-system performance. The executive summary names the top state in each; Rhode Island is tops for hospitalized patients who received "recommended care for acute myocardial infarction, congestive failure and penumonia." "States in the Upper Midwest and Northeast often rank in the highest quartile of performance, with those in the lowest quartile concentrated in the South," the report says. To see the full report, go here and go to the various PDF files available. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:25 PM | Comment Vaccination clinics set for new high school graduatesGraduating high school seniors, you may be leaving your school days behind you. But you still may need one more aspect of them before you go on in life -- vaccinations. Many states, employers and colleges and universities either recommend or require certain vaccinations, the state Health Department says. The state of Rhode Island offers a free vaccination program for those under 19 that is administered through public and private schools statewide. And a special program called Vaccinate Before You Graduate is conducted to help ensure needed vaccinations in the transition before school and the workforce or college. To help in that effort, the state is adding on two free clinics this summer for new graduates. They will be held: - Wednesday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Warwick Mall, outside the Old Navy store. - Tuesday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, in the Health Policy Forum in the Lower Level. The following vaccines can be received: hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal (meningitis), polio, and varicella (chicken pox). Once a student reaches age 19 and is out of high school, the same shots could cost as much as $1,200, the Health Department says. Don't know if you need to be vaccinated before attending a college or university in Rhode Island? Here are requirements: http://www.health.ri.gov/family/immunization/ImmunizationRemindercollege.pdf At the clinics, a parent or guardian must accompany students under age 18 (unless a parental consent was signed at a previous Vaccinate Before You Graduate event). Students must bring their immunization records and photo identification. No appointments are necessary. All vaccines for graduating seniors are free. If you have questions about Vaccinate Before You Graduate, contact Kathy Marceau at 222-4624 or Pat Raymond at 222-5921. For more information on childhood vaccination requirements in Rhode Island, click here. Adults age 18 and older may receive the pneumonia vaccine at the Warwick Mall clinic on June 20. The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine is recommended for adults age 65 and older and those in high-risk groups. The pneumococcal vaccine is a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, Part B. If an individual’s insurance provider does not cover the pneumococcal vaccine, there is no charge; however, you must call 401-461-0662 to reserve a dose. For more information about the adult immunization program, contact Annemarie Beardsworth at 222-5658. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:20 PM | Comment Governor announces state police team in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- For a third year, a State Police team will help the Providence police patrol the streets on weekend nights beginning July 5. Governor Carcieri will announce the State Police Neighborhood Response Team effort at 1:30 p.m. in the State Room of the State House. State Police Col. Brendan Doherty, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman are slated to attend the announcement. "Since the [Neighborhood Response Team] initiative began, police have made more than 1,100 arrests and issued more than 1,900 summonses," a news release said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:22 PM | Comment Nantucket Airlines also cancels flightsCape Air’s sister airline, Nantucket Airlines, has also canceled most of its flights for the next few days, as Cape Air works to make engine repairs on its fleet of Cessna 402 aircraft. The airlines have posted a statement online explaining the cancellations and offering travel alternatives. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:19 PM | Comment Feinstein raises $148 million to battle hungerCranston-based philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein's foundation said it's raised a record $148 million nationally this spring to fight hunger during its 10th annual "giveaway" of $1 million in matching grant money, divided among participating agences. More than 1,700 participants -- agencies that battle hunger and houses of worship around the country -- participated in raising money and will share in varying allotments from the $1 million, according to a news release from The Feinstein Foundation. Since 1997, the foundation said it has raised more than $700 million, asserting that it is "the most successful grassroots effort ever to help the hungry." Feinstein founded Center for a Hunger Free America at the University of Rhode Island, which heads up the admistration of the program. Last spring's total came to $133 million, compared to this spring's $148 million. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:43 AM | Comment Ample energy forecast for New England this summerHOLYOKE, Mass. -- Gordon van Welie, the man responsible for making sure the lights stay on in New England, is usually anxious this time of year. Even though it looks like millions of residents won't have to worry about being able to fire up their air conditioners to battle the upcoming summer heat, he knows the demand for electricity is only going to grow. "We believe we have enough capacity available to meet the projected demand for electricity this summer," he said. "Assuming everything is running and nothing big breaks." As president of ISO New England, which manages the region's power grid from a control room that's slightly larger than a tennis court, part of van Welie's job is to make sure there's enough power to feed the needs of about 14 million residents in six states. -- The Associated Press During a nearly two-hour meeting with reporters at ISO New England's headquarters on Tuesday, he also pushed a message of conservation. As electronic devices continue to become cheaper and more easily available, people need to make smart choices about using them, he said. "You've added in your homes large plasma screen TVs, digital video recorders, cable modems, iPods, cell phone chargers," he said. "They're all sitting there consuming more energy and producing more heat. Now you have an air conditioner that has to try and reduce the inside of your home to be 10 degrees below what it is outside, and it's going to have to work that much harder to get rid of that heat." Since 1980, there's been a 1.7 percent growth in demand for electricity during peak demand, which fall on the hottest days of the year. And overall, there's been a 1.2 percent increase in energy use each year. But there are blips in that trend. Last year, which had a mild winter and high energy prices, New England used slightly less electricity than it did in 2005. "High prices caused people to think seriously about conservation and energy efficiency," van Welie said. And as people used less energy, wholesale electric prices dropped by about five percent. Still, ISO New England's projections show electricity demand rising. By 2015, the grid managers expect 32,000 megawatts will be needed to meet peak demand, up from the 29,000 megawatts expected from this summer's hottest day. "The most viable option to deal with this is to become more efficient about our own usage," van Welie said. "We can do something to address this peak demand growth." Posted by Jack Perry at 9:52 AM | Comment Gay police group holds conference in ProvidencePROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline is expected to welcome a gathering of gay and lesbian criminal justice professionals this morning on the second day of a five-day conference focusing on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in the criminal justice profession. The capital city’s openly gay mayor should be joined by Corrections Director A.T. Wall in welcoming the 11th annual International Conference of Gay and Lesbian Criminal Justice Professionals. The conference is hosted by the Gay Officers Action League of New England. Participants will attend seminars on issues that include sexual orientation and gender identity in policing, creating effective diversity training, creating a GLBT liaison position, an overview of hate crime training in Rhode Island and a look into the transgender community. The conference concludes Sunday, following participation on Saturday night in Rhode Island PrideFest and that evening’s Night-Time Pride Parade. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:46 AM | Comment Cape Air canceling flights for engine repairsHYANNIS, Mass. -- Cape Air is grounding most of its fleet of Cessna 402 aircraft to make engine repairs, a spokeswoman for the regional airline said last night. Hundreds of flights will be affected, Cape Air spokeswoman Michelle Haynes told the Cape Cod Times. The Massachusetts-based airline serves Cape Cod, the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as destinations in Florida, the Caribbean and Micronesia. It offers flights from T.F. Green Airport in Warwick to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. "This is the most painful chapter in this airline's 18-year history," Haynes said. Haynes said Cape Air discovered abnormal wearing in the planes' engines related to the crankshaft counterweight and decided to ground the planes after consultation with Federal Aviation Administration officials and the manufacturer of the aircraft's engine, Continental Teledyne. "The unusual wear pattern on these parts has to be fixed," Haynes said. "It's a tough decision, but it's the only decision." She said a handful of the 49 planes have been repaired, but Cape Air expects to cancel many flights through the weekend. "We expect the entire airline to be up and operational by early next week," she said. She said the airline will be posting revised flight information on its Web site, flycapeair.com. Haynes said Cape Air was committed to "finding options" for customers whose flights are canceled. "Our heart goes out to them," she said. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Partly cloudy with a high of 66 degreesThe National Weather Service forecasts a partly cloudy day with a high near 66 degrees. The wind will blow from the northeast at 14 to 17 mph. There's a slight chance of showers tonight with a low around 50 degrees. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the state budget debate. The front page also features photographs and a story about a program that tries to tighten bonds between female state prison inmates and their daughters. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 12, 2007North Carolina DA facing punishmentPROVIDENCE -- Mike Pressler, the former lacrosse coach of Duke University, says he expects a North Carolina district attorney will be punished for a botched rape investigation. Pressler now coaches at Bryant University, in Smithfield. He told WPRO AM that Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong is going to face a severe penalty for leading an investigation that targeted three of his former players. Nifong is being tried today in a North Carolina courtroom for allegedly violating that state's rules of professional conduct. He won indictments against three Duke lacrosse players last year after a woman hired as a stripper claimed she was raped at a team party. Nifong was later accused of withholding exculpatory evidence from defense attorneys and making inflammatory statements about the players. North Carolina's attorney general later dropped the charges and rebuked Nifong. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment Police: Narragansett man seriously injured by carNARRAGANSETT -- Two Cranston men were arrested on charges of driving under the influence after a 43-year-old Narragansett bicyclist was struck Monday evening and sustained serious injuries. According to a news release today, Bogdan Nowak, of Ocean Road, was riding a three-wheel sit-down bike southbound in the northbound lane of Ocean Road near Earles Court when he was struck by the car driven by James J. Maguire, 22, of 28 Waterman Ave., Cranston. Maguire was charged with driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injuries, according to the news release. A passenger in the car, Matthew R. Kelley, 19, of 61 Waterman Ave., Cranston, drove the car from the scene, the police allege. Kelley was charged with driving under the influence, the police said. Nowak is being treated for his injuries at Rhode Island Hospital after preliminary treatment at South County Hospital. The police responded at 7:27 p.m. Monday. Detectives and the accident reconstruction unit are investigating. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Attleboro museum's painting fails to sell at auctionA stored painting that Attleboro Arts Museum officials discovered was actually worth up to $1 million failed to sell at a major London auction today -- a blow to the small city-owned museum that hoped to use the money from the sale to beef up its endowment and expand its community outreach programs. It was supposed to be the ultimate Antiques Roadshow moment. Several months ago, officials at the Attleboro Arts Museum made a startling discovery: the painting that had been kept in storage for decades. The discovery prompted the museum to put the painting -- Under a Kirghiz Tent by the mid-20th-century Russian painter Alexander Yakovlev -- up for auction, where it was expected to bring from $800,000 to $1 million. Today, those expectations were dashed when the painting failed to sell at an auction of Russian art in London. It also leaves the fate of another Yakovlev painting -- this one owned by Attleboro’s School Department -- in limbo. Both paintings were donated to the city in the 1950s by Charles Thompson, a longtime Attleboro resident who worked as a salesman for the Vose Galleries, a Boston art gallery that also represented Yakovlev. Though both works were discovered about the same time, the Attleboro Arts Museum painting was the first to come on the market. City officials are still debating what to do with the School Department painting, which depicts a group of Afghan tribesmen and is estimated to be worth between $600,000 and $800,000. -- Journal arts writer Bill Van Siclen Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:35 PM | Comment Photo: Dressed up and ready to film
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:07 PM | Comment Researchers in Providence detail red-blood cell riskPROVIDENCE -- Men over 65 with "even slightly abnormal" red-blood cell counts are at more risk of death or cardiac events after a major non-cardiac surgery, according to a new study by researchers at Brown University and Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The findings applied to men with red blood cell counts that were either too high or too low, according to a Brown University news release. Eldery patients, who are more at risk of health problems that impact red blood cells such as kidney diseases, cancer and malnutrition, can therefore be at risk of red cell counts that are too low, causing anemia, or too high, a sign of a condition called polycythemia. "The elderly are also more likely to have heart disease, which makes them more vulnerable to the stresses of surgery and puts them at greater risk of post-operative heart attacks and other cardiac complications," according to the news release. To read more about the findings today, click here. The Brown researchers are with the university's Warren Alpert Medical School. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:51 PM | Comment Health Dept recommends closing N. Kingstown beachThe state Department of Health today recommended the closing of North Kingstown Town Beach because of high bacteria counts. "Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming," the Health Department said in a news release. Beach conditions can change daily. Check out the Department of Health Web site at http://www.ribeaches.org/closures or, for recorded information, call (401) 222-2751. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:48 PM | Comment Fall River man convicted in assault caseA Fall River man was convicted today on two assault and battery charges for stabbing his girlfiend in her ear, cheek, abdomen and the genitals. John Cuzzone, 50, was convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and indecent assault and battery in Taunton Superior Court. The decision followed a two-day bench trial. Cuzzone faces up to 10 years in prison or two-and-a-half years at the House of Corrections on the assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge. He faces up to five years in state prison or two-and-a-half years at the House of Corrections on the indecent assault and battery charge. Cuzzone’s bail was not revoked by the judge after today’s conviction. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:17 PM | Comment Borrington? campaign to receive national awardBARRINGTON -- Borrington? turned out to be just too interesting. The campaign in which Barrington High School students wore bright orange "Borrington?" T-shirts and papered parts of town with similar posters during the night has won the 2007 National Activity of the Year award from Students Against Destructive Decisions. Barrington High School's SADD chapter has been chosen for the award, according to a news release today. The "Borrington?" campaign aimed to take on and discredit the notion that Barrington, one of Rhode Island's more affluent communities, is boring and to offer alternatives to under-age drinking. The Barrington chapter will be honored at an awards banquet at the SADD National Conference in New Orleans, La., in July. The chapter will receive a $500 cash prize and one youth and adult chaperone will get a free trip to the conference. The campaign coincided with launch of a Website -- www.borrington.org -- which aims to highlight things to do around town and in the region. As part of the campaign, a series of open-microphone nights have also been organized at different venues each month to promote giving teens weekend alternatives. “Teenagers here blame high rates of underage drinking on a lack of activities for people their age,” Joanne Royley, the SADD adviser in Barrington, said in the statement. “Our idea was to teach teens that the town is really not boring at all and with a little creativity and imagination, they can find many fun, interesting, and substance-free activities here.”
According to the program for the New Orleans national conference of SADD, officials will present awards in two areas besides the award going to Barrington: adviser of the year and chapter of the year. “This campaign has had a positive impact on the community and has gotten students really involved in thinking about the town in a different way,” said Barrington student Kaitlyn Annunziata, a member of SADD. “We challenge anyone to call it Borrington anymore!” “The innovation, creativity, and dedication of these SADD students is truly inspiring,” said Penny Wells, the national SADD executive director. “They deserve to be recognized for their tireless efforts promoting SADD’s message and empowering their friends to make safe, healthy decisions.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:07 PM | Comment Freight company fined for hauling hazardous wastePROVIDENCE -- A freight company must pay for illegally hauling hazardous waste from East Providence to Warwick. U.S. District Court Judge Ernest Torres set an $80,000 fine today against Berkeley Transportation Company. He also ordered the firm to pay $35,000 dollars to a state environmental fund and complete three years of probation. Berkeley Transportation's president reached a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty in February to two counts of knowingly transporting hazardous waste in September 2004. Prosecutors accuse the firm of hauling leaking 55-gallon drums containing chemicals on trailers unfit for the road. Company officials didn't immediately return a call seeking comment. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 2:57 PM | Comment Newport Guitar Festival bought by Florida lawyerSome people bought guitars made of exotic woods at the annual Newport Guitar Festival. But now someone has bought the guitar festival -- and is taking it to a very different city by the sea: Miami Beach That's according to a report in today's Miami Herald. The paper reports that Miami Beach lawyer Henry Lowenstein, with business partners, bought the three-year-old festival on June 1 and that it will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in April 2008. Search for Newport Guitar Festival on the Web, and the site is still up, though it appears to have not been updated since last year's festival, which was held at the Hyatt Regency and Conference Center last August. It featured workshops, mini-concerts and more. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:10 PM | Comment Providence man sentenced on firearm violationPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison today, on top of a four-year state sentence imposed in 2005, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Milquan Lyles, 30, received the 44-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres today, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office. The sentence will be served when Lyles completes the four-year sentence, which was imposed in Superior Court when Lyles was found to have violated probation stemming from a previous assault conviction. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney That violation occurred when Providence officers in 2005 said they seized a gun that Lyles had tossed away while he was being chased on foot. He had run a red light at Broad and Cahir streets, the police said. As officers got out of their cruiser, Lyles sped off. The police chased the car. Lyles abandoned his car and ran away. Officers said they saw him toss a gun over a fence. They retrieved the gun and said they found Lyles hiding beneath a house porch. Lyles had past state felony convictions for carrying a pistol without a license and assault with intent to rob, the U.S. Attorney's office said. When the police seized the gun in 2005, he was on probation after having served a prison sentence for assault. Lyles pleaded guilty in March in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:53 PM | Comment Gooseberry Beach among best for swimmers
If you're looking for one of the best places to swim in the country, Travel & Leisure magazine says you don't have to go much farther than Gooseberry Beach in Newport. The magazine has released its list of best beaches in various categories, and Gooseberry was one of five on the list of best swimming spots. "Protected by granite borders and grassy dunes, Gooseberry's conditions are ideal for swimming or splashing in tidal pools," says the blurb on the magazine's Web site. Gooseberry joined North Beach on Cape Cod, Rosemary Beach in Florida and Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif., as the best swimming locations. Other beaches the magazine examined fell into the categories "secret sands," "people watching," "nature escapes," and "fun for everyone." Beaches from Nantucket to the north shore of Chicago to California made those lists. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:43 PM | Comment Case against Duke lacrosse prosecutor in court todayRALEIGH, N.C. -- More than a year after shocking allegations emerged about Duke University’s lacrosse team, prosecutor Mike Nifong was back in court today -- this time, as the defendant. The North Carolina State Bar charged the Durham County district attorney with several violations of the state’s rules of professional conduct, all tied to his handling of the lacrosse case. Duke's coach at the time, Mike Pressler, was forced to resign from Duke and is now men's lacrosse coach at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. In April, when word came that North Carolina attorney general dropped all charges against his former players, Pressler spoke to media in Rhode Island, saying among other things that "the injustice, the lies and the myths have been fully exposed." Pressler, who Bryant University said is in New York City today, has written a book about what happened at Duke. He is due to appear on the "Mike and the Mad Dog" radio show, among other stops. Reade Seligmann, one of the three former Duke players cleared of the rape charges, will attend Brown University in Providence in the fall and play lacrosse there. "I hope to make them proud of accepting me as a student," Seligmann said last month in a statement to the media provided by his lawyer, Jim Cooney. "I am looking forward to just being a student again." Well before the start of the hearing, reporters and observers -- including the mothers of David Evans and Collin Finnerty, two of the once-charged and now cleared lacrosse players -- packed the state Court of Appeals courtroom to watch. Finnerty and the third player, Seligmann, were expected to attend the trial at some point, as were their attorneys. Nifong's trial is expected to run for five days. As it started today, the hearing commission chairman promised a quick verdict. If convicted, Nifong could be disbarred. -- Associated Press, with projo.com reports Nifong won indictments against the three last year after a woman hired to perform as a stripper for a lacrosse team party in March 2006 said she was raped there. He aggressively pursued the case, at one point calling the lacrosse team “a bunch of hooligans” in a newspaper interview. That interview, along with several others made in the case’s early days, formed the basis of the bar’s initial complaint against Nifong, which said he made misleading and inflammatory comments to the media about the athletes. The bar later added allegations that Nifong withheld evidence from defense attorneys and that he lied to both to the court and bar investigators. Worried the pending ethics charges might result in an unfair trial, Nifong asked the North Carolina Attorney General’s office to take over the lacrosse prosecution in January. By then, most experts and legal observers had long since concluded the case could not be won. North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper agreed in April and dropped all charges against the three players. In a stunning rebuke, Cooper said there was no rape or attack, calling the indicted players “innocent” victims of a rogue prosecutor’s “tragic rush to accuse.” Nifong arrived at court early today with his wife and teenage son, who took seats in the front row behind the defense table. Nifong is expected to testify. His attorney, David Freedman, did not return calls seeking comment this week, but last week, he insisted his client had no plans to heed calls from his critics to resign. “Public opinion is not going to weigh in on how the proceeding develops and will not weigh in on the ultimate decision by the bar,” Freedman said. “Our purpose is not to sway public opinion but to present his case to the State Bar.” Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:25 PM | Comment Update: Historic 1st among 4 town budget votes todayVoters in Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond and East Greenwich today will decide their towns’ finances for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Exeter’s and Richmond’s votes will take place in the traditional Financial Town Meeting, during which eligible voters review the budget proposal collectively, adjusting the proposal as they see fit. In East Greenwich, voters either approve or reject the budget. If the budget is rejected, it is sent back to the council for further consideration and then presented to the public again at a subsequent town meeting. And in Hopkinton, it's an historic first. The town, incorporated in 1757, amended its Town Charter last November to do away with the Financial Town Meeting and replace it with an all-day referendum. For details on the Richmond budget, click here. For details on the Exeter budget, click here. For details on the East Greenwich budget, click here. And for details on the Hopkinton budget, click here. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:56 AM | Comment Carcieri moves on to meeting with chamber coalitionAfter spending about an hour discussing his budget proposal on a radio talk show this morning, Governor Carcieri's next stop is a special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Coalition. He was due to address the group at 11:30 a.m. to enlist the support of chamber members for his plan to reform the state budget, according to a release from his office. The Chamber of Commerce Coalition is made up of nine local chambers of commerce and represents 12,500 member businesses and 75,000 employees, according to the governor's release. According to its Web site, its mission is to "provide adequate fair and timely representation at the local, state and federal level of government, on behalf of the members of the participating Chambers of Commerce and business organizations within our Coalition." Click here for its 2007 agenda. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:36 AM | Comment Carcieri defends layoff plan in WPRO interviewIn an interview on radio station WPRO this morning, Governor Carcieri is defending his plan to cut 1,000 jobs from the state payroll. Earlier on the station, Dennis Grilli, executive director of the state's largest public employees union, had criticized Carcieri's plan. He characterized the governor as "gleeful" about the proposed layoffs. "I'm not happy about putting people out of work," Carcieri said when host John DePetro asked for his reaction to Grilli's comment. But Carcieri, a former business executive, added that private sector employers all over the state are saying they need workers. "There's many things going on in the private sector," he said. The state faces a $340-million budget deficit. Carcieri said the state benefits program is far too generous for state employees when compared to private sector benefits, and the state cannot put off clearning up its budget deficit. The interview is continuing. Read more about the governor's budget proposal and reaction to it in a Journal story today. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:38 AM | Comment Photo: Leaves in Lincoln
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:28 AM | Comment Nominee for Joint Chiefs chairman to speakNEWPORT -- A Navy admiral nominated to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks in Newport today. Admiral Michael Mullen is expected to deliver an address before the U.S. Naval War College, one of his first major speeches since his nomination this month. He's now chief of U.S. naval operations. In past appearances, Mullen has challenged the War College to redefine the Navy's role in a post-Cold War world. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he nominated Mullen after Democrats in the U.S. Senate indicated the incumbent could face harsh questions about Iraq if renominated. The Senate has not yet confirmed Mullen. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:15 AM | Comment Activists, lawmakers to rally at State HousePROVIDENCE -- Activists and some state lawmakers will rally at the State House today in support of bills aimed at protecting the rights of people caught up in the legal system. The bills include one that would eliminate minimum sentencing requirements for some drug violations; and another that defines the conditions under which a defendant can be declared indigent and gives judges discretion to waive court costs. The rally will be attended by activists from Direct Action for Rights and the Family Life Center, as well Senator Charles Levesque and Representatives David Segal and Joseph Almeida. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Chance of showersLook for increasing clouds with a high near 71 degrees today and scattered showers after noon, the National Weather Service says. Tonight should bring scattered showers and the chance of thunderstorms. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph and story about a federal audit that criticizes Rhode Island for ceding almost total control of its multimillion-dollar bridge-design and repair program to consultants. Download today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment You must be whacked: Watch 'Sopranos' end again
AP photoJames Gandolfini, aka Tony Soprano, stops on the red carpet at Tony's Swan Song party at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Maybe you need to see the black-out witnessed around the world one more time. Or two more times. Or three. Maybe you missed something, some clue, some subliminal message. Maybe once was enough. Whatever. Relive the end -- was that the end? -- of The Sopranos tonight at 10 p.m. For those who missed it Sunday night and wondered why everyone was so perplexed around the water cooler today, well, there is quite possibly no way to miss it so long as you can snag HBO, visit a friend with HBO, catch it at a relative's house or find a local restaurant or bar willing to give you an hour. The HBO online schedule shows the "Made in America" finale running through June 17 at various times on various versions of HBO around the country. Or maybe you really missed it -- the whole series. Like the person who never laughed with Seinfeld in the '90s, never pulled up a bar stool for Cheers in the 80s and never watched MASH in the '70s, you've steadily avoided the cultural touchstone of the moment. Feeling out of it? Catch up online, at the show's official Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:58 AM | Comment June 11, 2007You, too, can read full Assembly budget proposalThe governor and House Finance Committee have sparred over what should be in the state budget. The unions and special interests have added their two cents, too. Now it's your turn, if you consider yourself a watchdog, curious or just have a lot of time on your hands. Click here to go to the text of the General Assembly's budget bill , revealed on Smith Hill on Friday. It's listed under items to be taken up this Friday, June 15. The main bill number is H 5300 SUB A, plus 42 parts, known as articles. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:32 PM | Comment Man to be arraigned in 'cold case' Fall River murderA former Fall River man, accused of committing a "cold case" murder that is more than two years old, will face a judge a week from tomorrow. Jermaine Holley, 23, will be arraigned in Fall River District Court on a first-degree murder charge, the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter said today. Holley, formerly of 671 Durfee St., has been charged in connection with the April 2005 stabbing of 23-year-old Suzy Goulart in her Pleasant View apartment. Holley has been serving an unrelated jail sentence in Plymouth County -- a sentence due to end early next month, according to the news release. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this blog item incorrectly said the arraignment was tomorrow. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:16 PM | Comment Cianci's nephew issues no-trespass order / Photo
Cianci's nephew Brad Turchetta and his wife, Cathy, faxed a "no trespass order" to The Providence Journal this morning, saying "you are being advised not to enter upon the premises or curtilage" of their property at 360 Kent Drive, East Greenwich. Cianci has been living at a halfway house in Boston since his release from federal prison, but has taken a job at a Providence condo complex and is soon expected to move in with his nephew, where he will serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement. The order goes into effect today, according to the fax, and remains in effect until further notice. Apparently other news organizations received the same notice, since the order includes "anchor persons" and "camera personnel," in addition to reporters and editors. "Any person connected with your organization that violates this order may be subject to arrest and prosecution for willful trespass," the letter says. Posted by Jack Perry at 4:39 PM | Comment Rep. Kennedy due on Larry King show soonU.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D-R.I., is expected to be on Larry King Live some time during the next week or so, perhaps next Monday, for a segment on mental-health parity legislation, a spokeswoman said this afternoon. Kennedy will not be on tonight's airing of the show, said Kennedy spokeswoman Robin Costello. Costello said the show, on CNN, is assembling a panel of speakers for an hour-long focus on the issue and needed time to do so. She said no firm date has been given yet. (The Journal's Political Scene column had previously reported that Kennedy was scheduled to be on tonight. King now has scheduled an interview with parents of a girl missing for a year, recently found locked under the stairs in a house a few miles away.) Kennedy has helped push the legislation -- HR 1424, "The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act” -- as a way to "improve the overall health of all Americans by granting greater access to mental health and addiction treatment and prohibiting health insurers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment," according to Kennedy's Web site. For a bill description, click here. Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minnesota, introduced the bill on March 7. Kennedy's Web site says is backed by a bipartisan majority of 265 members of Congress. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:25 PM | Comment Judge rejects states move against big law firmSuperior Court Judge Gilbert Indeglia this afternoon rejected the state’s request to remove Hinckley, Allen Snyder as the lawyer for the Southern Union Co. in a major Tiverton pollution case. Indeglia said that while Jeffrey M. Grybowski may not have shown the best judgment, the governor’s former chief of staff had done nothing to breach the confidentiality of information he was privy to about the Southern Union case when he worked at the State House. The judge ruled that Grybowski and his firm took the proper steps when he joined Hinckley Allen in April to shield him from any information in the matter. Lawyers for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management had asked that Hinckley Allen be disqualified because Grybowski, in a conversation with DEM chief legal counsel Patty Allison Fairweather, had offered to help settle the case. The subject of settling the case came up in when Grybowski called Fairweather in April to inform her that he would be screened from the case. The state argued that that raised concerns that Grybowski was not adequately screened. Hinckley Allen countered that Grybowski never discussed anything substantive. Indeglia said that while Grybowski perhaps shouldn’t have been the one to carry Fairweather’s message about a possible settlement between the state and Southern Union, neither Grybowski nor Hinckley Allen had done anything to breach the confidentiality or merit the firm’s removal from the case. Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:27 PM | Comment Small businesses meet big businesses and PentagonWARWICK -- Hundreds of small companies from throughout New England are gathering today at the Crowne Plaza hotel to pitch their products and services to the Pentagon and major military contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Textron Inc. The annual "matchmaker" event was last held in Rhode Island about four years ago. It was organized by the Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center, an arm of the state Economic Development Corporation that helps local small businesses seek out lucrative contracts to assist the U.S. military. "For our state, the defense industry is extremely important," Governor Carcieri told the gathering this afternoon. --Journal Staff Writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:23 PM | Comment Providence superintendent to address state of schoolsPROVIDENCE -- Supt. Donnie Evans will give his first State of the Schools address tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Juanita Sanchez High School complex library, 182 Thurbers Ave., Providence. The event will begin with opening remarks by Mayor David N. Cicilline, followed by Evans, who will highlight some of the district’s achievements during the past year. Evans arrived in Providence from the Tampa, Fla., school district almost two years ago. He will review the academic progress made by the district in relationship to his strategic plan, called Realizing the Dream, which is aimed at accelerating student achievement. -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:46 PM | Comment Prignano lawyers walk out of pension hearing / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- Former Providence Police Chief Urbano Prignano Jr.'s lawyers got up and walked out of a hearing today that is part of a Retirement Board inquiry into whether Prignano should lose, or see a reduction to, his pension because he participated in a police promotions cheating scandal. Stephen R. Famiglietti, the lead lawyer for Prignano, and an associate left because they objected to not getting to see certain documents before the hearing. Jennifer Sternick, a lawyer for the Retirement Board, introduced the materials -- various items in which Prignano implicated himself in the cheating scandal -- through witness Sgt. Walter Chin, an internal affairs officer. Lawyer Vincent Ragosta, assigned by the Retirement Board to conduct the hearing, said today's session concluded this phase of the hearing against Prignano, unless Famiglietti changes his mind and comes back to cross-examine witnesses and present evidence. Ragosta's charge is to compile the arguments and evidence from those involved and forward a report to the Retirement Board. Current Providence Chief Dean Esserman also testified today, urging that the Retirement Board "do justice" and revoke Prignano's pension. Prignano, whose health has been described as ailing, receives a $64,621-a-year pension. His lawyer has said a city pension is his only source of income. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:31 PM | Comment Bloody scene at Warwick murder site describedWARWICK -- Warwick Detective Daniel Gillis described a grim scene today when he recounted for a Superior Court jury what the police saw inside the house where Margaret Duffy-Stephenson was found slain two years ago. Blood was splattered on windowshades. Blood was in a room next to the staircase and along the door to that room. Blood was on a wall of the staircase leading from the first floor to the second. And in a bathroom, police found bloody smudges on a light switch and a footprint in blood. At the base of the staircase was the body of Duffy-Stephenson, a special-education aide, who had a laceration to the throat and multiple stab wounds, according to testimony. She had returned home from a brother's Fort Lauderdale wedding a few days earlier to resume work while her husband, James O. Stephenson III, and their child remained in Florida. James Stephenson became concerned when he could not reach her by phone, as did Duffy-Stephenson's fellow employees at Archie R. Cole Junior High School in East Greenwich. Gillis testified on the third day of the murder trial of James Richardson in Kent County Superior Court. Richardson, whom Duffy-Stephenson's husband James hired in 2000 to work at his landscaping company, is accused of killing Duffy-Stephenson in 2005. The jury today also saw an image of the layout of the Stephensons' house, crime-scene photos and pictures of a ransacked office -- an office where a safe that contained money was found empty, the authorities have said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford and archival reports Richardson worked for the company, full- or part- time, until 2005, Stephenson testified last week. Richardson also performed odd jobs for the Stephensons, such as tending to their Blackmore Street lawn. Over time, Stephenson told the jury, Richardson had a personal relationship with the family. "We treated him like he was a part of our family," Stephenson testified last week. Richardson was often asked to watch the Stephensons' house when they went on vacation, Stephenson testified, but he was unable to do so in November 2005, when the family traveled to Florida for a relative's wedding. Richardson planned to be in the Philippines at the time visiting his wife, whom he'd married that summer, Stephenson said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:45 PM | Comment R.I. high court won't hear parking-lot murder appealPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court has decided not to hear the appeal of a man convicted 10 years ago of fatally shooting a downtown parking lot attendant. Wesley R. Spratt, who is serving life in prison for first-degree murder, wanted the state's highest court to hear his request for post-conviction relief. He was appealing a 2005 Superior Court dismissal of the post-conviction relief application. In an order made public today, the Supreme Court remanded the case back to Superior Court. In 1997, Superior Court Judge Robert D. Krause sentenced Spratt in the killing of Christopher J. Naylor at the lot behind Roger Williams University's city branch. Because no other court has yet heard "the merits of the applicant's post-conviction relief arguments," the state Supreme Court is "left with nothing to review on appeal" regarding Spratt's claims, the court's opinon says. Spratt sought the post-conviction relief, which is not specified in the court order, through Superior Court at first, filing a formal application in 2003. At the Superior Court hearing, Spratt "insisted the Superior Court lacked jurisdiction" and wanted his post-conviction arguments to be made in U.S. District Court. So the Superior Court dismissed his application in order that he do that. Some back and forth ensued, with Spratt's post-conviction relief application winding up back in Superior Court in 2005. That court dismissed it because Spratt previously argued that same court did not have jurisdiction. "We certainly understand the hearing justice's frustration with applicant's post-trial machinations," the Supreme Court order says. "Specifically, his disingenous attempt to revive his postconviction-relief application after insisting that the Superior Court had no jurisdiction to hear it is troubling." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Besides life imprisonment for murder, Spratt was sentenced to 20 additional years as a habitual offender because of previous convictions. He was also sentenced to another 20 years for crimes stemming from the Naylor murder: robbery, carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a firearm while committing a crime of violence. The state Supreme Court affirmed his conviction in 1999. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:00 PM | Comment Some dispute professor's gambling numbersBOSTON -- Clyde Barrow's academic research concludes that thousands of Massachusetts residents spend close to $1 billion annually at casinos in Connecticut. The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth professor's numbers are often used to support the arguments of those who would like to see casinos in the Bay State, especially now that the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has received federal recognition and is examining the possibility of building a resort casino in Middleborough or New Bedford. That $878 million, and the $120 million that ends up in the state of Connecticut's coffers, they say, should stay in Massachusetts. But gambling critics accuse Barrow of being a tool of the gambling industry and claim his numbers are based on faulty methodology. -- The Associated Press State Rep. Daniel Bosley, a casino opponent, claims Barrow's studies are speculative, rely on too small of a sample of casino customers and assume values for calculating total spending that cannot be verified. "Given Dr. Barrow's flawed research, it's a little embarrassing that he is a tenured professor at a public university," Bosley told The Boston Globe. Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Almond, who chaired a group in that state fighting a casino proposed by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., called Barrow "one of Harrah's paid consultants." Barrow's research center accepted $20,000 last fall from the Rhode Island Building Trades Council, a consortium of unions that publicly supported Harrah's. The money was for a study on the tax benefits of a casino. At about the same time, the trades group accepted a donation of $25,000 from Harrah's. Barrow said he maintained his independence on the study and had no knowledge of Harrah's contribution to the buildings trade group. James Kennedy, general counsel and research director for a legislative committee chaired by Bosley, said last year the 9,000 vehicles counted at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos over five days by Barrow was too small a sample, and that Barrow failed to corroborate his finding with a companion analysis. Kennedy's report also raised doubts about Barrow's assumptions for the number of occupants to count for each vehicle from Massachusetts and the amount of spending to count for each occupant. Barrow defended his work, saying it undergoes peer review and is published in scholarly journals. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:41 AM | Comment Gas prices drop 6 centsGasoline prices in Rhode Island have fallen for the second week in a row, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price has fallen six cents to $3.009 for regular, unleaded gasoline at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. Before falling last week, the price had increased for 15 straight weeks, AAA said. The average price is still 59 cents higher than it was at the beginning of the year. Prices have fallen nationally, and Rhode Island is four cents below the national average of $3.049 cents per gallon, AAA says. Watch AP video on the national trend in gas prices. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:41 AM | Comment Traffic: Route 295 north is quite congestedRoute 295 north in Cranston at Route 14 (Plainfield Pike) is backed up to a crawl at this hour, with average speeds of 16 miles per hour and the slowest traffic creeping along at 5 mph. The state Department of Transportation’s congestion mapper ranks the road at an 8.1 on a 10-point scale. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:00 AM | Comment Sen. Reed to speak about trauma carePROVIDENCE -- Senator Jack Reed is in Providence today to speak about ways to improve trauma care at hospitals in Rhode Island. Reed has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference at Rhode Island Hospital, where he'll be joined by the hospital president and a trauma surgeon. Reed's office says Rhode Island Hospital is the only Level-One Trauma Center in southeastern New England. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:10 AM | Comment Rainy days ahead before sun shines down on usPROVIDENCE -- If you check out the National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast, it looks grim, with rain day and night until Thursday, when it should be mostly sunny. However, some days there’s only a chance of showers, despite the rain logo the weather service is using for the full day. Today has the highest chance of rain – at 60 percent – and then the chance of showers ranges from 20 percent to 40 percent. We should see a high near 70 today and similar temps the next couple days. By week’s end, looks like we’ll be up to mid- to high-70s. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:04 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story reporting that the percentage of Rhode Islanders spending 50 percent or more of their income on housing is greater than the national average.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 8, 2007A partial WaterFire will glow tonightPROVIDENCE -- A partial WaterFire is scheduled for tonight around sunset, which is at 8:19 p.m. The partial lighting will run from the basin to Steeple Street.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:54 PM | Comment Update: House committee unveils state budgetPROVIDENCE -- The House Finance Committee today approved a 2007-08 spending plan that restores funding to many social services, allows some of Governor Carcieri’s cuts to remain and goes even deeper in some places. Education aid to cities and towns has been completely frozen at this year’s levels, as assembly leaders suggested that municipalities return to local teacher’s unions to shoulder a larger burden of the state’s financial hardship. The governor’s budget plan, released in February, suggested a blanket 3 percent increase. “This has been a very, very difficult year,” Finance Committee chairman Steven M. Costantino, D-Providence, said at the end of a frantic two-hour meeting in which the panel raced through 43 budget articles with little or no debate. “I don’t believe any of us are really 100 percent happy about what we had to do.” The budget proposal -- which is subject to approval by the full House next Friday -- amends the tax code to close a number of perceived “corporate loopholes” and freezes the phase-out of the capital gains tax, a move that poverty groups had been advocating for years. The legislative spending plan will cost state and federal taxpayers $6.99 billion and amounts to a 4.8 percent increase in spending compared to this year. The budget essentially ignores the governor’s call a day earlier to lay off 1,000 state employees, freeze union-negotiated pay increases, and privatize virtually every state service possible. Governor Carcieri' s office issued a statement saying he was "gravely disappointed" in the House Finance Committee's proposal. “This budget is bad for local schools, bad for taxpayers, bad for business and bad for the future of our children and grandchildren," Carcieri said in the statement. Included in the budget proposal are: * "Level funding" the total amount of education aid to cities and towns, which means eliminating the 3 percent education-aid increase across the board that Carcieri's budget had called for. * Allowing Sunday auto sales starting July 1 from noon to 6 p.m., which is expected to increase revenue to the state, but it was not yet clear how much. * Imposing the so-called “SUV tax” -- higher registration fees for heavier vehicles -- and doubling the fee for a vanity plate. * Proposed personnel savings across all state departments. No details are available.The governor yesterday proposed laying off 1,000 workers and freezing wages. * Ending Family Court jurisidiction over young offenders at age 19 instead of 21. The governor has proposed doing so at age 18. That means they could not be sentenced to the Rhode Island Training School, and would instead be slated for state prison. * Keeping higher-education tuition increases at 6 percent, as the governor proposed. * Changing eligibility for the Child-Care Assistance Program, now set by law at 225 percent of the federal poverty level, to 180 percent of those guidelines. The governor has proposed 150 percent. * Adding $745,000 for drug court and $1 million for substance-abuse treatment for parolees to help decrease prison population. To pass a balanced 2008 budget, as required by law, elected officials must either cut an estimated $90 million from the governor's $7-billion spending proposal released this spring, find ways to raise new revenues, or devise some combination of the two. Yesterday, the governor announced revisions to his proposal, which included what is believed to be the largest number of layoffs of state workers in state history. -- Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau, with reports from projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and Elizabeth Gudrais of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:47 PM | Comment Police get warrant for shooter in Peace DaleSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The police today obtained an arrest warrant for a once promising football player Michael D. Wilson for allegedly firing shots at a Peace Dale housing complex. The police connected the shooting to a long-running dispute over the unsolved murder of his brother. Two witnesses identified Wilson, 26, of 200 Shannock Village Rd., as the man who pulled a handgun from his waistband Thursday and fired three shots at Champagne Heights, a low-income housing development off Curtis Corner Road, said Capt. Jeffrey Allen. They reported that his intended target was Jay Northup, 25, who was babysitting outside his grandmother’s apartment, C-7. The charges against Wilson include possessing a firearm without a permit, a felony; and discharging the pistol across a road, and discharging a firearm in a compact area, both misdemeanors, Allen said. Jevon Scholl, Northup’s brother, whose last known address was C-7, faces the same charges. The police say Scholl fired shots April 30 at Meadowbrook Apartments. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:36 PM | Comment Two men accused of buying alcohol for teensWARREN -- Two local men were arraigned today on charges of buying alcohol for four teenagers. Last weekend, one of the boys was found passed out on the East Bay Bike Path. Eugene Dupras, 45, of 340 Main St. and Raymond W. Bailey III, 23, of 118 Water St., appeared before Judge Walter Gorman in District Court, Providence, on one charge each of purchasing alcohol for a minor, Warren Police Chief Thomas Gordon said today. Bailey pleaded guilty and was given a six-month suspended sentence and six months probation, and was ordered to do 30 hours of community service. Dupras entered a not-guilty plea. The men were arrested after a 14 year-old boy was found lying unconscious on the bike path, near Brown Street, on the evening of June 2. He was taken by ambulance to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for alcohol poisoning and released. Gordon said the boy had a blood-alcohol level of 0.2. In an investigation, police determined that he had been drinking in the woods off the bike path with three 15-year-old boys. Dupras and Bailey had purchased alcohol for the boys that day and on one other occasion, said Gordon. The men were arrested June 5 and issued summons to appear in court. The boys will be charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, said Gordon. “We take juveniles with alcohol very seriously,” he said. “In addition, we take it very seriously that an adult would have purchased alcohol for a child. This could have resulted in a very serious situation. Fortunately this young child was found and transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.” -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:25 PM | Comment Driver of car in morning rollover is listed as criticalWARWICK -- The driver of a car involved in a roll-over this morning on the airport connector entrance ramp to Route 95 is a Warwick man in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital. The car driven by Bernardus Dirkes went off the road for an unknown reason, though possibly because of some medical problem, said state police Sgt. Ernest Quarry. Dirkes was on the ramp leading to Route 95 north when the car went off the right side of the road and rolled. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:07 PM | Comment Photo: Sprouting gardeners in Bristol
Thinking of digging in the garden yourself this weekend? You may find some helpful tips on projo.com's Garden page, and on our new Garden Blog. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:04 PM | Comment R.I. attorney general argues feds violated law on LNGAttorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office argued in federal appeals court today that federal regulators were in "blatant violation" of a law and the public interest, alleging they were "allowing market forces" to determine what happens to a liquefied natural gas project proposed in Fall River, Mass. In a news release, Lynch's office referred to oral arguments before the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals, in Boston, regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval of the Weaver's Cove Energy and Hess LNG project. The project has drawn howls of protest from across the region over safety and other concerns. Lynch's office asked the court to "remedy" violations of federal law, known as the Natural Environmental Policy Act, it alleges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission committed in approving the project. The Coast Guard recently raised concerns about a plan offered by the company to use smaller LNG-transportating ships to and from the envisioned Fall River terminal. The vessels would traverse Mount Hope Bay, crossing in and out of Rhode Island and Massachusetts waters. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney "With 480 bridge closures a year for the Mount Hope Bridge and Newport Pell Bridge, along with the imposition of security zones on Narragansett Bay every other day on average, the Bay's recreational and commercial values would be seriously compromised by the virtual monopolization by LNG tankers," Lynch said in the statement. Lynch's office also argued the smaller LNG tankers to navigate the existing Brightman Street Bridge "would mean a doubling of tanker traffic and a doubling of public safety risks to 65,000 Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents along the 21-mile nautical route LNG tankers would travel." Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:37 PM | Comment Alert: Buddy's really back -- back in Providence
He is assistant to the project manager at The 903 Residences, a 330-unit Providence condominium project, according to a news release from public relations firm Chaffee Communications. The 903 Residences were originally built and developed by a Texas company. The apartments were later bought by the Paolino family -- that's Joseph Paolino Jr., who followed Cianci as mayor in the 1980s. Paolino, a developer, partnered with an investment group out of New York that bought the complex for $81 million, it was reported in 2005, to convert it into condomiums. It's also the condominium complex where Cianci's daughter, Nicole, and her children now live. Paolino had called a friend, which helped Cianci land a post-federal prison job at a different hotel -- the one where a different public relations firm had said Cianci would start work early this month: Fifteen Beacon, a luxury hotel on Boston's Beacon Hill. No immediate explanation was given today why Cianci, known to all as Buddy, is working in a different hotel. "We are pleased to provide the former mayor with the opportunity to use his wide range of marketing and management capaibilities on behalf of our exciting and successful 903 condomium project," said Fred Vincent of The 903 Residences. More about Cianci's recent prison release ... -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:54 PM | Comment Piping plovers on Rhode Island's beaches, too
The same kinds of restrictions declared on two Cape Cod beaches after federally protected piping plover nests were discovered exist on Rhode Island beaches as well. Because the birds are federally protected, landowners – whether private, state or federal owners – are ultimately responsible for the birds’ safety, according to Suzanne Paton, wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the Rhode Island National Wildlife Complex. Extra: Piping plovers cutting revenue at 2 Cape beaches When the birds were first listed on the federal protection list in 1989, only about 10 pairs of plovers existed in South County and 10 on the Nature Conservancy property in Little Compton, Paton said. Now, there are 58 pairs in South County and more than 10 on the Nature Conservancy property, Paton said. She’s not sure how many are on the Nature Conservancy property. Around Rhode Island, Paton said the birds are found on Goose Wing and Briggs beaches in Little Compton, which are part of the Nature Conservancy property; on Trustom Pond, the national wildlife refuge in South Kingstown; the Ninigret Conservation Area in Charlestown; and on several privately owned South County beaches. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Some private landowners have signed memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the federal agency to put up signs and protective fences near the birds so they can nest safely. The male plovers arrive first in the spring, around April, and fly figure eights over the beaches, searching for an area they think will be suitable for nesting, Paton said. They’ll scratch depressions in the sand marking those areas, attract females and then leave the nesting-spot selection to the females. If the birds mate, they work together to line the nests with little bits of stones and shells, and the female lays four eggs. Both the male and female will incubate the eggs, which take 28 days to hatch. Once they’re hatched, the chicks run down to the water’s edge to search for food but get easily spooked if people are around and run back to the safety of the nest before setting out again on a search for food. They do better on more isolated beaches, Paton said, because they need the food for the energy to build up flight feathers. They can’t fly for about 25 days after they’re born. The restrictions on beaches with piping plovers include no vehicles and certain dog restrictions, Paton said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:29 PM | Comment Esserman, ACI leader talk about ex-felons votingPROVIDENCE – Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman and Corrections Director A.T. Wall are expected to speak in New York today on a panel discussion about voting rights for ex-felons. They’re participating in a one-day symposium, called “Voting Rights and Reintegration: A Role for Law Enforcement,” at the New York University School of Law. Twenty-one law enforcement officials and legal scholars have been invited to attend. Rhode Island voters last fall restored voting rights to an estimated 15,000 felons who've finished their prison sentences, but are still on parole or probation. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:02 AM | Comment R.I.'s beaches mostly ready for sun-seekers / Photo
There’s just one beach that’s closed by the state Health Department at this time – Warren Town Beach, because of higher than normal levels of the bacteria Enterococci, according to Ernest Julian, chief of the department’s office of food protection, which also regulates beaches. When it comes to using the state’s many beaches, no rain is good news, Julian said. Intense rains – more than half an inch to an inch within an hour – can send bacteria into the water and often prompt the Health Department to issue beach advisories or close beaches. Check the department’s beach closures page for a list of current closings and advisories, which change on a daily basis. Or call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:36 AM | Comment And we thought the Clapper already did this ...CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- In a perfect world, there'd be no wires. They clutter the view, get tangled behind desks and limit how far networks can reach. That's why the telegraph gave way to the radio. Cell phones unstrung telecommunications. Wi-Fi liberated computer data. Now even the last knotty wire that seemed destined to remain - the power cord - could be on its way out. Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have announced they had made a 60-watt light bulb glow by sending it energy wirelessly, potentially previewing a future in which cell phones and other gadgets get juice without having to be plugged in. The breakthrough, disclosed in Science Express, an online publication of the journal Science, is being called "WiTricity" by the scientists. The concept of sending power wirelessly isn't new, but its wide-scale use has been dismissed as inefficient because electromagnetic energy generated by the charging device would radiate in all directions. -- Associated Press Last fall, though, MIT physics professor Marin Soljacic (pronounced soul-ya-CHEECH) explained how to do the power transfer with specially tuned waves. The key is to get the charging device and a gadget to resonate at the same frequency - allowing them to efficiently exchange energy. It's similar to how an opera star can break a wine glass that happens to resonate at the same frequency as her voice. In fact, the concept is so basic in physics that inventor Nikola Tesla sought a century ago to build a huge tower on Long Island that would wirelessly beam power along with communications. The new step described in Science was that the MIT team put the concept into action. The scientists lit a 60-watt bulb that was 7 feet away from the power-generating appliance. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 9:21 AM | Comment Piping plovers cutting revenue at 2 Cape beachesORLEANS, Mass. -- Two Cape Cod beaches have been declared off limits to four-wheel drive vehicles after federally protected piping plover nests were discovered. Nauset Beach in Orleans, which is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and Sandy Neck Park in Barnstable could be off limits to vehicles into July when the chicks learn to fly, meaning a loss of revenue for the towns and area businesses. Piping plovers on R.I. beaches, too But many people don't realize that the beaches are still open to foot traffic, said Cindy Suonpera of the Village Farm Market near Nauset Beach. Last year, beaches in Orleans were closed to vehicles for 32 days. "That took our 10-week season and cut it in half," she said. Plover eggs hatch after roughly 25 days and chicks can fly in 25 to 35 days. Twelve pairs of plovers are nesting on Nauset Spit, forcing the closure of nearly three-quarters of the two-mile long beach. On North Beach, the first plover nest is scheduled to hatch June 13, Parks and Beach Superintendent Paul Fulcher said, and the last two pairs are due July 3. At Sandy Neck in Barnstable, the season's first chicks hatched Sunday, closing the entire 6.5-mile beach to vehicles. "Our hands are tied," Sandy Neck Park manager Nina Coleman said. "In the worst-case scenario, the beach will be closed the entire month of June." Orleans plans to spend more money advertising that the beaches are still open to foot traffic. Selectmen will also allow people with oversand beach stickers to park for free at Nauset Beach. The town's sales of oversand beach stickers are down 16 percent this year, when compared with the same time last year, Fulcher said. Sales to nonresidents, are down 33 percent, from 1,110 stickers to 741, he said. -- Associated Press
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 9:03 AM | Comment Photo: Peeking at the peak through the facade
Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:52 AM | Comment Warwick students show work for National History DayThree students from Warwick’s Gorton Junior High School have been selected to present their projects reflecting this year’s National History Day theme at the national competition next week. Stephen Deming and John Nunes comprise one of 12 teams selected to present their work next Wednesday at the Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium in Washington, D.C. They’ll present the project, “They slipped the surly bonds of Earth to Touch the face of God – The tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger,” according to a release issued early this morning by National History Day. Nolan Kiernan is among six students selected to present their projects next Thursday at the National Museum of Health and Medicine. His project is “The flu pandemic of 1918: The greatest American tragedy.” His documentary suggested the flu pandemic was the greatest American tragedy because more people died as a result of the outbreak than any other tragedy, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson These Warwick students are among more than 2,000 finalists participating in this year’s history contest at the University of Maryland. Also during National History Day events, one history teacher from around the country will be chosen for the national Richard T. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award for outstanding success in teaching history. Mount St. Charles Academy history teacher, Joseph O’Neill, is one of eight finalists for that award, which will be announced next Thursday. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:01 AM | Comment Sunny day today and rainy weekend aheadPROVIDENCE – This morning’s 55 degrees should warm up to about 75 today. Clouds are likely to build throughout the day. Tonight, we’ve got a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. The weekend now looks like it will be a rainy one, with a 70 percent chance of rain on Saturday -- which could amount to one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rainfall – and a 20 percent chance of rain on Sunday. Weekend temps are likely to be high 60s into the low 70s. Then, expect temps to rise into the mid-70s for our next work week. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:04 AM | Comment WaterFire tonightA partial WaterFire is scheduled for tonight in Providence. It will begin around sunset, which is at 8:19 p.m. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and story about Governor Carcieri's calling for the laying off of 1,000 state workers to help close a budget deficit. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 7, 2007In Peace Dale, shots fired belie its nameSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Shots were fired in Peace Dale for the third time in just over a month in what police say is a continuing feud between two families that is linked to an unsolved murder in Providence. Witnesses said three shots were fired around noon at Champagne Heights, a low-income housing development at 364 Curtis Corner Rd. People gathered at the scene today said the intended target was Jay Northup, 25. Northup was outside his grandmother’s apartment at the complex, C-7, babysitting his son and other children when shots hit the outside of the building. “I wasn’t afraid. I’m not afraid to die. I’m just scared for the kids,” he said, holding a toddler boy. He wouldn’t confirm he was the target or say who the shooter was. No one was injured. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Northup is the brother of Jevon Scholl, 19, whose last known address was C-7. Scholl faces firearms charges related to gunfire April 30 at Meadowbrook Apartments. In that case, police were responding to quell a fight brewing among a group of men at Meadowbrook when shots rang out. Again, no one was injured. Two days later, in apparent retaliation, someone fired five rounds at 28 Schaeffer St., which was occupied by Allister Sampson; his girlfriend, Rebecca Scholl -- Jevon Scholl’s mother -- and two children, Capt. Jeffrey Allen said. No arrests have been made in that case. Witnesses claimed and police confirmed today that the dispute is connected to the murder of Mark Wilson, who was found shot to death on the shore of Canada Pond, along Route 146, in Providence in 1998. No one has been charged with the killing. Recent skirmishes have rekindled a conflict between members of Wilson’s and Scholl’s families, Allen said. The police this afternoon recovered a green Pontiac believed to have been involved in today’s shooting parked in the yard at 200 Shannock Rd., police said. The car was towed to police headquarters and its owner Kharissa Wilson, Mark’s sister, had agreed to let officers search the vehicle, he said. A shell casing and two bullets were found at Champagne Heights. Allen said witnesses were not cooperating with investigators, but that the shooting had been captured by video surveillance cameras on the South Kingstown Housing Authority property. “We know the people who are involved. Once again, there’s no communication,” Allen said. He said he plans to try to engage the families in mediation. “Someone’s gonna get shot, whether it happens in South Kingstown …,” Allen said. The shots surprised Housing Authority Executive Director Edward Pearlman, who has made strides in decreasing crime and improving conditions at the housing development over the past several years. “It’s been amazingly quiet,” he said, noting GED classes being held there and that the Rhode Island Raptors football team practices on the fields behind the development. Still, those at the scene worry that someone is going to get hurt. “They could have shot that little baby,” Patricia Young said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:08 PM | Comment City would up contribution to Providence libraryPROVIDENCE -- The city would raise by 10 percent its annual contribution to the Providence Public Library, under a proposed three-year agreement that Mayor David N. Cicilline delivered to the library board of trustees today. The agreement also established an advisory committee "to address some issues collaboratively" instead of increased public representation on the board of trustees, according to a City Hall news release. “For over a century, Providence has relied on a public-private partnership to support our libraries, which play an invaluable role in the lives of our residents. This agreement preserves and strengthens that partnership,” Cicilline said in the statement. “Not only does this agreement assure the continuation of library services in the City of Providence, it also creates a framework for the library to grow and evolve through collaboration.” The current one-year agreement is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year. The agreement, described as a compromise in the news release, was presented to a subcommittee of the library partnership group this morning, then transmitted to each member of the Board of Trustees. The next trustees' meeting is scheduled for June 22. The agreement also includes "joint initiatives" between city and library to lower costs, a $400,000 commitment for branch services in the Washington Park neighborhood and "a commitment by the mayor to jumpstart fundraising efforts," the release says. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:27 PM | Comment Update: Governor seeks wage freeze, staff cutsPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today called for cutting 1,000 state employees and seeking General Assembly approval for legislation to freeze all state wages at current levels to balance the budget. It was a preemptive move for Carcieri, a Republican in a state where Democrats command wide majorities in the legislature, on the day before Democratic leaders are to unveil their budget proposal. Carcieri said the employee reductions would save taxpayers $26 million in fiscal 2008 and another $40 million the following year. That represents hundreds of additional employee positions being cut from what Carcieri's original budget proposal sought earlier this year. That plan had recommended getting rid of 168 non-union and newly-hired employees by July 1, as well as eliminating another 214 jobs by outsourcing housekeeping and food services at the state hospital and veterans home. Asked at a news conference today what happens if the legislature doesn't go along with today's employee-reduction proposal, Carcieri said: "I'm going to do it anyway." The state is projected to be in a deficit of millions of dollars, and Carcieri says his plan today aims at making "fundamental reforms" to avoid future budget problems. The governor "ruled out" using proceeds from the sale of tobacco settlement bonds -- drawing from the state's share of the national tobacco settlement. He spoke against it in a larger message that the state should avoid tax increases one-time fixes -- ''one-time gimmicks, he called them -- to balance the budget. "One-time Band-Aids will not stop the hemorrhaging and will only exacerbate next year's problems," Carcieri said in remarks prepared for delivery. "It is time to take a long-term view and enact major reforms." Carcieri did not mention that his original budget plan earlier this year called for the use of about $130 million in one-time fixes, including taking $63 million from this year's "rainy day" fund and $28.2 million in land sales. Dennis R. Grilli, executive director of the union representing state workers, tore into Carcieri's proposals, saying in a statement that the governor is "more concerned about getting his pound of flesh than creating sound public policy" and doing so "at the expense of our veterans and our most frail, vulnerable citizens." "We sat across the table from the administration and listened to their suggestions, and negotiated in good faith. We offered millions of dollars in potential savings in order to help the governor balance this difficult budget," said Grilli, who heads up R.I. Council 94. "Through these savings, we gave him a great opportunity to avoid laying off hundreds of hard-working state employees, and he returned the favor with treachery.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau and Journal archives Lawmakers, needing to close an estimated $300-million deficit projected if taxes and state services remain at current levels, have had different ideas. The House this week approved H-6473, which authorizes raising $195 million by selling part of Rhode Island's future payments from the tobacco settlement. That is $35 million more than Carcieri's office projected in November that the state could raise. That aims to close a hole created last month when state leaders learned they would not get an expected $100-million settlement from insurance company American International Group. At the same time there is a deficit, lawmakers have given out money for various projects in communities -- $2.3 million in small grants -- that can be popular among their constituencies. Today's proposal by the governor also calls for: -- Renegotiating the health-care plan used by state employees by increasing the co-pays those employees would have to make at doctors' visits, emergency room visits and for prescription drugs. -- "Putting out to bid every state service that could possibly be performed more efficiently by the private sector." The governor will form a Competition in Government Task Force to review services where that could possibly work. "Being well run means having a government that delivers quality service at a price our taxpayers can afford, and which is sustainable over the long-term," Carcieri said in remarks prepared for delivery. "That is not the case today." Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:22 PM | Comment Group opposes bill to expand Newport GrandNEWPORT -- A gambling watchdog group is opposed to state legislation that would extend Newport Grand’s video slot contract with the state and weaken the city’s ability to regulate the gambling facility. The bill before the General Assembly was requested by The Procaccianti Group, which has agreed to purchase Newport Grand for $155 million as part of a $1.4 billion plan to redevelop the site and surrounding land. Today, Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling issued a statement asserting that the bill would strip the city of the authority it needs to regulate expansion at Newport Grand. The bill “is an arrogant attempt to usurp the jurisdiction of the city of Newport by transferring control over a huge section of the city to the Procaccianti Group through the state Division of Lotteries,” Rev. Eugene McKenna, president of the group, said in a statement. “The bill would remove the Newport Grand gambling facility and any ancillary properties from city zoning regulations, thus allowing the Procaccianti Group, which seeks to purchase Newport Grand, to expand the facility in any way it saw fit and to control the development of adjacent properties it might acquire. This move to circumvent city jurisdiction is a transparently obvious effort to overcome years of opposition by Newporters to expanded gambling.” -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit In 2005, the General Assembly approved a contract that freezes the tax rate on video slots for 10 years and requires Newport Grand to complete $20 million in improvements. But the city refused to issue a building permit, saying the plans violated local ordinances restricting gambling. Newport Grand sued and in February, a Superior Court judge agreed that the city’s actions were illegal and ordered a building permit issued. The city has appealed. In April, Cranston-based Procaccianti, owner of the Westin Providence hotel and many other hotels in Rhode Island and across the country, announced its intent to buy the 24-acre Newport Grand site and its interest in acquiring an additional 30-plus acres of nearby state and federal land. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:11 PM | Comment Update: OK to swim at Warwick beaches, tooIn Warwick, the state Health Department recommended re-opening City Park Beach, Conimicut Point Beach and Oakland Beach to swimming, after recommending the same for Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett earlier today. That's based on results from water samples showing bacteria levels within acceptable limits, according to a news release. Rain and storm water runoff earlier this week increased bacteria levels in the water. Beach status changes on a daily basis. Check out the Health Department’s beach closures and advisories online or call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:04 PM | Comment Schilling loses no-hitter with two outs in ninth; Sox win, 1-0Shannon Stewart hit the first pitch he saw from Curt Schilling into right field for a single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth this afternoon, breaking up Schilling's no-hit bid. The Red Sox won the game, 1-0. Updates to this story will be made all night on projo.com's Sox Blog. Posted by Art Martone at 5:18 PM | Comment Update: A chance to share their stories / Audio
PROVIDENCE – City resident Amy Pettine is known to stay in her car after reaching her destination listening to StoryCorps segments on National Public Radio, an oral documentary project recording the voices and stories of Americans. So when her Providence College roommate, who’s now in a graduate program at Brown University, told her how she was working to bring StoryCorps to Rhode Island, Pettine wanted to participate. Today in the park by Kennedy Plaza, in a big silver bus equipped with all kinds of recording equipment, she’s interviewing her mom, Susan Pettine, who is retiring after teaching for many years in a Fall River elementary school. “I thought it was a good time to reflect,” Amy said. “Having the audio is just so amazing – to capture her voice.” StoryCorps, a Peabody award-winning project, is here in Providence from today through June 30, recording the voices of Rhode Islanders. Locally, StoryCorpsRI is based at the John Nicholas Brown Center for the Study of American Civilization at Brown University. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Rhode Islanders can still head to the main StoryCorps site and register to record their own histories. The schedule for the last two weeks that StoryCorps is here hasn't been set yet. Reservations for those sessions can be made beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow on the StoryCorps site. If you go to register and the schedule appears full, facilitator Nick Pumilia said spots will certainly open up, as some people cancel their appointments. Pumilia has been working with the project, facilitating hundreds of the conversations the program has recorded. He doesn’t act as an interviewer, he said. The oral histories are “really just more of a conversation between the two of them,” he said. “We take a backseat.” At the end of the Pettines' 40-minute recording session, they'll get a CD of their interview to take home with them. With participants' permission, copies are also sent to the American Folklife Center's archives at the Library of Congress and select stories air on NPR's Morning Edition. Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:57 PM | Comment Cumberland bookkeeper gets 4 years in prisonBOSTON -- Angela Buckborough Platt, the Cumberland bookkeeper who embezzled $6.9 million, today received a four-year prison term. U.S. District Court Judge William Young also sentenced Platt, 43, to serve three years of supervised probation and replay J&J Materials of Rehoboth $4.48 million. Platt, speaking in a soft voice in between sobs, told the court she was sorry and "very ashamed." Platt, described as one of J&J's most-trusted employees, used the company's money to pay for what the government called an "epic shopping spree," which culminated in a million-dollar wedding for her daughter. Other purchases included an 104-acre estate in Vermont, 30 acres of woods in Maine and 28 automobiles. She pleaded guilty in February to one count of interstate transporation of stolen property. -- Philip Marcelo, Journal Staff writer Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:50 PM | Comment House OKs lifting restrictions on stem cell researchWASHINGTON -- Spoiling for a veto fight, Congress cleared legislation today easing restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The House vote to send the measure to President Bush was 247-176, short of the level needed to override a second veto in as many years on the issue. U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., voted yes to lift the ban on embryonic stem cell research. He has been an outspoken advocate for expanding the federal government’s role and involvement in stem cell research since 2001. Langevin rallied support for the bill on the House Floor earlier today, according to his office, and subsequently offered the following statement: "I am proud to support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act and to be a part of a Congress that has made this a top priority. This legislation has strong, bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, enjoys the support of up to 70 percent of Americans, and offers hope and the promise of a cure to the millions of patients suffering from chronic disease and disability.” Fellow Rhode Island Democrat, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, also voted in favor of the legislation. Click here for a roll call on the vote. Read the full Associated Press story about the vote here. -- The Associated Press and projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The bill's leading advocate, Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., had this to say after the measure passed: "For many, embryonic stem cell research is the most promising source of potential treatments and cures" for debilitating disease. "Unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man - President Bush - these people continue to suffer as they wait," she added. Langevin has also recently been tapped to serve as a special adviser to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on stem-cell research and policy and outreach to people with disabilities. Critics of the legislation said the research requires the destruction of human embryos, and that alternatives have shown more promise. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:41 PM | Comment Father recounts finding daughter slain / Photo
Journal photo / Kathy Borchers Defendant James Richardson in court today.
John Duffy said he went through a door into a lower floor of her 28 Blackmore St. home in Warwick, walked up the stairs and found his 37-year-old daughter lying on her back. She was covered in dried blood. Her neck had been slashed. "Margaret," Duffy recalled saying when he discovered her on Nov. 18, 2005. Duffy testified as the prosecution's first witness today in the murder trial of Cranston man James Stewart Richardson, who is accused of stabbing Duffy-Stephenson. Duffy touched his daughter's shoulder, hard and cold and soaked in dry blood. The trial in Kent County Superior Court could last two to three weeks. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford Duffy-Stephenson had gone with her family to a wedding in Florida. Duffy-Stephenson returned to go back to work as teacher's aide for autistic students at Archie R. Cole Junior High School in East Greenwich while her family stayed in Florida. Her husband, James O. Stephenson III, and their then 3-year-old son remained in Florida. She went to a teachers' union dinner on Nov. 16 but then missed two following days of work. In his opening statement, prosecutor William Ferland cited a number for the jury: 99.9993462 That, he said, is the percentage of the population that did not have the DNA that was in a sample collected from under Duffy-Stephenson's fingernails. But a DNA expert, he added, could not exclude Richardson from having that DNA. "In every way, the defendant's DNA is consistent" with the DNA found under her fingernails, Ferland said. During the prosecution's opening, jurors saw a picture of Duffy-Stephenson projected on a screen. But in his opening statement, defense lawyer John Hardiman countered with Richardson's alibi that he had been home at the time Duffy-Stephenson was slain and that a number of family members could attest to that. Hardiman detailed what Duffy-Stephenson was doing during the time authorities accused him of killing Duffy-Stephenson Hardiman also sought to lessen the significance of the prosecution's DNA argument, saying there was other people's DNA on other things in the room, such as a safe from which money had been taken. The police have said they found a basement office that had been rummaged through in the Cowesett area home. The safe that had contained $11,000 was found empty, they said. The office was home to Picture Perfect Landscaping, Duffy-Stephenson's husband's business. Richarson was arrested in December 2005, after the police said they found his DNA beneath Duffy-Stephenson's fingernails. He was indicted in March 2006 on murder and burglary charges, and remains at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Richardson, 40, began working for Stephenson in 2000, shortly after he was paroled from a Connecticut prison, and worked for the business for more than four years. In 1996, Richardson was convicted of kidnapping a female hitchhiker in Lebanon, Conn., binding and gagging her with her own clothes and beating her. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:50 PM | Comment Study: How nonprofit arts groups feed ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Calling the results “amazing,” exciting” and “extraordinary,” city officials today unveiled the findings of a national study showing that local arts and cultural organizations pump more than $110 million annually into the state’s economy. The study, conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts, also found that nonprofit arts and cultural groups supported nearly 3,000 full-time jobs and generated more than $11 million in state and local tax revenues. The study also found that nonprofit arts and cultural groups contribute far more to the local economy than the national average. The figures were especially striking when Providence was compared to other cities of similar size. Based on data supplied by 56 cities and counties with populations between 100,000 and 250,000, Providence’s nonprofit arts and cultural sector ranked second in total spending ($112 million), third in number of full-time jobs (2,759) and second in state and local tax revenues ($11.1 million). That was far ahead of cities such as Orlando, Fla., Burlington, Vt., Lincoln, Neb. and, and Santa Cruz, Calif. Only Pasadena, Calif., ranked higher in overall arts-related spending ($180 million) and tax revenue ($16 million). Speaking to an audience of local arts and business leaders at the just-opened Renaissance Providence Hotel, city arts and tourism director Lynne McCormack said the study “busts the myth” that nonprofit arts groups don’t contribute much to the local economy. “If nothing else, this should put an end to the idea that ‘nonprofit’ means ‘no money,’” McCormack declared. “It’s often said that the arts are good for your soul. This study shows that they’re also good for the economy.” -- Journal arts writer Bill Van Siclen McCormack’s boss, Mayor David N. Cicilline, also praised the study, although he warned against taking its findings for granted. “Whether it’s seeing a play at Trinity Rep, a listening to a concert at Vets Auditorium or spending an evening out at WaterFire, we know that arts and cultural events contribute both to our quality of life and to our economy,” Cicilline said. “But simply knowing that the arts are a good thing isn’t enough. If we want them to remain vibrant, we need to continue and even increase our investment in the arts.” Extra: Take a look at the study's report for Providence. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:41 PM | Comment Missing Attleboro woman located in ProvidenceATTLEBORO – A call to the Providence Police this morning reporting a suspicious woman in the Fox Point neighborhood was just the news an Attleboro family and the Attleboro Police had been hoping for. Turns out, the woman reported to be on the porch at 68 Sheldon St. was Barbara Tscherniak, 77, a woman with Alzheimer’s disease whose family had reported as missing on Tuesday night, Attleboro Police Capt. David Proia said. "There was no sign of any kind of foul play," Proia said. "She did not appear harmed in any way, and we believe she walked the entire distance." That would be about 10 miles, if she had gone the most direct route traveled by car. There's no way of knowing exactly what path she took, though. The Attleboro police had launched an intense search for Tscherniak, who had wandered away before, but never for as long as she was gone this time, Proia said. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson The police had been looking since the woman’s son, Godfrey Tscherniak, reported her missing from her home on Newport Avenue in South Attleboro at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, with a helicopter, police dogs and officers dedicated to the search, Proia said. “We were very happy this morning,” Proia said about the call from the Providence Police reporting they had found the woman. “It was a sigh of relief.” The Providence Fire Department took the woman to Rhode Island Hospital, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the department. She remains there waiting for family members and an evaluation, Proia said. She was found about 8:45 a.m. today, Proia said. Posted by Kate Bramson at 12:25 PM | Comment Providence man gets 20 years for drugs, gunsPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a federal judge today for trafficking in crack cocaine and guns. Juan Forbes, 21, of Burnett Street, who is also known as "Weezy," pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy, distributing 50 grams or more of crack cocaine, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente. Forbes was among several defendants charged last year with federal offenses through a joint investigation by the Providence police and the U.S. Drug enforcement Administration called Operation Crackdown. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Beckner said at the plea hearing that the government could show that, last September, Forbes sold 58 grams of crack cocaine and, three times in September and October, that Forbes sold a handgun. Because of a past drug-trafficking conviction, Forbes was given a mandatory 20-year sentence, according to the release. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:25 AM | Comment Carcieri to address budget concernsPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri has scheduled a 1:30 p.m. news conference to raise concerns about the state budget scheduled for a vote by the House Finance Committee tomorrow. The governor's concerns include a legislative proposal to fund operating costs by borrowing against future payments from a landmark settlement with tobacco companies, according to the governor's spokesman. Read more on the budget issue. -- With reports from Katherine Gregg, Journal State House bureau Posted by Jack Perry at 10:02 AM | Comment Major cocaine bust nabs women with Providence tiesPORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Two women who gave the police Rhode Island and Florida addresses are being held today on $1 million bail after a routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust in this small town. The women -- Yajaira Rosario, 21, and Jany Avila, 29 -- were arrested on charges that they were trafficking more than seven pounds of uncut cocaine. The police say the drugs are worth more than $350,000. The drugs were found after a trooper pulled the women over for speeding on Interstate 95 around 3 a.m. yesterday, according to the police. The women gave addresses in Providence and Leesburg, Fla. Read more at Seacoastonline.com, the Web site for seven newspapers in New Hampshire and southern Maine. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:31 AM | Comment Forum to address public financing of R.I. campaignsHow elections are funded in Rhode Island is the topic of a forum tonight that’s expected to address the question, “Is Rhode Island ready for fair elections?” The forum is a chance for Rhode Islanders to learn more about the mission of Rhode Islanders for Fair Elections, a statewide coalition that’s working to build support for fully financing election campaigns with public funds. The General Assembly has considered legislation to do just that during the last three legislative sessions, but the bills have not reached either chamber’s floor for a vote. Common Cause of Rhode Island will host the 7 p.m. forum at The Squantum Association, at 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway in East Providence. The evening kicks off with a reception at 6 p.m. that’s free to all Common Cause donors (including those who make a donation at the door). Other New England states have moved toward public financing of elections, and leaders from those movements will sit on tonight’s panel. Common Cause is a nonpartisan organization working to promote representative democracy by ensuring open, ethical, accountable government. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:37 AM | Comment Traffic: Typical commuting congestionSurprise, surprise. Route 195 west is backed up and getting worse as the morning commute progresses. Doesn’t it always seem to be the case? For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, check out congestion mapping -- i.e., how heavy the traffic is – here and listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:28 AM | Comment Sox lose fourth in a row / Photo
Throw in a bad travel schedule, and suddenly the Red Sox are looking more mortal than they did a week or so ago, not to mention a tad frustrated. That frustration led to a pair of spirited arguments last night with plate umpire Dan Iassogna, who ejected Boston manager Terry Francona in the eighth. Read Steven Krasner's full story. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:10 AM | Comment Warming to a high of 72 with mostly sunny skiesPROVIDENCE – We promise – well, as much as any forecaster can – that this morning’s 48 degrees will give way to warmer, summer-like temps. We should see a high of 72 today and mostly sunny skies. Nighttime temps this week continue to be in the mid-50s to low-60s. Saturday looks like it should be our indoor weekend day – bring on the rain for our gardens and grass. There’s a 60 percent chance of showers beginning Friday night and continuing into Saturday. Sunday, on the other hand, will be more like the day we’re expecting to have today. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and stories on the 2008 presidential campaign's visit to Rhode Island. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a Republican candidate, visited the Ocean state for a pair of fundraisers and former President Bill Clinton was also here raising money on behalf of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, a Democratic candidate. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 6, 2007Traffic slow on Route 95 south due to accidentPROVIDENCE -- Drivers, there's a traffic tie-up on Route 95 south this evening due to an accident in the area of Exit 18, Thurbers Avenue. The accident was reported by the state Transportation Management Center, which issued an advisory at 6:27 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:04 PM | Comment Sunny, cooler day gives way to night -- and musicIt's that kind of evening, the end of a sunny day when temperatures seem right on, and the promise of more days like this one. Time for some live tunes. If you're in Providence, The Deftones, Dir En Grey and The Fall of Troy will be playing some variation of rock starting at 8:30 p.m. at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, at 79 Washington St. Call 331-5876, or 272-5876 or go to www.etix.com. Tickets are $30 advance; $35 day of show; $37.50 reserved. In Newport, Chris Gauthier will rock, too, at One Pelham East, 270 Thames St., starting at 9 p.m. Call 847-9460. Over the line in Fall River, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irions are slated to play some folk at the Narrows Center for the Arts, at 16 Anawan St. Call (508) 324-1926 or go to www.ncfta.org. That's from 7 p.m. to 9 pm. Tickets are $30. There's also a silent auction from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit the Riverwood Mental Health Services, in Warren. If jazz is more your thing, Dick Lupino, Dick Johnson and Paul Schmelling will perform at Sardella’s Restaurant, at 30 Memorial Blvd., in Newport. Call 849-6312. It's from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. In Pawtucket, Mac Odom and Chill perform rhythm and blues and Motown tunes at LJ’s BBQ, 727 East Ave. Call 305-5255. The playing starts at 9 pm. For more music around Rhode Island tonight, check today's listings. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment For Cranston East, summer's right on scheduleCRANSTON -- Blow up the beach balls. Turn up the radio. Summer is coming earlier than expected for the denizens of Cranston High School East. One month after a mercury spill shut the school for two days, state Education Commissioner Peter McWalters has endorsed plans to close Cranston High East June 20, as scheduled, rather than tack on two make-up days of math, English and wistful gazes out of the window. Students reacted to the announcement with the special glee of the soon-to-be-free. “I heard waves of yells across the building,” said Jordan Cabral, 16, a junior. Assistant Schools Supt. Peter Nero said the School Committee requested the two-day dispensation to avoid the estimated $90,000 to $100,000 cost of running a single school after the rest of the system’s schools shut their doors. “Every school day is a precious school day,” he said, “but we’re under so many financial constraints.” -- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:33 PM | Comment Narragansett police chief RWU's new security headBRISTOL -- Roger Williams University has a new director of security: Narragansett Police Chief J. David Smith, who succeeds Brendan P. Doherty, now the superintendent of state police. Smith will begin as security director on or about July 8. Doherty was picked in April by Governor Carcieri to lead the state police. “Having worked directly with the University of Rhode Island during his time in Narragansett, Chief Smith brings to Roger Williams a solid understanding of higher education policing issues,” Roy J. Nirschel, the Roger Williams University president, said in a news release. “He’ll make an excellent leader for our valued team of Public Safety officers.” Smith has served as Narragansett police chief since 2002. Before that, he was Westerly police chief after more than 20 years as a Westerly officer. Smith was co-chairman of the Narragansett/University of Rhode Island Coalition since 2002, and he was an adjunct lecturer at Roger Williams and an advisory board member of the university’s Justice System Training and Research Institute. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:22 PM | Comment Baby, alleged to be victim of shaking by father, diesNine-month-old James Cerce, who authorities allege was violently shaken by his father, died today at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. The office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter, which announced the death, said it is now investigating the case as a homicide. An autopsy is to be performed tomorrow. Authorities say the incident happened in the Fall River apartment of the child's father, Christopher J. Cerce, on April 17. Cerce was indicted by a grand jury last month on two counts of assault and battery of a child-causing substantial injury, and one count each of wanton/reckless child endangerment and possession of marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges. "Appropriate new charges will be brought at the appropriate time, once the autopsy and the ongoing investigation is completed," according to today's release form Sutter's office. Cerce had been ordered held on $100,000 cash bail at his May 31 arraignment in New Bedford Superior Court. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:11 PM | Comment Trinity Rep associate director lands Dallas jobPROVIDENCE -- Trinity Repertory associate director Kevin Moriarty has been named new artistic director of Dallas Theater Center in Texas, according to a news release and the homepage of the theater center's Web site. Moriarty has been appointed after an "extensive national search," the release states. Moriarty's credits included directing Trinity Rep productions of Richard II, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Nickel and Dimed, and A Christmas Carol, according to a biography on the Trinity Rep Web site. He has also been artistic director of the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y., where's he's directed many productions. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Trinity Rep Conservatory. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:11 PM | Comment Audio: Bakst asks Giuliani if he's willing to dealPROVIDENCE -- Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst, and avid Red Sox fan, had a special question today for GOP presidential candidate and former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Suffice it to say it had something to do with whether the Yankees fan might willing to swap allegiances to another team, if a certain personage was willing to help him win the election. Read Bakst's full column tomorrow on projo.com and The Providence Journal, and listen (closely) to this audio clip of his question -- and the answer.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:07 PM | Comment DOT experts to save $500,000 on consolidationThe state Department of Transportation says in a news release today it will save nearly $500,000 per year when its merges two units -- the traffic-jam monitoring Transportation Management Center and the Maintenance Dispatch section -- into one. They will be consolidated on July 2. The transportation department "did a cost-benefit analysis as well as a pilot program earlier this year,” said Jerome F. Williams, the DOT director. “Once combined, the Department will save $498,000 by reducing the current 16 positions that perform these services down to 11.” The Transportation Management Center alerts the media and others to accidents and other situations that have occurred so the public knows areas of various roads to sidestep because of delays. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:47 PM | Comment U.S. Rep. Langevin warns of tuberculosis threatWASHINGTON, D.C., -- U.S. Rep. James Langevin, who heads a Homeland Security subcommittee, said today the recent example of a man who took trans-Atlantic flights while infected with drug-resistant tuberculosis "highlights that the federal government is not fully prepared to respond" when someone has a contagious disease. Langevin, a Democrat, made his comments during a hearing on the "extensively drug resistant tuberculosis incident" and its homeland security implications, according to a news release from Langevin's office. Before the matter involving Atlanta lawyer Andrew Speaker last week, Langevin "was in the process of coordinating hearings on this same topic" to figure out if the federal government was ready to respond to this kind of incident, his office says. "We need increased coordination among federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the ability to isolate and quarantine people who may pose a health risk to others, especially when they are uncooperative," Langevin said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:37 PM | Comment Giuliani chides Clinton for missing terrorist threatPROVIDENCE -- Presidential hopeful and former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani wanted to talk today about more than just the abortion debate that has swirled around him since Rhode Island’s Roman Catholic bishop, the Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, criticized Giuliani last week for his views. But four minutes into his conversation with local reporters, his handler tried to end the session. “That’s it, guys.” Then Giuliani asked: “Do you have a question on any other subjects?” A reporter began to ask about citizen opposition to the war in Iraq. “They want us to end the war, you say it’s a good thing …” the reporter began. “I don’t say that the war is a good thing,” Giuliani jumped in before the question was fully formulated. “Any war is a horrible thing, and Americans are very much opposed to war. We’ve always been opposed to war. … Americans are peaceful people, but the reality is this isn’t necessarily our war. It’s their war against us. The terrorists are at war against us.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Giuliani said the terrorists declared war in the 1990s, but the American government, “during the Clinton administration, didn’t hear it,” he said. “They were in denial. A lot of people think the first attack on America was on September 11, 2001. It wasn’t. It was back in 1993 while Clinton was the president and we responded to it by treating it as a criminal case, not as an act of war.” Then, Clinton didn’t respond to a host of attacks, Giuliani said, beginning with the 1996 attack on the Khobar Towers in Saudia Arabia that killed U.S. troops. “I don’t blame him for that [lack of response] because, you know, hindsight is a powerful weapon, a powerful device. He didn’t have the benefit of hindsight back then,” Giuliani said. “But now we have the benefit of hindsight. We see that they were at war with us. … We have to be clear. These people are at war against us, we have to evaluate Iraq from that situation, Iran from that situation, the preparations we have to make at home, and I think that’s the defining decision for the American people in 2008.” Giuliani made his remarks as their subject, former President Bill Clinton, was the guest at a fundraiser across town for his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, a Democratic presidential candidate.
Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:16 PM | Comment Clinton: If Hillary wins, I'll do what she asks / Photo
Clinton arrived at the house of former Providence mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. at about 11:30 a.m. on the city's East Side. A couple hundred guests arrived for the fund-raiser there for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's Democratic presidential campaign. Among the Rhode Island politicos sighted at the home today were Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, Cranston Mayor Michael Napolitano, former Lt. Gov. Richard Licht, and Suzanne Magaziner, wife of Ira Magaziner -- who heads the former president's global AIDs initiative foundation. Sandra Whitehouse, wife of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who just endorsed Clinton today, and daughter Molly Whitehouse were also among the guests. Whitehouse himself is in Washington today. Clinton said he thought his wife had a "good" debate, the one held in New Hampshire. He said he did not watch the most recent Republican presidential debate. Clinton said troops should be pulled out of Iraq but he brushed away a question about a timetable for doing so, saying it would not happen now because President Bush would veto it anyway. The fundraiser raised about $200,000. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:30 PM | Comment State budget set to be unveiled on FridayEnding weeks of speculation on Smith Hill, legislative leaders have announced their plan to unveil the 2008 budget. The release is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in House Finance Committee Room 35 in the State House basement. The committee posted the meeting at 2 p.m. today, as 48 hours notice is required for all public meetings. If the schedule goes as planned, legislators will review the budget article by article Friday afternoon. The process can take as little as a couple hours or can run through the night. Once approved by the committee, there is a mandatory seven-day waiting period before the full House can vote on the budget. House spokesman Larry Berman noted that the plan may change in the coming days and that the committee hearing doesn’t always start on time. The budget will contain such details as whether young adults raised in state custody will lose state benefits, how many children will lose state-subsidized child care, and how much state aid will go to cities and towns. -- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:25 PM | Comment RI water-supply recommendations will be releasedPROVIDENCE -- Two Senate committees this afternoon will release a proposed final report and proposed legislative recommendations to deal with Rhode Island water-supply and distribution issues. A news conference is slated for 3 p.m. in the State House Senate lounge, and a hearing on the proposals will happen at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. The Senate Government Oversight and Senate Environment and Agriculture Committees held hearings on the state’s water supply and distribution system and after that worked on the report and draft bill. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:27 PM | Comment Pawtucket DMV office can't do licenses, registrationPAWTUCKET -- The large Pawtucket branch of the Division of Motor Vehicles cannot process licenses, registrations and IDs today because of "network issues," according to a message on the department's main information line. The message says "other transactions" can be done in the Pawtucket office. And people are advised to check back later on the information line about the status of the Pawtucket office. The message does not specify what the issues are affecting the network. Additional staff members are being sent to the state's other motor vehicle division branch offices. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:38 PM | Comment Bishop: Reaction to Giuliani remarks a surprise / Audio
Journal photo / Mary MurphyBishop Thomas J. Tobin this morning in his office at the Chancery in Providence.
In his column, published last week in the Rhode Island Catholic, the diocesan newspaper, Bishop Tobin compared Giuliani to Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus Christ to death. The bishop called the reaction “a perfect storm” of circumstances. He said that he has been besieged by requests for interviews by media outlets, including invitations by CNN and MSNBC to appear on programs. He declined those interviews, but has appeared on local talk radio and TV. He also has received dozens of e-mails and telephone calls – most of which, he said, were “positive.” Giuliani, a Roman Catholic, says he is personally opposed to abortion – but he does not believe that he, or the government, should impose that view on others. In his column, the bishop noted that Pontius Pilate personally found no guilt in Jesus, but nonetheless handed him over to be crucified: “I can just hear Pilate saying: `You know, I’m personally opposed to crucifixion, but I don’t want to impose my belief on others.’ ” The bishop’s rebuke was the subject of an article yesterday in The New York Times _ and it provided an odd moment of humor at last night’s Republican candidates’ debate in New Hampshire. The moderator asked Giuliani what he thought of Bishop Tobin’s comments – but when the candidate went to answer, a lightning strike knocked out the sound system, and Giuliani’s response was lost. Bishop Tobin was watching the debate live on his home TV when the lightning struck. “I guess it could be interpreted lots of different ways,” he quipped this morning, “but I’m sure it was just a coincidence.” -- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller Your turn: Do you support Bishop Tobin’s view on politicians’ stands on abortion? Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:27 PM | Comment Giuliani questioned about bishop / Photo, Audio
PROVIDENCE -- Republican presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani arrived at a Providence fundraiser shortly after noon today and was promptly grilled by the waiting press about Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's recent criticism of Giuliani's support for abortion rights. The former New York City mayor laughed and said, "After last night, I'm not going to say anything about that." He was referring to last night's debate in New Hampshire when lightning struck at the same time that Giuliani was asked about Tobin's criticism, which has attracted national attention. Among other things, Tobin wrote in the diocese newspaper, "Rudy’s public proclamations on abortion are pathetic and confusing. Even worse, they’re hypocritical." But Giuliani also said he's been clear in his position, and that voters could use that information to decide whether to support him. Giuliani, a Roman Catholic, says he is personally opposed to abortion – but he does not believe that he, or the government, should impose that view on others. He noted today that abortions decreased and adoptions increased in New York City while he was the mayor. Audio: Hear Giuliani speak about Tobin's reaction today -- With reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Your turn: Do you support Bishop Tobin’s view on politicians’ stands on abortion? Posted by Jack Perry at 12:23 PM | Comment 2 arrested in Route 95 shootingTwo men have been arrested in connection with a shooting on Route 95 in Providence last Thursday night, the state police announced. Edward St. Onge, alias “Tito,” age 22, of 53 Airway Road in Warwick, and Juan Salas, alias “Teta,” age 21, of 44 Croyland Road in Providence. Salas was charged with four counts of assault with intent to commit murder, conspiracy to commit assault with intent to murder, and discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle. Salas was arraigned yesterday at State Police Headquarters where bail was set at $100,000 cash. Last Friday, St. Onge was charged with conspiracy to commit assault with intent to murder, felony possession of marijuana (2nd offense), and operating on a suspended license. St. Onge was arraigned and bail was set at $5,000 with surety. The shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m..State Police Wickford Barracks received a 9-1-1 telephone call from the victim, police said today, who stated that he had just been pursued by an older model white BMW on Route 95 south, and the passenger of that vehicle was leaning out of the window, firing a handgun at him while traveling at a high rate of speed. Police later found four holes from gunshots in that vehicle. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:54 AM | Comment Update: Guests awaiting Giuliani at WaterplacePROVIDENCE -- At least 20 to 30 people have wandered into Waterplace Restaurant as they await the arrival of Republican presidential hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. As of 11:35 a.m. Giuliani had not yet arrived for the11:30 fund-raising lunch. Guests are paying from $500 to $1,500 to attend. Reporters and cameras are set up outside and several people are milling about on a day that is seeing political luminaries descend on the city to raise campaign funds. Giuliani hadn't arrived by about 11:30 a.m., but when state Republican Chairman Giovanni Cicione got there, he was swarmed by the media, which grilled him about Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's criticism of Giuliani's support of abortion rights. Tobin's criticism has attracted national press coverage. Cicione defended Giuliani, saying the former New York mayor has had a consistent position on the issue. He also characterized some of Tobin's criticism as "a little harsh." In a May 31 column that ran in the diocese newspaper, Tobin wrote in part, "Rudy’s public proclamations on abortion are pathetic and confusing. Even worse, they’re hypocritical." Former President Bill Clinton is also expected at a fund-raiser for the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. That event is also being held now, at the home of former Providence mayor Joseph Paolino. Sitings of Ocean State politicos so far? Former Gov. Lincoln Almond and his wife have arrived as have former Lt. Gov. Bernard Jackvony. Red, white and blue balloons are affixed to a campaign sign for Giuliani. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson and Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:42 AM | Comment Sen. Whitehouse endorses ClintonRhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, the Clinton campaign has announced. Whitehouse has also been named a co-chair of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign. “All of my colleagues seeking the Democratic nomination are committed to a new direction for our country, and it has been an honor to serve with, and learn from, each of them. Today, I'm proud to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Whitehouse was quoted saying in the Clinton announcement. “Her smart, tough, experienced leadership will be critically important as we work to bring our troops home from Iraq, reform our health care system to cover more American families, and solve the energy challenges of the 21st century.” Whitehouse joins U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin as a chairman of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign. Langevin announced his endorsement of Clinton June 1. Langevin's House colleague Patrick J. Kennedy is sticking with his choice of Sen. (and fellow Providence College alum) Christopher Dodd, of Connecticut. Sen. Jack Reed has not announced an endorsement. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:27 AM | Comment Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani to visit Providence todayPROVIDENCE -- A couple of political heavy hitters are scheduled to visit the Ocean State today. Former president Bill Clinton and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani are in Providence for campaign fundraising events. Neither Clinton nor Giuliani has any public events scheduled. Giuliani, former New York City mayor, is scheduled to speak at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Waterplace Restaurant and then head to a 2 p.m. appearance at the Carnegie Abbey Club. Clinton is raising money for his wife -- New York Senator Hillary Clinton -- who is running for the Democratic nomination for president. The former two-term president will attend a luncheon at the East Side home of former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr. -- The Associated Press and Journal staff reports Posted by Jack Perry at 10:47 AM | Comment Emergency test at the port this morningPROVIDENCE – Emergency responders are conducting a drill at 9 a.m. today to test how quickly they can evacuate nine businesses at the Port of Providence. The premise for the evacuation is that a plane has crashed at the port, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. The drill gives the Providence Fire Department an opportunity to test its reverse 911 system, Taylor said. The system allows the communications department to record a message and use the reverse 911 calling system to phone the affected businesses and replay that message, telling them they must evacuate the area. Also, the drill will test how quickly the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority can get buses to the port in order to evacuate the businesses. Participating businesses include KeySpan, American Equipment Rental, the Narragansett Bay Commission and the Johnson & Wales location at the port. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:51 AM | Comment Crash victim's family files claim against WoonsocketWOONSOCKET -- The family of a man who died in a car crash as he was being pursued by the Woonsocket police is seeking unspecified monetary damages from the city. The claim filed with the city council by the family of Jason Ayala alleges negligence by the police. It has been referred to the city’s law department. The police say the 24-year-old Ayala died when the car he was driving crashed in the early morning hours of April 8. Authorities say Ayala was among several people fleeing an illegal street racing event at a city industrial park. The police say the chase reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. The claim seeks “damages, reimbursement, and/or compensation in a sum not less than the maximum amount recoverable” under state law, The Call of Woonsocket reports today. The claim could be the first step toward eventual legal action. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:31 AM | Comment Sunshiny days and cool nightsIt’s just 54 degrees out now, but we’re expected to hit a high near 72 on this already sunny day. We could have a bit of rain, too. But not much. Overnight Friday, we've got a 30 percent chance of thunder showers. Hopefully enough for all the gardens out there -- and while we sleep during the weekend. Tonight we’ll have a low of 48. Perfect sleeping weather before the heat of the summer takes over. All you allergy sufferers out there, pollen.com is reporting medium-high pollen levels for today through Friday. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:10 AM | Comment Red Sox lose second straight in Oakland, 2-0
Get all the details in Steven Krasner's game story on projo.com's Sox Blog. Posted by Art Martone at 7:03 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about a bill that would extend Newport Grand’s contract with the state and would hamper the City of Newport’s ability to regulate the gambling facility. There's also a photograph and story about overcrowding at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment June 5, 2007Update: Devices at Attleboro station no real threatATTLEBORO, Mass. -- As a precaution, the police evacuated the police station, city hall and nearby area late this afternoon after a man came to the station to drop off a grenade and two small torpedo-shaped items the man had found at a relative's home. An area was also closed to traffic for a time. The two mortar-like items were not live, but a state police squad did take the grenade, believing it could possibly be live, said Capt. David Proia. Proia said state police examined the device and determined it was not an imminent threat of exploding, so they will take it to a secure location to dispose of it. The person who brought the items to the police did not mean any harm and was trying to do the right thing, Proia said. But the police advise that someone who has or finds such items call the police first rather than bring them to the station. The man was clearing items from a relative's home in Attleboro when he found the items. The relative was apparently a war veteran who died and may have brought the items back from war. An officer who just arrived to start a shift shortly before 4 p.m. spoke with the person in the police station parking lot and, upon hearing what the items were, began the steps that led to the evacuation. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:20 PM | Comment Senate passes Domestic Violence Prevention ActPROVIDENCE -- New crimes would be classified as acts of domestic violence under legislation passed by the Senate today. The bill would make arson, burglary and the damage to or obstruction of a telephone domestic violence offenses. That means victims of those crimes would be able to get "no contact'' orders and other protection provided by the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. The Senate bill is sponsored by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin. The House of Representatives has passed similar legislation, which has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The House will now consider the Senate bill. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment Newport film fest shoots for the moon tonightNEWPORT -- If you're a cinema buff, a space-program enthusiast or a budding documentary maker, the 10th annual Newport Film Festival kicks off tonight at 7 with In the Shadow of the Moon, which is about the Apollo lunar missions. The documentary will be shown at the Jane Pickens Theater. Or go because you'd like to see something not in the big cineplex. The festival runs through Sunday with several kinds of films. For more information about what's showing, read what Journal arts writer Michael Janusonis had to say today about the festival.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Giuliani to stop at Carnegie Abbey Club, tooPORTSMOUTH -- Presidential hopeful and former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani is scheduled to visit the Carnegie Abbey Club tomorrow during a swing through Rhode Island, according to a news release on Business Wire. Giuliani's visit comes on a day when the Republican will also attend a fund-raiser in Providence, an 11:30 a.m. event at Waterplace Restaurant, for which guests will pay $500 to $1,500. Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton will be on Providence's East Side at the home of former Mayor Joseph Paolino at an 11 a.m. fund-raiser tomorrow on the behalf of his wife, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is running for president on the Democratic side. The release did not list a time of day for Giuliani's visit to Carnegie Abbey. At Carnegie Abbey, Giuliani will be part of an "informal meet and greet with club members," according to Business Wire. The visit is part of the club's World Leadership Guest Series, which has included inviting presidential contenders. Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards began the 2008 Presidential Candidates series event at the club on May 22. And the club is no stranger to other politicians -- including former Presidents Clinton and George H.W. Bush in 2005. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:55 PM | Comment Bill introduced to extend Newport Grand's deal to 2020PROVIDENCE -- A bill was introduced in the General Assembly today to extend the state's current contract with Newport Grand for another 5 years. If passed, the bill would lock in the facility's current gaming tax rate through 2020. The bill would also restrict the City of Newport's ability to regulate Newport Grand. The city is embroiled in a court battle with Newport Grand that has prevented the facility from proceeding with renovation and expansion plans. The bill says no city or town, where a video slot facility is authorized, may "seek to prevent the installation and use" of the authorized video slots. It also says no city or town with a video-slot facility "shall enact any zoning restriction or any land-use ordinance or other local ordinance that may restrict or impede the installation and use of a video lottery terminal." The sponsor, Rep. Henry C. Rose, D-East Providence, said he introduced the bill at the request of The Proccacianti Group, the developer that earlier this year announced plans to buy Newport Grand for $155 million. -- Elizabeth Gudrais of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment A first-hand view of Rte. 195 project / Photo / Audio
The state Department of Transportation offered a tour today to news crews of the Route 95-Route 195 interchange project, high above the highway and overlooking the Providence Harbor. Projo.com reporter Kate Bramson put on her walking shoes, dealt with the wind ruffling her hair and notebook, and came back with this first-person account: What a view and what an experience to walk along the unopened highway and envision the new flow of traffic through the capital city. As steel glinted under my feet, reflecting the sunlight as it poked in and out from behind the clouds, the yet-to-be-built stretch of highway rose in front of me to the south and the Providence skyline beckoned from behind. But I get ahead of myself. First, from a staging area off Allens Avenue, with the new arch bridge that motorists have been eyeing east of Route 95 behind us in turquoise blue, we walked uphill toward what will be the ramp carrying Route 195 west to Route 95 south. We bounced along plywood planks, above the ground, that tilted upward to carry us onto the steel deck pans that will hold the new Route 195 westbound ramp. Once on the steel, it took some time to adjust to walking along those pans. How to describe them? They’re shaped like miniature balance beams – one after another -- running perpendicular to the direction traffic will flow. The steel is raised perhaps 3 to 6 inches, with valleys in between each balance beam. And the balance beams aren’t wide enough for us to step on at this angle without having our feet dip into the valleys in between. It’s easier to walk along the balance beam, as a gymnast would, but that won’t help us walk nearly 1,000 feet forward on them, uphill, to reach the end of the completed work. So most of the reporters and cameramen headed to the plywood walkway – just a few feet wide -- off to the side of what will be the roadway. It shook under our feet, feeling less sturdy than the steel beams. But the director of the state Department of Transportation, the DOT’s deputy chief engineer and the DOT’s public information crew walked with us, lending credibility to the plywood path. We had to watch out underneath, as we stepped over bundles of green rebar, the steel rods that will be splayed out in a geometric pattern to further hold the concrete roadway. A light mist gently cooled us as it rained down from above, where crews were pouring concrete along the parallel ramp – the one that will carry Route 95 north to Route 195 east. The mist keeps the concrete wet enough so it won’t crack. Up the ramp we walked, an unusual chance to traverse on foot what cars will soon call their own. The wind whipped hair and notebooks and neckties around. As the temperature crept into the high 70s, it felt good. But it was also an opportunity to consider the highway crews who have been working year-round on these ramps. Frank Corrao III, the DOT’s deputy chief engineer, reminded us how cold that wind could be in the middle of winter. The DOT staff were cautious, offering a hand here and there to reporters, not wanting any missteps. Audio: DOT's Frank Corrao III answers questions from reporters, as they stand atop the ramp. And there we stood, on the partially built stretch of ramp that will cost about $85 million – just a fraction of the total $550 to $570 million for the complete interchange project. We could walk as close to the edge of the steel deck pans as we dared. Ahead of us, sloping upward to the south, lay steel tub girders that are wide open and will remain so – they await the steel deck pans that will top them off. But at the edge of the already-laid steel is the dropoff in between those tub girders. Route 95 races underneath us, some 50 to 60 feet down. “This is really the future of what the interchange will look like,” Corrao told us, calling the entire project one of the most complex Rhode Island will ever see. In its entirety, the ramp we walked today will stretch some 1,900 feet, from the new bridge all the way to Route 95 south. We only got halfway there, as the steel is yet to be laid out to complete that path. It will be some time before we drive on this stretch. The full project is slated to open by around the end of 2009. But we’ll be driving over the new arch bridge before we know it. The ramp that’s parallel with the one we walked today – where the crews were spraying mist on the concrete they laid – is set to open and carry motorists over the new arch bridge within three to five months. Posted by Kate Bramson at 4:59 PM | Comment Liberia's vice president: 'We need everything'
PROVIDENCE -- Liberia is literally turning on its lights, restoring power and water and repairing infrastructure destroyed by prolonged civil war. But the country still desperately needs help as it works towards a peaceful, productive future, its vice president said today. Vice President Joseph N. Boakai said that includes training a new work force, rebuilding schools, hospitals and banks, and harnessing the county’s rich natural resources that became the spoils of war. During a national tour of Liberian diaspora communities that include Rhode Island, Boakai said his homeland is seeking private investment, such as a $1 billion agreement forged in 2005 with Mittal Steel for mining iron ore. Training and education of the country’s youthful majority is also a major focus. And, said Boakai, one key will be to provide salaries that will draw people “from more comfortable circumstances” in other countries. “We need everything,” said Boakai. “We need vocational training. We have to train our young people -- we need auto mechanics, electricians, nurses, doctors.’’ Future efforts will include development of tourism and high-tech industry, Boakai said. Boakai visited Rhode Island during his tour of Liberian diaspora communities across the country. Rhode Island’s estimated 15,000 Liberians constitute the country’s largest Liberian population per capita. -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner The Liberian Community Association of Rhode Island, headed by Mator M.F. Kpangbai, hosted Boakai’s visit. It included his press conference at the Urban League of Rhode Island, after which he was scheduled to meet with Governor Carcieri and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, among others. At the Urban League, Boakai expressed hope that Liberia will continue to work free of corruption that previously formed “the bedrock of our society,” and maintain the fragile peace established after the decades-long war ended in 2003. He praised President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president in any African country who ran on an anti-corruption platform. Johnson Sirleaf’s 2006 visit to Rhode Island drew thousands of people who cheered her speech on the steps of Providence City Hall. “She is a great, great lady,” said Boakai. He also expressed faith that the United States will continue offering temporary protected status to Liberians here who have been extended that status since they fled the civil war. Although some Liberians are returning, Boakai said the war’s devastation makes it impossible, for now, to support a wholesale return. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:48 PM | Comment Report: RI was one of three states that cut budgetRhode Island was one of only three states that cut its budget this year. A report by the nation's governors says nearly every other state increased spending. Only Michigan and Wisconsin also cut their budgets. The report says most other states spent freely -- and spending was up 8.6 percent nationally over the previous year. That's compared to 6.5 percent growth on average over the past three decades. Most states were able to spend more because revenues came in stronger than expected and have for the last several years. Rhode Island is facing a $450-million budget shortfall for this fiscal year and the next. Today's survey comes from the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:16 PM | Comment State-finance agency invests in a biotech companyPROVIDENCE -- The Slater Technology Fund, a state-financed agency that supports start-up companies, announced today that it was investing $250,000 in Vitrimark Inc., a biotechnology company launched by University of Rhode Island Professor Arijit Bose. The company is developing new biomarkers for use in the drug development process, according to a statement from the Slater Technology Fund. The funding will help pay for the company's first employee, Bose's URI colleague, Riyaz B. Mahamma. "A key issue for us is to have someone committed to the company and its activities," Richard G. Horan, the Slater Technology Fund's senior managing director, said in an interview. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:59 PM | Comment Fall River man, wanted for May murder, is arrestedA Fall River, Mass., man whom authorities had been searching for was arrested this morning and charged with the May 12 murder of Jerome Woodard on County Street. Luis Alberto Montalvo Borgos was arrested around 9 a.m. in Springfield, Mass., the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter announced. Authorities served a warrant at a home in Springfield. Borgos, 25, is to be taken back to Bristol County this afternoon and arraigned tomorrow in Fall River District Court. “I am hopeful that today’s arrest will bring some peace to Mr. Woodard’s family as they continue to grieve over this senseless murder,” Sutter said in a statement. “But I also hope the message is sent out loudly and clearly that anyone who commits a homicide in Bristol County will be tracked down through good old-fashioned police work. State Police detectives assigned to Sutter's office, Fall River and Springfield Police, U.S. Marshals and the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section worked on the case. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:48 PM | Comment R.I. sex offender accused under Adam Walsh actA Rhode Island man, convicted three years ago of second-degree child molestation, has been accused by U.S. marshals in Florida for not registering there as a sex offender. As a result, Richard Maurice Dumont, 55, becomes the first person charged in the Southern District of Florida under the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act, which went into effect last July. Part of that law makes it a federal offense for a sex offender who is required to register with state authorities to fail to do so after moving to another state. The federal law was named for Adam Walsh on the 25th year since the boy was abducted. His father, John Walsh, hosts America's Most Wanted. Dumont is charged with interstate failure to register as a sex offender, according to a news release today from U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente's office in Providence.
Dumont pleaded no contest in Providence County Superior Court in February 2004 and was given a four-year suspended sentence with four years of probation. Dumont was required to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island and to notify law enforcement of any change in address. He registered a Woonsocket address initially, according to the news release. In early 2007, Dumont left Rhode Island. A warrant was issued last month for his arrest as a probation violator. U.S. Marshals in Florida arrested Dumont at his camper-trailer in Big Pine Key, Fla., in May. Yesterday, R. Alexander Acosta, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced a complaint had been filed against Dumont, who has established a permanent residence in Florida, the release states. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:38 PM | Comment Update: Police ID driver killed in Lincoln collisionLINCOLN -- The driver of a Jeep Cherokee on southbound Route 146 in Lincoln was killed this morning when, while swerving to avoid hitting a deer, he drove his vehicle into the next lane and was struck by a tractor-trailer truck, the state police said. The state police released his name this afternoon. He is David G. Cimini, 50, of Clarendon Street, Johnston. Witnesses told the state police that Cimini was heading south in the right lane in a 1988 Jeep Cherokee just south of the Route 116 exit and north of the Limerock Quarry when the deer came out of the woods on the west side of the road. State police Lt. Glenn Skalubinski said Cimini turned too sharply and his vehicle wound up in the other, left southbound lane. The Jeep was perpendicular to the tractor-trailer when the truck hit the Jeep broadside and pushed it for about 300 feet, Skalubinski said. An initial inspection of the tractor-trailer showed no technical problems with the vehicle and while the accident is still under investigation, Skalubinski said at this time state police do not expect charges to be filed. -- Journal staff writer John Hill The accident happened near a crucial choke point of Route 146. Not only was it near the Route 116 ramps, it was less than a mile south of where Interstate Route 295 connects with Route 146. The accident blocked southbound Route 146 for about 90 minutes, Skalubinski said. Traffic was diverted to Route 246, which parallels Route 146 in that area. State troopers and Lincoln police on the scene were able to get traffic stuck between the accident and the Route 116 ramp turned around, headed north on southbound 146 and then diverted off the highway. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:10 PM | Comment Bills try to stop online bullying, stalkingPROVIDENCE -- Two bills dealing with a new reality -- children using a computer or other gadget to bully -- have been introduced in the General Assembly. One would add "electronic communications" to the list of things a school district can include in its anti-bullying policy. Such policies currently include other forms of harassment and intimidation. The other bill would prohibit "cyberharassing" and "cyberstalking" and seeks to define what is "harassing conduct." The bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. No Senate Judiciary Committee meetings have yet been posted on the General Assembly Web site, which includes committee meetings scheduled through June 7. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:06 PM | Comment Report: R.I. ninth in country in energy efficiencyAs summer starts to simmer, a report today ranks Rhode Island ninth in the country in energy efficiency, based on policies for such things as appliance and equipment standards, transportation and land use, and energy codes in buildings. That puts Rhode Island behind Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts but ahead of the other New England states. Rhode Island tied with Minnesota, according to a news release from American Council for an Energy-Efficient Policy, which published the report. “The top-ten states earn the highest scores due to their records of spending on energy efficiency programs, building codes and appliances standards, and other programs that work to increase investment in energy efficiency,” Maggie Eldridge, a policy program rsearch assistant with the organization, said in a statement. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney “The next fifteen states that trail behind the top ten all have policies to increase efficiency in state-owned facilities, and most are committing funds to energy efficiency programs plus adopting codes and standards. The bottom twenty-six states, however, seriously lag behind the rest,” Eldridge said. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Policy, based in Washington, D.C., describes itself on its Web site as an organization that has made a difference since 1980 in helping to get everything from refigerators to flourescent lightbulbs to be more efficient. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:02 PM | Comment Bishop Tobin's criticism of Giuliani goes nationalPROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island may be running close to empty on electoral votes, but it's got Bishop of Providence Thomas J. Tobin, whose criticism of GOP presidential hopeful Rudolph Giuliani's abortion views fueled some national attention today. "Bishop slams Rudy on abortion" is the online headline in Newsday today. And in today's New York Times, an article cites Tobin as comparing Giuliani to Pontius Pilate. Articles are on the Web sites of Forbes and MSNBC as well. It stems from the column dated May 31 that the Most Rev. Tobin wrote in the Rhode Island Catholic, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence's newspaper -- the first edition of the new paper in format and name. The column, titled "My R.S.V.P. To Rudy Giuliani," begins: "I probably would have written this article anyhow, so distressed was I. But then I received an invitation to attend a fundraising luncheon for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, and that absolutely confirmed my decision. "The fundraiser is scheduled for Providence next week. For $500, I could attend a reception with the former New York City Mayor. For $1,500 I could attend a reception with a photo-op. "The first thought that came to my mind is that I’m not charging enough for my Confirmation photos! "Nevertheless, and more to the point, I have no idea why I received an invitation to Giuliani’s fundraiser. I don’t know the mayor; I’ve never met him. I try to avoid partisan politics. Heck, I’m not even a Republican. But most of all, I would never support a candidate who supports legalized abortion. "Rudy’s public proclamations on abortion are pathetic and confusing. Even worse, they’re hypocritical." Some of Bishop Tobin's comments in the column appeared last week in The Journal's article about the official launch of the new diocesan newspaper. They are also not the first time that the bishop has expressed himself toward politicians on the issue of abortion. Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst reported the following in Feb. 19, 2006, column: "Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has a message for Catholic politicians -- such as U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty -- who see their public duties as clashing with the tenets of their faith. "Ditch the job. "The bishop is stung by the attitude of pols, like these two Democrats, who personally think abortion is wrong but who, in their government roles, support abortion rights. "He told me, "We need some moral courage among our politicians. Where are the people who stand up and say, 'This is what I believe and I will live this and I will proclaim it regardless of where it leads in the electoral process'?" " The fundraiser for Giuliani is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at WaterPlace Restaurant in Providence. Another well-known politician is also visiting Rhode Island tomorrow at about the same time -- former President Bill Clinton, on the behalf of his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The private gathering will be at the home of former Providence mayor Joseph Paolino.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:22 PM | Comment Winning video urges individuals to help environmentOne after another, 53 Rhode Islanders tell a camera that they know they should do something about the environment, but what difference would it make if they act alone? What good would it do? What can one person do? A four-minute video cuts all of those comments together and shows that if people do act together, they can make a difference. The video, shot by a Rhode Island based independent film group called eLBOW dEEp (mEDIA), was named this morning the winner of “The Right Way Great Green Shoot Off of 2007,” a project to create short videos promoting Rhode Island’s sustainable living movement. The video is to be shown as a trailer before movies at the Feinstein IMAX theater in Providence. It will be displayed at the all-day “Sustainable Living Festival & Clean Energy Expo that will be held this Saturday at the Nickerson Community Center’s Camp Hamilton in western Coventry. And it should be available for viewing soon at www.apeiron.org, the Web site of The Apeiron Institute for Environmental Living, which sponsored the video contest and Saturday’s festival. -- Journal environment writer Peter B. Lord Bradley Grove Hyson, executive director of Apeiron, said the video brought tears to his eyes. The video production company is owned by Kristen Killilea, Jeff Hodge and Jason Miller, all in their 20’s, who met at C.C.R.I. and work together on short films, commercials, animation and music videos. Their video shows garbage bags strewn along a stream in Cranston and a traffic jam on Route 95. It concludes with the great quote from Gandhi: “You may never know what results come of your actions; but if you do nothing, there will be no result.” Posted by Jack Perry at 12:27 PM | Comment Update: Severe thunderstorms likely todayDespite those partly sunny skies, severe thunderstorms are possible in southern New England this afternoon, the National Weather Service warns. Some thunderstorms may produce damaging winds and possibly some large hail. The most likely time for potentially damaging weather would be from 1 to 7 p.m. While these storms are possible in any part of southern New England, the most likely location would be in areas north and west of the cities of Boston and Providence. If any thunderstorms approach your location, the weather service reminds, you should take cover immediately. Check radar for their latest movements. The weather service also posted today a report of a record rainfall yesterday for the Providence area, at 1.46 inches. That broke the old record of 0.93 for the date, set in 1935. Currently, the temperature is 71 degrees in Providence, with a light south wind. Highs should reach into the low 80s. There's also a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight. But the humidity will drop after midnight, the wind will shift to the north, and temps tomorrow should be in the 70s under partly sunny skies. Get the latest conditions and forecasts at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Jack Perry at 12:11 PM | Comment Diversity Career Fair at convention center todayPROVIDENCE -- More than 20 companies are at the Rhode Island Convention Center from noon until 5 p.m. today conducting interviews for job openings as part of projoJob’s Diversity Career Fair, sponsored by The Providence Journal. Jobseekers can take part in a free résumé panel and career-related seminars. Click here to see a schedule of programs and the full list of exhibitors. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:57 AM | Comment Join Web conversation on women's health in R.I.The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island wants you to join a conversation at lunchtime today on the status of women's health in the Ocean State. The Women's Fund, a nonprofit research and advocacy group, released a study this month on reproductive health. It's the third of the four-part “Snapshot” series on women’s health, and it focuses on factors that impact reproductive health, including pregnancy and infant health, family planning, abortion, comprehensive sex education and fertility coverage. The group is hosting an online conversation – called a “Webinar” – at 12:30 p.m. today. Participants must register here ahead of time for the Webinar. Then, when it’s time to log in, head to this site. Some of the highlights of the health study include data on fertility, pregnancy and infant health. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson In 2000, about 20,000 Rhode Island women of childbearing age – roughly 1 in 10 – became pregnant. During 2002-2003, 36 percent of Rhode Island births resulted from unintended pregnancies. According to state Department of Health findings, 29 percent of those childbearing women said they wanted to become pregnant, but at a later time, and 7 percent said they did not want to become pregnant at any time. Among women with an unintended pregnancy, 53 percent were not using contraception at the time of conception, according to the Women’s Fund study. Of all the pregnancies during that period, 61 percent resulted in live births, 24 percent resulted in abortions and 15 percent ended in miscarriage. There’s plenty more in the study to discuss. Participants who join the Webinar are asked to put their phones on mute so participants don’t hear background noise from multiple participants. People will have an opportunity to submit questions to the panelists via their computers. Those presenting the Webinar are Miriam Inocencio, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island; Jennifer Lawless, assistant professor of political science and public policy at Brown University and a recent candidate for U.S. Congress; and Carroll Medeiros, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Women and Infants’ Hospital and clinical assistant professor at Brown University. Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:53 AM | Comment R.I. sex offender charged for failing to register in Fla.BIG PINE KEY, Fla. -- Prosecutors in Florida say a man who recently moved to the Florida Keys from Rhode Island is the first in that area to be charged with a federal crime for not registering as a sex offender immediately after he moved. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act took effect last year. Under the law, sex offenders and predators who fail to report within 48 hours to authorities whenever they move could face federal charges. Authorities say Richard Maurice Dumont moved there from Rhode Island. According to prosecutors, he wrote his probation officer in March to say he had moved to Florida, but hadn't registered as a sex offender. Dumont was convicted in 2004 of fondling a 12-year-old girl and sentenced to eight years' probation. He's now charged with knowingly failing to register as a sex offender. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 10:30 AM | Comment Boston conference to examine lessons of Station fireRhode Island and Massachusetts fire marshals and experts from the National Fire Protection Association will convene in Boston this afternoon to discuss whether the two states have done enough to protect residents from a disaster similar to The Station nightclub fire. One of the worst fires in the state’s history, The Station fire killed 100 people and injured more than 200. The conversation today is part of the NFPA's World Safety Conference. The National Fire Protection Association is the leading organization on fire prevention and building and life safety. Speakers today include the Massachusetts state fire marshal, Rhode Island’s assistant state fire marshal and former state fire marshal, who recently became chief of the Providence Fire Department, and experts from the National Institute of Standards & Technology and the NFPA. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:51 AM | Comment Mount St. Charles history teacher recognizedA Mount St. Charles Academy history teacher, Joseph O’Neill, is one of eight finalists for a National History Day award that recognizes one teacher a year who develops and uses creative methods to make history interesting for students. The winner of the national Richard T. Farrell Teacher of Merit Award for outstanding success in teaching history will be named on June 14 at the National History Day awards ceremony. That announcement is expected to be Web cast live on the National History Day site. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson O’Neill, who chairs the history department at Mount St. Charles, was named the Richard T. Farrell Teacher of Merit within Rhode Island last month. Of the 50 state winners, eight have been selected as finalists for the national award, according to Mark Robinson with National History Day. Those eight finalists will be recognized Sunday at the 6:30 p.m. welcome ceremony for National History Day at the University of Maryland. The keynote speaker at that event is award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:56 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story about 40 Chinese expatriates, members of the China Democratic Party, who say they want to restore democracy to mainland China within 10 years. The group marked the 18th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown by holding its first congress, in Providence. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:50 AM | Comment Traffic: Not too bad at this hourIt’s definitely summer construction season. Check out the roads you use around the state to see what types of construction projects are pending. As the morning commute kicks off, Route 295 north, heading toward the state Central Landfill, is fairly backed up. But otherwise, traffic appears to be flowing, according to the state Department of Transportation’s congestion mapper, which shows how heavy traffic is. For other traffic needs, check out the state roadways, via the Department of Transportation's online traffic offerings. You can find any traffic alerts describing accidents here, browse traffic cams to see real-time photos of the highways and check out the DOT’s road construction schedule here. Also, listen to or read the radio reports for the week about traffic and construction on specific roadways. To report a traffic incident, call the Transportation Management Center at (401) 222-5826 and choose option #2. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:15 AM | Comment Cicilline, Kennedy support energy legislationPROVIDENCE -- Providence Mayor David Cicilline is teaming up with Representative Patrick Kennedy to promote energy efficiency. They're announcing support for proposed legislation today that would dole out federal seed money for local climate protection and energy conservation initiatives. It's called the "Energy and Environment Block Grant Act of 2007." A news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Providence City Hall. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:05 AM | Comment Red Sox lose in Oakland, 5-4 in 10 inningsRead Steven Krasner's complete game story, with postgame reaction, on projo.com's Sox Blog. Posted by Art Martone at 7:05 AM | Comment June 4, 2007Photo: Boxed in by the rain
The heavy rain of the morning will diminish to a chance of showers this evening, with areas of fog, and temperatures in the 50s. The southeast winds will turn to the southwest, and then, tomorrow, to the south, bringing partly sunny skies and much warmer temperatures, into the low 80s. But there's still a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Get the latest conditions and weather at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:04 PM | Comment Governor vetoes bill extending medical marijuana lawPROVIDENCE -- As expected, Republican Governor Carcieri today vetoed medical marijuana legislation. And Democratic House leader Gordon Fox said he believes the General Assembly will override that veto. "I support efforts to provide effective pain management to persons suffering from debilitating conditions, but not in a way that violates federal law and ignores the drug approval process as established by the Food and Drug Administration," Carcieri said in his veto message this evening. He goes on to say that "this legislation could potentially subject Rhode Islanders to federal prosecution, while significantly complicating the responsibilities of state and local law enforcement officials." Last month, 51 of 75 House members endorsed the measure. Forty-five votes, or three-fifths, are required to overturn a veto. The bill calls for permanently extending the medical marijuana law, known as the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana act, which was due to expire this year -- a sunset clause. “I fully expect that we will place a vote to override the governor’s medical marijuana veto on the floor calendar before the end of our session," Fox said in a statement today anticipating the veto. A prior vote on the bill "made it clear that there is an overwhelming majority in the House willing to remove the sunset clause on this compassionate legislation.” A patient diagnosed as having a debilitating medical condition would be allowed to possess up to 12 marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of marijuana. An adult who has agreed to assist an ill person's medical use of marijuana -- a caregiver -- could have 12 plants and 2.5 ounces of marijuana for each of up to five qualified patients. The state Health Department would supervise the process. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment RIPTA driver guilty of sex assaults on 3 passengersSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A Washington County Superior Court jury today found a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus driver guilty of sexually assaulting three developmentally disabled passengers two years ago. In August 2005, police accused Jose R. Rivera, 48, of assaulting the three women during his route to and from the Adeline LaPlante Center, an adult rehabilitation center in Peace Dale. Police began their investigation after learning the special-needs clients had revealed independently that their driver, Rivera, had “touched them in private places,” court records show. After deliberating about 3 ½ hours, the jury found Rivera, of 12 Kent St., Pawtucket, guilty of two counts of first-degree and four counts of second-degree sexual assault as well as simple assault for incidents that took place in the woods and other places along the route, according to the Attorney General’s Office. The women, ages 22, 37 and 39 at the time of the assaults, testified during the two-week trial before Judge Stephen P. Nugent. “We’re very proud of the three complainants,” said Asst. Atty. Gen. Craig V. Montecalvo. “We’re impressed by their bravery.” Nugent ordered Rivera held after the verdict was read. He faces life terms for each first-degree count alone at his sentencing Aug. 7. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney A native of Puerto Rico, Rivera had driven for RIPTA for two years and was driving for its RIde program, which provides door-to-door transportation to special needs and elderly individuals, when the assaults took place. RIPTA placed him on 30 days’ unpaid leave after his arrest, with the expectation that he would be fired if the case was not resolved in 30 days, Karen Mensel, RIPTA’s director of marketing said at that time. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:31 PM | Comment Cianci's new job awaiting final prison approval / Photo
AP photo / The Boston Globe, John TlumackiCianci, still sporting a hat as he did on the day of his release, smokes outside Coolidge House in Boston Saturday. The former mayor, known for his toupees, was not allowed to wear one in prison. BOSTON -- Though former Providence mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. was tentatively expected to start a post-prison work-release job at an upscale Beacon Hill hotel today, a spokesman for the hotel owner said that the federal Bureau of Prisons has not yet approved the job. “We’re basically told it’s going to happen, but as of 4 o’clock, it hasn’t happened,” said George Regan, public relations spokesman for Paul Roiff, the owner of the XV Beacon Hotel. “As I’ve said, they haven’t cleared it yet,” said Regan. He said plans for police assistance are still in place. Asked if it’s possible that the Bureau of Prisons might not approve the job, Regan said, “That would be news to me.” So it’s definite? “Absolutely,” said Regan. “We don’t know when, but he’ll be there. We thought it would be by now, but it’s a process.” Cianci was released early last Wednesday from federal prison at Fort Dix, N.J., after serving 4 1/2 years for racketeering conspiracy. He reported immediately to Coolidge House, a halfway house at 307 Huntington Ave. -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner Prior to Cianci’s release, Regan announced that Cianci had a marketing job lined up at the XV Beacon, a boutique hotel that boasts an $8-10 million wine cellar; bathrooms with 41-inch LCD TVs; and “rainforest showerheads,” the size of sunflowers “for the ultimate showering experience.” The job was arranged through former Providence mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr., once Cianci’s adversary. Paolino said he called on XV Beacon hotel owner Roiff, who is originally from Rhode Island, to help line up the marketing job. Last week, Regan announced Cianci’s tentative start date as today, based on his understanding that the Bureau of Prisons would “clear” or approve the marketing job within 72 hours of Cianci’s arrival. On Friday, Regan said the hotel was working with Boston police to cordon off an area for the press, to avoid “a circus.” The date changed, but Regan said details worked out with police are still in place. A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said that all offenders “have 15 days to secure employment,” once they arrive at the halfway facility. Stephanie Hollembaek, the spokesperson, said the facility’s staff must approve that employment. The Bureau of Prisons does not release details about any offender’s job. After he completes his work-release, Cianci is expected to return to Rhode Island, where he will serve the remainder of his sentence on home confinement at the home of his nephew, Brad Turchetta. Cianci’s sentence officially ends on July 28. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:25 PM | Comment State moves to replace Smart StaffingPROVIDENCE -- The state Department of Administration is moving to replace Smart Staffing, the professional services contractor that has drawn so much controversy. The department said in a news release today it's sent out more than 100 letters to "potentially qualified companies to inform them of their opportunity to bid on the new, longer-term contract." Last September, the administration signed a no-bid contract worth $11 million or more a year with Smart Staffing to supply 290 private employees to state government. Since then, a Senate investigating committee heard executives from three temporary-staffing companies call "unique" the Carcieri administration's payment arrangements with the small, out-of-state company given the contract. Today, the president of Smart Staffing was slated to appear before the Senate committee investigating the company's contract to supply hundreds of state workers at a 22.5 percent markup The contract has become part of a back and forth between legislative Democrats, Republican Governor Carcieri's administration and others over contracts. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports The Department of Administration news release states that former Gov. Lincoln Almond's administration awarded the first contract for temporary professional services to DataLogic, which became insolvent last September. That insolvency compelled state officials to "quickly find another company that could take over DataLogic’s responsibilities to the state." The department says it used "emergency procurement procedure," set out in state law, to award a nine-month contract to a replacement company, Smart Staffing, until a formal Request for Proposal could be adequately developed and issued. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:45 PM | Comment Bail hearing reset for man accused of killing girlfriendPROVIDENCE -- The bail hearing for Hamlet Lopez, who is charged with murdering his 41-year-old girlfriend, has been rescheduled to June 18 in District Court, Providence. The hearing had been slated for today but was reassigned, according to Beryl Kenyon, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. Lopez, 51, a former teacher's aide who is well known within the state's Hispanic community for his commenting on community events on talk radio and at public events, was arrested last month and charged in the killing of Miledis Hilario. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:44 PM | Comment Governor calls on EPA to approve emissions rulesPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow California to enact tougher tailpipe emissions standards, given that Rhode Island is among 12 states that have adopted California's regulations, but await the EPA decision. Carcieri and Vermont Governor James H. Douglas expressed concerns about the EPA’s "slow pace in approving California’s waiver request" in a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. If EPA approves the waiver, California and the 11 other states could enact tailpipe emissions standards that are tougher than federal requirements. The "transportation sector" contributes nearly 40 percent of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the governor's news release. California requested the waiver allowing it to carry out the new standards 16 month ago. “These strict standards will make a difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the air quality and the health of Rhode Islanders,” Carcieri said in the statement. “Failing to act on California’s request to move forward with these new guidelines has a direct impact on all of us.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:15 PM | Comment China Democracy Party convenes at Hope Club / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- Declaring their intention to restore democracy to mainland China, some 40 Chinese now living abroad today convened the first congress of the China Democracy Party, which is now outlawed inside China. The congress approved a "Declaration of China's Third Republic,'' incorporating their intention to rid China of Communist rule. Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:37 PM | Comment Mass DEP is halting review of Fall River LNG planBOSTON -- A proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River, Mass., hits another roadblock. Massachusetts environmental regulators are halting their review of the plan, The Associated Press reported today. The state Department of Environmental Protection says it will stop its review of permit applications by Weaver's Cove Energy and Hess LNG, citing concerns raised by the Coast Guard. The proposal for a Fall River terminal has won approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. But the Coast Guard cited navigational safety, security and environmental concerns in a May ninth ``preliminary assessment.'' Massachusetts officials say they'll wait for the Coast Guard's final report before moving ahead. There was no response yet from Weaver's Cove Energy. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:43 PM | Comment Health Dept. advises against swimming at 3 beachesThe state Health Department is discouraging swimming and surfing at the Atlantic Beach Club Beach in Middletown, Easton’s Beach in Newport and Scarborough State Beach North and South in Narragansett. Because of the heavy rain today and discharges from stormwater drains, the water off those beaches may contain high levels of harmful bacteria that may cause illness. The Health Department is monitoring the water. Beach status changes on a daily basis. Check out the Health Department’s beach closures and advisories online or call (401) 222-2751 for recorded information about area beaches. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:43 PM | Comment Woman dies in crash near Norwood, Mass., airportNORWOOD, Mass. -- A single-engine private plane descended into a wooded area in view of passing motorists on Route 95 and crashed on approach to Norwood Memorial Airport today, killing the pilot. The woman was believed to have been the only person aboard the Mooney M20P, said Jim Peters, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane was registered to a Dover, Mass., woman, but authorities didn't immediately know whether she was the pilot. A flight plan indicated the plane took off from an airfield this morning in Pittstown, N.J., en route to Norwood, Peters said. The plane crashed about 10 a.m. a couple miles south of the airport near the Norwood-Canton line, a suburban area just south of Boston. Russ Maguire, manager of the Norwood airport, said the pilot communicated by radio with the airport's tower staff on final approach. Maguire declined to say whether the pilot had reported trouble. The woman was dead at the crash scene. Motorists on Interstate 95 reported seeing the plane flying low before disappearing into the woods, Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz said. Skies were rainy and overcast at the time, but it wasn't immediately clear if the weather was a factor, Peters said. The cause was under investigation. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 2:19 PM | Comment Photo: Harry Potter bus rolls into Providence
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:08 PM | Comment Ex-firefighter pleads guilty in crash that killed officerNEW BEDFORD -- A former Swansea volunteer firefighter changed his plea to guilty today in the motor-vehicle manslaughter of Swansea Police Officer Robert Cabral, who was a school DARE officer beloved by many and known as Officer Bob. Wayne R. Smith, 50, will face from 5 years to 20 years in prison under the plea agreement in New Bedford Superior Court after his car crashed head on into the police vehicle driven by Cabral, 52, on Route 6 in Swansea the morning of Nov. 5, 2005. Sentencing is set for June 26. "No matter what charge they give him, 10 or 20 years or whatever, he still gets to go home to his family," said Tom Cabral, a brother of Robert Cabral. "We have a life sentence without Bobby." Cabral's family members cried throughout the morning's developments before Judge Robert Rofu as they offered verbal statements on the effect the loss of Cabral has had one them. Family members of Smith cried as the handcuffs were put on him. They declined comment to reporters at the courthouse. Tom Cabral expressed disappointment that it took 19 months for Smith to plead guilty, to a charge of motor vehicle manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol. A second charge was dismissed through the plea because it was a lesser offense and would apparently have been consumed by the larger offense Smith did plead to. In November 2005, Cabral was on duty early that Saturday when the off-duty volunteer firefighter Smith's Ford pickup crossed into the oncoming lanes and struck Cabral's vehicle. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina and archival reports A line of some 1,200 people came during visiting hours at Cabral's wake. In interviews, people remembered Cabral as a substitute teacher and a youth soccer, baseball and basketball coach as well as an officer who worked to steer young people straight of drugs and other temptatiuons. He was a former Case High School football player. Smith, too, in 2005 was described as someone who had volunteered in the schools. Smith was hospitalized after the crash before being released as the court process that came to today's development began. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:41 PM | Comment Check out the umbrellasPROVIDENCE -- An array of colors dots the streets as pedestrians pull out their umbrellas to keep the rain at bay. And it just keeps raining. As the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry roil the coast for another day, the heaviest rain is expected across the east slopes of the Berkshires and the Connecticut River Valley, according to the National Weather Service. A high surf advisory remains in effect today from Cape Cod west to Block Island, along with a moderate to high risk of dangerous rip currents. In Providence, moderate to heavy rain is expected through the afternoon, with accompanying fog that’s expected to reduce visibility to around 2 miles at times, according to the National Weather Service. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Cranston’s Pawtuxet River, which reaches flood stage at 9 feet, is expected to reach its highest point – 8.4 feet – by tonight at 8. Other area rivers don’t appear close to reaching their flood stages. For now, the umbrellas cast a colorful display: Red ones from Brown University, black and white ones bearing the Rhode Island School of Design logo, seafoam green with lighter green polka dots, good old standby black ones, magenta rain catchers, brown with a display of green hearts. Tell us about the best umbrella you spotted today. Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:34 PM | Comment Barrington man who made Nixon's 'enemies list' diesBARRINGTON -- James Deakin -- a longtime White House correspondent whose critical reporting put him on Richard Nixon's ``enemies list'' and earned angry rebukes from Lyndon Johnson -- has died. He was 77 years old. Deakin died yesterday of liver cancer in a nursing home near his home in Barrington. Deakin covered the White House from 1958 to 1980 for the Saint Louis Dispatch. He wrote several books -- including a critical report about lobbying and President Lyndon B. Johnson, titled: ``Lyndon Johnson's Credibility Gap.'' The Saint Louis native dictated his own obituary three weeks before his death. In it, Deakin says his dealings with Johnson were stormy and that he was the first reporter to ask Nixon whether he thought he ought to be impeached for violating the Constitution. Deakin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Doris; a sister; a son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. A private burial is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Barrington. A memorial service will be held in several weeks. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:46 PM | Comment Lamp caused fatal Seekonk fireSEEKONK -- Responding to a house fire caused by an overturned halogen lamp on South Wheaton Avenue, firefighters found a man who lived there dead inside the home last night. Louis Botseas, 86, was discovered in the living room area of 152 South Wheaton Ave., according to the Fire Department. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and it could be a couple of days before it's known after an autopsy is performed. The police and fire departments received a call about a possible house fire at 5:47 p.m. They arrived shortly thereafter, according to a police news release, and found smoke coming from the house. The fire was put out in the home's interior and "the remains" of a white male were found in the living room, according to the release. Seekonk police and fire departments are investigating with State Police and the state Fire Marshal's Office. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:40 PM | Comment Harry Potter bus visits ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- The Harry Potter bus is visiting two branches of the Providence Public Library today. The traveling Harry Potter Knight Bus is making its first library stop from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. today at the South Providence Branch Library, 441 Prairie Ave. Registration is limited to school groups only. It will visit the Mt. Pleasant Branch Library, 315 Academy Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. Participants must register in advance. Call 455-8105 for details. Scholastic is touring the Knight Bus, based on the purple, triple-decker bus described in the Harry Potter books, across the country to celebrate the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final Harry Potter book. The Providence library branches are the first of 37 stops on the national, seven-week tour. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:45 AM | Comment Gas prices finally dropGasoline prices in Rhode Island have finally fallen after 15 weeks of increases, slipping an average of two cents per gallon last week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.069 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The average price is 65 cents higher than at the beginning of the year. On AAA’s Gas Savings Tips & Tools Web page, find the most up-to-date local gas prices. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:53 AM | Comment War College celebrates 65th anniversary of MidwayNEWPORT -- It was one of the pivotal moments of World War II and the Naval War College today commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The battle took place in June of 1942 and marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific. This commemoration pays tribute to Americans who fought in the battle. The memorial will also honor four veterans of Midway including radioman Francis Fabian who served on the U.S.S. Yorktown; Commander Hugh Moore who served as a signalman on the U.S.S. Trout; Commander John Powell who served as fire controlman on the U.S.S. Astoria; and Eli Ferguson who served as fire Controlman on the U.S.S. Vincennes. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 9:09 AM | Comment Dissidents mark Tiananmen Square anniversaryPROVIDENCE -- Forty exiled Chinese democracy leaders will gather in Providence today and tomorrow to launch an overseas branch of the China Democracy Party and commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Some of those attending the summit include survivors of the massacre. Among those attending is Xu Wenli, a prominent Chinese dissident who was imprisoned for 16 years and who was granted asylum in the United States in 2002. He's now at Brown University's Watson Institute for International Studies. The Chinese Democracy Party was founded inside China by Xu in 1998. It has been unable to hold public organizing meetings in China. -- The Associated Press Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:40 AM | Comment State hosts reception for Portuguese ambassadorPROVIDENCE -- State lawmakers are planning a reception for the new Portuguese ambassador to the U.S. today. The Portuguese Caucus of the House of Representatives will host a State House reception honoring Joao de Vallera in his first visit to the state. Rhode Island has the highest proportion of Portuguese residents as a percentage of its population among all the states. More than 100,000 Rhode Islanders reported in the 2000 census that their primary ancestry is Portuguese. De Vallera previously served Portugal as Ambassador to Germany and Ireland before accepting the assignment as Ambassador to the United States in January 2007. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment Watch your language: It's jury 'service,' not dutyIn Rhode Island, your "jury duty" is officially over, out of date, so 2006. From now on, it's your "jury service." At least, that's the new word from state Jury Commissioner Eugene J. McMahon, who has announced he has instructed staff to "discontinue the use of the words "jury duty" when summoning prospective jurors for a case. McMahon has asked judges and court employees "to use the same words when speaking of the process," according to a news release. “The phrase ‘to serve’ has a more specific connotation as it relates to jury service,” McMahon said in the statement. “It is an aid, a help, which is the function jurors are asked to do -- aid and help in the function of our unique jury system. “After over 14 years of involvement with the jury system, I have found the overwhelming majority of citizens who have served as jurors have found it to be a pleasurable experience,” McMahon said. The new word gets the good word from Superior Court Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., who reviewed more than 30,000 evaluations "submitted by people who have served" -- there's that word again -- "and that most give favorable responses." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Providence and Kent county jurors are summoned for up to two days or one trial at a time. If selected for trial, jurors serve until it ends and then are dismissed. Jury trials average three to five days, according to the release. If jurors have not been chosen for a trial after two days, they are dismissed. But it's not the last. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 AM | Comment What's left of Tropical Storm Barry hits land todayFor today, what you see is what you'll get. Unless you are on the coast, or out at sea. Then, the National Weather Service is advising you to beware of high winds and surf. The remnants of Tropical Storm Barry are expected to roil the coast for another day. The Weather Service has posted a gale warning and a high-surf advisory for coastal and off-shore Rhode Island waters through tomorrow night. The surf could run 7 to 11 feet with winds in coastal waters approaching 40 mph. Inland, the Weather Service expects heavy rain today with a chance of thunder storms tomorrow. Wednesday will be sunny with a high of 71. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this post incorrectly described Barry as a hurricane. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:45 AM | Comment Download today's front pageThe latest casualties in Iraq and a Rhode Island rape case that never went to trial lead today's Journal. Posted by Peter Phipps at 6:39 AM | Comment June 1, 2007Jazz, auditions enhance tonight's WaterFirePROVIDENCE -- The season's second WaterFire is tonight, and there should be lots to do at this one. You can even audition for a role. The event begins at 8:15 p.m., sunset, and goes to 1 a.m. Tonight's is sponsored by Providence Place and the Rhode Island School of Design, which holds its commencement tomorrow. Scheduled are outdoor jazz and an American Idol-style casting call sponsored by Verizon. All 100 braziers will be lit along the Providence, Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck rivers. And it's the debut of the revamped WaterFire Jazz Stage, featuring the Chaplin Brothers Quartet led by 16-year-old guitarist Gregory Chaplin. The jazz stage is located on Steeple Street between Canal Street and North Main. Times are 8:30 to 11 p.m. The aforementioned casting call is from 7 to 11 p.m. at the corner of Steeple Street and North Main. According to a news release, Verizon is holding a series of open casting calls at WaterFire lightings throughout the summer. TThe object is to find "a man or woman" to star in a local media campaign promoting Verizon's new fiber-optic Internet and cable service, know as FiOS. Applicants will be asked to record a 15-second video explaining "why they should be famous with Verizon FiOS." Call (401) 272-3111 or visit www.waterfire.org for information. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:14 PM | Comment RISD heads graduation list this weekendRhode Island School of Design, where graduation is sometimes an art show itself thanks to students' artful caps and gowns, holds commencement tomorrow at 10 a.m. For motorists expecting to pass through the RISD area on the East Side of Providence, traffic will be held for roughly 15 minutes on South Water Street some time between 9:30 and 10 a.m. while graduating students make their way through. Students begin that journey at the First Baptist Church. It's one of several college and high school graduations this weekend. Bristol Community College holds graduation tomorrow at its Fall River, Mass., campus starting at 11 a.m. Also tomorrow, in Barrington, the St. Andrew's School ceremony is at 11 a.m. On Sunday, at 1 p.m., Joseph Case High School in Swansea, Mass., has graduation, as does Tri-County Regional Vocational School in Massachusetts at noon and, at 2 p.m., Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, Mass. Bishop Connolly High School, in Fall River, Mass., holds graduation at 4 p.m. Sunday. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:12 PM | Comment Weather: Unsettled skies hovering over area / Photo
Journal photo / Kathy BorchersA female ruby-throated hummingbird drinks today from a feeder containing sugar-water hanging on a porch in Seekonk, Mass. Sun, clouds and some thunderstorms are in the picture for this weekend, which features temperatures in the 80s tomorrow and 70s on Sunday. Right now, skies are strangely gray, especially to the north of Providence, where a line of thunderstorms is hovering over Boston's South Shore. The unsettled weather will remain until early next week, until a high pressure area moves in. Get the latest conditions and forecasts, at: http://projo.com/weather
The weekend for southeastern Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:59 PM | Comment A bounty of cats at Pawtucket pet adoption weekendPAWTUCKET -- People will have a whole lot of cats to choose from during this weekend's pet adoption at the animal shelter: Authorities today collected dozens more they say were living in the same home where cat hoarding happened in 2003. "We removed approximately 50 cats," said John Holmes, the Pawtucket animal control supervisor. "There's still more in the house that we are trying to get." Holmes said the collection of those cats coincidentally comes as the shelter holds a pet adoption tomorrow and Sunday, at 401 Newport Ave. The event begins at 10 a.m. and continues "to midnight, if we have to," he said, adding that the shelter has a combined total of about 150 cats right now. Holmes said animal control received a call about a strong odor from the property. Authorities removed "hundreds of pounds of animal feces" from outside the house in trash bags -- the town Department of Public Works was called in with a payloader to help clean it up, he added. Animal control went to the same home, at 162 Ballston Ave., four years ago and removed 98 cats, Holmes said. He said animal control was not releasing the residents' names, but said misdemeanor charges are expected next week. The charges pertain to owning and keeping unaltered animals -- unspayed and unneutered. Tripp Funeral Home in Pawtucket is sponsoring cat alteration for any cat that is adopted, Holmes said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:41 PM | Comment Photo: Renaissance Hotel reborn with ceremony
Extra: Take a multimedia tour of the hotel, which unofficially opened last month. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:37 PM | Comment Woman indicted for killing man in Providence barPROVIDENCE -- A Boston woman was indicted today, accused of the stabbing murder of David De La Rosa-Ruiz in the Comfort Zone sports bar last year. Penny Juan, 36, of 66 Highland Ave., is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston and will be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on June 13. The police arrested Juan in January, charging her with one count of murder, and said at the time that they learned of the slaying when they were called to the Comfort Zone, located on Public Street in the Elmwood section, around 1 a.m. on Oct. 13, 2006. The police said they found De La Rosa, 27, of 99 Ford St. in the city's West End, dead in the street. He had been stabbed in a barroom brawl, according to the police. The city's Board of Licenses revoked the Comfort Zone's liquor license because of the incident. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:43 PM | Comment Report says state's workers too unskilledCRANSTON -- The state’s failure to produce skilled workers has placed it on a “collision course” that will yield stagnating incomes and a sluggish economy, according to a new study by the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council, an influential advisory panel made up of leaders in government, education and business. The study, titled Education and Workforce Scorecard, says the average level of education in the state is declining at the same time as the skills required by employers rapidly increases. That disconnect, the report says, could speed the outsourcing of jobs to China and India, while producing a spike in unemployment in Rhode Island. “Large numbers of Rhode Island adult job seekers and incumbent workers lack the skills to fill vacancies in high-demand occupations,” according to the study, released this morning at the council's quarterly meeting. “Rhode Island’s economy and workforce are moving in opposite directions.” -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:39 PM | Comment Arraignment set in $26,907 child-support caseThe former Swansea resident listed as one of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's top-10 most wanted "deadbeat dads" will be arraigned in Fall River Monday, the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter announced today. Robert J. Scrima was arrested last month in Las Vegas. According to the district attorney's office, he owes $26,907 for his daughter's care. Scrima waived extradition this month to be taken to Massachusetts to face a felony charge in Fall River District Court of failing to comply with a state support order, according to the district attorney. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:52 PM | Comment Photo: Young falcon gets flying assist from DEM
PROVIDENCE -- Learning to fly can be difficult, especially when you start from the 28th floor of a building in downtown Providence. When the state Department of Environmental Management received a call today about an injured falcon on the ground near the Bank of America building, DEM officers Joe Buban and Mark Saunders found a young peregrine falcon in a vacant lot across from the building. Buban and Saunders checked the bird for injuries -- found it was in good health -- and decided to return it to a nesting box on the 28th floor of the Bank of America building, where peregrines have been nesting for the past several years. With the help of bank employee Michael Fossa, they were able to bring it up to the 27th floor and put the bird on the deck near the nest. "As soon as we did that, the parents started to dive bomb us so we had to get out of there," Saunders said. Saunders says the falcon was born this spring, and he believes the bird was injured learning to fly. There's little margin for error, he says, learning to fly among city buildings, especially when you're a bird capable of moving at nearly 200 mph. "The young ones, they've got to learn fast," Saunders said. He figures the young falcon is doing better now, since a worker from the nearby Textron office, Dan Custer, called him about a half hour after the rescue to say he saw the baby bird flying again. Posted by Jack Perry at 3:31 PM | Comment The Nazis, a baroness and a 19th century paintingPROVIDENCE -- A federal judge today granted a request by the estate of a late Jewish art dealer to stop an elderly German baroness from further moving a painting that it claims was looted by the Nazis. U.S. District Judge Mary Lisi also ordered Maria-Luise Bissonnette, who inherited the painting and now lives in Providence, to permit representatives from Max Stern's estate to inspect the artwork and ensure it is being stored properly and in appropriate condition. The Canadian foundation that inherited Stern's estate filed a lawsuit in federal court in Providence last year to reclaim the 19th century painting, "Girl from the Sabiner Mountains," by Franz Xaver Winterhalter. The painting was auctioned under duress after the Nazis forced Stern to close a family gallery in 1937 under the German government's anti-Jewish laws, according to the suit. The painting was acquired by Bissonnette's stepfather, Karl Wilharm, and was later inherited by the woman. -- The Associated Press Lawyers for the plaintiffs say Bissonnette secretly rushed the painting to Germany after learning the estate was considering a lawsuit. Bissonnette said last week that she and her family had done nothing wrong. Lisi today said Bissonnette could not move the painting again without court permission. The two sides had been negotiating but have reached an impasse, Samuel Zurier, a lawyer for the estate, told the judge. Also Friday, Bissonnette's local lawyer withdrew from the case because of differences of opinion with his client. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:06 PM | Comment Pawtucket residents sentenced for cocaine traffickingTwo residents of the Prospect Heights housing development in Pawtucket were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 10 and 12.5 years in prison for trafficking in crack cocaine in Prospect Heights. U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced John L. Kimbrough, 39, to 12 ½ years, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi sentenced Fernando J. Torres, 23, to 10 years, according to the Providence office of U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente. The sentences imposed today bring to four the number of people sentenced for at least 10 years following a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pawtucket Police into drug trafficking in the housing development, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Another defendant, Braulio Henriquez, of Central Falls, has pleaded guilty to a crack cocaine conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. Charges are pending against two other men. -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Kimbrough pleaded guilty in March to charges of distributing crack cocaine and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At a plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker said the government could prove Kimbrough sold 49 grams of crack for $2,000 in April 2006 at his apartment on Prospect Street. The following month, he sold a .25 caliber handgun for $350. Kimbrough has prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and a firearms violation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Also in March, Torres pleaded guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zechariah Chafee said the government could prove Torres sold 54 grams of crack for $1,600 in Prospect Heights last August, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:58 PM | Comment Photo: Sharing a sweet treat
These young friends from North Kingstown enjoy honey sticks while attending the Friday-morning farmers' market at Goddard State Memorial Park in Warwick. From left, they are: Caitlin Culhane, 6; Seth LaFreniere, 6; Keara Culhane, 3; Alana Horan, 3; Aidan Horan, 5, and Shamus Culhane, 3. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:10 PM | Comment Tiverton man gets 10 years for drug traffickingA Tiverton man has been sentenced in Massachusetts to 10 years in prison for trafficking in 121 grams of cocaine and possessing heroin and marijuana with intent to distribute it. Mark Berube, 30, whose last known address was 14 Colonial Ave., was arrested by Fall River police on April 17 last year after an officer said he saw Berube selling drugs out of his vehicle on South Main Street, according to a news release today from the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter. Berube's conviction yesterday, after a two-day trial in Taunton Superior Court, includes a charge of trafficking cocaine within a school zone. In a search of Berube's vehicle, the police said they seized 121 grams of cocaine, a large brick of heroin, a half-pound of marijuana and $7,740 in U.S. currency, according to the statement. Sutter's office has asked that the money be forfeited, which will come up at a future hearing. Sutter praised the work of the police and others, saying: “This case is a prime example of my office’s new policy that we do not offer sentence reductions on cases where a defendant is charged with being a major drug dealer; meaning trafficking more than 100 grams of narcotics." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:06 PM | Comment 3rd man pleads guilty to pin-pad fraud at Stop & ShopPROVIDENCE --A third defendant in the Stop & Shop fraud case pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to federal charges of helping to divert some $132,000 from customers at two of the chain's Rhode Island stores. Arutyun Shatarevyan, 20, of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft in an agreement signed with federal prosecutors. The defendants took the account numbers from customers who used pin pads at four Rhode Island stores, but there were 232 customer accounts from which money was actually taken: at the Stop & Shops on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry and on Atwood Avenue in Cranston, according to prosecutors. Shatarevyan's plea follows the same pleas this month by Arman Ter-Esayan and Gevork Baltadjian, both of California. The three are subject to up to five years' imprisonment on the first charge and at least two more years in prison on the second charge, plus fines of up to $250,000 on each charge, according to federal court documents. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi The case against a fourth man charged in the incidents, Mikael Stepanian, 28, of Studio City, Calif., has not yet been resolved. U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Martin has set a June 27 deadline for the government to formally charge Stepanian. The four men face separate state felony charges in the case: computer fraud, theft using a computer and conspiracy, as well as computer trespass, a misdemeanor. State and Coventry police arrested the four suspects Feb. 26 at the Stop & Shop on Tiogue Avenue in Coventry where, federal and state authorities say, the men had gone to retrieve a checkout lane PIN pad rigged to capture shoppers' financial-account information. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:00 PM | Comment Grand jury does not indict Fall River man in stabbingA 34-year-old Fall River man who had been charged with the stabbing murder of a man in April has been released after a Bristol County grand jury decided not to indict him. Stephen Barreto, 34, of Fall River, was released from custody yesterday, the office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter announced today. Barreto had been charged with murder in connection with the April 10 stabbing death of 32-year-old William Dupras on Hancock Street near the Tiverton line. The authorities had accused Barreto of stabbing Dupras -- only after Dupras and two other men allegedly beat him with a pipe and robbed him, according to the news release from Sutter's office. Last month, police described Barretto as suspecting that he was getting robbed, instead of being sold cocaine, and fighting back against the men who started beating him. Michael P. Sama, 27, of 33 Abbott Place, Fall River, and Donald V. Alfonso, 26, of Fall River, have been charged with aggravated assault and battery against Barretto, armed assault to rob and assault with a dangerous weapon. Fall River Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, "and all of the available evidence was presented to the grand jury," according to the district attorney's office. "Evidence in the case included witness testimony and physical evidence." No further charges will be filed against Barreto in the case. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:59 PM | Comment Langevin, Clinton swap endorsementsU.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign today announced the endorsement of Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., and its choice to name him chairman of her Rhode Island campaign for the Democratic nomination. Langevin will serve as a special adviser to the campaign on stem cell research and policy and outreach to people with disabilities, the Clinton campaign announced in a statement this afternoon. "I am excited and honored to announce my support for my colleague in Congress and friend, Senator Hillary Clinton, for president,” Langevin said in his own statement this afternoon. “I firmly believe that Senator Clinton has the experience, strength and vision to lead our country from her very first day as president.” In both statements, Langevin said he has “long admired” Clinton, from her early days as first lady “working to solve our nation’s health care crisis to her tenure in the Senate, where she continues to champion the needs of the less fortunate.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 1:53 PM | Comment Drivers take care: traffic delays now on Route 95There's a three-mile traffic delay on Route 95 north from just before exit 18 to exit 24, the state Transportation Management Center cautions. Roadwork that began at 9 a.m. closed one lane but there was also an accident that has resulted in slowdowns as well. There is also an accident, believed to be minor, on Route 95 south in the area of exit 18. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:41 AM | Comment Medical marijuana legislation heads to governorPROVIDENCE -- A bill that would make the state's medical marijuana program permanent is expected to have enough support to sustain a veto from the governor. The Senate on Wednesday passed the legislation by a 29-to-five vote. The House approved an identical bill last week by a 51-to-12 margin. Gov. Carcieri has threatened to veto the legislation. Currently, patients with debilitating illnesses are permitted to possess up to 12 marijuana plants or up to two-point-five ounces of the drug. Supporters say marijuana can ease the pain associated with terminal illnesses. The bill passed by the General Assembly also removes a sunset provision that would cause the program to expire on June 30th. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 11:28 AM | Comment Judge: Derderian on schedule for community serviceAfter what the Rhode Island Attorney General considered a slow start, Station nightclub co-owner Jeffrey Derderian's community service work appears to be on schedule, a Superior Court judge said today. Derderian was spared a jail sentence in September and ordered to perform 500 hours during his three years on probation for his role in one of the state's deadliest fires. But Attorney General Patrick Lynch criticized Derderian's progress in April when it came to light that he'd completed 70 hours of service in the seven months since he was sentenced. Lynch called it "inadequate and very disappointing." After an April hearing, the sentencing judge, Francis J. Darigan Jr., ordered the probation department to file quarterly reports beginning in June to update the status of Derderian's community service. According to documents filed in Kent County Superior Court, Derderian has now completed 235 hours of community service work. A letter from the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Inc., says he has completed 171 hours and another from West Greenwich Fire and Rescue says he has completed 64. Darigan said today, "Everything appears to be on schedule." Derderian was not required to be in court today, and Darigan said he won't be called in unless he appears to fall off the schedule. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford The fire that raced through the brothers' club on Feb. 20, 2003, killed 100 people and injured more than 200. The Derderians were charged with involuntary manslaughter. After he pleaded no contest, Jeffrey Derderian received a suspended sentence, with 500 hours of "appropriate" community service and 3 years of probation. Michael A. Derderian, who also pleaded no contest, was ordered to serve four years in prison. In April, Derderian's lawyer, Kathleen M. Hagerty, said it had been difficult to find places where her client could perform community service, particularly where he could work with burn victims, which had been a request of many family members of fire victims. Derderian, in an April e-mail, said that finding places to volunteer has been "a careful, deliberate process." Posted by Jack Perry at 11:12 AM | Comment Man's conviction of sexually assaulting girl, 14, upheldThe state Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of Eugene C. Texter III, who was found guilty in 2005 of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Narragansett girl as she walked to school four years ago. Texter had appealed the Washington County Superior Court ruling, with his public defender arguing that the jurors who convicted Texter should not have been allowed to hear testimony about the victim’s identification of Texter as her attacker shortly after the assault. In the Supreme Court ruling issued today, Texter’s “appeal is denied and the judgment of conviction is affirmed.” -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Kate Bramson at 11:00 AM | Comment It's hurricane season, and now's the time to preparePROVIDENCE – It’s a fool’s errand trying to predict when and where hurricanes could actually hit during the Atlantic hurricane season that began today. National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Belk, who is the hurricane program leader for the Taunton office, said he just can’t do it. “My thing is: Don’t get obsessive about the numbers of hurricanes because all it takes is one,” he said. “A good example of that principle is 1992. There were only five named tropical systems that year, but one of them was Hurricane Andrew.” That hurricane – one of the strongest and most destructive U.S. hurricanes on record – blasted its way across south Florida, caused 23 deaths in the United States and three more in the Bahamas and caused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States ($1 billion in Louisiana and the rest in south Florida), according to The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. NOAA has predicted a 75 percent that we’ll have an above-normal hurricane season, a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season and only a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season. AP video: A first-person hurricane account -- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson Belk’s biggest fear, he said this morning, is that “people tend to react to their conception of history rather than history itself.” “It’s been 53 years since we’ve been hit by a major hurricane,” he said of southern New England. “The last hurricane we had was Hurricane Bob back in 1991, but Bob was not a major hurricane. Gloria, back in 1985, was not a major hurricane. … It’s been 53 years. We have a lot of people who live in southern New England – Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts – who have not lived through a major hurricane. There’s no experience base there for people to use in making good decisions.” Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes, Belk said. Sure, the vast majority of tropical storms and hurricane activity typically develops during the peak of the season – from August to October. But it’s too late to start preparing when the storm is battering toward us, Belk said. “We really need to prepare, and it’s tough to do when the sun is out and the birds are chirping, but this is the best time to do it so you can get everything done to protect yourself,” he said. If people wait to board up their windows as the hurricane is approaching, local hardware stores just will not have the plywood and other supplies needed for New England’s population base, stressed this meteorologist who works with emergency management directors to educate them about hurricanes. Belk has three rules of thumb for people in southern New England to keep in mind about the hurricane season: 1. Pay attention to any tropical system with a name in the Bahamas – and decide what you’ll do while the storm is still in the Bahamas because it could be here in 24 hours. 2. When a storm is forecast to arrive at a certain time, speed up that time by at least six hours and plan to have all your outdoor preparation work completed by then. 3. This one’s simple. Run from the water. Hide from the wind. While an average hurricane season features approximately 11 named storms, NOAA is predicting we could have 13 to 17 named storms this year. Those are storms with sustained winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour. Seven to 10 of those named storms could be hurricanes (with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour), and three to five of those could be major hurricanes (with sustained winds exceeding 110 miles per hour), according to predictions. Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:34 AM | Comment High in the 80s with chance of a thunderstormPROVIDENCE – It’s looking like we could have a mostly rainy weekend. However, even though rain is all over the National Weather Service’s forecast through Tuesday, we could escape. Most days and nights coming up, the weather service is predicting a 30 percent chance of rain or thunderstorms. So cross your fingers and hope for the best. We’ve also got a chance for isolated thunderstorms this morning before 9 a.m. We should see a high of 85 degrees today and tomorrow, with nighttime lows in the low 60s. Then, temps are expected to drop into the high 70s and even the high 60s for the next couple days. Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com. Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:05 AM | Comment 3rd Stop and Shop defendant expected to plead guiltyPROVIDENCE -- A plea hearing is scheduled today for one of four men accused of scamming customers of Stop and Shop supermarkets. Arutyun Shatarevyan has agreed to plead guilty and is expected this morning in federal court in Providence. Two other defendants pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Four men were arrested in February in what authorities said was a plot to steal credit and debit card numbers from Stop and Shop customers. Prosecutors say the men removed or tried to remove key pads from several supermarkets in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and then replaced them with alternate devices that would record the customers' data. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:03 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features photographs and a story reporting how community policing has helped reduce crime in Providence. Another story explains that former Mayor Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci can, indeed, again run for office. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006