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« December 2007 | Today | February 2008 » January 31, 2008AG brief asserts CRMC's makeup is unconstitutionalPROVIDENCE -- Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced this evening that he filed a state Supreme Court brief today asserting that the Coastal Resource Management Council's provisions for appointing members is unconstitutional. Lynch said the appointment provisions violate the Separation of Powers constitutional amendment approved by Rhode Island voters on Nov. 2, 2004. The General Assembly is seeking the high court's opinion on whether the CRMC is subject to the Separation of Powers amendment, and today was the deadline for most interested parties to file briefs. According to Michael Healey, spokesman for Lynch, the House of Representatives was granted more time to file its brief. “Under the Separation of Powers amendment, the governor is given appointment powers of an executive agency of the state, with all appointees subject to the Senate’s consent,” Lynch said in the statement. “Four of the governor’s appointments to the CRMC -- an executive agency -- don’t require Senate approval. When coupled with the fact that the act allows members of the House and Senate to sit as members of the CRMC and allows appointments of public members by the speaker of the house, the act clearly violates the Rhode Island Constitution and is in opposition to the express will of Rhode Island voters." The Coastal Resources Management Council, an independent regulatory agency, was established in 1971, well before the passage of the act. The question of CRMC's makeup and the application of the Separation of Powers Act was debated in the last Assembly session, in which the House in its final moments approved asking the state Supreme Court for a ruling. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:03 PM | Comment Photo: This duo takes 'Go Red' day to heart
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:54 PM | Comment Conn. man serious after mini-van falls off Foster bridgeFOSTER -- A 54-year-old Connecticut man was in serious condition this afternoon suffering from hypothermia and possibly some broken bones after his mini-van fell off a bridge and plunged into Moosup River last night. Police said today they were notified by a neighbor along Moosup Valley Road who heard a man’s cries for help coming from the river. Police, fire, and rescue officials arrived at the scene at about 6:45 p.m. and found the vehicle, a Plymouth mini-van, submerged in the river. The driver, Gregory Gunderson, of Danielson, was apparently outside his vehicle but still in the water and conscious. Gunderson was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with hypothermia and other injuries. He was listed in serious condition this afternoon. Lt. Robert Bolger said the accident is still under investigation because police have not had the chance to question Gunderson. Bolger said it is clear that Gunderson was traveling westbound over a bridge on Moosup Valley Road when his vehicle slammed into a guardrail and fell 15 feet into the river. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo The mini-van landed, right side up, about 50 feet from the river bank, in a part of the river that was about four feet deep. The vehicle was damaged extensively on its front and sides, said Bolger. Police estimated that Gunderson’s vehicle was submerged in the water for about half an hour before rescue personnel arrived. By then, the water had reached window-level outside of the car, said Bolger. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Providence man held in Cranston bank robberyCRANSTON -- A Providence man has been accused of robbing the Domestic Bank at 815 Reservoir Ave. this morning. Alberto J. Reyes, 28, of 26 Benedict St. was being held pending arraignment on the first-degree robbery charge. A police news release said a male went into the bank branch at about 8:45 a.m., showed a silver gun to the teller and demanded money. After getting an undetermined amount of money, the male left the bank and headed north through the surrounding residential area. A bank employee followed the male through the neigborhood and told police in what direction he was heading. Shortly after, Cranston officer Shane O'Donnell located the suspect hiding in the neighborhood. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:21 PM | Comment Providence man to take his chances on 'Pros v. Joes'A Providence man is scheduled to be on tonight's episode of "Pros vs. Joes" on Spike, Cox Channel 26. Robert Foster, 32, is slated to appear on the show, which airs at 11 p.m, according to a news release from Cox Communications. The show has 64 amateur athletes from around the nation competing against professional athletes to try to win $100,000. Foster was selected during a casting call, according to a Cox news release, and he will compete against National Football League running back Ricky Williams, boxer Arturo Gatti and former NBA star Charles Oakley. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:06 PM | Comment Update: Ex-CVS execs want bribery charge droppedPROVIDENCE -- Lawyers for two former CVS executives asked a federal judge today to force prosecutors to turn over FBI notes of its interviews with former state Sen. John Celona, who they are accused of paying off, and asked the judge to dismiss a bribery charge. John R. "Jack" Kramer, former CVS senior vice president for corporate affairs and government relations, and Carlos Ortiz, former vice president of government affairs, are charged with one count each of conspiracy and bribery and 21 counts each of fraud for contracting with Celona. Celona, who resigned from the General Assembly in 2004 amid questions about his business dealings with CVS, pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud charges in 2005 for his relationships with CVS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Roger Williams Medical Center. Woonsocket-based CVS Caremark Corp., the nation's largest drugstore chain, has not been charged and has said it is cooperating with the probe. Kramer and Ortiz have been on unpaid leaves of absence from CVS since 2004. The bribery charge in the January 2007 indictment accuses Ortiz and Kramer of giving Celona gifts between 1999 and 2003 as a way to influence Celona "in connection with legislation of interest to CVS." The charge doesn't specify particular bills, but refers to other parts of the indictment that discuss specific legislation. While prosecutors argue that other parts of the indictment were specific enough to address the concern, Scott Corrigan, a lawyer for Kramer, said the language amounted to a "moving target." -- The Associated Press "We're talking about five legislative sessions," Corrigan said. "During each of those sessions, hundreds of bills were introduced." U.S. District Judge Mary Lisi appeared concerned. "'Legislation related to CVS doesn't tell you a whole heck of a lot," Lisi said. Celona was the star witness in an earlier trial involving executives for Roger Williams, and admitted at trial that he lied to the FBI a number of times. Because he is expected to be a key witness in any trial of Kramer and Ortiz, the defense is keenly interested in any instances when Celona lied because it could help cast doubt on his credibility on the stand. While the defense team was given a summary report of nine separate interviews the FBI conducted with Celona between Sept. 1 and Nov. 17, 2004, as well as excerpts of some of those notes, it argues that other documents show Celona changed his story several times during that period. David Fein, a lawyer for Kramer, told Lisi that the defense wanted the complete notes of those interviews. He said they could include instances where Celona told different versions of the same story, or additional information that could be helpful and was not included in the summary notes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard Sullivan told Lisi that prosecutors in the Roger Williams case had carefully gone through the documents' discrepancies, and those notes were turned over to the defense. Lisi said she would issue a written ruling at a later date. Earlier this month, the convictions of two former top Roger Williams Medical center executives, Robert Urciuoli and Frances Driscoll for allegedly paying Celona to press the hospital's legislative agenda at the State House, were overturned on appeal. The U.S. Attorney's Office said it will retry the case. Today, Woonsocket-based CVS Caremark Corp. reported that fourth quarter profits were $815 million, or 55 cents a share, almost double the $417.2 million, or 49 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Last year, CVS completed a $27 billion purchase of Caremark RX to gain the second largest U.S. drug benefits manager. CVS and the Caremark division also benefited from demand for generic drugs. -- With Journal and projo.com reports
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:51 PM | Comment Testimony: Oster told to minimize relationship with PicernoPROVIDENCE -- Testimony in the bribery and conspiracy trial of ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster this afternoon included concern about former Lincoln Planning Board member Robert R. Picerno's behavior in Lincoln Town Hall and his closeness with Oster. Leon A. "Lee" Blais, who was Oster's public works director and assistant town administrator for a time, said he had advised Oster to tell Picerno to stay out of areas of Town Hall that were not open to the public and to minimize his relationship with Picerno. Blais testified that after those conversations with Oster, Picerno would seem to disappear from town hall for a while then come back. Blais also testified that Oster told him that Picerno had raised a lot of campaign money for Oster. He said Oster was concerned that if he broke with Picerno completely, Picerno would turn the Italian-American population in town against him in the next election.
Blais also testified that earlier in Oster's administration, Blais became concerned about what's known as the H&H Screw property on Route 116 in Lincoln. Blais said he'd been told about it by an official from a foundation that was developing industrial parks -- and that the foundation had identified the property as a potentially problematic site. The state's case in Providence County Superior Court contends that Picerno was Oster's partner in a bribery scheme centered around the Route 116 land. Picerno pleaded no contest in 2004 to four counts of taking -- or trying to solicit -- bribes, and three counts of conspiracy to solicit bribes. In the first days of trial, the prosecution has tried to show that Oster and Picerno had a relationship in which Picerno had access to Oster's office and got unusual treatment from the town in relation to property taxes. Blais said in court today he did more research and was surprised to find that in the 1990s the town appeared to have taken control of the site and that a company, Banneker, had occupied the site for several years. Blais said he told Oster of his research into the site and that Oster told him to continue looking into it. Blais said he was considering trying to get a private development foundation to develop the property. He said Oster told him that was generally a good idea, but Oster mentioned he had a potential buyer interested in the site. That buyer was Lincoln car dealer Robert Campellone -- one of the men Oster is accused of soliciting bribes from in exchange for letting him buy the H&H Screw property. In his afternoon testimony, Blais, a prosecution witness, did the defense a favor. One of O’Brien’s themes in his opening statement was that the land Oster is accused of seeking bribes to sell was not worth a lot, and therefore any offer the town got would be worth taking. Blais testified that one of his concerns about the H&H Screw property was that it had an undetermined amount of industrial pollution on it and that he had seen a state Department of Environmental Management report that estimated the cleanup could cost as much as $2 million. On cross examination, O’Brien got Blais to theorize that with $600,000 in taxes owed the town on the land and with $2 million in cleanup costs, the land could be seen as having a negative value.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:20 PM | Comment April 22 election set to fill late Sen. Badeau's seatPROVIDENCE -- The special election to fill the seat of the late state Sen. Roger Badeau, a Democrat who represented Woonsocket and Cumberland, is set for April 22. A primary will be held March 18, if needed, Secretary of State Ralph A. Mollis announced today. “Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all the people of his district. He represented them well over the years,” Mollis said in the statement. “Making it easier to vote is our priority. We selected a date that met the letter of the law as well as encouraged the highest voter turnout possible.” Badeau died last week with most of the final year of his term left to serve, which the Secretary of State's Office said triggers law allowing the secretary of state to set a speical election. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:06 PM | Comment The Paragon leaving Westerly, laying off 119
The Paragon, a Westerly mail-order firm that has operated since 1972, is closing its complex in the town and laying off its 119 employees there. Cheryl Rinfret, a company spokeswoman, confirmed in an interview with The Providence Journal that the warehouse and call center will be shuttered on March 31. The work performed in Rhode Island will be handled in a building in West Virginia owned by The Paragon's parent company, the AB&C Group, Rinfret said. "They have the same thing in West Virginia," Rinfret said. "It's duplicated right now." The Paragon has not determined what, if any, severance package its employees may receive, Rinfret said. The company sells a variety of gift products, such as jewelry, rugs and clocks. For more business-related news, visit the Biz Blog at projo.com/business. Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 3:56 PM | Comment 8 school districts fail to meet new graduation standardsPROVIDENCE -- Eight districts and a state-run school still fail to meet the state’s more rigorous high school graduation requirements that go into effect for this year’s senior class, the state Department of Education announced this week. Letters went out Tuesday notifying school officials that they did not receive approval for the new diploma system. Failure will not affect the districts’ or the school’s ability to confer diplomas for the next few years. Districts have been given a grace period until 2012 to come into compliance with the state’s new regulations governing high school diplomas. However, failure to receive preliminary approval from the state indicates that a quarter of Rhode Island’s school districts -- 8 of the 32 -- are lagging in their efforts to adapt to the more challenging graduation system. In addition to completing 20 courses and taking the state standardized tests in 11th grade, the new diploma system requires that students show they have mastered key concepts and skills through a combination of portfolios, senior projects and end-of-course exams. Eight districts -- Burrillville, Cranston, Cumberland, Exeter-West Greenwich, North Smithfield, Providence, Tiverton and Woonsocket -- and the Rhode Island School for the Deaf were informed that the state Department of Education had “withheld preliminary approval” of their graduation requirement plans. In every case, the problem was the districts’ failure to “align” coursework and student projects to grade-level expectations established by the state, said Roy M. Seitsinger Jr., director of secondary school reform. “The major issue was lack of alignment with the expectations, and then also issues of access and opportunity -- that means, did districts do enough in terms of scheduling and curriculum to ensure that all students had access to classes that are aligned with the system?” Seitsinger said. Adapting to the more rigorous standards has proven a particular challenge to districts that have not had a consistent, high-quality curriculum in place. In some high schools, such as the state-run School for the Deaf, individual classroom teachers decide what is taught, so aligning each course to state standards is difficult and time consuming. Providence, the state’s largest school system, has no consistent high school curriculum, and many schools even use different textbooks for similar courses. Exeter-West Greenwich High School, classified as high performing for the past three years, does have a curriculum, said Principal Denise Boule. Teachers there began phasing in senior projects in 2002 -- a year before the Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education announced they would be required of all schools within five years, Boule said. “We have really tried to embrace the diploma system because many of us firmly believe in students demonstrating their proficiency in multiple ways, and my staff has worked very hard,” Boule said. “We have spent four years on this, but people have to realize this … changes the way you look at student work and assess it. You are not just having students pass one test and from that assume they have the knowledge. You are asking them to take part in multiple assessments.” The high school’s obstacle to approval, Boule said, is that the Department of Education wants it to more closely align end-of-course exams to state standards. They are doing so and hope to be approved in late April. Peter McWalters, state commissioner of education, said he will approve the districts and School for the Deaf as soon as they can demonstrate they have complied. In addition to information about portfolios, senior projects and end-of-course exams, districts must submit documentation that they are providing adequate support so students and teachers can adapt to the new system, and that they have communicated clearly with their communities about the graduation requirements, through meetings and newsletters. Districts have known the changes were coming since January 2003, when the Regents approved the new diploma system. The state Education Department began providing free training to hundreds of teachers and administrators three years ago, and asked districts to periodically submit updates on their progress in complying with the new regulations. By last summer, the department knew some districts were lagging and would struggle to comply by the December deadline. Some school districts, officials said, were better equipped to adapt to the new requirements, while others suffered from a lack of personnel or resources to start the time-consuming, difficult work. Other districts struggled with poor access to computers and the technical expertise needed to develop portfolios and senior projects, which has delayed their progress. For the moment, there are no penalties for districts that fall behind. Education officials say they will work closely with districts over the next two years to ensure the new diploma system is in place and is rigorous. In 2010, districts that have complied with the new regulations will be allowed to confer “Regents approved” diplomas; districts not in compliance will be able to still give out their present diplomas. By 2012, districts will only be allowed to award Regents diplomas; those not in compliance will not be allowed to grant any type of diploma. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:45 PM | Comment One dead, 6 households affected in 4 fires across R.I.
A 42-year-old man died and his mother was injured after fire broke out around 6 a.m. at a house on Peck Avenue, according to the East Providence Fire Department. East Providence Fire Chief Joseph J. Klucznik identified the dead man as James Marinelli. Marinelli's mother, Theresa Marinelli, was rescued by firefighters through a second-story window of the home at 39 Peck Ave., the fire department said. She was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with burns on her hands and smoke inhalation. Nadine Dwyer, 41, lives down the street from the Marinelli's. She said she used to shovel the Marinellis' driveway in the winter. Dwyer said she was awake early this morning when the fire started. "The whole sky filled with black smoke," she said from her front stoop today. "It smelled really bad, too. You could see smoke coming out of the roof."
A call came in at about 11:45 p.m. from 19 Kings Factory Road reporting a chimney fire, according to a statement from the Charlestown police. When Charlestown rescue arrived, they reported “extremely heavy” smoke on the first floor and flames reaching the second floor. The house’s owner, Russell G. Spears, was taken to Westerly Hospital for smoke inhalation and admitted into the intensive-care unit for observation. Two Charlestown firefighters were injured on the scene; one fell on the icy ground, but was not treated. Another firefighter was taken to South County Hospital for chest pains. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson The state fire marshal is investigating and has not released an official cause. But, according to Charlestown Police statement, the fire may have been sparked by a chimney fire that spread through the house. Firefighters from the Dunn’s Corners and Bradford Fire Districts of Westerly, and the Hope Valley Fire Department responded.
In Central Falls, a fire broke out at a home on Central Street this morning. The fire department said a faulty boiler was to blame.The fire was contained to the basement. Resident Rosemary Michalski will have to find another place to stay, at least temporarily. The Red Cross is helping her.
Damage was confined to the third floor with the bottom two floors sustaining water damage. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:17 PM | Comment Oster trial: Defense grills prosecution's witnessPROVIDENCE -- The defense lawyer in ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster's bribery and conspiracy trial tried for much of this morning to diminish the credibility of prosecution witness William Dickie, the former assistant solicitor who handled a tax appeal from the wife of the man the state says was Oster's co-conspirator. Defense lawyer C. Leonard O'Brien pressed Dickie on statements he gave to the state police after Oster's arrest in February 2002 and in April 2002 grand jury testimony. Dickie had said he didn't learn that former planning official Robert R. Picerno and his wife had not paid taxes on their home while their tax appeal was pending. That was important because having paid the taxes first is required for the kind of suit the Picernos filed. The state's case in Providence County Superior Court contends that Robert R. Picerno was Oster's partner in a bribery scheme centered around a Route 116 property in Lincoln. Picerno pleaded no contest in 2004 to four counts of taking, or trying to solicit, bribes, and three counts of conspiracy to solicit bribes. In the first days of trial, the prosection has tried to show that Oster and Picerno had a relationship in which Picerno had access to Oster's office and got unusual treatment from the town in relation to property taxes. Picerno’s wife, Joyce, filed the suit contesting the way the town assessed taxes on the Preakness Drive home for the period of 1998 to 2000, refusing to pay about $22,000 in property taxes over those years, some before Oster took office. O'Brien today played a tape of the Nov. 20, 2001, Lincoln Town Council closed session in which Dickie told the council the taxes were not paid. O'Brien also produced transcripts of Dickie's interview with state police and his grand jury testimony given after Oster's arrest, where he had said he didn't learn about the unpaid taxes until after the Nov. 20 council session. Dickie testified today that he first thought the taxes were not paid but said that during the Nov. 20 meeting Oster said they had been paid. Dickie was not able to show a point on the tape where Oster said that. O'Brien further challenged Dickie, saying that when discussing the settlement, Dickie talked about the Picernos paying the town, not the town refunding taxes already paid. And when Dickie said the taxes had not been paid, Oster never corrected him on the tape. Read about yesterday's testimony. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:02 PM | Comment Photo: Catching a breath after fighting the fire
Posted by Jack Perry at 1:55 PM | Comment I <3 Robots!A program intended to get more black students interested in robotics and engineering will be bringing students from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to College Hill. As part of the Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact (ARTSI) Alliance, Brown University is working with more than a dozen research universities and HBCUs to develop outreach programs to encourage black students at the K-12 and college levels to consider careers in robotics. “To advance computing technology and robotics, we need as many great minds in the field as possible,” Chad Jenkins, assistant professor of computer science at Brown, said in a statement. “So it is critical to draw in dedicated and interested students, whether they choose to work in academia or the commercial sector.” Jenkins will lead the program at Brown, first bringing undergraduate students from HBCUs to Brown in the summers of 2008 and 2009. They’ll work with Jenkins on developing software programs that improve robot interactions with humans. The ARTSI program is funded by a three-year, $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Click below to find out what schools are participating. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson HBCUs participating in ARTSI are Spelman College Hampton University Morgan State University Florida A&M University Norfolk State University Winston-Salem State University University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and the University of the District of Columbia Research universities and private companies involved include: Brown University Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh Georgia Institute of Technology Duke University University of Alabama University of Washington Corporate partners include: Seagate Technology Microsoft Apple iRobot Juxtopia. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:40 PM | Comment Former lead paint manufacturers want verdict overturnedPROVIDENCE — Three former lead paint manufacturers who lost a landmark lawsuit brought by the state have asked Rhode Island’s highest court to overturn the verdict. The companies, including Sherwin-Williams, say the judge who handled the trial excluded relevant evidence while permitting prejudicial testimony against them. They also say the verdict, which requires them to remove lead paint contamination from homes and buildings, is at odds with state laws that make landlords responsible for the upkeep of their properties. Attorney General Patrick Lynch wants those companies to pay $2.4 billion dollars to clean up roughly a quarter-million homes. The state will have an opportunity to respond, and the state Supreme Court will hear arguments on May 15. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:30 PM | Comment Janitors' strike looms for PC Family weekendProvidence College janitors are planning to go on strike in less than 12 hours if they do not reach an agreement with their employer, Hurley of America, Inc. And they’re not optimistic that much will change between now and midnight, when the janitors’ contract expires. “It doesn’t seem likely,” said Roxana Rivera, the Rhode Island director for SEIU Local 615. The sticking points on the contract, Rivera said, include pension and wage increases over a 5-year period, and the number of days employees can take off. If the workers and the Mass.-based Hurley cannot come to an agreement by midnight, the janitors will strike this weekend, the college’s upperclassmen family weekend, tomorrow through Sunday. “We believe this is a great opportunity to emphasize that the sacrifice parents make for their kids to PC,” Rivera said, “are not unlike the sacrifices that the janitors make for their families.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:28 PM | Comment Organization rates R.I. 7th best in nation on gun lawsRhode Island ranked seventh best in the nation, showing "good progress," in enacting laws to prevent criminals and others who pose dangers from easily getting guns, but more can be done, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which released its national scorecard today. Rhode Island scored 47 points out of a possible 100 in the scorecard that measured the 50 states across five areas of law. California was best in the nation, scoring 79 points, followed by New Jersey, and a third-place tie between Connecticut and Massachusetts. Maryland and New York also fared better than Rhode Island, according to the organization. Worst in the nation in enacting gun-control laws were Kentucky and Oklahoma, which each got 2 points. The five areas of law from which scores were reached are: * Curbing firearm trafficking. * Bolstering "Brady Background Checks." * Child safety. * Banning military-style assault weapons. * Making it harder to carry guns in public places. Check out the organization's state-by-state scores, category-by-category, at www.bradycampaign.org. “Rhode Island is doing a better job than most states in adopting laws designed to make it harder for criminals and other dangerous people to access guns,” Paul Helmke, the national organization's president, said in the statement. “While Rhode Island has made some progress, much more needs to be done,” Cathie Whittenburg, director of New England Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, said in the statement. “We’re certainly not satisfied.” The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence notes in its release that the state is seeking to improve its score by "making crime gun identification and regulating gun dealers as their new top priorities in this year’s legislature." The release cites "cutting-edge" technology called “microstamping" that legislation would give law enforcement -- "a powerful investigative tool to solve more gun crimes and apprehend more armed criminals and gang members by identifying the crime gun -- without the gun." Read more about microstamping here. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:17 PM | Comment Suspect in fast-moving robberies arrestedThe Cranston police think they’ve caught up with the fast-moving burglar who attempted to rob more than five businesses in quick succession last Friday and Sunday. Gerald Capozzi, 37, of Cranston, faces two counts of first-degree robbery and four counts of second-degree robbery. He’s due in District Court today. According to the Cranston police, the first report of a robbery was made Friday, Jan. 25, at about 3 p.m. at Park Avenue Liquors. As officers investigated that crime, another robbery was reported at Defusco’s Bakery. Two days later, at about 5:15 p.m., Superior Bakery called the police, reporting a robbery, according to the Cranston police. Less than 15 minutes later, Subway Sandwich Shop called in an attempted robbery. While officers were investigating these two robberies, a third complaint was called in – from Tim Hortons. Then, on Wednesday, another robbery was reported. Descriptions of the suspect and vehicle were similar to the suspect and vehicle described in the other robberies. Victims said the suspect was a white man, about 5’6” tall, wearing a blue, hooded sweatshirt and driving a white, two-door Pontiac. The Cranston police sent the description out, and Warwick police responded with information on Gerald Capozzi as a possible suspect. Capozzi was arrested Wednesday, shortly after the robbery was reported. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:36 AM | Comment Barrington teen due to check in with judge todayThe 19-year-old who bought alcohol that may have played a part in a fatal car crash is scheduled to return to court today to check in with Judge Michael A. Higgins. In December, Benjamin Geldmaker was fined $500 and ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment. It was the second time that the then-18-year-old had been arrested for misdemeanor underage alcohol possession, according to Barrington police. Higgins ordered Geldmaker to return today to District Court to make sure Geldmaker has been going to substance abuse treatment. According to prosecutors, Geldmaker bought a 30-pack of beer, and gave six cans to a friend. The friend brought the beer to a party. Four teenagers that were at the party got into a car, the 16-year-old driver -- who was allegedly driving more than twice the speed limit -- slammed into a tree, killing 16-year-old passenger Jonathan Converse. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:06 AM | Comment Traffic: Lanes re-opened, but traffic still heavy on 195The Transportation Management Center has cleared an accident on Route 195 westbound, but warns that traffic is still heavy. Two left lanes were blocked at the Washington bridge after the 9 a.m. accident. The lanes have been re-opened, but ti's still slow going on Route 195. For more information, visit the TMC’s Web site. See how traffic is moving on the site’s traffic cameras. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:03 AM | Comment Photo: Out in the cold after a fire in Central Falls
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:58 AM | Comment Fourth quarter profits almost double at CVSWoonsocket-based CVS Caremark Corp. reported this morning that fourth quarter profits were $815 million, or 55 cents a share, almost double the $417.2 million, or 49 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Last year, CVS completed a $27 billion purchase of Caremark RX to gain the second largest U.S. drug benefits manager. CVS and the Caremark division also benefited from demand for generic drugs. Sales at CVS stores open at least a year rose 3.4 percent, including a 3.6 percent increase in pharmacy revenue and a 2.9 percent advance in non-pharmacy goods. -- John Kostrzewa, Business editor Posted by Jack Perry at 8:34 AM | Comment 1 dead, 1 injured in East Providence fire/ Photo
EAST PROVIDENCE -- A 42-year-old man is dead and his mother injured after a morning fire at a house on Peck Avenue, according to the East Providence Fire Department. East Providence Fire Chief Joseph J. Klucznik identified the dead man as James Marinelli. Marinelli's mother, Theresa Marinelli, was rescued by firefighters through a second-story window of the home at 39 Peck Avenue, the fire department said. She has been taken to Rhode Island Hospital with burns on her hands and smoke inhalation. Nadine Dwyer, 41, lives down the street from the Marinelli's. She said she used to shovel the Marinelli's driveway in the winter. Dwyer said she was awake early this morning when the fire started. "The whole sky filled with black smoke," she said from her front stoop today. "It smelled really bad, too. You could see smoke coming out of the roof." Klucznik said the call came in just after 6 a.m. -- By Brandie Jefferson, projo.com staff writer Posted by Jack Perry at 8:17 AM | Comment 2 firefighters, homeowner injured in Charlestown fireTwo firefighters and a homeowner were injured in a late night fire in Charlestown yesterday. A call came in at about 11:45 p.m. from 19 Kings Factory Rd. reporting a chimney fire, according to a statement from the Charlestown police. When Charlestown rescue arrived, they reported “extremely heavy” smoke on the first floor and flames reaching the second floor. Firefighters from the Dunn’s Corners and Bradford Fire Districts of Westerly, and the Hope Valley Fire Department responded. The house’s owner, Russell G. Spears, was taken to Westerly Hospital for smoke inhalation and admitted into the intensive-care unit for observation. Two Charlestown firefighters were injured on the scene; one fell on the icy ground, but was not treated. Another firefighter was taken to South County Hospital for chest pains. The state Fire Marshal is investigating and has not released an official cause, but, according to Charlestown Police statement, the fire may have been sparked by a chimney fire that spread throughout the house. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:28 AM | Comment Lead paint companies to file arguments in appealPROVIDENCE -- Three former lead paint makers plan to file their arguments in an appeals case potentially worth billions of dollars. The companies -- Sherwin-Williams, NL Industries and Millennium Holdings -- lost a landmark public nuisance lawsuit two years ago brought by the state attorney general. The lawsuit accused the companies of contaminating homes with toxic lead paint. Lawyers for the companies plan to file their appeal arguments today with the state Supreme Court. Attorney General Patrick Lynch wants those companies to pay 2.4 billion dollars to clean up roughly a quarter-million homes in Rhode Island. Company lawyers have called the plan legally flawed and want the verdict overturned. -- Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment A high of 40 degrees and sunny skiesToday's looking nice, with a high of 40 degrees and clear sunny skies. However, the National Weather Service, is forecasting a slight chance of sleet and snow early this evening as clouds increase and the temperature drops to about 24 degrees. Tomorrow's looking pretty dreary with freezing maybe mixed with sleet in the morning, then rain later in the day. Temperatures should just reach 40 with high, east winds gusting up to 29 mph. For weather updates throughout the day, see projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of Governor Carcieri's plan to cut Medicaid costs, in large part by moving the elderly and disabled out of nursing homes. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 30, 2008Tonight: Learn to dance or feel the bluesYou can learn to dance in Narragansett tonight, hear some blues music in Woonsocket or hit the clubs in Providence. New York City-based dance teacher Kana Kubota gives weekly dance lessons at The Towers in Narragansett, and tonight she offers salsa style dance at 7. She'll teach beginners Argentine tango at 8 and intermediate tango at 9. It's $12 for one class and $20 for two or more the same evening. Go to www.thetowersri.com for information. An Open Mike Blues Jam is at Chan's Restaurant, 267 Main St., Woonsocket. Call 765-1900. 7 to 10 p.m. No cover. Manbeard, Pwrfl! Power, Green Bean, The Vonneguts and That Goes That play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. John Worsley plays jazz at Capriccio, 2 Pine St., Providence. Call 421-1320. 7 to 11 pm. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment Update: Endowment will help preserve R.I. open spaceRhode Island has more than 100,000 acres of land protected from developers and, thanks to an endowment today, will have more resources and a new coordinated effort to care for the protected open space. The Rhode Island Foundation today announced it will be receiving an endowment of $1 million from Peggy and Henry Sharpe to support the Conservation Stewardship Collaborative. And an anonymous donor offered the CSC more help; for every contribution of $1,000 or more made to the endowment, the donor will make a matching contribution to an environmental organization up to $1 million or until December 2010. Julie Sharpe this morning said her in-laws had the insight to create the endowment. "There is a long-standing interest in the Sharpe family in conservation and land stewardship," Sharpe said in a statement. "We worked very had with these seven organizations to find a meaningful way to advance stewardship of protected areas." Click below for a list of organizations that make up the Conservation Stewardship Collaborative. Correction: An earlier version of this item put the acreage at 1,000 and described the endowment as giving the state the ability to continue buying the rights to open space around the state. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Peter B. Lord Audubon Society of Rhode Island Rhode Island Chapter of The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island Land Trust Council University of Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources Science Rhode Island Natural History Survey Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management United States Fish and Wildlife Service Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 6:31 PM | Comment Clinton, Obama supporters lobby for Tavares' nodProvidence lawyer Angel Tavares’ phone did not stop ringing this afternoon in the wake of John Edwards' departure from the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Tavares, Edwards Rhode Island campaign chairman, took calls from supporters of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the last two major candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. Despite the personal lobbying from such pols as former Providence Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr., a major Clinton supporter in the state, and Joseph Fernandez, the Providence city solicitor and a key Obama backer, Tavares said that he is not going to endorse either candidate until he has chance to speak personally with Edwards. ``I am very proud of the campaign John Edwards ran,’’ said Tavares. ``Poverty is something not very many people talked about. John made it a part of the national campaign and the national conversation.’’ ``I haven’t had chance to speak to John yet,’’ said Tavares. ``After I speak with him we’ll see where we go from there.’’ -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Lawmakers work for bll to stop LNG in Fall RiverBOSTON -- SouthCoast lawmakers are testifying in favor of a bill that would prevent construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River, Mass. The measure would mandate that a new LNG terminal be built nearly one mile away from residential areas. If passed into law, it would kill an LNG terminal proposed by Weaver’s Cove Energy. Various government studies have found that fire from a terrorism attack against a tanker carrying LNG could ignite so fiercely it would burn people one mile away. The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee took testimony at a hearing today As is, Weaver’s Cove Energy faces a tough battle. The Coast Guard has already ruled that the Taunton River approaching the would-be site of the terminal is unsafe for navigation by massive LNG tankers. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:34 PM | Comment Oster trial: Prosecution plays a tapePROVIDENCE -- The prosecution in ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster's bribery trial this afternoon played a tape in which Lincoln Town Council in 2001 talked about whether to settle a tax case involving the home of Robert R. Picerno, a former town planning official who is linked to allegations against Oster. Among other things on the 40-minute tape of the Nov. 20, 2001, closed session, then-assistant Town Solicitor William Dickie recommended settling the suit for $15,000, even though $22,000 was owed on the Picernos' Preakness Drive home. Dickie testified in Providence County Superior Court today that Picerno's wife filed the tax appeal in 2001 contesting the $22,000 in taxes assessed on the Picerno's house from 1998 to 2000. On the tape, among reasons Dickie offered for settling at that time was that the $7,000 difference between what was owed and what was being offered, when looked at in terms of cost of litigating the case, was not worth fighting over. Dickie testified he was subsequently advised the Picernos had not filed legally required appeals to justify such a suit and that he later recommended the council reverse its decision. In earlier testimony today, Dickie explained circumstances of the filing of the complaint and the town's response. Dickie said that Oster told him he had talked about the matter with Picerno and that the town could settle the $22,000 claim for $15,000. Oster had agreed to reduce $7,000 off the delinquent tax bill. Dickie also testified that Picerno never contested the tax bill with the assessor's office or the board of tax review. He also noted that if someone wished to appeal a tax bill, they had to pay it first. Picerno, Dickie said, had not paid taxes on the property since 1998. Today’s testimony wrapped up with Oster's defense lawyer, C. Leonard O’Brien, cross-examining Dickie, particularly on how the town developed its response to the Picerno tax appeal. Dickie testified he relied on then assessor Emerson Johnston for most of the information on the Picernos’ tax status. He said Johston told him the Picernos had filed an appeal of their tax bill, when in fact they hadn’t. He also said he never asked whether they had actually paid the taxes or not, another requirement for the suit to be legal, assuming Johnston would have told him that if it was relevant. Yesterday, prosecutors sought to establish that Oster and Picerno, a former Planning Board member who was convicted in 2004 on his own bribery charges, had a close financial and political relationship. The state's case alleges Picerno collected the bribes and Oster manipulated town government to favor ones who paid. Allegations in part concern six acres on Route 116 in Lincoln known as the H&H Screw property. Oster, the state's case alleges, conspired with Picerno in two instances to solicit bribes to sell the property, which the town controlled. Oster faces two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy in the trial. Read about today's earlier testimony here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:57 PM | Comment Crews respond to house fire in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Crews have responded to a fire in a single-family house at 75 Ashmont St., according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. It's believed there was an occupant or occupants in the house but that they got out. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:53 PM | Comment Carcieris address antiabortion rally
Governor and Mrs. Carcieri speak to participants at an antiabortion rally today at the State House. Dozens of people attended the rally, which was sponsored by the Rhode Island State Right to Life Committee. Journal photo / M. Charles Bakst Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 4:16 PM | Comment Carcieri wants to cut money for elderly, nursing homesGovernor Carcieri today unveiled a broad plan to save millions of dollars by moving the elderly and the disabled from nursing homes into less-expensive options in the community. He also suggested, as part of a proposal to change that state's welfare system, steps to encourage two-parent families. He acknowledged these changes would not realize savings next year. The governor said the plan can save $67 million in state funds for fiscal 2009, which begins July 1, and is part of Carcieri's overall budget plan slated to be unveiled Friday. The administration plans to divert $7 million into community programs to ensure there are sufficient resources to allow the elderly to be cared for at home. Under the plan, the state hopes to divert around 10 percent of the patients referred to nursing homes each year into alternatives such as adult daycare, assisted living, or in-home care. The governor's proposal is expected to face opposition from the nursing home industry, as the administration estimates 100 patients would leave the institutions in the coming months and that nursing home populations would decrease by as much as 600 next year as vacancies are not filled. "We’re not in the business of trying to make somebody close their business," said Department of Human Services Director Gary Alexander. "If they happen to close as part of the market forces, I don’t think we’re saying that we’re going to bail them out." Carcieri's plan to curtail welfare benefits also contains a provision to encourage two-parent families. A goal is to "prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies" and "encourage the foundation and maintenance of families." It relies on faith-based institutions to promote marriage and offer programs that promote marriage and oppose out-of-wedlock births. It is not forecast to provide deficit-closing savings next fiscal year. Carcieri said at this morning's State House news conference that "we can disagree, but a family is a father and a mother, nurturing their children and building a future for themselves." The governor acknowledged the state can't force people to marry or stay together, but he said, "You can set a tone and you try to teach people as to what's best." -- With reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:50 PM | Comment Crossroads needs help, cold days are aheadWith temperatures in the high 40s, it may seem like forever ago, but we've had some very cold days and nights in Rhode Island this winter. The facility closes early in the morning, meaning most of its clients spend their days outside. A statement from the shelter says it has received requests from people for gloves and socks, as we move toward the middle of winter. If you're interested in donating, contact Sara Perry at 277-4325. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:09 PM | Comment Update: Witness says Oster agreed to reduce tax billFormer Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster agreed to shave $7,000 off a delinquent tax bill for an alleged business partner, according to testimony by the town's former assistant solicitor During questioning by Assistant Attorney General William Ferland, William Dickie testified about an appeal that the wife of former Lincoln planning official Robert Picerno filed in 2001. She contested $22,000 in taxes that were assessed on the Picerno's house from 1998 to 2000, according to Dickie. He explained the circumstances of the filing of the complaint and the town's response. Dickie said that Oster told him he had talked about the matter with Picerno and that the town could settle the $22,000 claim for $15,000. Dickie also testified that Picerno never contested the tax bill with the assessor's office or the board of tax review. He also noted that if someone wished to appeal a tax bill, they had to pay it first. Picerno, Dickie said, had not paid taxes on the property since 1998. Dickie is expected to continue testimony after the lunch break. -- with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:32 PM | Comment Update: Man shot in Providence ID'd as cab driverPROVIDENCE -- A driver for Gonzalez Cab was shot and wounded shortly after 10 last night as he waited outside a house. The police also said today that a 17-year-old Providence resident is in custody as a suspect. Carlos Villalona of Providence, 38, had been called to 37 Seabury St. The cab he was driving was outside the address when two people approached him. One of them fired into the cab and a bullet struck Villalona's right thigh, according to the police. It's not clear why it happened. Villalona was treated at Rhode Island Hospital for the non-life threatening wound. The police later detained two suspects, each 17, who were walking on Huntington Avenue. One remains in custody and is to be charged -- it was not clear in which agency's custody and what the charge or charges would be -- while the other was let go. Last July 16, another cabdriver for Gonzalez Cab Inc., Jose Rodriguez, 42, was shot as he drove three men from Providence to Central Falls in the middle of the day. The police found him in his cab on Fuller Avenue between Sumner and Garfield streets in Central Falls. He died the following day. Six months have passed, and no one has come forward with information that might help police find the person or persons who killed him. A reward is now being offered. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:19 PM | Comment Oster trial: Ex-detective asked about playground projectPROVIDENCE -- In testimony today in the bribery and conspiracy trial of ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster, a former Lincoln police detective spoke about allegations that Robert Picerno, a former planning official linked with charges against Oster, extorted $5,000 from a town playground renovation contractor. Oster's defense lawyer, C. Leonard O'Brien, this morning questioned Albert A. Martell, former Lincoln detective lieutenant, on complaints police received from contractor Robert Gelfuso, who told Martell that Picerno, a former Lincoln Planning Board member, and another Lincoln official pressured Gelfuso to inflate his bills on the playground project. Under O'Brien's persistent questioning in Providence County Superior Court, Martell said Gelfuso never implicated Oster, who served as town administrator from 2000 to 2002, in any of those efforts. Martell also testified to seeing Picerno on a rear deck of Lincoln Town Hall, a deck that has a door to a large conference room that was next to Oster's office. O'Brien sought to play down the significance of Picerno being seen at the back of Town Hall near the door by getting Martell to describe how the conference room also opened to the town public works and engineering departments -- places that Picerno, as a Planning Board member, could be expected to visit.
Oster is facing two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy in the trial. The state’s case alleges that Picerno collected the bribes and Oster manipulated town government to favor the ones who paid. Yesterday, prosecutors used Oster’s ex-campaign treasurer and a former town consultant to seek to show a Superior Court jury that Oster and Picerno, convicted in 2004 on his own bribery charges, had a close financial and political relationship. The case in part focuses on six Route 116 acres known as the H&H Screw property. Oster is accused of conspiring with Picerno in two instances to solicit bribes to sell the property, which the town controlled. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:59 AM | Comment Saturday is deadline to register to vote in primaryIf you haven’t registered to vote, you’ve just got a few days left. Saturday is the deadline for Rhode Islanders to have a say in deciding who runs for president in the presidential primary, which will be held March 4. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are the Democratic candidates – John Edwards’s name will appear on the ballot, although he dropped out of the race today. On the Republican ballot, voters can choose between Hugh Cort, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. Voters will also get to cast their ballots for delegates to their party’s National Conventions – in all, 184 Rhode Islanders are vying for 13 spots in the Democratic National Convention in Denver this August and 17 Republicans are looking for a seat at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. in September. Register to vote with your city or town's board of canvassers or town clerk. Municipal offices will be open Sat., Feb. 2. To find out exactly where you can vote and what you'll need, visit the Secretary of State's Web site. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of their right to vote,” Secretary of State Ralph A. Mollis said in a statement. “The upcoming presidential election may set America’s course for the next eight years. Get registered, turn out and make your voice heard.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:56 AM | Comment Mukasey refuses to judge waterboardingWASHINGTON -- The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee accused Attorney General Michael Mukasey of ducking questions today on whether waterboarding is torture despite his promise last year to study whether it is illegal. The issue briefly stalled Mukasey's confirmation last fall until he assured Senate Democrats he would review the legality of the harsh interrogation tactic and report back. Waterboarding involves strapping a person down and pouring water over his cloth-covered face to create the sensation of drowning. Ultimately, however, Mukasey said today he would not rule on whether waterboarding is a form of illegal torture because it is not part of the current interrogation methods used by the CIA on terror suspects. His non-answer angered Democrats who said the attorney general should be able to address a legal question. "It is not enough to say that waterboarding is not currently authorized," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the Judiciary Committee's chairman. "Torture and illegality have no place in America." U.S. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, should have a chance today to question Mukasey during the hearing. At a Judiciary Committee hearing on Mukasey's nomination for attorney general, Whitehouse questioned him aggressively on his views of torture, particularly waterboarding. Watch Mukasey explain why he will not judge the legality of waterboarding. -- The Associated Press "Tragically, this administration has so twisted America's role, law and values that our own State Department, our military officers and, apparently, America's top law enforcement officer, are now instructed by the White House not to say that waterboarding is torture and illegal," Leahy said. Mukasey, in his trademark monotone, did not appear rattled. He said he has concluded that current methods used by the CIA to interrogate terror suspects are lawful and that the spy agency is not using waterboarding on its prisoners. Beyond that, Mukasey said he would not discuss whether waterboarding is illegal. "Given that waterboarding is not part of the current program, and may never be added to the program, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to pass definitive judgment on the technique's legality," Mukasey said in his first appearance before the committee since being sworn in Nov. 9. At his confirmation hearings in October, Mukasey refused to define waterboarding as torture because he was unfamiliar with the classified Justice Department memos describing the process and legal arguments surrounding it. The CIA and the Pentagon banned waterboarding in 2006. Critics want the Justice Department to join other nations and outlaw waterboarding as illegal. But U.S. intelligence officials fear that doing so could make government interrogators - including those from the CIA - vulnerable to retroactive criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Waterboarding is at the heart of a Justice Department criminal investigation over whether the CIA illegally or otherwise improperly destroyed videotapes in 2005 of two terror suspects being interrogated. The tapes showed harsh interrogations, including possible waterboarding, of suspected terrorists Abu Zubaydah and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri in 2002, when both suspects were held in secret CIA prisons overseas. The tapes were destroyed as intelligence officials debated whether waterboarding should be declared illegal. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:25 AM | Comment Query: Seeking person for Blizzard of '78 storyThe Providence Journal is preparing a story on the 30th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978, and we’re looking for a woman named Tara who was born in January 1978 and lived then with her family in Woonsocket. If you are Tara or know how to find her, please contact reporter Tom Mooney at 277-7359 or tmooney@projo.com. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:26 AM | Comment Former detective returns to the stand in Oster trialTestimony is set to resume this morning in the case of former Lincoln town administrator Jonathan F. Oster, accused of conspiracy and bribery when he held the position from 2000 to 2002. On the stand yesterday, a former Lincoln police detective testified that the man who prosecutors say collected bribes for Jonathan F. Oster had some shady real estate dealings in town. Former police detective Lt. Albert Martell is expected to return to the stand in Superior Court, Providence, this morning for cross-examination. He ended yesterday’s testimony telling a jury that he noticed former planning board member Robert R. Picerno had his home transferred into his son’s name, even though liens for unpaid taxes shouldn’t have allowed a transfer. -- with reports from Journal staff wirter John Hill Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:57 AM | Comment Feds may again cut ratesWASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve is likely to follow its bold action last week to battle an economic downturn with further interest rate reductions, although analysts are split on just what size the future cuts will be. Some believe the Fed will settle into a series of quarter-point moves, especially if upcoming economic reports show the economy is slowing but not toppling into an actual recession. That would mean the Fed will cut its federal funds rate, the interest that banks charge each other, by a quarter point at the conclusion of today's meeting. It would be the fifth rate cut since last September. Last week, the Fed announced a surprise three-quarter-point cut which drove the funds rate down to 3.5 percent. It was the largest reduction in this rate in more than two decades and the first change in the funds rate between meetings since the immediate aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks. Read the full Associated Press story. Posted by Jack Perry at 9:51 AM | Comment Talking about our immigrationIf reader comments to the 7-to-7 Breaking News Blog are any indication, Rhode Islanders are, to put it mildly, concerned about immigration. Today at Roger Williams University School of Law, four speakers are taking up the topic at a mid-day forum, “The Challenges of Immigration Reform in Rhode Island.” Scheduled speakers are Sen. Juan Pichardo, D-Providence; Col. Ramon Martinez, president and CEO of Progreso Latino; Immigration attorneys Alison Foley and Roberto Gonzalez; and Ivette Luna, community organizer at Ocean State Action. The forum, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. today, will be held at the RWU Law School, Room 30, is sponsored by the American Constitution Society, the ACLU, and a host of attorney and law student organizations. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:44 AM | Comment 1 in 3 don't take advantage of food stampsAbout 30 percent of the people who qualify for food stamps are not using them. A University of Rhode Island study reports that a majority of that group are from working families or elderly households. A group of advocates will meet today with Gary Alexander, the director of the state’s Department of Human Services today to discus ways to increase participation in the program. Representatives from the George Wiley Center and an advocacy group started by its members, RI Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty, have suggested extending hours that the state accepts applications and recertification for food stamps; adding staff to process the applications, and requiring recertification every year instead of every six months. The advocates will meet with Alexander at 3:00 this afternoon at the Department’s headquarters, 57 Howard Ave. in Cranston. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:15 AM | Comment Tankers may be allowed back on Rt. 195, Fall RiverFALL RIVER, Mass. -- For the first time in years, gasoline tankers and other trucks carrying hazardous cargo may soon be able to travel through downtown Fall River on Interstate 195. The trucks have been diverted on to city streets since 1999, when concrete slabs fell from the ceiling of the Government Center underpass and injured seven motorists. Mayor Robert Correia has asked the state highway department to allow tankers to remain on I-195 during the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. The detours would remain in place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Correia says the detours bring hazardous cargo into local neighborhoods, posing a danger to residents. He says he decided to act after a tanker fire in December that destroyed two multifamily homes and more than 20 vehicles in Everett. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 8:02 AM | Comment Cause of fire at Foxwoods hotel under investigationMASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- A spokesman for the Foxwoods Resort Casino says the Great Cedar Hotel, where fire broke out on the roof yesterday, will remain closed for a few days. Saverio Mancini says there has been water damage to the upper floors of the hotel, although nobody was injured in the blaze. Mancini says guests who had been evacuated were allowed to retrieve personal belongings this morning. Mancini says the state fire marshal and the chief of the Mashantucket tribal fire department will be inspecting the damage. Officials evacuated the entire 312-room building. As a precaution, officials also evacuated the Great Cedar Casino, located on the ground floor of the hotel and one of Foxwoods' six casinos. Mancini says the casino has been reopened. Last Friday, a blaze on exterior foam-based sculpting at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas caused employees and guests in some 2,400 occupied rooms to be evacuated. A cause of that fire has not been determined.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 8:02 AM | Comment Shooting in Providence sends one to hospitalA shooting in Providence last night sent one person at the hospital. The shooting was near 32 Seabury St. just after 10 p.m., according to Providence Fire Department Chief of Communications James Taylor. No more information was available at this time. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:41 AM | Comment Carcieri to discuss Medicaid, welfare reform plansGovernor Carcieri will discuss his plans for changing state Medicaid/Family Independence programs, which he says will produce savings that will be part of his fiscal 2009 state budget proposal. The plans will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. at the State House. The governor expects to submit the 2009 spending plan to the General Assembly this week. The federal/state Medicaid health program is for low-income individuals and families and pays for such things as long-term care for seniors, primarily nursing homes, and helps people with disabilities, often in group homes. Carcieri's office said the state departments of Human Services, Children, Youth and Families, Elderly Affairs, and Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals spend Medicaid money to support various state programs. The Family Independence Program -- the state’s welfare program -- is run by the Department of Human Services. “One example of the kind of reform I am talking about is in the area of long-term care,” Carcieri said in last week's State of the State address. “I know from experience that most seniors would prefer to stay in their homes, or be cared for by a loved one, rather than enter a nursing home. All the data shows that not only does it result in greater longevity and improved quality of life -- in fact it is less costly.” Carcieri said he intends to change the state’s Medicaid program “from one centered on institutions and agencies to a system that focuses on the people who use it: our children, elderly, and those with disabilities.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Warm, windy and rainyYou could be forgiven for thinking it's fall when you first go outside this morning. But rest assured, it's still winter, just a little warm with temperatures already near 40 at 6:30 a.m. and headed toward the high 40s later in the day. The forecast isn't perfect, though. The National Weather Service is forecasting high west winds gusting as much as 46 mph and a 90 percent chance of rain. Skies should clear up tonight, when the temperature drops nearly 30 degrees to about 19 and winds continue, gusting up to 40 mph from the west. We can expect sunny skies and temperatures near 40 tomorrow with milder, northwest winds between 5 and 7 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page reports on Arizona Sen. John McCain's victory in the Florida primary and also features a local story reporting that housing programs could suffer if Governor Carcieri's proposal for revising this year's budget is adopted. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 29, 2008Photo: No uniform approach to these school clothes
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:04 PM | Comment Carcieri to unveil proposed Medicaid changes tomorrowGovernor Carcieri tomorrow will lay out his plans for changing state Medicaid/Family Independence programs, which he says will derive savings that will be part of his fiscal 2009 state budget proposal. The plans will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. at the State House. The governor expects to submit the 2009 spending plan to the General Assembly this week. The federal/state Medicaid health program is for low-income individuals and families and pays for such things as long-term care for seniors, primarily nursing homes, and helps people with disabilities, often in group homes. At the moment, Carcieri's office said in a news release today, the state departments of Human Services, Children, Youth and Families, Elderly Affairs, and Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals spend Medicaid money to support various state programs. The Family Independence Program -- the state’s welfare program -- is run by the Department of Human Services. “One example of the kind of reform I am talking about is in the area of long-term care,” Carcieri said in last week's State of the State address. “I know from experience that most seniors would prefer to stay in their homes, or be cared for by a loved one, rather than enter a nursing home. All the data shows that not only does it result in greater longevity and improved quality of life -- in fact it is less costly.” Carcieri said he intends to change the state’s Medicaid program “from one centered on institutions and agencies to a system that focuses on the people who use it: our children, elderly, and those with disabilities.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment Tonight: The Bard's work at Trinity RepertoryThere's still time, if you hurry over. Trinity Repertory Company in Providence puts on a production of Shakespeare's Richard III -- a "timely, violent" production, writes Journal theater critic Channing Gray. The play starts at 7 p.m. at the 201 Washington St. theater. Tickets are $10 to $30. Call (401) 351-4242 or go to www.trinityrep.com. The play is already sold out for tomorrow's performance, according to its Web site. But the show continues through March 2. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:49 PM | Comment Fired EMA heads hired by Barrington security outfitThe state and Providence emergency management directors who were fired after the debacle of last month’s fast-moving snowstorm have been snapped up as emergency management consultants for a corporate and public-sector security consulting company in Barrington. Robert J. Warren, the former executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and Leo Messier, the former director of the Providence Emergency Management Agency, have been retained for their emergency management expertise as part of the consulting work offered by Enright & Associates, Inc. The company is headed by John J. Enright, former U.S. Secret Service agent and former director of counter-terrorism and law enforcement for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island. Enright announced Warren’s hiring today in a news release: “Bob Warren adds a level of experience and professionalism to our company that will provide our clients with the expertise they need to address the emergency preparedness challenges of the future, and the comfort of knowing that it is coming from one of the region’s most knowledgeable professionals.” Messier’s biography also appears on the company Web site www.enrightassociates.com, where he’s noted for his emergency management experience and ability to capture federal grants. Enright said that the expertise both men have in emergency management planning and response will add to his company’s ability to help clients in the public and private sector with establishing plans for continuing their business and municipal operations during a crisis. A posting for the job once held by Warren has now been posted by the state -- without requiring experience in emergency management or public safety. It was listed without notice on the state Department of Labor and Training’s Web site yesterday, with an application period that began yesterday and ends Friday. Meanwhile, the association of local emergency directors in Rhode Island sent a letter to Governor Carcieri today urging him to bring Warren back. The letter signed by the association’s president, West Warwick emergency director Thomas Senerchia, said the group was very disappointed in Carcieri’s decision to fire a man who was “responsive,” “dedicated to the cause,” and “very accessible.” “The ‘storm’ of December 13 2007, was fast and furious and caught everyone of us by surprise. I don’t believe that anyone should be held responsible for this ‘act of God,’” the association’s letter stated. “You must know that Emergency Managers don’t self dispatch. We are NOT first responders. We are a supportive agency that provides help with every resource that we may have at our disposal BUT we MUST be asked for that help. We cannot simply ‘show up’ and impose ourselves on any municipality! This is NOT a military state and it should not be run as such! Please reconsider your firing of a man that took this agency to new heights and of a man that we all admired.” -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Oster trial: Land-transfer concerns ends Day One
The property, the Picerno family home on Preakness Drive, was transferred despite liens on it for unpaid taxes. Martell said that should have prevented any change of ownership until the taxes were paid. Oster is on trial in Superior Court on two charges of bribery and two counts of conspiracy for alleged activities when he was town administrator from 2000 to 2002. Oster’s case concerns six acres on Route 116 near the Blackstone River called the H&H Screw property. The land's legal status has remained unresolved since the early 1990s when the owner went bankrupt and no one took title to the property. Another prosecutor, Bethany Macktaz, said in opening statements yesterday that the state will show that twice, in 2001 and 2002, with different buyers, Oster and Picerno conspired to sell the property at a “rock bottom” price in exchange for bribes. In 2004, Picerno pleaded no contest to four counts of bribery and three counts of conspiracy related to this case. The defense lawyer contends Picerno is seeking leniency in his sentencing. This afternoon's testimony was taken up mostly by L. Robert Smith, a civil engineer who worked for the town of Lincoln in 2001 while it was searching for a permanent, certified town engineer. Smith told how he was recruited by Picerno to work for the town. Under direct examination by prosecutor William Ferland, Smith said at one time he had been frustrated at being unable to reach the town’s lawyers -- he was to be a witness in a land use suit -- and Oster. He said during an encounter at the Lodge restaurant with Oster and Picerno, who had invited him there, Oster told him that if he was having trouble reaching him to call Picerno. But on cross examination, Oster's defense lawyer, C. Leonard O’Brien, established that when Picerno contacted Smith about working for the town he was part of Oster’s transition team. O’Brien also got Smith to say that though Oster had told him to call Picerno if the engineer needed to reach him, Smith never did. Click the following link to read reports from trial activity earlier today. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson and Journal staff writer John Hill Prosecution seeks to link ex-planning official Earlier today, the prosecution sought to show that Picerno, an ex-Lincoln Planning Board member, was a significant campaign fund-raiser for Oster. Under prosecutor Macktaz's questioning, Michael Hill, Oster’s campaign treasurer, testified that in 2000 Oster's campaign raised $43,284 -- and that $10,655 of it came from a fund-raiser Macktaz said former planning official/former Oster ally Robert Picerno organized at the Aurora civic club in December 2000. O'Brien sought to play down Picerno's role in the fundraising activities. He pointed out that $10,655 figure did not include expenses for a sit-down dinner. He also pressed Hill on how heavily involved Picerno was in the fundraiser, suggesting to Hill that it was not referred to as a Picerno fundraiser until state police started calling it that with Hill.
The first morning of testimony was taken up mostly by current Lincoln Town Clerk Karen Allen as the state began to lay the groundwork for its case. The state introduced into evidence town land records and tax assessor records mostly concerning the Route 116 land. On cross examination, O’Brien challenged some of the records, particularly those from the assessor's office that discussed the value of the land. O’Brien argued that since Allen wasn’t involved in production or recording of the records, she was not qualified to testify about them, and therefore they should not have been entered into evidence. Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia overruled O'Brien's objection, admitting the records into the official court documents. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:56 PM | Comment Update: Foxwoods hotel fire forces out hundreds / Photo
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- A seven-alarm fire on a hotel roof forced hundreds of gamblers and guests out of Foxwoods Resort Casino today. It was the second rooftop fire at an American hotel-casino since Friday, when a blaze damaged the top floors of the Monte Carlo on the Las Vegas Strip and sent 17 people to hospitals with minor injuries. There were no injuries reported from the fire today at the Great Cedar Hotel, one of three hotels at Foxwoods, said Arthur Henick, a spokesman for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which runs the casino. The fire, reported shortly after 11:30 a.m., was still smoldering this afternoon. The cause was under investigation. Henick said Foxwoods officials were not speculating about whether the fire was an accident or arson, but they believed it started on the roof of the eight-story building. He said he was not aware of any construction work that was being done on the roof. Officials first evacuated the top three floors of the hotel, then later evacuated the entire 312-room building. As a precaution, officials also evacuated the Great Cedar Casino, located on the ground floor of the hotel and one of Foxwoods' six casinos. Casino officials were assessing the damage. Henick said most of the damage to the top floors is expected to be from all the water used to put out the fire. He said the fire was confined to the roof area. "We've had some smoky things before," Henick said about previous incidents at Foxwoods. "Certainly in the 10 years I've been here, it's the biggest we've ever had." +-- The Associated Press More than 50 firefighters from the tribe's fire department and nearby towns responded. The tribal and state fire marshals' offices also are investigating. Donna Garfield of Lawrence, Mass., told The Day of New London that she was gambling at a slot machine when security personnel told her to leave the building. "All I was told was that we had to leave for safety reasons but I didn't know there was a fire until I saw the fire trucks outside," she said. On Friday, a blaze on exterior foam-based sculpting at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas caused employees and guests in some 2,400 occupied rooms to be evacuated. A cause of that fire has not been determined. Posted by Jack Perry at 5:37 PM | Comment W. Warwick man indicted today on murder chargeA West Warwick man was indicted today on one count of murder for allegedly stabbing to death Ronald Dufour in November last year in West Warwick. The Kent County Grand Jury handed up an indictment today naming Robert E. Payette on the murder count, Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office announced this evening. Payette will be arraigned in Kent County Superior Court on Feb. 15. The Journal reported that Payette, of 19 Maple Ave, was arrested Nov. 11. State police said they received a tip that Payette stabbed Dufour, 66, of 56 Maple Ave., at River Run apartments, then dumped the body into a hole at the bottom of a ravine leading to the Pawtuxet River behind the complex. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports CORRECTION: The original version of this posting incorrectly reported the name of Ronald Dufour. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:15 PM | Comment Voters in mock election at Central High pick ObamaPROVIDENCE -- Hillary Rodham Clinton, beware. If today’s mock presidential election at Central High School carries any symbolic weight, then it is clear that Barack Obama has captured the hearts and minds of the millennial generation. Today, six “presidential” candidates from Central High School tried to make their pitch to a room of high school juniors and seniors, many of whom are too young to vote in the March 4 presidential primary in Rhode Island. It was all part of a morning-long primer in the democratic process sponsored by Central High School’s Jill Teixeira, who runs Project Impact, a program that helps students make the transition from high school to adulthood. Besides the teenage candidates, the keynote speakers were Secretary of State Ralph Mollis and General Treasurer Frank Caprio. “This is a historic election,” Mollis told 250 high school juniors and seniors in the high school’s cafeteria. “It’s the first election in more than a generation in which neither the incumbent president nor the vice president are running for re-election.” And the diversity of this year’s candidates -- a black man, a woman, a Mormon and a Vietnam War veteran -- is also unprecedented, he said. “Who in this room,” Mollis asked, “has been paying attention to the campaign?” Only a few hands went up. Next, Mollis underscored the power of one vote. If one person in every polling place in every state had changed their vote seven years ago, President George W. Bush would not be sitting in the White House. Then it was time for the main event. Six young men and women took the microphone and made a case for their respective candidates: on the Republican slate, Octavio Gomez for Mike Huckabee; Fily Rosales for Mitt Romney; Julio Jimenez for John McCain; and, on the Democratic side, Linette de Jesus for Barack Obama; Ariel Acosta for Hillary Rodham Clinton and Steven Hopp for John Edwards. -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg De Jesus read a compelling article from the Atlantic Monthly called “Why Obama Matters,” in which the author argues that Obama is the only candidate who can heal the generational divide between the baby-boomers and the younger generations. “It isn’t just that Obama is about ending the war,” she said, ‘It’s about ending the war within America that has crippled America. It’s the war over culture, gender, race and religion. “When the world is changing this rapidly, sometimes the greater risk is caution,” De Jesus said. “We may have found that bridge to the 21st century. His name is Obama.” Hopp seemed to be channeling Edwards, with his call for a quick end to the Iraq war, his pledge to make health care universal and his promise to reduce poverty. But it was his pledge to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 that really caught the crowd’s attention because this audience knows what it’s like to earn only $7.40 an hour. “I like that!” one teenager yelled. Acosta stayed on message. Clinton, she said, is the only candidate with enough experience to step into the White House and hit the ground running. Borrowing a phrase from Edwards, she said, “Hillary Clinton has been standing up for the middle class since Day 1.” And taking a page from Obama, Acosta said, “She has what it takes to make a new beginning.” Gomez, a Huckabee man, sounded like he wrote the stump speech himself. More importantly, he sounded like he believed in every word he said. “I want our children to think outside the box, to think outside the cardboard factory,” he said, looking sharp in a neutral-toned suit. “It’s just as important to encourage children with artistic talent as it is to encourage children with athletic talent.” Then, Gomez rattled off a bunch of statistics to bolster his argument that the arts make a difference in the lives of impoverished students: Children who are exposed to the arts do better academically; they are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior and they are less likely to drop out. In keeping with Huckabee’s self-proclaimed outsider status, Gomez was more than willing to rattle the chains of organized labor. In one breath, he promised to oppose the teachers’ union, while in the next, he also said he would raise their salaries. “We need to hold teachers accountable,” Gomez said, his voice rising. “We need to test teachers as well as students. We should forgive teachers’ student loans to attract high-quality teachers to low-performing schools.” After the speeches were over, students were invited to vote in a mock presidential election using real paper ballots and an actual voting machine. A highly unscientific exit poll showed that Obama had captured the imagination of the under-19 crowd. Here’s a few reasons why: “Obama comes from the same background,” said Marisol Oppenheimer, a senior. “Race is a big deal. We’ve never had a black president before.” “Every time he speaks on television, he talks about the future of children,” said Nicoli Beasley, a senior. “That concerns me because I’m going to college.” But there were a few voters who were swayed by the gender issue. As Robert Beausoleil put it, “I want to see a girl for president.” When all was said and done, Obama won the Democratic election by a more than 2-1 majority, with 78 votes to Clinton’s 57 votes. Edwards trailed with a total of 27 votes. On the Republican side, McCain demolished his rivals, scoring 20 votes to Romney’s 6. Huckabee received four votes, Rudy Giuliani received two votes and Fred Thompson, who is no longer a candidate, got one vote. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:10 PM | Comment Providence man injured in Webster, Mass., shootingDUDLEY, Mass. -- A judge has ordered a Worcester man held without bail on a charge of murdering his ex-girlfriend at a Webster auto parts store yesterday. Authorities say 38-year-old William Goddard also shot and injured another worker, who is from Providence, at Action Crash Parts. Goddard was arraigned today in Dudley District Court on a charge of murder and armed assault with intent to commit murder. The charges stem from the shooting death of 30-year-old Kelly Brackley, a mother of five from Auburn. The police say Brackley was the target in the attack and that her co-worker, 25-year-old Yograj Shivoasani of Providence, suffered a gunshot wound in the arm. Goddard eluded the police for several hours before he was arrested in the woods in Berlin after a standoff. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:14 PM | Comment Lynch, other AGs seek denial of S.C. coal-fired plantCHARLESTON, S.C. -- Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch joined seven attorneys general to ask environmental officials in South Carolina to deny a permit to build a coal-fired power plant. A letter sent this month says the proposed plant would release millions of tons of carbon dioxide in the air, hurting efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Lynch signed it, as did his counterparts from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and other states. The power plant is expected to provide enough power for 600,000 homes. The company proposing it, Santee Cooper, says it will be built with equipment to meet or exceed state and federal standards. The same group of attorneys general sent a letter to Kansas officials last year arguing against a power plant. That permit was denied. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:10 PM | Comment Governor to unveil plans to trim Ocean Staters' figuresGovernor Carcieri, who has made headlines with proposals to put state budget figures on a crash diet, will tomorrow help launch a program aimed at trimming your figure. Carcieri and Dr. David Gifford, the state Health Department director, will be among officials unveiling a "year-long wellness initiative" -- cut the calories, in ordinary-people speak -- called “Healthy Weight in 2008." The announcement will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Thundermist Health Center in Woonsocket. Fifity-six percent of adults are overweight or obese in Rhode Island, the governor's office said in a news release today. Health problems related to being overweight and obesity include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, depression, and various cancers. Tomorrow's goal is to tell people about activities and events being planned this year. The initiative includes several partner organizations. “Rhode Islanders should stay tuned all through the year for Healthy Weight in 2008 events and information that will be fun and helpful,” the governor said. “Once again, Rhode Island will lead the way in wellness.” The news release focused on trimming calories can't resist a little something about trimming finances: "According to the National Governors Association," it says, "taxpayers pay for half the cost of the nation’s medical expenses directly attributed to obesity. "In the State of Rhode Island, that translates to $185 per taxpayer each year." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:00 PM | Comment Photo: Overflow crowd at House finance panel hearing
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:44 PM | Comment Photo: Tom Brady spots the cover guy
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:59 PM | Comment Audio: Bakst interviews Rep. Kennedy on Obama choice
AP photoSen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, talks with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., shakes hands as they all arrive for President Bush's State of the Union address before Congress last night.
The congressman, his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, and his father, U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts lent the power of the Kennedy political dynasty to Obama, despite a closer personal and political relationship with fellow presidential contender, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Listen to two audio clips from the interview: Audio: Hear Patrick Kennedy describe speaking with Sen. Clinton for the first time since his family endorsed Obama, after the State of the Union address last night. 2 min., 16 secs.
Posted by maria caporizzo at 2:20 PM | Comment Oster trial: Prosecution seeks to link ex-planning officialPROVIDENCE -- The prosecution in the bribery and conspiracy trial of ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster sought to show this morning that an ex-Lincoln Planning Board member was a significant campaign fund-raiser for Oster. Under prosecutor Bethany Macktaz's questioning, Michael Hill, Oster’s campaign treasurer, testified that in 2000 Oster's campaign raised $43,284 -- and that $10,655 of it came from a fund-raiser Macktaz said former planning official/former Oster ally Robert Picerno organized at the Aurora civic club in December 2000. But Oster's defense lawyer, C. Leonard O'Brien, sought to play down Picerno's role in the fundraising activities. He pointed out that $10,655 figure did not include expenses for a sit-down dinner. He also pressed Hill on how heavily involved Picerno was in the fundraiser, suggesting to Hill that it was not referred to as a Picerno fundraiser until state police started calling it that with Hill. Oster faces two charges of bribery and two counts of conspiracy for alleged activities when he was town administrator from 2000 to 2002. Oster’s case concerns six acres on Route 116 near the Blackstone River called the H&H Screw property. The land's legal status has remained unresolved since the early 1990s when the owner went bankrupt and no one took title to the property. Macktaz said in opening statements yesterday that the state will show that twice, in 2001 and 2002, with different buyers, Oster and Picerno conspired to sell the property at a “rock bottom” price in exchange for bribes. In 2004, Picerno pleaded no contest to four counts of bribery and three counts of conspiracy related to this case. The defense lawyer contends Picerno is seeking leniency in his sentencing. Testimony is slated to resume at 2 p.m. today following lunch. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Testimony begins in trial of ex-Lincoln administrator Oster Earlier today, current Lincoln Town Clerk Karen Allen gave testimony as the state began to lay the case's groundwork. The state introduced into evidence town land records and tax assessor records mostly concerning a piece of property on Route 116 known as the H&H Screw company land. The property figures prominently in the state’s case, as it claims Oster took bribes in exchange for promises to sell it. On cross examination, defense lawyer C. Leonard O’Brien challenged some of the records, particularly those from the assessor's office that discussed the value of the land. O’Brien argued that since Allen wasn’t involved in production or recording of the records, she was not qualified to testify about them, and therefore they should not have been entered into evidence. Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia overruled O'Brien's objection, admitting the records into the official court documents. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:39 PM | Comment Testimony begins in trial of ex-Lincoln administratorFormer Lincoln town administrator Jonathan F. Oster faces two charges of bribery and two counts of conspiracy for alleged activities during his tenure as town administrator, from 2000 to 2002. The first morning of testimony in his trial in Superior Court, Providence, was taken up mostly by current Lincoln Town Clerk Karen Allen as the state began to lay the groundwork for its case. The state introduced into evidence town land records and tax assessor records mostly concerning a piece of property on Route 116 known as the H&H Screw company land. The property figures prominently in the state’s case, as it claims Oster took bribes in exchange for promises to sell it. On cross examination, defense lawyer C. Leonard O’Brien challenged some of the records, particularly those from the assessors, office that discussed the value of the land. O’Brien argued that since Allen wasn’t involved in production or recording of the records, she was not qualified to testify about them, and therefore they should not have been entered into evidence. Associate Justice Gilbert V. Indeglia overruled O'Brien's objection, admitting the records into the official court documents. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill But Oster’s lawyer, C. Leonard O’Brien, said every supposed bribe had a reasonable explanation. Testimony is set to resume this afternoon. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:20 PM | Comment House panel meets on parts of supplemental budgetPROVIDENCE -- The House Finance Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing at noon today on several parts of Governor Carcieri's supplemental budget proposal. The supplemental budget aims to shore up a projected $151 million deficit over the next six months. According to the agenda, the committee will meet today on: * Article 3, which deals with privatization fo state services. * Article 4, which pertains to money for health benefits. * Article 5, which concerns certified teachers' and city/town employees' rights to bargain. * Article 8, which deals with post-retirement employment of public officers and employees. * Article 24, which concerns police officers' and firefighters' relief benefits. The hearing is in room 35 -- Trainor Hearing Room -- in the State House. The committee is slated to meet tomorrow at noon as well on several other parts of the governor's budget proposal. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:14 PM | Comment Pack your wallet if you want to check extra bagsThe airline that accounts for more than half of all passengers at T.F. Green Airport begins charging more for customers who want to check more than two pieces of luggage. Southwest Airlines starts charging $25 for a third piece of luggage, and more for additional bags. A spokesman for the company, Chrisl Mainz, said the new costs would apply to less than 2 percent of the airline's customers. The aim of the new fees is to help free luggage-hold space to carry more cargo, an area the low-fare carrier is targeting to raise revenue, Mainz said. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:33 AM | Comment Rhode Island income-tax forms are in the mailState income-tax packages have begun arriving in mailboxes. Michael F. Canole, chief revenue agent for the Rhode Island Division of Taxation's personal income-tax section, said that many of the packages began arriving last week. Others should be received this week. "They are in the mail," Canole said today. Altogether, the agency has mailed about 63,000 packages, he said. Most contain the Rhode Island Form 1040EZ; the remainder contain the longer Rhode Island Form 1040. All the forms are also available online. The state tax agency has also begun mailing forms on which people may claim a rebate under Rhode Island's statewide property-tax relief program. Earlier this month, the agency sent out about 50,000 packets containing forms with which to make quarterly estimated tax payments later this year, Canole said. -- Neil Downing, Journal business writer Posted by Jack Perry at 11:16 AM | Comment EMC profits up, but shares downBOSTON -- EMC Corp.'s fourth-quarter profit jumped 35 percent, beating Wall Street expectations, but the data storage vendor's results were overshadowed by disappointment over a technology firm in which EMC owns a majority stake. EMC's shares fell more than 8 percent in morning trading after software maker VMware Inc. reported disappointing revenue results after markets closed yesterday. The decline in EMC shares "is entirely due to VMware," whose market value of more than $31 billion approaches that of EMC's more than $35 billion, said Matt Bryson, of the technology research firm Avian Securities. EMC owns an 86 percent stake of VMware. Hopkinton, Mass.-based EMC said today its net income for the October-December period was $525.7 million, or 24 cents per share, compared with a profit of $388.8 million, or 18 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 19 percent to $3.83 billion from $3.21 billion a year ago. The profit and revenue performances beat the consensus forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, who had been expecting a profit of 22 cents per share, and revenue of $3.66 billion, on average. In morning trading, shares of EMC fell $1.38 to $15.53. VMware shares were down nearly 32 percent, after the maker of so-called "virtualization" software reported fourth-quarter revenue fell about $5 million short of analysts expectations of $417.4 million. -- The Associated Press EMC's fourth-quarter revenue from software licenses jumped 20 percent, outpacing the 15 percent growth in the storage systems business at EMC, whose rivals include IBM Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Network Appliance Inc. Revenue from professional services and systems maintenance, a smaller business segment than the other two, grew 27 percent. EMC's North American business posted a 16 percent sales gain, compared with 23 percent growth overseas. EMC offered its initial financial forecast for 2008, with expectations for revenue growth of 13 percent to $15 billion, and 14 percent profit growth to $1.04 per share, excluding one-time items and gains. The revenue target beat analysts' forecast of $14.7 billion, but Avian Securities' Bryson said he and many other observers had expected EMC to forecast a slightly higher 2008 annual profit. On a conference call with analysts, Joe Tucci, EMC's chairman, president and chief executive, said EMC was cautious in its profit outlook because of recent economic volatility and fears that it could hurt technology spending. "Today, we have not seen much of a down side, but as we go forward, I think being cautious is the order of the day," he said. EMC's stock has lost about a third of its value over the past three months after hitting as high as $25.47 in October following the August debut of VMware's stock in one of the tech sector's most highly anticipated IPOs since Google's. EMC, whose stock now closely tracks that of VMware, sold a 10 percent stake in the firm. Its software allows a single computer to function like multiple machines. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:15 AM | Comment R.I. researchers find CO may hurt heart, tooWe’ve heard how carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen, leaving victims of overexposure with headaches, nausea, dizziness, and, in the most extreme cases, death. But according to a study published in Academic Emergency Medicine’s January issue, carbon monoxide also weakens the heart by attacking heart muscle directly. “These findings suggest that heart damage caused by carbon monoxide may have long-lasting effects even after it’s been eliminated from the blood,” Selim Suner, the lead author of the study, and director of preparedness and disaster medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, said in a statement. In the study, a team of researchers from Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, looked at three groups of animals: a group exposed to carbon monoxide and oxygen, similar to the conditions of most poisoning; a group of animals exposed to nitrogen, which also starves the body of oxygen; and a control group that breathed normal air. In both the group that breathed the carbon monoxide/oxygen mix, and the group that breathed the nitrogen, the heart function appeared to be weakened. But after treatment with 100 percent oxygen, the group that breathed carbon monoxide did not recover heart function or blood pressure as much as the nitrogen group did. That led the researchers to believe that something other than oxygen deprivation was at work weakening patients who were exposed to carbon monoxide. Gregory Jay, an emergency physician at Rhode Island Hospital, and associate professor at Brown University, co-authored the study. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:01 AM | Comment Bribery trial of former Lincoln administrator continuesPROVIDENCE -- Six years after his arrest, the trial has started for a former Lincoln town administrator accused of using his position to take bribes and make money for himself, neglecting his town. Jonathan Oster faces two counts each of bribery and conspiracy. His trial began yesterday after being delayed for several years because of a dispute over evidence. But Oster’s lawyer, C. Leonard O’Brien, said every supposed bribe had a reasonable explanation. Testimony is set to begin today in Superior Court, Providence Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:36 AM | Comment A Super Bowl parade on Super Tuesday?BOSTON -- If the New England Patriots beat the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, a victory parade would likely be held next Tuesday, the same day Massachusetts holds its presidential primary election, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said. The mayor, while stressing that he did not want to "jinx" the Patriots by mentioning the possibility of a parade prior to the game, told The Boston Globe there would be little choice but to hold the event on Tuesday. The team would not arrive back from Arizona in time to have a parade on Monday, Menino said. But Wednesday would be too late, because a number of players including quarterback Tom Brady are scheduled to leave that day to participate in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Feb. 10. "You can't have a parade without the players," Menino said. -- The Associated Press Holding the parade on the same day as the primary would pose a number of practical and logistical concerns. The city is required to assign a police officer to all 254 of the city's voting precincts. But hundreds more police officers would be required for security and crowd control should a parade be held that day. Menino said the election would be the first priority, and city officials would map a parade route that would skirt polling places so that voters would not encounter any problems casting their ballots. The state's chief elections officer, Secretary of State William Galvin, said the city must assure that voters have unfettered access to polling places. "With all due respect to the New England Patriots - and I wish them well; I hope they win - holding the election of the next president of the United States is a little more important," he said. Massachusetts is among 22 states holding presidential primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5, dubbed by many as Super Tuesday. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:30 AM | Comment Providence woman appeals ruling in Nazi art case
In this photo provided by Concordia University, an oil on canvas painting by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, (1806-1873), entitled "Girl from the Sabiner Mountains," obtained from a 1937 auction catalog via the University. PROVIDENCE — A Providence woman is appealing a court order forcing her to give the estate of a Jewish art dealer a painting her family bought about 70 years ago. In December, a federal judge ruled that Maria-Luise Bissonnette must give back a 19th-century painting called “Girl from the Sabine Mountains” to the estate of Max Stern. Stern’s family owned an art gallery in Germany. Nazi authorities ordered Stern to auction off its holdings. Bissonnette's stepfather purchased the painting, which Bissonnette inherited. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:08 AM | Comment R.I. leaders mourn late senator from WoonsocketPROVIDENCE -- A day of mourning for a late state lawmaker from Woonsocket. Senator Roger Badeau died last week of pancreatic cancer at 71. Governor Carcieri and other politicians are expected to attend a funeral Mass today for Badeau at Saint Joseph's Church in Woonsocket. He will be buried in nearby Bellingham, Massachusetts. A legislative spokesman says the Senate will not meet today to honor Badeau, who was first elected to a seat there in 1984. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment An unseasonably warm day on the wayIt's cold and dry now, it may get cold and wet later. The National Weather Service is forecasting a slight chance of rain later in the afternoon and mild, high temperatures reaching 46 degrees, about 10 degrees higher than normal, but more than 20 degrees shy of the 1934 record of 69 degrees. A higher chance of rain tonight and early tomorrow morning when the temperature drops to the mid 30s. Expect the rain to continue into the day tomorrow when the temperature reaches the mid 40s again. West winds may gust as high as 33 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the Kennedys endorsing the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 28, 2008Tonight: Indian classical and jazz fuse at Chan'sThere's Indian classical music and jazz mixed together in the works of the Bombay Jazz quartet, which features jazz guitarist Larry Coryell and plays tonight. George Brooks is on saxophone, Ronu Majumdar on flute, and Vijay Ghate on tabla. There are two shows at Chan’s, 267 Main St., Woonsocket, at 8 and 10 p.m. Admission is $22 for the 8 p.m. show; $18 for the 10 p.m., or $25 for both. For information and reservations, call (401) 765-1900. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment These R.I. citizens join lawmakers for State of the UnionIn his final State of the Union speech, President Bush tonight will ask Congress to swiftly pass $150 million in economic stimulus funds, urge no tax increases, talk about tougher borders and immigration, and stress that some level of troops should remain in Iraq, citing statistics of what he says is decreased violence there. The president will also pledge to veto any budget appropriations bill Congress sends him unless various congressional earmarks -- sometimes called "pork" -- are hacked in half. That goes for both number, and cost of, earmarks. It is one part of what the president's speech will say is the goal of balancing the budget by 2012 -- years after Bush has left office. Video: Projo.com will stream the State of the Union, scheduled to start at 9 p.m., and the Democratic response, live tonight, and offer a survey for your reaction. But don't wait for the speech and the talking heads: Read for yourself about what the president is expected to prioritize here. Many Rhode Islanders will watch the address on television. But four others will watch from the halls of Congress -- and not just the state's congressional delegation. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Bank Rhode Island president and chief executive officer Merrill W. Sherman is Sen. Jack Reed's special guest tonight. She spearheaded the creation of the bank in 1996, has been head of two other New England banks, and, before that, practiced law with a major Providence firm. Mike Tracy, a cancer survivor from East Providence's Riverside section, is slated to be a guest of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island. According to Whitehouse's office, Tracy suffered from a misdiagnosed case of squamous cell carcinoma on his foot, and his cancer therefore went untreated for years. He was told his leg would have to be amputated to prevent the cancer's spreading. After he got a second opinion at a Boston hospital, his final diagnosis had to be delayed several weeks so his complete records could be moved from Providence, the release said. “A mistaken diagnosis changed my life forever. Paper medical records meant I had to wait in limbo -- knowing my life was in danger -- while my chart was transferred from one hospital to another. Nobody should have to go through an experience like this,” Tracy said in the statement released last week. “We need to fix the health care system.” Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee, a Democrat, will be a guest of U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-Rhode Island, watching the speech from the House Gallery. “Mayor McKee epitomizes the plight of mayors across the country facing diminishing resources from the state and federal governments, as well as the challenges innate in running a municipality,” Kennedy said in a statement last week. “He is quickly becoming known in national circles as an innovator and strategic thinker, particularly in the area of education.” McKee stated he looks forward to the trip “and the opportunity to discuss some of the key issues that are having an impact on the state of Rhode Island." U.S. Rep. James Langevin's guest at the State of the Union will be Anne Nolan, president of Crossroads Rhode Island. Nolan joined Crossroads in 2000. Formerly Travelers Aid, Crossroads, under Nolan’s leadership, has opened a headquarters on Broad Street overlooking Route 95, including a state-of-the-art medical clinic, and launched Operation First Step, an emergency assessment shelter to the newly homeless. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:34 PM | Comment Photo: Giving his seal of approval
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:12 PM | Comment Ex-Lincoln official's trial on bribery charges beginsPROVIDENCE -- The trial of ex-Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster on bribery and conspiracy charges began this afternoon as the prosecution and defense made opening arguments to the jury. Prosecutor Bethany Macktaz laid out the state's case in Providence County Superior Court alleging that Oster and his former political ally and ex-Lincoln Planning Board member Robert Picerno had extorted money from two sets of would-be buyers of a piece of industrial property on George Washington Highway in Lincoln. Macktaz said the state's evidence will show that Oster and Picerno twice tried to sell the land, which the town controlled, for $105,000 -- and a $25,000 bribe. The defense contended that the only conspiracy was by Picerno and the state police against his client. Defense lawyer C. Leonard O'Brien portrayed Picerno as a "personable scoundrel" and "a flim-flam man" who successfully plea-bargained his way out of more serious charges by implicating Oster in a plan that O'Brien said the town administrator knew nothing about. The trial covers activities that allegedly occured while Oster was town administrator from 2000 to 2002. He was arrested in February 2002 on two counts of bribery and two count of conspiracy to commit bribery The trial will resume tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. -- Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:56 PM | Comment Assembly cancels sessions to attend senator's servicesPROVIDENCE -- State lawmakers have canceled sessions and hearings to attend the wake and funeral of Woonsocket Sen. Roger Badeau, who died last week. Badeau was 71 and died from pancreatic cancer. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1984. A spokesman for Senate President Joseph Montalbano says Badeau's wake is scheduled for today, and his funeral is scheduled for tomorrow. The Senate has canceled several committee hearings so lawmakers can attend the wake. The Senate has also canceled its scheduled session on Tuesday evening in honor of Badeau. Governor Carcieri is also scheduled to attend the funeral tomorrow, according to his calendar for the day. Read Badeau's obituary, check calling hours and funeral information, and sign an online guestbook. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:40 PM | Comment 'Superman' building in downtown Providence is sold
PROVIDENCE -- The Inland Real Estate Corporation has sold the Art Deco-style Bank of America tower, known locally as "the Superman building," to High Rock Westminster Street LLC, a company affiliated with Compass Realty Associates in Burlington, Mass., according to the broker, NAI Hunneman Commercial. The deal closed on Friday, Jonathan Aron, a vice president at NAI Hunneman, said. High Rock paid $33 million. “It’s such a landmark building,” Aron said. “It’s such an identifiable building in Providence.” The Superman reference, for those of a certain age, stems from the similarity to the Daily Planet building, workplace of Clark Kent, aka Superman, in the 1950s TV series about the comic-book hero. Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 4:40 PM | Comment Teachers rescue unconscious Cranston 7th graderCRANSTON -- A seventh grader who could not swim well became unconscious after she jumped into the deep end of a Park View Middle School pool this morning. She was later revived and taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital and is expected to be discharged today. The incident occurred at 11 a.m. today. The girl, who was not identified, was among those swimmers not considered proficient. But she saw some friends in the pool's deeper end, jumped in to be with them and ended up having troubles, according to authorities. A physical education teacher jumped into the pool and pulled the girl out with help from another teacher who was on the pool's apron, according to Raymond Votto, chief operating officer of the Cranston schools. They called 911, and began administering CPR. She was alert and responsive when emergency services personnel arrived. A school nurse went with the girl to the hospital. School administrators were notified the girl was all right and would at some point go home with her family. "Our staff reacted in a very quick and consistent manner," said Votto. He added that by using their training, they did a commendable job. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:30 PM | Comment Whitehouse kicks off global-warming campaign at BrownPROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse spoke to a supportive and packed auditorium at Brown University today about global warming challenges that lie ahead and how voters need to elect a president that will lead the nation, and complement the Democratic majority in Congress, in pushing more progressive legislation to slow the effects of climate change. Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, criticized the Bush Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for what he said were their inadequate efforts to address the nation’s environmental issues, making specific reference to the agency’s decision rejecting states’ right to set their own vehicle emission standards. Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said he has co-sponsored legislation that would allow states to regulate vehicle emissions. Channeling the mantra of frustrated environmental advocates across the world, Whitehouse called for Bush to “lead or get out of the way.” Whitehouse’s speech at Brown was the university’s first event of the global warming awareness campaign called Focus the Nation, which is a national effort to educate the public, especially students, about the dangers posed by unchecked climate change and to push legislative efforts that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Several other universities in the state, including the University of Rhode Island and Johnson & Wales University, are participating in the effort by hosting screenings informational videos and asking teachers to stress the link between their areas of expertise to climate change during their classes. -- Journal environment writer Natalie Garcia Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:31 PM | Comment Ice still too thin for safe skating, DEM says / Photo
Remember, a little bit of ice does not an ice skating rink make. That's what the Department of Environmental Management is reminding people of today. To be considered safe, DEM officials say ice must have a uniform thickness of at least 6 inches -- something that requires about a week of temperatures in the 20s. You can't tell if ice is safe just by looking -- there are many factors that determine how stable the ice is, including the salinity and presence of currents and streams. The DEM checks the ice at several of its state park and recreational areas. Call the State Park Ice Information Line at (401) 222-2632 to get the results. Get more information about the ice skating safety in the DEM's ice safety guide. So if you want to guarantee safe skating, find a man-made rink. There's the Bank of America City Center rink in downtown Providence, a great place to take a half-hour twirl on the ice during lunch, or after work, while everyone else is skidding out on the highway, you can work on your double axel. Other rinks open for public skating include these in Newport, Cranston, Woonsocket and the URI Kingston campus.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:18 PM | Comment MBTA brings free WiFi to first set of commuter trainsNo more excuses for these commuters to nap on the train. Beginning this week, commuters on the Worcester/Framingham MBTA commuter rail line to Boston will have free WiFi service. When the service comes online, you can use your laptop, PDA, mobile phone, mp3 player, or whatever else it is you use to stay connected to give yourself an extra hour of work – or online video games. Lt. Gov. Tim Murray announced the program, saying the program is “an important first step in our commitment to improve commuter services throughout the Commonwealth.” At least one passenger car on each of the 41 inbound and outbound trains on the Worcester/Framingham line will be equipped with a wireless router to begin with, Murray said. Signs will announce on the more than 40 cars that they’re WiFi ready. During this first phase of connectivity, “feedback from our riders will be solicited to help us maximize the technology’s benefits, and then expand the program to other parts of the 13-line Commuter Rail system,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:57 PM | Comment Update: 3 Kennedys take the stage to endorse ObamaWASHINGTON -- More than 40 years after the late President John F. Kennedy became associated with championing civil rights, three Kennedys today endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. 
AP photo Sens. Barack Obama, left, and Edward M. Kennedy, at the rally today. Veteran Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy called the Illinois senator someone with "extraordinary gifts of leadership and character." "I feel change in the air!" Kennedy bellowed during a rally at American University in Washington in which he made references to the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He said Obama has what it takes to "make America good again, from sea to shining sea." From the beginning, Kennedy said, Obama opposed the Iraq war. While he could have chosen a career in corporate law, he chose to serve the community in public life. With an Obama campaign poster prominently featuring the word "change" behind them, the elder Kennedy, his son, Rhode Island Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy -- daughter of President Kennedy -- lent the support of their political dynasty to Obama over New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton -- both dueling for the party's presidential nomination. Rep. Kennedy, who spoke first, recalled words of his uncle, John F. Kennedy, whose life -- like King's -- was cut short by an assassin's bullet: " 'Change is the law of life and those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.' " "We need to embrace change," Patrick Kennedy said, adding that he was there to declare his "complete support for a new generation of leadership," for someone who "dares to dream, who dares to hope." The endorsements come as Obama enters the week following his trouncing of Clinton in Saturday's South Carolina primary. Video: Watch a clip of Sen. Kennedy endorsing Obama, and his response. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:12 PM | Comment Restraining order against Pats' Moss extendedBOSTON — Lawyers for Randy Moss and the woman who accused him of battery agreed to extend a temporary restraining order she obtained against the New England Patriots wide receiver, his agent said today. A court hearing was scheduled today in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Rachelle Washington’s request for a permanent restraining order. The temporary order required Moss to stay at least 500 feet from Washington. No criminal charge has been brought, and they described each other as longtime friends. David McGill, Washington’s attorney, did not return calls. Moss is in Arizona for the Super Bowl on Sunday against the New York Giants. He has denied the accusation by Washington that he committed “battery causing serious injury” to her at her Florida home Jan. 6. “The restraining order will be continued by agreement of the attorneys,” Tim DiPiero, Moss’ agent, told The Associated Press in a statement. “The parties won’t be there.” Moss’ attorney, Richard Sharpstein, said he would appear at the hearing on his client’s behalf and agree to the extension of the restraining order until both parties can appear in court or the matter is resolved.
“We have no contest over the restraining order given the current situation. He will stay completely away from her and has no desire to have contact with her,” Sharpstein said. “He’s in Phoenix busy preparing to win the Super Bowl and on a day like today his mind is elsewhere.” The restraining order created a stir and potential distraction for Moss, who gave an emotional defense in the Patriots’ locker room for about 10 minutes on Jan. 16. Four days later, New England beat San Diego 21-12 in the AFC championship game at Foxborough. For the second straight game, he caught just one pass against the Chargers. The issue quickly faded from the spotlight, replaced last week by the swirl of attention around quarterback Tom Brady being spotted wearing a protective boot on his right foot in New York. He didn’t comment on it until arriving in Phoenix on Sunday night. “It’s feeling good. I’ll be ready to go,” Brady said. Moss said the woman who obtained the order has been a friend for 11 years and that she asked for “six figures” for what he said was an accident in which she was hurt. “They’re false allegations, something I’ve been battling for like the last couple of days of threats going public if I didn’t pay X amount of dollars,” Moss said. “This young lady by no means is hurt. I didn’t hurt her.” On draft day last April, the Patriots sent a 2007 fourth-round draft choice to Oakland for Moss. He set an NFL single-season record of 23 touchdown catches, breaking Jerry Rice’s mark by one. He finished tied for eighth in the league with 98 catches and second with 1,493 yards receiving. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:10 PM | Comment Dairy the cause of chicken recallIf you have a dairy allergy, pay close attention: Purdue Farms, Inc., has recalled about 25,000 pounds of its boneless, skinless chicken breast products because they may contain milk in the seasonings that is not listed on the label. The company’s 28.8-ounce package of “Perfect Portions,” are affected. They will have an establishment number: EST P-7903; UPC code: 72745-06819; Sell by or Freeze by Feb. 02, Feb. 03, Feb. 04, Feb. 05 or Feb. 06. Click here to see a .PDF file of the product and its label. Consumers with questions about food safety can have their questions answered online. Or call the USDA meat and poultry hotline at 1-888-674-6854. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:05 PM | Comment Tests show bones in N. Smithfield date back 500 yearsNORTH SMITHFIELD -- Initial tests on bone fragments found in mounds in North Smithfield show they are 500 to 600 years old and belonged to a young girl. Conservation Commission Chairman Donald Gagnon presented the results to the town council last week. The town is looking for more information about more than 100 stone mounds discovered last year near where a housing development had been scheduled to be built. The preliminary carbon dating testing on the remains appears to support the belief of a local archaeologist that the mounds are American Indian burial grounds. The town council approved money for more extensive testing that will help pinpoint the age of the other remains on the site. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:59 PM | Comment State police turn over 213 pages in smoke-shop casePROVIDENCE -- More than a week after the trial of seven Narragansett Indians in the smoke-shop raid case was scheduled to start, the state police today provided 213 pages of e-mails to the court. A judge last week expressed concern that the state police hadn't turned over all documents ahead of trial. The state and the defense are going through the e-mails. The state will argue that some of the documents should remain confidential. Computer experts for the defense and the state police will also look into whether deleted state police files can be recovered. They are expected to argue that matter in court on Friday. Late last week, testimony centered around the state police process for gathering and submitting evidence in preparation for the trial. The state police used a search warrant on the tribe's smoke shop in Charlestown under order from Governor Carcieri on July 14, 2003, to halt the Narragansetts from selling cigarettes without Rhode Island taxes. Two state police officials testified last week “it didn’t occur” to them to give defense lawyers the internal investigation into the raid or the witness statements that led to that report, until being subpoenaed by defense lawyers. One said he had put that file on a bookshelf, where it was until two weeks ago. Judge Susan E. McGuirl also heard in testimony from a state police official last week that officials failed to turn over internal affairs files based on complaints about the raid. “If you don’t ask, how are you going to have the knowledge?” McGuirl said in court last week. McGuirl last week ordered the state police to inspect the department’s files over the weekend to be sure all relevant information has been disclosed. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:53 PM | Comment Mill's Tavern again earns 4 stars on Mobil Travel GuidePROVIDENCE -- Mill's Tavern has again made the national list of restaurants meriting four stars by the Mobil Travel Guide, the only eatery to do so from Rhode Island for 2008. The travel guide today announced four-star and five-star restaurants, hotels and spas from around the country. Nationally, 41 lodgings, 17 restaurants and 3 spas got five-star ratings this go-around while 125 lodgings, 149 restaurants and 84 spas got four stars. According to the restaurant's Web site, it made the Mobil four-star list in 2005 and 2006, too. Read a Providence Journal review of the restaurant this month. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:27 PM | Comment Live video, 12:15 p.m.: The Kennedys endorse ObamaPROVIDENCE -- Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Democratic Party’s liberal lion, and his son, Rhode Island Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, will endorse Barack Obama for president today, giving the Illinois senator a new jolt of momentum in his campaign against New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination. The Kennedy endorsements come in the wake of Obama’s historic landslide victory Saturday in South Carolina’s primary. More important, they arrive eight days before the round of 22 state primaries and caucuses on Feb. 5 that loom as a de facto national primary that could decide whether Clinton or Obama wins the nomination. In an interview yesterday, Patrick Kennedy said he and Edward Kennedy will be joined by Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of the late President John F. Kennedy, who announced her support of Obama this weekend. -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:36 AM | Comment Gas prices fall againGas prices in Rhode Island have fallen for the third straight week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline at the self-service pump dropped three cents in the last week and is now $3.049, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has dropped nine cents in the last three weeks, but it's still well above the average of $2.209 at this time last year. The average price nationally is $2.989. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:58 AM | Comment Accused hit-and-run driver pleads not guiltyA Rhode Island man accused of fatally hitting a woman as she walked down a Seekonk, Mass., street with her daughter pleaded not guilty today to motor vehicle homicide in Superior Court. Camara, of 626 Prospect St., Pawtucket, was arrested Nov. 9 at his Seekonk business, American Granite, on Old Fall River Avenue. At his arraignment in New Bedford Superior Court this morning, Camara pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide and to a charge of leaving the scene of an accident, death resulting. He was released after posting $125,000 cash bail, and is due back in court for procedural matters March 27. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:38 AM | Comment Janitors at PC ready to strikeJanitors at Providence College employed by Hurley of America, Inc., have three days left in their contract, and they’re not happy. The group says they have faced harassment and threats for trying to get changes in the contract and that now, they're ready to strike. At a rally today, janitors will be joined by PC students and faculty, City Council Majority Leader Terrence Hassett, and other council members. The Council unanimously approved a resolution two weeks ago supporting the janitors. If an agreement cannot be reached on wage increases, benefits and overall working conditions by Jan. 31, the janitors, who are members of the Service Employees International Union, Local 615, say they’ll strike during the College’s Upperclassmen Family Weekend, Feb. 1 to Feb. 3. The group plans to meet at 4:30 today in front of Providence City Hall. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:32 AM | Comment Get help getting tax creditsSome Rhode Islanders could qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit as high as $4,700 without even knowing it. The 7th annual Providence Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign begins today with the goal of training volunteers to prepare income tax returns for low- to moderate-income families around the state so they can take advantage of the credits. The volunteers will be stationed in neighborhoods around the city in Olneyville, upper and Lower South Providence, and in Elmwood and the West End at International Institute of Rhode Island, the RI Family Life Center, Socio Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians, Providence Spanish 7th Day Adventist Church, Community Co-op Inc., Olneyville Housing Corporation and RI ACORN. This year’s goal is to reach more than 2,000 households. In the six years since it began, more than 6,000 households have taken advantage of the campaign, capturing about $4.5 million in tax credits. The EITC campaign is sponsored by the United Way of Rhode Island and Making Connections Providence. More details will be announced today at a 10 a.m. press conference at the John Hope Settlement House. Mayor David Cicilline will be joined by U. S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and local and federal representatives. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:25 AM | Comment Who says the weather is milder on the CapeJust a dusting of snow fell on the Providence area yesterday, but the story was far different about an hour away on Cape Cod, which was battered by high winds and heavy snow from yesterday afternoon into this morning. A storm that the National Weather Service characterizes as a near blizzard dumped more than 13 inches of snow on Wellfleet, more than 11 inches on Brewster and 10 inches on Falmouth, according to unofficial results on the weather service's site. School was canceled today in many Cape towns. The storm, which was expected to hit the Cape starting last night, turned nasty early. The National Weather Service had predicted snow showers off and on for much of the daytime hours yesterday with little accumulation. But the wet snow started sticking to the roads by yesterday morning, and by midafternoon, side roads were slick and those "snow showers" could sting your face. The wind was howling, and the snow appeared to be blowing sideways early last night. Cars were traveling about 10 mph. There were near whiteout conditions on the MidCape highway. For the most part, the snow had stopped by 5 a.m. and plowing crews were hitting the major roads, but the strong wind kept blowing the snow back onto the road. Posted by Jack Perry at 8:03 AM | Comment Sen. Whitehouse focuses on the environment"Global warming is real, and it has serious implications for the homes, businesses, communities, and ecosystems along our nation's coasts." So says U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. But what does he think should be done to combat the the effects of climate change? Find out today, when Whitehouse speaks at Brown University at a lecture sponsored by the University's Environmental Change Initiative and emPower, an environmental blog. The lecture is the first event of "Focus on the Nation," an interscholastic program beginning this week that pledges to weave environmental studies into all aspects of education. The talk begins at noon in Salomon Hall, room 101, on the university's main green. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:40 AM | Comment Woonsocket school closedFifth Avenue Elementary School is closed today. A snowstorm also forced some closings in southeastern Massachusetts. Keep tabs on school and municipal closings throughout Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts on projo.com's closings page.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:39 AM | Comment Trial of former Lincoln administrator begins todayPROVIDENCE — Former Lincoln Town Administrator Jonathan F. Oster’s trial on bribery and conspiracy charges will begin today, after lawyers for the state and the defendant agreed on the makeup of the jury Friday. Oster is facing two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy dating to his 2000-2002 tenure in office. The case was delayed for several years while disputes over evidence, some of it gathered for the first time under the state’s wiretapping laws, were appealed to the state Supreme Court. That appeal, and others on the procedures that would be used to manage the trial, resulted in many of the tapes being thrown out because they were not stored in accordance with state law and the judge’s orders. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Gusty and sunny with temps in the high 30sToday should be sunny with the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures in the high 30s and high winds gusting up to 33 mph. Skies should stay clear into the night, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s and winds gusting around 14 mph. The clouds return tomorrow, with milder temperatures upwards of 45 degrees and milder winds from the west of about 8 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about the Kennedys' endorsing presidential candidate Barack Obama and coverage of the Patriots' Super Bowl sendoff yesterday in Foxboro. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 25, 2008Weekend: Heavy metal, white lace and promisesStill firming up weekend plans for this weekend? (We pretty much know what most of you have in mind for next weekend). The 2008 Northeast International Auto Show is at the Rhode Island Convention Center tomorrow and Sunday. More than two dozen manufacturers are at the show, displaying their 2008 models, a collection of hybrid vehicles and pre-production 2009 vehicles. The Convention Center is at 1 Sabin St., Providence. Today’s hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children age 7 through 12. For more information, visit: www.motortrendautoshows.com. Looking for something a little less metallic? Try the Grand Bridal Show, Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, also tomorrow and Sunday. Exhibitors, fashions shows (1 and 4 pm). Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm. $15 advance, $20 at the door. For more information, call 785-4333, or go to www.thegrandbridalshow.com. See what else is going on around our area by visiting projo.com's calendars page. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 7:00 PM | Comment Riverpoint Lace Works sold, saving jobs
An investment group has purchased the Riverpoint Lace Works in West Warwick, preserving more than 50 manufacturing jobs. In November, the business filed for state receivership, a form of bankruptcy, raising the possibility that its equipment could be sold for scrap to pay back creditors. Instead, the Palmisciano-Ponte Investment Group bid $300,000 to buy the company and continue operating it, Peter Palmisciano Jr. said during a press conference tonight. "We saw an opportunity," Palmisciano said. "We feel we can walk in and help businesses turn around." Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 6:58 PM | Comment Sen. Badeau of Woonsocket dies of cancer at 71Longtime state Sen. Roger R. Badeau, who had pancreatic cancer, died today at his Woonsocket home. He was 71. Friends and colleagues of the Democratic senator mourned his loss, saying he had the ability to bring together labor and business leaders for a common objective. Badeau had served in the Senate since 1985. He represented District 20, in Cumberland and Woonsocket. He was chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor since 1992 and a member of the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee. This afternooon, Governor Carcieri ordered Rhode Island state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the senator. "Senator Badeau was a dedicated and respected public servant. We were proud to call him a colleague, and even more proud to call him a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lucille, his children, Marc and Renee and his entire family,” said Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano in a written statement. The senator helped to bring Rhode Island out of a crisis in its workers' compensation system in 1990. More recently, he pushed successful legislation to allow Rhode Islanders access to less expensive Canadian pharmaceuticals, as well as legislation repealing one of the last remaining blue laws, allowing liquor stores to open on Sundays, according to the Senate press office. -- Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina Badeau was a member of the former House District 66 Committee. He served as vice chairman of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Board of Directors for over a decade. He was a member of the Workers Compensation Advisory Commission since 1995, and the Unemployment Insurance Board. He served as board director of the Woonsocket Energy and Hydro Board from 1978 to 1982. He was involved in numerous civic and social organizations, including the Italian Workingmen’s Club; Circle Laurier, Inc.; Club Par-X; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 850; St. Joseph’s Veterans Association; and as president of St. Joseph’s Parish Council. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:39 PM | Comment Update: Not fire, but chemical reaction, at Intake CenterCRANSTON -- What officials initially thought was a fire turned out to be a smoky chemical reaction in a laundry room this afternoon at the Intake Center at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Prison officials evacuated inmates, staff and visitors after the reaction involving chlorine bleach occurred around 3:05 p.m. Poole said Cranston firefighters encountered thick smoke and strong odors. And Cranston fire officials said the department dispatched its hazardous materials team to help contain the problem. Poole said the ACI, on the advice of the hazardous material team, will move about 60 inmates with cells above the laundry room to vacant cells in another part of the building. It was unclear, by 6 p.m., what had caused the chemical reaction. Poole said there was no reason to expect foul play. Male prisoners stay in the Intake Center until they have been sentenced and classified. The building also includes a visitors’ area. -- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 6:28 PM | Comment Update: 184 seek to be convention delegates from R.I.More than 180 Rhode Island residents are vying for a chance to cast the state’s official votes for president at the presidential conventions. The Secretary of State’s Office has certified that 184 residents have collected the 150 signatures needed to get their name on the March 4 primary ballot. Leading the way are candidates seeking to serve as delegates for Mike Huckabee, with 41 certified who want to cast their vote for the Republican at the September convention in St. Paul, Minn. As for Democrats, Hillary Clinton led with 31 looking for a seat at the Democratic presidential convention in Denver this August, including former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino. Also in the Democratic aisle, former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty is vying for Barack Obama, and Governor Carcieri for Mitt Romney. On the Republican side, other notable candidates for delegate spots are Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian for Rudolph Guiliani and House Minority Leader Bob Watson for John McCain. On Feb. 1, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis holds a lottery at the State House to determine the order that the names will appear on the ballot. On March 4, Democratic voters will elect 13 delegates and 4 alternates to their convention. Republicans will elect 17 delegates and 17 alternates. In all, the Republicans will have 20 delegates and Democrats will have 32. The difference is made up by rules related to demographic make up that aim to ensure fair representation at the parties’ conventions. There are also some delegate appointments mandated by job title. For example, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline is a delegate by virtue of his being the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors -- a post to which he was elected at the group's winter meeting this week. See all the names and numbers of potential delegates on the secretary of state’s Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 5:51 PM | Comment Update: 2 young Warwick women die in crash / Photos
The police identified the victims this morning as Kelly Ann Richer, 22, of 111 Potowomut Road, Warwick, and Heather Drew, 18, of 217 Ives Road, Warwick. Both women lived near the accident scene, and the police believe Richer, heading east on Ives Road, was driving Drew home when the Chevrolet Cavalier they were traveling in went off the road and struck a tree. "We've had quite a number of fatal accidents there over the years," Police Lt. Kenneth LaForce said this morning. It was the first fatal accident of the year in Warwick. The investigation is ongoing, but according to Maj. Joseph Tavares, it seems that excessive speed was a factor and that the two were not wearing seatbelts. And at this point in the investigation, police have not ruled out drinking: "We haven't confirmed it," Tavares said, "we have not ruled it out." -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson and Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti
At about 11:43 last night, the police were dispatched to the accident and found the car off the eastbound side of Ives Road. The car was facing west. The police believe Richer was driving east on Ives Road when she swerved to avoid going off the road to her right, according to the police. The police believe the car then crossed the center line, to its left, and spun 180 degrees before traveling backwards off the road and hitting a tree off the eastbound side of the road. The car hit the tree on the driver's side, causing extensive damage to the left side and rear of the car. Both women were taken to Kent Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. After talking to the boyfriend, the police are looking into whether the women had been drinking, according to McCartney. They are awaiting toxicology tests. Richer was planning to move from her residence today, and the police believe Drew had been helping her pack. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 4:50 PM | Comment Oster bribery, conspiracy trial to begin MondayPROVIDENCE — Former Lincoln town administrator Jonathan F. Oster’s trial on bribery and conspiracy charges will begin Monday. Lawyers for the state and the defendant agreed on the makeup of the jury this afternoon. Asst. Atty. Gen. William Ferland and defense lawyer C. Leonard O’Brien culled out 15 potential jurors, including at least three Lincoln residents, during today’s morning session with Associate Justice Gilbert V. Indeglia. The process had begun Wednesday with jurors filling out questionnaires and the followed with the lawyers questioning randomly selected jurors on specifics yesterday. The questions usually centered on the potential juror’s attitudes toward the police, whether they would hold it against a defendant if he didn’t testify on his own behalf and their feelings about tape-recorded evidence. The 12-woman, four man panel — twelve jurors and four alternates — was ordered to ignore news accounts and not discuss the case with anyone. Oster is facing two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy dating back to his 2000-2002 tenure in office. The case was delayed for several years while pre-trial disputes over evidence, some of it gathered for the first time under the state’s wiretapping laws, were appealed to the state Supreme Court. That appeal resulted in many of the tapes being thrown out because of they were not stored in accordance with state law and the judge’s orders. Posted by Peter Phipps at 4:04 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Are you living in a house divided?Are you living in a house divided, a die-hard Patriots fan living with a family member who is rooting for the Giants? If so, can you laugh about it, or will you be watching the Super Bowl on separate TVs — maybe even in separate places?. Send your stories — please be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number — to sendus@projo.com. We’ll publish the best of the bunch the the day before the Big Game. Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 4:00 PM | Comment Ice buildup doomed New Bedford fishing vesselAn official investigation into the sinking last year of a New Bedford fishing vessel has affirmed what many fishermen and officials believed from the start: Lady of Grace probably sank because of ice buildup. The ship sank on Jan. 26, 2007 12 miles south of Hyannis, Mass. The four people on board died. During the investigation, Coast Guard officials spoke with other crews that were on the water at the time, and referred to weather data to reconstruct weather conditions. Naval Architects at the Coast Guard center in Washington, D.C., also aided in the investigation. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the fishermen who died," Capt. Raymond Perry, commander of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, said in a statement. "While these experienced New Bedford fishermen lost their lives, we hope that their legacy and the lessons learned from the investigation will help keep similar tragedies from happening." Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:58 PM | Comment Cicilline is new president of Democratic mayors groupProvidence Mayor David N. Cicilline has been elected president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, it was announced today. “It is truly an honor to be elected to lead the nation’s Democratic mayors at such a critical time in our history,” said Cicilline in a press release. “As we prepare to elect the next president of the United States, it’s important that candidates focus on the issues impacting America’s families such healthcare, education, energy and jobs. I pledge to work harder than ever in partnership with other mayors and Congressional leaders to advance the priorities of America’s cities.” Cicilline, who held the position of vice president of the organization for the past year, succeeds former Shirley Franklin, the mayor of Atlanta. He was elected to the post by mayors from throughout the country. NCDM is described as providing a forum for Democratic mayors to develop, recommend and promote public policies in support of America’s cities. It also acts as a liaison between the United States Conference of Mayors, Congressional leadership and leaders at all levels of government. Cicilline is now in Washington, D.C., at the winter meeting of the Conference of Mayors, his office said. The award is made in recognition of Cicilline's leadership with the Hospitality Resource Partnership he established a year ago to help deal with issues created by late-night crowds and rowdiness in the city's downtown. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:55 PM | Comment Pats' Brady a no-show again at early practice / Photo
Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl Belichick, seen on the screen of a television camera, waves goodbye as he concludes his morning news conference.
During the 45-minute period in the locker room, several cameramen lingered near his locker, but he didn't show up. Nor was he there for the first 12 minutes of practice that the media was allowed to watch. Asked if he could say whether Brady would practice today, New England coach Bill Belichick said, "not now. We'll see." Brady was photographed in New York on Monday wearing a protective boot on his right foot. He took it off later in the day and hasn't been photographed wearing it since. He reportedly has a minor high ankle sprain that isn't expected to keep him out of the Super Bowl against the New York Giants on Feb. 3. Brady wasn't seen during the first 15 minutes of yesterday's workout to which media were admitted, nor in the locker room. As Belichick was asked today to compare the current trip to the Super Bowl to the other three the team has played in, vice president of media relations Stacey James said, "final question." One reporter tried to squeeze in another, asking if Belichick could say what Brady did or didn't do yesterday, the Patriots first day of practice after a three-day break. "Was that the last question?" Belichick said with a smile, turning toward James. "That was the last question," James replied. With that, Belichick walked from the podium and out of the room. -- The Associated Press Extra: Get the full transcript of Belichick's press conference today and keep up with the latest Patriots developments via projo.com's PatsBlog.
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:08 PM | Comment Cumberland High briefly under lockdownCUMBERLAND -- A lockdown followed by a pulled fire alarm have kept Cumberland High School busy today. This morning, the school resource officer received information about an "incident" that was going to take place at the school, according to police. At 11:15, the school was put on "lockdown," according to Lt. Michael Duda, which meant students had to stay in their classrooms. The lockdown lasted until noon, Duda said, when the regular class schedule resumed. Meanwhile, police interviewed several students who were said to have been involved in the "incident." No details are available on what that means. Things were heading back to normal, when, at about 1 p.m., the fire alarm was pulled. Rescue and fire crews were responding to the school. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:42 PM | Comment Johnston finance director leaving the positionJOHNSTON — Finance Director Stephen Woerner has resigned and will be replaced by Woonsocket’s acting finance director, Robert Strom, Mayor Joseph M. Polisena said today. Woerner, who has been one of the leaders of Johnston’s financial recovery effort, is leaving to pursue another “business opportunity,” said Polisena. The mayor didn't elaborate. who did not “I held onto him as long as I could,” Polisena said. “It’s a loss. It really is.” Polisena said that the town’s finances are in much better order than they were when he took office a year ago. Strom will take office by Feb. 18, he said. The mayor reported that the town would have a new finance director on Feb. 18, Pitochelli said. He said that he and the mayor did not discuss the reason for Woerner's departure. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:07 PM | Comment Charlestown parcel added to roster of protected landsThe state has added more than 40 acres to its list of protected open spaces in Rhode Island. The newest area is a 43-acre wooded property near the drainage basin of Worden's Pond in Charlestown. The state bought a $363,000 conservation easement on he property, paid for by a federal grant and $61,000 in open space funds. The property is adjacent to another parcel of land that is protected by the federal forest legacy program, the South Kingstown Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy. It will remain available for scientific study and occasional access by conservation groups as well as for other educational purposes. The land will remain privately owned by Larry Webster, who will also manage it with the help of a forest management plan approved by the state Department of Environmental Management. The state has more than 2,000 acres of forest land that is protected from development and non-forest uses. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:03 PM | Comment Update: Suspect in wife's murder waives extraditionMurder suspect David Swain waived extradition this morning to Tortola, but it could be several weeks before he returns to the Caribbean island to face the charge. Jeffrey Denner, one of Swain's attorneys, says the former Jamestown Town Council member, has "nothing to hide" and is anxious to return to the Caribbean, clear his name and get on with his life. However, it could be several months, if not more, before Swain, a 51-year-old scuba shop owner, faces a jury. Swain, who is charged with killing his wife during a scuba vacation in 1999, won't likely face a trial until the fall, said Denner. Denner said the wheels of justice move just as slowly in Tortola. Even though they have fewer cases than courts here, they also have fewer court workers. Swain is being held without bail at Donald W. Wyatt Federal Detention Center in Central Falls. Swain feels resolute and confident that he'll be found innocent, said Denner, but he also feels regret -- regret that he didn't use an attorney during his civil case, which led to a wrongful death finding. Denner said Swain didn't believe that a civil finding against him would lead to a criminal prosecution. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney Posted by Jack Perry at 11:18 AM | Comment House fire in progress in WarwickFire crews are at the scene of a fire in progress at a Warwick residence. Fire officials say the fire is at 460 Greenbush Road, a two-story wooden building that was occupied at the time the call came in. It's unknown if there are any injuries.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:30 AM | Comment Be a tourist in your own stateThere’s no place like home. That’s what Governor Carcieri and his wife, Sue Carcieri, are saying as they prepare for Tour Rhode Island. The event is a one-day chance for residents to see what it is that brings millions of visitors to Rhode Island every year. For one day – Saturday, May 3 – there will be 24 tours running through the state, from open spaces to museums and galleries. More details about the tours will be released at a conference at 2 p.m. today in the State House. The Carcieris will be joined by Saul Kaplan, director for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, David DePetrillo, director of the Rhode Island Tourism Division, and other tourism industry heads. Andrew Schiff, the executive director of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank will also be on hand. Throughout the day, “local tourists” will be asked to donate food for the Food Bank. Tickets are $30 for all admissions, transportation and lunch. The only place to buy tickets will be to call AAA Southern New England at (877)-874-7845. A portion of the proceeds will go to Tourism Cares, an industry organization that donates to charities and works to preserve historic sites. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:14 AM | Comment Update: Power returned to 4,000 in northwest R.I.Power has been returned to about 4,000 customers in the northwest part of the state after a morning blackout. David Graves, spokesman for National Grid, says a burned wire near the Scituate substation caused the outage just before 7 a.m. to residents in Foster, Glocester and Scituate. By about 7:40 power was restored to about 3,200 customers. The remaining customers were able to turn the lights back on by 9:05. The company is still looking into the cause of the outage. Elementary and regional schools in Foster and Gloucester were closed because of the outage, and the the schedule at North Foster Day Care has been delayed. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:50 AM | Comment Year over for Year UpA program aimed at getting teenagers and young adults an opportunity to get some education and job training beyond high school is celebrating its most recent graduating class today. Twenty-two graduates of Year Up Providence, the regional chapter of the national Year Up program, will be on hand today at the Westin to celebrate graduation. The graduates will be joined by House Speaker William J. Murphy, D-West Warwick, House Majority Leader Gordon Fox, D-Providence, Providence Police Chief Col. Dean Esserman, and maybe Mayor David Cicilline, who was invited. After completing the one-year program, 60 percent of this year’s graduating class has already secured work in the information technology field with companies that include Bank of America, Citizen’s Bank, Collette Vacations and Lifespan. The graduates are meeting today at the Westin Providence hotel at 11:30 a.m. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:31 AM | Comment Man charged in scuba death faces extradition hearingPROVIDENCE -- A man charged with killing his wife while scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands will be back in court. David Swain, a former Jamestown town council member, is scheduled for an extradition hearing in federal court in Providence today. That could result in Swain being sent back to the British Virgin Island to stand trial on a murder charge. He has the option of waiving extradition, which could speed up his return to the Caribbean. Authorities there charged him last year in the 1999 death of his wife, Shelley Tyre. He has maintained his innocence, but a jury in 2006 found his responsible for her death and ordered him to pay damages to her parents. A lawyer for the Tyres say Swain was pursuing a relationship with another woman and killed Tyre for money. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Chilly and then a chance of snow tomorrow nightHold in there, the temperature won't stay in the teens all day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature near 30 degrees with clear, sunny skies and a west wind between 9 and 13 mph. It's back down to the teens tonight, with a low temperature of 16 degrees and a milder west wind. Tomorrow looks the same, with a high of about 31 degrees and mostly sunny skies with a mild north wind. We may see some snow late tomorrow night, with a low temperature near 20. Sunday, look for more snow -- there's a 30 percent chance of precipitation -- and a high temperature in the mid 30s. Sunday night may bring more snow, when the temperature dips to the mid 20s. Monday looks good for now, with a high temperature in the mid 30s and clear, sunny skies. For weather updates throughout the weekend, check projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page asks readers what they'd do with the tax rebate approved by leading lawmakers in Washington yesterday. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 24, 2008Tonight: A child's story on PBS; music in the clubsA one-hour documentary on Rhode Island PBS tonight offers the story of a 4-year-old boy with Down syndrome who is enrolled in a regular-education classroom at Brown/Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center in Providence. The documentary starts at 10 p.m. For information, go to www.ripbs.org. For those heading out this evening, there's rock and jazz in Providence. Mark Cutler and Friends play rock and rhythm and blues at Nick-A-Nees, 75 South St., Providence. 861-7290. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. The Rich Lataille Trio with Mike Tanaka play jazz at Chez Ben Restaurant, 345 South Water St., Providence. 521-7722, www.chezben-fahrenheit.com. 7 to 10 p.m. No cover. For tonight's other club listings, check out projo.com's list. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment Jury selection begins in former Lincoln official's trialPROVIDENCE -- Jury selection for former Lincoln town administrator Jonathan F. Oster’s bribery and conspiracy trial finished its first full day today, when eight potential jurors were excused as both sides sought to agree on a 12-member/two alternate jury. Two dozen prospective jurors were interviewed during today’s proceedings, and the process is expected to resume tomorrow morning. Superior Court Associate Justice Gilbert V. Indeglia also released a pre-trial evidence ruling that said the state could a series of conversations between ex-Planning Board member Robert R. Picerno and others as it tries to make its case against Oster. The state had asked that the conversations be admitted under a rule of evidence that permits statements that might otherwise be banned under the rules against hearsay. Indeglia ruled that the conversations that occurred before Picerno’s arrest on Feb. 15, 2002 could be used by the state as evidence of a possible bribery conspiracy. But, under that same hearsay exception rule, he excluded and conversations that took place after Feb.15, reasoning that after the arrest, any possible conspiracy between Picerno and Oster would have been over. Indeglia’s ruling noted his ruling was based on “proffers” of evidence by both sides, not actual sworn testimony in the case, and that he was reserving the right to reconsider the ruling during trial, “should the evidence presented to the jury differ substantially from what has been proffered.” The jury selection questioning provided a glimpse into the minds of both sides in the case. Besides general questions about their ability to presume a defendant innocent and whether his not testifying in a trial would affect their verdict, potential jurors were asked about their opinion of hidden microphone evidence and how much credibility they would give to a witness who had made a deal with prosecutors to accept a lesser charge in exchange for this testimony. Oster is facing two counts of bribery and two counts of conspiracy dating back to his 2000-2002 tenure in office. The case was delayed for several years while pre-trial disputes over evidence, some of it gathered for the first time under the state’s wiretapping laws, were appealed to the state Supreme Court. -- Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:40 PM | Comment Brown to cut its bill even for the upper middle classPROVIDENCE - Brown University is the latest elite institution to consider expanding financial aid to help more middle-class and upper-middle-class families afford steep college costs, which total more than $48,000 a year for Brown undergraduates. In the last month, several colleges with large endowments have announced dramatic increases in scholarship money for middle-income students, following the high-profile announcements of Harvard and Yale. Brown's governing board is expected to discuss the matter when it meets Feb. 23, said James Tilton, the university's financial aid director. "We are constantly looking for ways to improve our financial aid awards, not only for needy students but for all students," Tilton said. Tilton declined to release details about what changes Brown might make. About 43 percent of Brown's freshman class - the largest percentage in the university's history - received financial aid, with the average scholarship being $25,500 a year. "We are looking very closely at making adjustments to our financial aid programs," Tilton said, "and will discuss those issues with our corporation in February." Jennifer D. Jordan
A growing recognition that even families earning between $100,000 and $200,000 are struggling to pay for college prompted some wealthy universities and colleges to dig deeper into their sizeable endowments and offer scholarships and grants once reserved for lower income students. But the move has also sparked debate, particularly among groups that argue any increase in scholarships should benefit the neediest students, who otherwise would be shut out of higher education. Following decisions over the years by Princeton University and a handful of small select schools, such as Amherst and Williams colleges, to offer more financial assistance to middle-income students and replace loans with scholarships, Harvard and Yale made similar announcements in the last month and a half. Harvard and Yale, the country's two wealthiest universities, both said they would increase their financial aid budgets by more than $20 million next year. Harvard, with an endowment of $34.6 billion, will allow families earning between $120,000 and $180,000 a year to pay just 10 percent of their income toward their child's college costs. At Yale, which has a $22.5-billion endowment, families earning between $60,000 and $120,000 will pay from 1 percent to 10 percent of Yale's $45,000 annual costs. Both Harvard and Yale said that students from families earning less than $60,000 will pay nothing. Since then, other schools with healthy endowments, including Duke University, have made similar decisions. On Tuesday, Dartmouth College announced that students with family incomes of $75,000 or less will receive free tuition - $35,000 of the total cost of $45,000 - and student loans will be replaced with scholarships. The Ivy League college cited census data that shows 70 percent of U.S. households earn less than $75,000 a year, and the median family income is $46,326. Virtually all of the universities and colleges expanding their aid offerings are in a select tier - schools with endowments of more than $500 million or $1 billion. Brown's $2.3-billion endowment ranks 26th nationally. The rest of the state's colleges and universities rank far lower, and none come close to the half-billion mark. Several of these colleges offer merit-based aid to attract competitive middle-income students to their schools, a practice also called "tuition discounting." In recent years, Providence College has moved to reduce merit-based aid while increasing scholarships for needy students, in an effort to lure more low-income and first-generation students. The Dominican college, with an endowment of $136 million, is unable to offer upper-middle-income students as much scholarship money as wealthy Ivy League universities are now doing, said Christopher Lydon, who heads PC's admissions and financial aid division. "We are not in a position, endowment-wise, to answer every move other colleges make," Lydon said. Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:38 PM | Comment Missing: Cranston police search for group home residentCRANSTON -- The police are looking for a mentally challenged man who left home to take a walk last night and hasn’t returned. Frank Burgess, 46, is a client of Gateway Health Services, a group home located at 91 Wentworth Ave. here in the city, said Commander Kevin Lynch. Case Manager Delima Cartin called police today when Burgess did not come home after telling staff he was going to walk through the neighborhood Wednesday. Burgess is described as a white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches, and weighing about 250 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes and was last seen wearing blue jeans, white sneakers and a dark green “winter snorkel jacket” with a red lining and fur around the hood, Lynch said. Thursday police walked the neighborhood searching for Burgess, who has a history of walking away from the center. Officers checked Burgess’ usual haunts in Providence’s Washington Park area -- a McDonald’s restaurant, and Crossroads Family Shelter, both on Broad Street. A message was also sent to all police departments in the state asking for help in locating Burgess, Lynch said. Thursday afternoon, neighborhood residents received an automated phone call from A Child Is Missing, a community notification system, Lynch said. The message was sent to alert people that Burgess was missing and to ask them to contact police if they locate him. Police will continue to canvass the area until Burgess is located, Lynch said. Anyone with information about Burgess’ whereabouts is asked to call the Cranston Police Department at 942-2211. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:14 PM | Comment Student, struck by car, treated for minor injuriesPROVIDENCE -- A 13-year-old student at Perry Middle School was struck by a car as she walked to school this morning. Sgt. Paul F. Zienowicz said the student, whose name was not immediately available, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The accident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. at the intersection of Hartford and Laurel Hill avenues. Zienowicz said a westbound motorist on Hartford stopped her car to allow the female student to cross the street, and when she did, the driver of a car on Laurel Hill mistook the stop as a gesture to allow him to drive out onto Hartford. When the driver turned left onto Hartford, he looked at the stopped car rather than where he was going, and his car struck the pedestrian, the sergeant said. The driver of the car that struck the pedestrian -- his name was withheld pending completion of a report on the accident -- was issued a summons to appear at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal on a charge of failing to exercise due care. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:42 PM | Comment Reporters' query: Senior projectsThis year, for the first time, high school seniors have to complete two of three options to receive their diploma: end-of-course exams, a portfolio, or a senior project. We want to hear from students, parents and teachers about their experiences with the new system. Are students feeling overwhelmed, or well-prepared? Do parents understand the new system and think the portfolios and projects are meaningful? Do teachers think they have received enough support to create the new assessment tools and grade them? Please send your comments and concerns and whether you would be available for an interview to education reporter Jennifer D. Jordan by Jan. 30, (401) 277-7254, jjordan@projo.com Posted by maria caporizzo at 4:22 PM | Comment Brown aims to cut its greenhouse gases by 42%PROVIDENCE -- To be a better friend to the environment, Brown University laid out a plan today with the aim of cutting the greenhouse gases it puts out to 42 percent below levels produced last year. The goal is to reach that drop by 2020. A university news release said Brown, effective immediately, will also enforce a requirement that emissions be reduced by up to 50 percent for all new buildings and newly acquired buildings. “I am pleased that Brown is taking a leadership role by significantly cutting our greenhouse gas emissions,” Ruth J. Simmons, Brown University president, said in the statement. She added: "It is important to lead by example, taking action to preserve and protect the planet.” Here's the plan: * Cut greenhouse gas emissions to 42 percent below 2007 levels, which equates to 15 percent below 1990 levels, for existing buildings. Interim goals will be set as soon as possible and monitored annually. * Limit the emissions by cutting energy consumption for all new construction to between 25 percent and 50 percent below the standard required by state code. * Reduce emissions for all newly acquired buildings by a minimum of 15 percent and as much as 30 percent.
“We took a hard look at our energy consumption and the environmental impact of our facilities and came up with a series of substantive, yet achievable goals,” Chris Powell, advisory committee members and director of sustainable energy and environmental initiatives. “By reducing the carbon footprint of our campus, Brown can make a measurable contribution to the effort that is underway to reduce the man-made influences to global warming on an international scale.” The university said it will accomplish the reductions by doing such things as: * Switching fuel that powers the central heat plant to cleaner natural gas when available. * Using new lighting technologies. * Increasing buildings' energy efficiency. * Using renewable energy sources "when appropriate," the release says. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:12 PM | Comment Photo: Some not-so-familiar faces QB at Pats' practice
Photos and video of Brady wearing a walking boot in New York City Sunday night sparked concerns over his health. Today, in a press conference before practice, Coach Bill Belichick had this to say: Q. Can you comment on Tom Brady’s foot and any concerns you may have? Q. Is he going to practice today, regular practice?
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:55 PM | Comment Key witness back on stand in officer's burglary trial
Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:22 PM | Comment Fans invited to Super Bowl sendoff at GilletteThe Patriots are going to the Super Bowl, but most New Englanders aren’t. So Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is giving fans one last chance to say goodbye before the team leaves for sunny Arizona. See the AFC Champions off Sunday at Gillette Stadium. The entire team, Coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft will say a quick hello before leaving on their trip to the Super Bowl, where they’ll meet the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The event and parking will be free. The gates will open at 9 a.m., and the sendoff starts at 10. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:49 PM | Comment Photo: A cool car from front to back
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:25 PM | Comment Major testifies about differing smoke-shop trial evidencePROVIDENCE -- State Police Maj. Steven G. O’Donnell testified today that he did not know why his witness statements were not immediately turned over to lawyers defending the seven Narragansett Indians charged in the smoke-shop raid as they prepared for trial. Providence County Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl ordered O’Donnell and other high-ranking state police officials to testify about why their department failed to disclose documents as part of the pre-trial discovery process. She asked for their testimony as she considers a motion by defense lawyers that the case should be dismissed because their clients’ rights to due process were violated by the lack of disclosure. At issue is a packet the state police turned over to the court Jan. 11 after being subpoenaed to disclose all information related to the raid. It contained witness statements from O’Donnell, one of the commanders at the scene of the July 2003 raid, that differ from accounts provided a week earlier. O’Donnell said yesterday that he did not know why only one statement was turned over prior to the subpoena. He explained that the that the reports differed because one was a draft, while the other was a final version. The draft version, he said, did not include observations of Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas’s arrest because he added those details after reading other witness statements and viewing videotape of the raid.
The state police executed a search warrant on a tribal smoke shop in Charlestown at Governor Carcieri’s order on July 14, 2003, to stop the Narragansetts from selling cigarettes without charging Rhode Island taxes. The raid escalated into a confrontation that left at least eight people injured. Seven adult Narragansetts, including Chief Sachem Thomas, were arrested and now await trial for misdemeanor charges of assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in Providence County Superior Court. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:36 PM | Comment Senators grill EPA chief over car emissions rulingWASHINGTON -- The head of the Environmental Protection Agency stood firm today against a chorus of congressional criticism over his refusal to allow California and more than a dozen other states, including Rhode Island, to impose greenhouse gas reductions on cars and trucks. "I am bound by the criteria in the Clean Air Act, not people's opinions," EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson testified to the Senate's environmental panel. It was his first congressional appearance since issuing the controversial waiver denial last month. "The Clean Air Act does not require me to rubberstamp waiver decisions," Johnson said. "It was my conclusion that California didn't meet the criteria, or at least all of the criteria." Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., the committee chairwoman, led committee Democrats in assailing Johnson's conclusion. "You're going against your own agency's mission and you're fulfilling the mission of some special interests," she chided him. California needs a federal waiver under the Clean Air Act to carry out its first-in-the-nation tailpipe law, which would force automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in new cars and light trucks by 2016. If California got the waiver other states could then impose the same rules. Twelve other states have already adopted them -- Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington -- with others preparing to do so. California and other states sued EPA earlier this month over Johnson's decision. -- The Associated Press The EPA chief disputed Democratic suggestions that his decision was made under political pressure from the White House. "I was not directed by anyone to make the decision, this was my decision," Johnson insisted. He reiterated his position that it's better to have a single national standard for greenhouse gas emissions than different standards in different states. Congress' newly passed fuel efficiency law, signed by President Bush last month, provides such a national standard, he said. Environmentalists contend that California's law is much stronger and takes effect much faster than the new federal rules. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:23 PM | Comment Update: Twelve people displaced by a Providence firePROVIDENCE -- Twelve people are put out of their homes after a fire in the triple-decker at 15 Joslin St. Four of the occupants were taken to Rhode Island Hospital for possible smoke inhalation, according to Battalion Chief Daniel Crowley. The building holds four apartments, including an apartment in the basement. There is smoke damage throughout. The first floor is gutted -- and that is where it's believed the fire originated. Investigators are trying to figure out the fire's cause. Crews were sent to the scene at 11:45 a.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:12 PM | Comment Update: Cranston rink to reopenThe Cranston Veterans Ice Rink should reopen before the school day ends, according to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The rink was evacuated last night after elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected. Fire and state Health officials have been on hand inspecting the rink this morning, making sure it was OK for skaters to return to the ice. “We should be ready for operation within the hour,” Tony Liberatore, Parks director, said at about 12:15 p.m. All events had been canceled, Liberatore said, but once the rink reopens, the park will return to its regular schedule, which can be found on the rink’s Web site. “There was really not a major problem,” he said. Rink managers called the Fire Department around 8:45 p.m. after two people reported “flu-like” symptoms, according to Cranston Fire Chief Richard Delgado. A hand-held device recorded a slightly elevated level of the gas. Two rink employees and two girls’ hockey players were feeling ill. They were released from care after receiving oxygen, Liberatore said.
Their deaths prompted a public awareness campaign about the dangers of the odorless gas. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:31 PM | Comment Update: Arson ruled out in Newport carriage house fire
Police Lt. William Fitzgerald said police and fire officials want to reassure the public that the fire is not the work of the serial arsonist who alarmed the city last spring. The fire erupted about 6:30 last night, apparently in the attic of the carriage house, while the owner was at home, Fitzgerald said. The owner, Guy Vanpelt, noticed the fire in a second-floor ceiling and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but it was already too entrenched. He activated a fire alarm and left the building, Fitzgerald said. He said the fire, battled by about 50 firefighters until about 11:30 p.m., caused extensive damage to the second floor and roof. The building should be able to be salvaged, he said. The cause of the fire, which could be related to a malfunction of the electrical system, was still under investigation this morning by the fire department and the state fire marshal’s office, Fitzgerald said. He said firefighters today were still on the scene watching for possible hot spots in the building, and police blocked off Bellevue Avenue from Bowery to King streets because their hoses are in the road. Fitzgerald said he expects the fire department to finish its watch by early afternoon. The carriage house is adjacent to the Kingscote mansion, which is owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County. The mansion was not damaged in the fire. -- Journal staff writer Gina Macris Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:14 PM | Comment Carpio, convicted in detective's death, in Conn. prisonCRANSTON -- A man imprisoned for killing a Providence police detective at the city's public safety complex has been transferred to Connecticut to continue serving his life sentence. The state Department of Corrections says Esteban Carpio was moved out of state in November at his own request. Department spokeswoman Tracey Poole says Carpio felt he could have a more normal prison experience in another state. Carpio was convicted of killing Detective Sgt. James Allen in a third-floor office at the police headquarters in April 2005. Allen had been questioning him about the stabbing of an elderly woman earlier in the day when Carpio grabbed the detective's gun and shot him. He escaped the police station from a third-story window, then was captured on the street after a violent skirmish with police. A jury convicted Carpio in June 2006 after rejecting his insanity defense. A judge sentenced him to life without parole. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:55 AM | Comment Carcieri orders flags lowered in honor of Judge GallantGovernor Carcieri today ordered state flags lowered to half-staff in honor of retired Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Eugene G. Gallant, who died Monday. Flags will stay that way through Saturday. “Judge Gallant devoted most of his life to public service,” Carcieri said in a statement. “He epitomized the American success story, a self-made man who earned the respect of his peers and also gave back to a community in need. He will be missed.” Read Journal staff writer Tracy Breton's obituary for Gallant published today. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:45 AM | Comment Langevin to bring Crossroads president to Bush speechThe president of Crossroads Rhode Island is taking a trip to Washington. U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., announced today that he will be bringing Anne Nolan with him to the president's final State of the Union address. Crossroads is the largest homeless services organization in Rhode Island. U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., previously announced that he will bring Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee, a Democract, as his guest. Bush will deliver the speech on Monday, Jan. 28. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:37 AM | Comment Two to be arraigned for break at Romney headquartersBOSTON -- Former Gov. Mitt Romney's campaign headquarters was broken into for the second time in four months early today, but campaign officials said there was no indication the alleged theft was politically motivated. Daniel Bradley, 28, and Michael Sauer, 30, both of Cambridge, were scheduled to be arraigned today on a charge of breaking and entering at night with the intent to commit a felony. The pair were caught stealing computer equipment at Romney's Commercial Street headquarters, according to a police report. In the September burglary, several laptop computers and a television were stolen. Boston police officer Eddy Chrispin said there's no indication the two breaks were related. Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said the campaign "was grateful to the Boston police for their rapid response." "There is no indication this was politically motivated," he said. -- The Associated Press According to a police report, a guard monitoring security cameras at Romney's headquarters spotted the two men taking computers. When police arrived about 1 a.m., they stopped Bradley and Sauer as they attempted to leave in a car. They searched the car, and found a computer box in the back seat as well as open bottles of beer. They also found crowbars and pry marks on the windows at the rear and side of Romney's building, according to the report. Police said Bradley had six outstanding warrants, including breaking and entering and receiving stolen property. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:15 AM | Comment Former Duke lacrosse coach sues for slander, libelDURHAM, N.C. -- The former Duke lacrosse coach who lost his job after a stripper claimed three players raped her at a party in 2006 has sued the school and its top spokesman, claiming slander and libel. The rape case was later debunked, and the prosecutor who pursued the charges was disbarred last year. Mike Pressler's lawsuit said Duke's senior vice president of public affairs and government relations, John Burness, made slanderous and defamatory comments about him to the media. Pressler now coaches the men's lacrosse team at Bryant University in Smithfield. He also has written a book about the lacrosse case. Pamela Bernard, Duke vice president and general counsel, said yesterday that the lawsuit has no merit and "is yet another attempt to reopen a sealed matter." Last week, attorneys for Pressler withdrew their request for a judge to rescind a settlement agreement between Pressler and Duke so they could pursue this lawsuit. At that time, lawyers representing Duke said they would fight the allegations. They also argued that any case by Pressler against his former employer should go through arbitration first. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 11:10 AM | Comment U.S. Senate to consider vehicle emissions lawsThe United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is meeting to discuss the federal government’s decision not to allow the state of California to set its own vehicle emissions standards, which more than a dozen states across the country – including Rhode Island -- had intended to adapt. See a live Webcast of the proceedings online at C-SPAN, (you must have the Real Play installed to view). Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is a member of the committee. The federal Clean Air Act gives California the option to enact its own pollution standards for cars. Since 2002, the state has been developing standards that limit the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In 2005, California officially adopted standards that were intended to curb greenhouse has emissions by 30 percent by 2016. That same year, Rhode Island adopted the regulations. In December, the Environmental Protection Agency denied California's request for the waiver it needed before the new standards could go into effect. Earlier this month, Rhode Island and 15 other states joined a lawsuit against the EPA filed by the state of California. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:28 AM | Comment Girl, 13, struck by car in front of schoolPROVIDENCE -- A young teenager was injured in front of a middle school this morning. The 13-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle at Hartford Avenue and Laurel Hill Avenue, in front of Oliver Hazard Perry Middle School, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence fire department. The girl is being transported to Hasbro Children's Hospital with a leg injury, Taylor said. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:30 AM | Comment Judge to hear testimony in smoke-shop casePROVIDENCE -- A judge will hear testimony today from state police officials about why they failed to disclose dozens of documents related to a 2003 raid on a tribal smoke shop. The hearing comes as Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl considers whether to dismiss charges against seven members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe accused of resisting arrest or fighting with state troopers during the raid. Defense lawyers say they got the documents too late and want McGuirl to toss the case. They received the reports only after one of the lawyers issued a subpoena to the state police. Prosecutors are fighting the request and say they hadn't even known some of the documents existed. McGuirl says the Narragansetts' trial will start February 25th if she decides not to dismiss the charges. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Snow showers later todayScattered snow showers should fall on the region later today and possibly continue into the evening with little accumulation, according to the National Weather Service. The sky will be cloudy and the high temperature should reach about 32 degrees before dropping to about 15 degrees tonight. Wind gusts could reach 26 mph. tonight. Wind chills will drop to near zero at dawn tomorrow, the weather service says. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story reporting on organized labor's reaction to Governor Carcieri's attempt to close the stae's budget gap as outlined in his State of the State address Tuesday. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 23, 2008Tonight: U2 goes 3D on the big, big, big screenYou can catch U2, arguably the last rock band with wide appeal to stand the test of time, on the big screen -- the very big screen -- tonight. "U2 3D" opens today on the Feinstein IMAX Theater in Providence Place mall, with shows at 9:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. There was also a showing at 4:45 p.m. Each showing is one hour, 20 minutes. As of 6:30 p.m., tickets were still available for tonight's showings. Read what Journal arts writer Michael Janusonis had to say about it. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment Former Warwick man pleads guilty in $15 million scamA former Warwick man pleaded guilty this morning to federal charges in connection with an Internet sales scheme that bilked nearly $15 million from people across the country. The company claimed to sell electronic supplies and equipment. One Mixitforme customer likened the Providence company’s sales methods as “a pyramid scheme” in which it appears money coming in to the company one day was used to fill some orders from the day before. The customer, from Stony Brook, N.Y., said after receiving some small orders from Mixitforme, he ordered 6,000 PSPs and 5,400 PlayStation 2 video-game units, which he never received. Federal authorities charged Cory Johnson, formerly of 272 Pierce Ave., Warwick, this month with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering for his role in Mixitforme.com, a defunct Providence Internet retailer. Johnson ran the company with a second man, David Whitaker, who has left the state. Some former Mixitforme employees said they told federal authorities that Whitaker would regularly sweep the company’s overnight receipts before they could buy products, using the money to pay for clothing, medical bills and other personal expenses. Johnson faces up to 15 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000 for his part in a 2005 scam that left electronics distributors and others out millions of dollars, according to federal court documents. Appearing this morning in U.S. District Court in Providence, Johnson responded quietly to questioning by Judge William E. Smith, ultimately agreeing to the federal fraud charges. His lawyer, William J. Delaney, of Reavis Cianciolo LLC, declined comment this morning. Johnson has surrendered his passport to federal authorities but remains free on a $50,000 unsecured bond. As a condition of his release, Johnson must limit his travel to Pennsylvania, where he now lives, and New Jersey, where he must sometimes travel for work. He also will be allowed to return Rhode Island to look after a house he owns in Warwick and to attend further court hearings. He is scheduled to return to federal court June 20 for sentencing by Smith. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 6:20 PM | Comment Narragansetts say grim times argue for a casinoCHARLESTOWN -- The Narragansett Indian Tribe used Governor Carcieri’s grim state of the state address to launch its latest casino plans, saying a gaming venture on its land would give Rhode Island a badly-needed financial boost. The tribe plans to ask state leaders this week to support its efforts to persuade Congress to repeal a law that requires the Narragansetts to seek statewide voter approval for high-stakes gaming on its 1,800 acres, Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said. Once the law is rescinded, the tribe could immediately forge ahead with a destination casino, and its backers would promptly reward the state with a cash payment. “We’re looking to help the state immediately,” Thomas said. He would not specify how much the initial payment would be, but promised that the establishment would hire only Rhode Islanders for the estimated 3,500 jobs and buy local goods and supplies from Rhode Island businesses. “We’ll put it in writing,” he said. “The reality is we need a lot of jobs in this state.” The tribe will send letters seeking support to Governor Carcieri, House Speaker William J. Murphy and Senate President Joseph Montalbano by the end of the week.
But most state officials reached today and the Congressional delegation appear reluctant to embrace the tribe’s plans. Carcieri described Rhode Island as teetering at the edge of financial disaster in his address Tuesday night. The state is facing its most ominous deficit since the credit crisis in the early 1990s -- $151 million in the current year and up to $450 million in the budget year that begins July 1. This comes as the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe pursues a casino in Massachusetts with backing from Sol Kerzner and Len Wolman, principals of BLB Investors, the gambling conglomerate that owns Twin River. The Narragansetts’ announcement is the latest step in its nearly two-decade gaming quest. Last year, it pushed plans to open a slot parlor on par with Twin River on its land after voters rejected a proposal to change the state Constitution to allow it to build a casino in West Warwick with Harrah’s Entertainment. The tribe lobbied its Congressional delegation -- unsuccessfully -- to overturn the Chafee amendment, a law introduced by the late U.S. Sen. John Chafee in 1996 that bars the tribe from federal Indian gaming privileges on its 1,800 acres. Chafee said the measure closed a loophole, but critics charge that it strips the tribe of its rights. Thomas said the tribe’s new proposal would save the state from be forced to seek a Constitutional amendment to expand gambling at Twin River, as has been floated in recent months over local opposition. Sixty-five percent of Lincoln voters opposed allowing 24-hour gambling at Twin River, and 60 percent voted against allowing the facility to become a full-fledged casino in a special election last fall. The Narragansetts would construct a casino that would be competitive with Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mohegan Sun and any built in Massachusetts, Thomas said. It would be set on about 120 acres off Route 2 that the tribe cleared for a high-stakes bingo hall before the Chafee amendment passed. “We believe they should take a good look at this,” he said. “Hopefully, the leaders of Rhode Island will work with us.” The tribe will not have the governor’s support. “It’s not clear in what ways a casino would help the state budget,” said Jeff Neal, Carcieri’s spokesman. A private casino would only draw business away from Twin River and Newport Grand, both which pay the state roughly 60 percent of their slot revenue. Once a supporter of the tribe’s efforts to overturn the Chafee amendment, U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy has retreated from that stance in recent years, saying the Narragansetts would need the support of the full delegation. That seems unlikely since Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed and Rep. James R. Langevin yesterday repeated their opposition to changing the Chafee amendment yesterday. Langevin opposes any expansion of gambling in Rhode Island, said his spokeswoman Joy Fox. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:01 PM | Comment Doctors, nurses protest RIte Care cutsPROVIDENCE — Dressed in lab coats and clutching Spiderman Band-Aids, a platoon of medical students fanned out across the State House today, buttonholing legislators to argue against proposed cuts to the RIte Care program. Their guerrilla lobbying followed a protest in the rotunda, where health-care leaders lambasted Governor Carcieri for his attempts to strip nearly 9,000 low-income residents from the state’s health-care rolls. “It is a crisis of fairness,” K. Nicholas Tsiongas, president of the Rhode Island Medical Society, said, drawing applause from doctors and nurses holding placards on the marble staircase. “I am in despair of the recent course set for Rhode Island.” -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 5:40 PM | Comment Company bids $250,000 to operate lace works as isWEST WARWICK -- Palmisciano-Ponte Investment Group LLC was the high bidder, at $250,000, today to continue operating as the Riverpoint Lace Works, the textile dyeing and finishing company that has operated here for more than 80 years, and to preserve jobs for its 50 employees. This morning, receiver Theodore Orson, of the law firm of Orson and Brusini, gathered before about 30 people on the second floor of the mill, at 825 Main St., to discuss the sale terms. The company accepted different bid amounts depending on what the buyer wanted to do with the business. In addition to the $250,000 bid, two other bids came in to buy the assets as scrap. Finally, auctioneer Sal Corio, of SJ Corio Corporation in Warwick, led interested buyers through Lippitt Mill to bid on individual machines and the entire contents of rooms. Orson was to calculate which offer would generate the most money for the ailing textile firm. The winning bidder had until 5 p.m. to provide a check to the company for the full amount. The goal has been to have the business sold as a continuing business, allowing the company's workers to remain employed. Riverpoint Lace boasts that its plant, erected in 1809 as the Lippitt Manufacturing company, is the "oldest continuously operating textile mill in the United States." Its current owners acquired it in 1925. Over the decades, as the privately owned company saw many of its competitors move their operations overseas, it became increasingly difficult for the mill to continue operating. The auction was initially scheduled for last week, but Orson postponed it to give two prospective buyers time to consider purchasing the business and keep it going. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:35 PM | Comment 15 bridges in R.I. are similar to fatal Minneapolis bridgePROVIDENCE _ State transportation officials have begun recalculating the designs of a small but vital structural part in 15 Rhode Island bridges after a federal warning that a design flaw affecting similar parts may have caused the fatal collapse of the Minneapolis Bridge across the Mississippi River last August. Kazem Farhoumand, the acting chief engineer of the state Department of Transportation, said the bridge at the top of the list for review is the Sakonnet River Bridge, connecting Portsmouth to Tiverton, which already has a reduced weight posting because of deterioration and is to be replaced. The other 14 Rhode Island bridges are scattered across the state, from Woonsocket to Westerly. Farhoumand said the DOT reviews will be completed within 60 days, with an outside engineering company, Commonwealth Engineering, evaluating the Sakonnet River Bridge and DOT staff engineers doing the rest. The National Transportation Safety Board urged the review last week after investigators studying the wreckage in Minneapolis found that 16 gusset plates, at eight joints in its main span, had fractured. Gusset plates are flat, often roughly rectangular, steel plates. They are bolted or riveted to the sides of joints where a steel bridge's beams come together. They reinforce the joints, helping to resist the complex forces that alternately push and pull at them as traffic passes over the bridge and the load on it shifts. The plates are easily visible on the joints on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Farhoumand said there are 250 such joints on that bridge alone. Along with the plates, all but one of the Rhode Island bridges are supported by steel trusses and are considered "fracture-critical," or vulnerable to collapse if key structural elements fail. (The exception, the C.L. Hussey Memorial Bridge in North Kingston, is a concrete arch bridge, not a truss bridge, but has parts like gusset plates, the DOT said. A truss is a structure composed of triangular units built of relatively slender straight members.) The NTSB urged the owners of similar bridges to calculate whether the gusset plates and other structural elements were designed to be strong enough. The Rhode Island bridges were already on a list of 37 "fracture-critical" bridges the DOT put together for inspections last year, also at the urging of federal officials, after the Minneapolis collapse, which killed 13 persons and injured 145. List of bridge on next page. Bridge gusset design to be checked Shippee Burrillville
Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:30 PM | Comment Update: Turnout is light for Coventry bond referendum
Board of Canvassers clerks reported at about 3 p.m. turnout in the high 200s at each of the five polling places; the polling areas have on average a total of about 4,500 eligible voters. "It's very light. We got a lot of phone calls from people asking where do they have to go to vote," said Janis Jendzejec, head clerk of the Board of Canvassers. "I expected to see more than it is, especially with all the hoopla with the School Department." The package proposal includes $9 million for schools, including roof replacement, fire safety upgrades and heating system repairs. An additional $1 million would be used to renovate the athletic complex at Coventry High School. Voters will also be deciding on a $4.8 million plan to turn the former Flat River Middle School into a new Town Hall. The Coventry Senior Center would also go in the Flat River Middle School building. Another $4 million of the $19.8-million bond would go toward police facilities -- either a new headquarters or a thorough renovation of the existing building. Coventry Public Library would also benefit, with $1 million to expand, and the town’s public works department would get $500,000 for equipment and park maintenance. Today’s referendum is an all-or-nothing proposition, something critics have said may turn voters off, because they cannot pick and choose what projects to support. But if the proposal is approved, it would add an estimated 35 cents to the property tax rate – a home valued at $300,000 would see a $105 increase on the annual tax bill. Click below to find your polling place. -- projo.com staff writers Brandie M. Jefferson and Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks These five polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for today's referendum on a $19.8-million capital spending proposal: District 1: Christ Church, 321 Peckham Lane District 2: Town Hall, 1670 Flat River Rd. District 3: Club Jogues, 184 Boston St. District 4: Nino’s Restaurant, 446 Tiogue Ave. District 5: Coventry High School, 40 Reservoir Rd. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:22 PM | Comment Judge hears testimony in suit over foster-care systemPROVIDENCE -- A school psychologist and a foster mother testified about their relationships with two boys who are part of a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging major flaws in the state's foster care system. U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux asked the women to testify to determine if they have close enough relationships with the boys to represent their interests in the lawsuit. Lagueux is considering whether to dismiss the case -- and whether the two adults have standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the children. Seven children in foster care are identified as plaintiffs. Mary Melvin, a former foster mother for one of the seven children, says she still has pictures of the boy and cares about him, even though she has not seen him in a decade. The suit was brought by state Child Advocate Jametta Alston. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:15 PM | Comment Fire reported on Central Pike, ScituateSCITUATE -- Responders at this hour have gone to the scene of a fire reported on Central Pike, according to police/fire dispatch. No other information was available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:09 PM | Comment West Warwick textile mill goes up for auctionThe receiver of Riverpoint Lace Works, a textile dyeing and finishing company that has operated on Main Street, West Warwick, for more than 80 years, auctioned the assets of the company this morning. Receiver Theodore Orson, of the law firm of Orson and Brusini, gathered before about 30 people on the second floor of the mill, at 825 Main St., to discuss the terms of the sale this morning. The company accepted different bid amounts depending on what the buyer wanted to do with the business: They received a $250,000 bid from a company willing to continue operating the business as is. Two bids came in to buy the assets as scrap. Finally, auctioneer Sal Corio, of SJ Corio Corporation in Warwick, led interested buyers through Lippett Mill to bid on individual machines and the entire contents of rooms. Orson will calculate which offer will generate the most money for the ailing textile firm. The winning bidder has until 5 p.m. to provide a check to the company for the full amount. The winner will be announced at a press conference this evening, Orson said. The goal is to have the business sold as a continuing business, which will allow the company's 50 or so employees to remain employed. Riverpoint Lace boasts that its plant, erected in 1809 as the Lippitt Manufacturing company, is the "oldest continuously operated textile mill in the United States." Its current owners acquired it in 1925. Over the decades, as the privately owned company saw many of its competitors move their operations overseas, it became increasingly difficult for the mill to continue operating. The auction was initially scheduled for last week, but Orson postponed it to give two prospective buyers time to consider purchasing the business and keeping it going. -- Journal Staff Writer Talia Buford Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:38 PM | Comment Chang elected to Tennis Hall of Fame in NewportNEWPORT -- French Open winner Michael Chang has been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. IMG creator Mark McCormack and Tennis Week magazine founder Eugene Scott were selected posthumously in the contributor category The Hall of Fame made the announcement today. It's planning a July 12 induction ceremony. Chang was only 17 when he won the 1989 French Open -- the youngest male player to win a Grand Slam title. He was the first U.S. champion at the clay-court Grand Slam since Tony Trabert in 1955. McCormack died in 2003 at 72. He was a sports marketing pioneer and created the International Management Group. Scott was a former top 20 player and founded Tennis Week in 1974. He died in 2006 at age 68. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:06 PM | Comment Retirement board to get opinion on Prignano pensionPROVIDENCE -- A lawyer hired by the Providence Retirement Board is scheduled to give his recommendation today on whether the $64,620 pension of former police chief Urban Prignano Jr. should be reduced or eliminated because of his admitted role in a Police Department promotional test cheating scandal. The lawyer, Vincent F. Ragosta Jr., concluded a hearing on the issue last month. Prignano, 65, who was police chief under former Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., retired under pressure on Jan. 31, 2001, wrapping up a 34-year career. When he retired, he cashed out his contributions to the municipal retirement system, including accrued interest, and took a reduced pension as a result. He has been collecting his pension for seven years. Prignano has admitted in sworn testimony in federal court and in interviews with the FBI that he helped some subordinates cheat on their promotional examinations during his six years as chief. A municipal ordinance requires an employee to give “honorable service” in order to receive a pension. Mayor David N. Cicilline, and the Police Department, under Chief Dean Esserman, are pressing for revocation of the pension. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:02 PM | Comment Mass. governor builds casino fees into budget proposalBOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick has filed his second state budget, which calls for increases in spending on education and public safety. The Democratic governor says his $28 billion budget, released today, for the fiscal year starting July 1 is "fiscally and socially responsible." Patrick has built in $300 million in would-be fees from casino licensing. Some lawmakers object to that move because the Legislature hasn't passed any casino gambling bill. His budget would increase education spending by $368 million, including for programs to expand full-day kindergarten and pay for extended-day classes. State spending on public safety also would rise by nearly $106 million, including money targeted at the troubled state Medical Examiner's Office and funds for 100 new police officers.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:26 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Has economic downturn hit you?Rhode Island’s middle class is hurting. Wages are stagnant. Houses are worth less. It costs more to fill our gas tanks, heat our houses and pay our medical bills. Some have lost their homes to foreclosure. The pain of the economic slowdown has spread to people with four-year college degrees; people who always expected they would have good paying jobs. If you are one of these people, Providence Journal Reporter Lynn Arditi wants to hear your story. Please contact her at larditi@projo.com or (401)277-7335. Posted by maria caporizzo at 12:02 PM | Comment Sasse, up for confirmation himself, names DMV headOn the day the full Senate is scheduled to vote to confirm Gary S. Sasse's appointment as director of the state's new Department of Revenue, Sasse has announced that Anthony J. Silva, a former Cumberland police chief, has been named associate director, revenue services, and the new head of the state Division of Motor Vehicles. Silva, of Cumberland, is currently director of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy. Ted Dolan recently retired as Division of Motor Vehicles director. Silva will be responsible for planning, directing and managing all motor vehicle functions including registration, licensing, operation, enforcement, operator control and inspections. “Anthony Silva has the background necessary to take charge of this division and coordinate all the diverse elements involved,” Sasse said in the statement. “I am confident that his arrival will signal a smooth transition as the DMV moves from the Department of Administration to the Department of Revenue.” Silva holds a master's in administration of justice from Salve Regina University and a bachelor's in criminal justice from Bryant College. He has spent 24 years as a law enforcement education and in 9 years as police chief in Cumberland, managed a staff of 65 sworn police and civilian personnel. Sasse's confirmation is slated to come before the Senate today. Last Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously endorsed Sasse, who was appointed by Governor Carcieri, to head the Department of Revenue. According to the Senate calender for today, the committee recommends the Senate "give its advice and consent" to Sasse's nomination. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:02 PM | Comment Hawkins Street Bridge work done early; span to re-openThe state Department of Transportation will reopen the Hawkins Street Bridge in Providence at 2 p.m. today to car traffic -- days earlier than expected. Last night crews completed blocking the bridge, which travels over Route 146. Blocking adds additional supports on top of the bridge’s abutments and piers. Materials were available faster than anticipated, the DOT said, and crews worked all night to reopen the span. The DOT, which announced the work yesterday, had not expected it to be done until this Friday. The Hawkins Street Bridge is now posted for use only by vehicles 3 tons and under. This restriction will last approximately 3 weeks. After this phase of construction is complete, the roadway will reopen to all vehicles. The Hawkins Street Bridge repair project began last fall and is expected to be completed by fall 2009.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:53 AM | Comment Coventry bond vote aims at funding renovations / Photo
The package proposal includes $9 million for schools, including roof renovations, fire safety upgrades and heating system repairs. An additional $1 million would be used to renovate the athletic complex at Coventry High School. Voters will also be deciding on a $4.8 million plan to turn the former Flat River Middle School into a new Town Hall, and move the Coventry Senior Center to the old Town Hall. Another $4 million of the $19.8-million bond would go toward police facilities – either a new headquarters or a thorough renovation of the existing building. Coventry Public Library would also benefit, with $1 million to expand, and the town’s public works department would get $500,000 for equipment and park maintenance. Today’s referendum is an all-or-nothing proposition, something critics have said may turn voters off, because they cannot pick and choose what projects to support. But if the proposal is approved, it would add an estimated 35 cents to the property tax rate – a home valued at $300,000 would see a $105 increase on the annual tax bill. Click below to find your polling place. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson These five polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for today's referendum on a $19.8-million capital spending proposal: District 1: Christ Church, 321 Peckham Lane District 2: Town Hall, 1670 Flat River Rd. District 3: Club Jogues, 184 Boston St. District 4: Nino’s Restaurant, 446 Tiogue Ave. District 5: Coventry High School, 40 Reservoir Rd. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:17 AM | Comment RIte Care supporters take to the State HouseMedical professionals, students and academics are meeting today to speak up in favor of the RIte Care program, which is in danger of being trimmed in order to help balance the state's budget. The groups are meeting at the State House, according to the President of the RI Medical Society, Nick Tsiongas, to "highlight the quality of this nationally recognized program." The press conference is set to begin at 33:30 at the State House Rotunda. Afterwards, the group plans to pass out post cards to legislators, advocating for Rite Care. Donna Policastro and executive director of the RI State Nurses Association will speak, along with Northeaster University political science professor David Rochefort, Andrew Snyder, a member of the RI Medical Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Yul Ejnes, of the American College of Physicians. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:12 AM | Comment Foxwoods begins job recruitment for new casinoMASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- Foxwoods Resort Casino is starting to recruit thousands of workers in anticipation of opening its new MGM Grand casino. Foxwoods will kick off its recruitment campaign Sunday with the launch of a new employment Web site. Opening in May, the MGM Grand at Foxwoods will have 2,000 employees and provide an additional 1,000 jobs at the property's restaurants, including Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak, Michael Schlow's Alta Strada, and famed New York eatery Junior's. Foxwoods plans regional job fairs, including efforts to attract minority job candidates. Foxwoods employees will be able to apply for jobs at various kiosks located throughout the property. The new jobs include 350 supervisor/managerial positions and 277 dealer positions. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 10:23 AM | Comment Barrington pair plead no contest to social host chargeA husband and wife charged under the state’s social host law for serving alcohol to minors each pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges. Gabriel A. Pacheco, 48, and Mary Lou Pacheco, 45, of Northwest Passage in Barrington will each have to perform 100 hours of community service at an emergency room, and pay $350 to the victims of violent crimes fund. Both will also be on probation for six months after which, if they stay out of legal trouble, the offense will be removed from their records. The couple’s lawyer, Stephen Rappoport, said the Pachecos had wanted to plead guilty to express their support for zero tolerance. “They wanted to take responsibility,” he said. The couple was arrested after a New Year’s Eve Party with mostly family. The police learned about the party after a dozen pictures of under-age Barrington drinkers, ages 17 to 20, were posted online. In one of the pictures, the Pachecos are in the background. “They understand now,” Rappoport said, “looking back, they made a mistake in judgment.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:13 AM | Comment Man accused of revenge by arson faces felonyA man who police say set his Woonsocket apartment complex on fire in late June because he was mad at his landlord is set to be arraigned today on a felony arson charge. When investigators arrived at the building, 52 Blackstone St., firefighters showed them a charred vacuum cleaner and trash bin that looked like they had been set on fire. A witness told investigators that Intha Pathammavong, 25, told her that he was angry with the landlord and wanted to set the building on fire. Initially, according to the police, Pathammavong told the police that he had tried to extinguish the fire. Later he said a friend suggested he start the fire. The police say Pathammavong said he didn’t want to set the fire, but that he did after his friend gave him a lighter. Ultimately, the friend told the police he hadn’t talked to Pathammavong that day. Pathammavong is scheduled for arraignment today in Superior Court, Providence. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:48 AM | Comment Illustration: Will the Fed's rate cut come up lame?
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 8:27 AM | Comment Five arrested in Westerly drug sting due in court todayFive of the seven people arrested during a drug sting in Westerly are due in court today. The arrests Jan. 11 came as the result of a six-week investigation of street-level drug activity in Westerly. Each of the suspects allegedly sold undercover police officers about $50 worth of drugs, according to Police Chief Edward A. Mello. Due in District Court, Wakefield, today for bail hearings are: David Wayne Hazard, 26, of Warwick Also arrested were Arthur G. Colotta, 46, and Robert E. Jordan, 41, both of Westerly. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:51 AM | Comment Judge to hear testimony in foster care lawsuitPROVIDENCE -- A federal judge will hear testimony as he considers whether to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that the state's foster care system is broken and fails to protect children from abuse. State child advocate Jametta Alston and national advocacy group Children's Rights filed the suit last year on behalf of the roughly 3,000 children in state custody. Last week, U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux questioned whether the suit is in the best interest of the children. He's asked for testimony today from adults representing seven children in the lawsuit to determine if they have legal standing to sue on behalf of the minors. The state also says some of the issues raised in the federal civil rights complaint are best left to the Family Court. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Clear and sunny with a high of 36We can expect clear, sunny skies today with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature of 36 degrees, just about normal for today. Clouds should roll in later tonight, when the temperature drops to to 20 degrees. Tomorrow we may see snow in the late afternoon. Expect cloudy skies and a high temperature near 30 degrees. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of Governor Carcieri's State of the State address. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 22, 2008Carcieri: RI on brink of financial disasterGovernor Carcieri told lawmakers tonight that the state is teetering on the brink of financial disaster. “The State of the State is at a tipping point,” he told a packed chamber of senators, representatives, judges and mayors. “If we are not willing to make the hard choices, then the tipping point will lean to the side of disaster, and we will have failed the people who sent us to serve them.” Republican Carcieri served notice he hopes to bring public employees’ work weeks and compensation packages “back in line with the vast majority of private-sector employees,’’ impose a firm two-year time limit on welfare benefits, put city and town employees in one health-care plan with state workers, and adopt what he billed as a “Medicaid Reform Plan’’ aimed, in part, at keeping more senior citizens out of costly nursing homes. “This crisis presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make fundamental and lasting change that will quicken the transformation of Rhode Island from a ship today that’s taking on water to a world-class vessel,’’ he told the lawmakers in his annual State of the State address. Not since the credit union crisis of the early 1990s has the state faced such large and imminent deficits: $151 million in the current year, up to $450 million in the budget year that begins on July 1. -- Journal State House Bureau Only once in a seven-page speech did he direct his pleas for help and cooperation at the state lawmakers seated in front of him, and that was when he asked “the General Assembly, the public employee union leadership and all municipal officials to work together with my administration to find ways to implement these changes.’’ The reception from some quarters was chilly. “He says, ‘This is my agenda and everybody has to work on it.’ That’s a corporate approach. That’s one-side unilateral approach. That doesn’t work,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer George Nee. “The governor should be a leader of bringing people together to have people solve joint problems, not just work on his agenda. That’s the problem.” But in her own prepared remarks, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed, D-Newport said: “We are committed to working with the Governor to resolve the current budget crisis.’’ Added House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence: “At the end of the day - we in government must continually remind ourselves that we all work for the taxpayers.’’ During most of Carcieri’s televised time at podium, he aimed his appeal at an audience outside the State House. “Let me take a few moments to talk directly to every Rhode Islander who is watching this address on television, listening on the radio or reading about this in the morning newspaper,’ he said. “Most of you only want to know one thing: “What does this plan mean for me and my family? “The answer is --- No tax increases! If this plan is implemented, your taxes won’t go up,’’ he said. During the speech, the reaction from the lawmakers seated in the chamber was cool. Carcieri was interrupted only twice by applause – and the clapping largely came from a small group of Republican legislators. The only standing ovations came in response to the governor’s introduction of decorated combat veterans. He promised the budget he proposes to lawmakers in the coming weeks will cut state spending by $300 million between now and the end of next year – resulting in a budget “that is less than the previous year (for) the first time since the credit union crisis.’’ But he provided few details, listing instead the broad areas in which he hopes to cut state spending, including public employee “wages, health care costs and pensions;’’ welfare, social service and other “entitlement programs,’’ and payments from the state to municipal government. -- Journal State House Bureau Posted by Steve Peoples at 10:21 PM | Comment Tonight: Music in Providence, skating in WoonsocketJazz takes the stage at AS220 tonight, and there's folk and rock at Lupo's. The Blueprint Project with Han Bennink play jazz at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. 831-9327. 10 p.m. $7. All ages. Ani DiFranco and Anais Mitchell play folk and rock at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. 331-5876, 272-5876, www.etix.com. 8 pm. $34.50. Or there is ice skating in Woonsocket until 8 p.m. The outdoor River Island Park rink overlooks the Blackstone River in the city's downtown. A fire pit is lighted beginning at 4 p.m. and there are floodlights to allow for night-time skating. The rink, on Bernon Street, off Routes 146 and 145A, is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily, weather depending. Call (401) 767-9287 to be sure ice is open. Find more things to do on projo.com's Lifebeat page. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:58 PM | Comment DOT closing Hawkins Street Bridge for 3 daysThe Hawkins Street Bridge in Providence, which travels over Route 146, will be closed to traffic until the weekend for repairs, the state Department of Transportation announced this evening. As part of repairs, "additional construction will be needed to ensure safety for the motoring public," the DOT statement says. The repair work is to replace the "beam seats," the concrete platform that steel beams sit on to support the bridge's deck. Whem the Hawkins Street Bridge opens, it will be posted for use only by vehicles weighing three tons or less. The restriction will last about three weeks. Once this phase of construction is done, the span will reopen to all vehicles. Beginning this evening, detours over Route 146 will be in place. The suggested detour is for drivers to use Branch Avenue, make a right onto Charles Street and then another right onto Admiral Street, which will take them to Hawkins Street, the DOT says. The detour works for drivers coming in the opposite direction as well. The construction project started last fall and is slated to be done by fall 2009. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Report addresses ways to avoid another crippling stormEAST PROVIDENCE -- A report released today by Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray proposes to move forward from a snowstorm that crippled much of the state last month, but some of the issues and analysis are absent from the report. At a packed meeting of the Emergency Management Advisory Council, Roberts and Bray reviewed their recommendations to improve the way the state handles a snowstorm and other emergencies. The crowd of dozens of police and fire officials, federal and state authorities gathered at the East Providence City Hall was largely silent. What’s missing from the report is an analysis about what went wrong during the Dec. 13 storm -- and an acknowledgement about the emergency procedures and plans that already exist. Some of the recommendations, including methods of communications, are in hand or being developed, as well as partnerships with the public and private sector. The report is heavy on the responsibilities of the cities and towns, such as recommending a statewide system for school and business closures, and getting local officials to report daily about what’s happening in their towns. The report also recommends reviewing the traffic plans of cities and towns to look at whether they are functional. Both Roberts and Bray say they intend to meet with the mayors and council presidents in the cities and towns to discuss the responsibilities of the local emergency management directors, many of whom are part-timers or volunteers. “The number one issue is about money and resources. At the end of the day, we still have to be responsive to the public’s needs,” said Bray, who as commander of the state's National Guard oversees the RIEMA. He is also serving at the EMA's interim executive director, while Roberts is chairwoman of the RIEMAC. Bray has told all of the directors to produce daily reports about the resources and situations happening in their towns -- even when nothing is going on -- so that the state can be ready to act if a crisis develops. The municipalities can still refuse the state’s help, Bray acknowledged. “The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the governor cannot invade a municipality. It’s about education, collaboration and communication,” Bray said. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Also missing items from the report is legislation waiting in the wings of the General Assembly -- bills to decide who’s in charge during an emergency when the governor is out of contact and to give the state more authority over cities and towns. Bray said he’s looking into legislation that would change the balance of power between the state and the municipalities. “We’re looking at statutory changes to give us a little more authority … and give us a little more leverage to ensure something can be done,” Bray said. That proposal would be a reaction to what occurred in Providence on Dec. 13. A critical mix of commuters and school buses got on the roads at the same time that the snowstorm was hitting its stride, dropping 1 to 3 inches an hour. The highways and city streets gridlocked and, in Providence, students were on buses well into the night. The state Emergency Management Agency didn’t learn about the gridlock and stranded students until mid-evening. The city EMA director didn’t report problems and when contacted, refused state help to rescue the children. Both directors have since been fired. Bray said he wants the state EMA to become more proactive. However, even if the directors are reporting a crisis, there’s no one staffing the state EMA around the clock. Cities and towns use a mutual aid agreement to share their resources, such as fire trucks and ambulances, now. Municipalities call for help when they’ve exhausted all of their own resources but, barring a governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, those municipalities also pay the costs. The report also doesn’t examine the question of who is in charge during an emergency. Under the state Emergency Operations Plan, the governor is supposed to be in charge. But during last month’s big snowstorm, Carcieri was in the Middle East and out of contact. He said later that he wouldn’t expect his staff to bother him for a “6- to 10-inch snowstorm.” While Bray, who’d called out the day of the storm, decided not to open the Emergency Operations Center that day, his part of the report now has a structure for opening the EOC depending on the “precipitation.” That was used during the Jan. 14 snowstorm, which was predicted to leave up to 14 inches of snow, but averaged closer to 4 inches of slush mid-state. The EOC was opened, nearly all schools canceled, businesses delayed, and the roads were plowed -- because no one was on them. The governor and Bray held news conferences to update the public. It was the first trial of the new plan. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:45 PM | Comment Sting using craigslist nets suspected prostitutesSEEKONK, Mass. -- The police say they set up a sting at a local hotel last weekend to arrest prostitutes they contacted through craigslist.org, the popular classified advertising Web site. On Friday, a task force made up of police from Seekonk and Swansea in Massachusetts and East Providence in Rhode Island secured rooms at the Motel 6 on Fall River Avenue, according to a police report. From 8:30 through 11:30 p.m., they arrested women who allegedly entered one of the rooms and offered to have sex for money with an undercover detective. Some of the women arrived in pairs. The police arranged the meetings by contacting the suspected prostitutes by cell phone and asking them to meet in a specific room at the hotel, according to the report. While one officer positioned himself in the room, the other members of the task force conducted audio and video surveillance in an adjacent room. After services were offered ranging in price from $150 to $500, the task force members entered the room and arrested the suspects. Sgt. Anthony Araujo said today that no other details were immediately available on how Craigslist and Motel 6 figured into the sting. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit The police said they arrested the following women, charging each with sexual conduct for a fee: Felicia Lebrun, 19; Christina Tamburello, 24; Emily Duhamel, 30; Tajuana Littlejohn, 20; Philippa Hartmayer, 25; Nicole Woods, 24; and Chanel Evora, 24. No addresses for the suspects were available. All were released on bail until they are arraigned in court. Today, craigslist.org featured listings in Seekonk that appeared to offer sex for money. The women, whose erotic pictures appeared in the ad, listed phone numbers where they could be contacted. One said, “You must host. No exception. Providing outcalls to the local area only. Providence, Pawtucket, East Providence, Seekonk, Riverside, Rumford.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:20 PM | Comment New rules urged to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoningPROVIDENCE -- Reacting to three deaths in the city this month from carbon monoxide poisoning, the state Department of Health wants to require hospital emergency rooms to have equipment available to test for CO poisoning whenever they test a patient’s oxygen level. Under the proposed new regulations, hospitals would be required to notify the Department of Health of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, which would allow for follow-up to determine the cause of the poisoning, possibly preventing more damage or even deaths, Dr. David R. Gifford, state director of health, said today. A pilot program at Rhode Island Hospital last year found 11 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning over a nine-month period, he said. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless; CO poisoning can be fatal. Sonia Flores, 46, a factory worker and longtime city resident who emigrated from El Salvador; her son, Ryan, 14, a ninth-grade student at the Met School; and her boyfriend, Marco Herrera, 52, died of CO poisoning in Flores’ house at 345 Blackstone St. earlier this month. State and city authorities say a boiler in the home had been incorrectly vented, allowing carbon monoxide to build up into the house. Oxygen level tests are common in emergency rooms, said Gifford. The equipment to test for carbon monoxide poisoning costs about $3,000, he said. “To save one life, that seems a reasonable use of funds,” said Gifford. Gifford announced the proposed regulation change at a news conference today, with state building and fire officials; Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. Gifford expected the changes could be in effect within a few months. Under state law, homes built since 2002 need to have carbon monoxide detectors, said Richard James, chief deputy state fire marshal. Older homes must have carbon monoxide detectors when they are sold, he said. State Building Commissioner Jack Leyden said his office will begin requiring carbon monoxide detectors as part of the permitting for new heating and mechanical systems. -- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:59 PM | Comment Police seek driver who hit bicyclist in CranstonCRANSTON -- Police are looking for a middle-aged white male with a mustache suspected of hitting a bicyclist with his vehicle Monday morning and fleeing the scene. Police say Dustin Urwin of Johnston was riding his bicycle south on Reservoir Avenue when he made a left turn to cross the street. A northbound vehicle, which Urwin described as a late model gray or silver Toyota, struck Urwin’s rear wheel at about 7:54 a.m. near 994 Reservoir Ave. and threw the rider to the ground. Cranston paramedics took Urwin to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released, according to police. Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call the police department’s Traffic Unit at 477-5000. -- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:41 PM | Comment 1 dead, 1 sought after New Bedford Harbor accidentNEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A fisherman’s body has been recovered from New Bedford Harbor, and a search for a second man who also went into the water has extended into the afternoon. Executive director Kristin Decas of New Bedford’s Harbor Development Commission says three men had been trying to board a fishing vessel at a pier, when two slipped and fell in. New Bedford Police Captain Joseph Cordeiro says a man’s body was recovered after a 911 call at 3:40 a.m. Authorities were searching off the pier for the other man. Identities weren’t immediately released. Decas says the men worked on the vessel Arcturus, which is owned by a company in Maine and has been fishing out of New Bedford for years. Decas says the apparent accident is a tremendous loss for the industry. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:19 PM | Comment Update: Governor to deliver State of the State tonightPROVIDENCE — With state government facing a sea of red ink, Governor Carcieri will stand before a joint session of the House and Senate at 7 tonight and deliver what could be his bleakest State of the State address yet. Yesterday, his spokesman Jeff Neal said the governor “is expected to focus his remarks on the short- and long-term fiscal challenges confronting state government” and “discuss the broad outlines of the difficult decisions necessary to balance the budget deficit in the current and coming fiscal years [FY 2008 and 2009]. Both the governor’s speech and the Democrats’ response will be aired live by Capitol Television, the broadcast arm of the General Assembly, on Statewide Interconnect C which is Channel 15 for both Cox Communications and Full Channel, and Channel 34 on Verizon. The address is also expected to be broadcast live on television by WJAR-TV (Channel 10) and WPRI-TV (Channel 12), and on radio by WPRO 630 AM, WHJJ 920 AM and WRNI 1290 AM. WPRI, a Journal/projo.com partner, also plans to Webcast it on its site, wpri.com. Projo.com aims to publish an advance copy of the governor's speech, expected to be available around the time of its scheduled start. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this item incorrectly gave the channel number for the speech's broadcast on Verizon. The correct channel is 34. Posted by Jack Perry at 3:08 PM | Comment Brotherhood gets a third seasonBrotherhood, the cable series where crime, cronyism and corruption intermingle in of all places Rhode Island, will get a third season filmed in Rhode Island. Showtime has ordered a new season of eight episodes, which airs as a one-hour drama on Sunday nights, a news release out today says. The series starring Jason Isaacs, Jason Clarke and Annabeth Gish will be shot in Providence. "Brotherhood is one of our shining hours at Showtime -- a drama series that is among the highest quality shows offered anywhere on television, and we are proud to keep it firmly in our portfolio," Robert Greenblatt, president of Entertainment Showtime Networks Inc., said in the statement. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:05 PM | Comment Blackstone Valley in running for global tourism awardThe Blackstone River Valley is getting international recognition as a model of sustainable tourism. Tourism for Tomorrow has nominated Blackstone Valley as one of three finalists for its Destination Award, which goes to a network of tourism-based organizations that successfully maintains sustainable tourism programs and promotes the natural, historic and cultural aspects of the place. Valley tourism is managed by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, a government-mandated authority that promotes and maintains tourism sites throughout Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket, and the towns of Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Smithfield, Glocester, and Burrillville. The region is of national significance as the actual birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Blackstone Valley is nominated for the award alongside Rinjani Trek Ecotourism Programme in Indonesia, and the town of Bouctouche in New Brunswick, Canada. The winner will be invited to an awards ceremony at the Global Travel and Tourism Summit in April, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:36 PM | Comment Program brings teens, young adults togetherThe transition from adolescent to adult can be tough. The transition for a teenager with a chronic disease can add extra dimensions of physical and emotional issues to overcome. The Adolescent Leadership Council at Hasbro Children’s Hospital brings teenagers and Brown University students with chronic illnesses together for support, advice, and fun. Now the teens and young adults of TALC are getting a boost – more than $57,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation to help the program grow. The strategy grant will allow the program to hire a program director, taking TALC to the next level, Gary Maslow, the program’s founder, said in a statement. "We want to find more ways to help teens manage their chronic illness and the challenges they face, as well as find ways to improve their transition into adulthood." -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:08 PM | Comment Update: Westerly school official pleads not guilty to fraudA Westerly School Committee member today pleaded not guilty to two felony fraud counts that resulted from allegations his contracting company received payment for work that was not done. An elderly couple told police they wrote Dominic DiFazio's company -- Dom DiFazio Contracting -- two checks totaling more than $2,700 to replace the windows in their house. According to a police report, both checks were cashed the days they were written -- Sept. 4 and Sept. 7 -- but the work was never done. In Superior Court in South Kingstown, Judge Stephen Nugent today set bail for Dominic DiFazio at $20,000 with surety, which means someone must post 10 percent of the dollar amount or the full amount in property. Difazio is out on bail. Police Chief Edward A. Mello described the couple, Harold and Florence Plympton, as "more than patient" and DiFazio as "less than patient," refusing to turn himself in when he was arrested during a budget retreat on Nov. 17. The Connecticut Attorney General's Office and its Department of Consumer Protection are continuing separate investigations of complaints against the building contractor. DiFazio is also due in court next month to face a misdemeanor fraud charge for allegedly writing a bad check to A-1 Rolloff Disposal. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:54 PM | Comment Mass. governor faces State of State, deficit, tooBOSTON -- It's an important week for Gov. Deval Patrick, as he unveils a proposed budget for the next fiscal year and delivers his first State-of-the-State address. It all comes amid projections that Massachusetts could be facing a $1.3 billion deficit. To help bridge the gap, the governor is expected to include $300 million in casino licensing fees in the budget he is scheduled to unveil Wednesday. But legislative leaders are questioning that approach, pointing out that lawmakers have yet to approve casino gambling. Despite the impending deficit, Patrick is hoping to increase education spending by $368 million in the fiscal year beginning July 1. The governor will deliver his State-of-the-State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Thursday. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:19 PM | Comment Update: U.S. Attorney intends to retry Urciuoli, DriscollPROVIDENCE -- The U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence says it will retry the case against former top Roger Williams Medical center executives Robert Urciuoli and Frances Driscoll, whose convictions for allegedly paying former state Sen. John Celona to press the hospital's legislative agenda at the State House were overturned on appeal. The First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston on Friday announced it vacated the convictions because U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres had given the jury overly broad instructions as to what constituted criminal acts, and that might have led the jury to convict based on actions that the appeals court does not consider to be federal crimes. In a statement released this morning, U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente said his office believes the "central allegations of the indictment remain essentially unaffected and that they remain well-founded. Accordingly, we will retry the case against both Mr. Urciuoli and Ms. Driscoll." In October 2006, Urciuoli was found guilty of conspiracy and 35 counts of mail fraud for hiring Celona, a North Providence Democrat, to push the hospital’s legislative agenda at the State House. Driscoll was convicted of one count of mail fraud. Urciuoli received a three-year prison sentence, and Driscoll, eight months. The court had postponed the execution of their sentences pending the results of this appeal, and the hospital officials have been free on bail. In 1998, Celona was hired to consult for an assisted-living facility and nursing home affiliated with Roger Williams. Prosecutors said Celona’s job was set up to pay him for political influence and that he got more than $260,000 to that end. Prosecutors said Celona killed certain legislation, lobbied towns to bolster ambulance runs to Roger Williams and pushed health insurers to increase reimbursements to the hospital. During trial, Torres instructed the jury that “cloak of office” reached to all of Celona’s acts as a lawmaker, so the jury should consider things such as Celona’s lobbying town officials to benefit Roger Williams. The appeals court's opinion noted a murky statute as it pertained to delineating a lawmaker's misconduct. Celona’s pressing local officials to obey state law did not equate to using his office to harm Rhode Island's citizens, the panel found. “Celona’s conduct falls in a borderland where analogies can easily be drawn both to public and private conduct and there is no indication that Celona invoked any purported oversight authority or threatened to use official powers in support of his advocacy,” the decision read. And the panel found that since the jury was told to look at advocacy for rescue runs as possible criminal conduct, the instructions were overbroad. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Corrente's statement said, "The court vacated the convictions because it believed that the instructions to the jury on honest services mail fraud permitted the jury to convict for conduct relating to the issue of rescue runs to Roger Williams Medical Center. Although the court stated it was 'fairly debatable,' it held that this conduct did not violate the federal honest services law." "At the same time, however, the court held that Mr. Urciuoli could be prosecuted for using former Senator Celona to coerce health insurers into settlements with Roger Williams Medical Center," Corrente said. "Moreover, as the court noted, the defendants did not challenge the convictions as they related to using former Senator Celona 'to promote or block legislation to favor Roger Williams.' " Celona resigned from the General Assembly in March 2004. He later pleaded guilty to selling his influence to Roger Williams, the CVS drugstore chain and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. He is serving a 2½-year federal prison setnence and faces 18 months in state prison after that. Roger Williams Medical Center reached its own plea deal with the government in 2006, requiring it to take responsibility for criminal misconduct and provide the poor some $4 million of free health care. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:06 PM | Comment Police records released in fatal Conn. home invasionCHESHIRE, Conn. -- Police took nearly five minutes from the time they received a 911 call until officers were dispatched to what turned out to be a deadly home invasion in Cheshire, Conn. last summer, according to dispatch records obtained by The Hartford Courant. The first officer was outside the home for at least 26 minutes before the two men who allegedly murdered Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two teenage daughters were captured fleeing the horrific scene. The heavily edited dispatch log and transcript of the police response were released to The Courant Monday as part of a freedom of information request. The documents describe police officers setting up for a hostage situation by trying to establish a secure perimeter and waiting for SWAT team members and equipment to arrive rather than trying to contact the possible suspects or attempting to rescue family members trapped inside. Jennifer Petit, 48, and her two daughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11, were alive while officers were outside the home and were killed in the final minutes of their seven-hour ordeal. The two suspects are accused of strangling the mother and leaving the girls to die, tied to their beds as the pair fled the burning house. Joshua Komisarjevsky, 27, and Steven Hayes, 44, face capital felony charges. Dr. William Petit Jr. escaped, despite being bound and severely beaten. -- The Associated Press As one officer was yelling for a dispatcher to call an ambulance for Petit, others were alerting each other that the suspects were fleeing the house and the house was on fire. Cheshire police declined to comment to The Courant on their response to the triple killings, citing a gag order imposed by New Haven Superior Court Judge Richard Damiani on all parties involved in the case. A telephone message was left Tuesday by The Associated Press with a police spokesman. Police have defended their response, saying they followed proper protocols. Cheshire police delayed entering the home because of assurances from a 911 caller who had been told no one would be hurt if police were not notified, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press last year. Police became aware of the Petits’ ordeal with the 911 call from the Bank of America manager at 9:21 a.m. Records show that dispatchers several times put the bank manager on hold during the initial three-minute 911 call. The bank manager was then told to call back police headquarters on another line to get a further description of what took place in the bank. The back and forth phone calls took nearly five minutes, The Courant reported. A radio dispatch of an “incident” at the house occurred at 9:26 a.m. and a description of the Petits’ car used for the trip to the bank, including the license plate number, was broadcast to police at 9:28 a.m. The dispatch tape describes officers trying to determine if people were in the Petit house and if the car had returned home from the bank. A decision was made quickly to call in the SWAT team, and some of the members were already at the scene. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:01 PM | Comment Brown's study-abroad program under scrutinyPROVIDENCE -- New York's attorney general is scrutinizing study abroad programs at Brown University and 14 other schools to ensure students aren't being cheated. Prosecutors want to know if perks are improperly motivating school officials to select some study abroad providers over others and costing students money. An official with Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office says he wants to create a code of conduct to prevent conflicts of interest. His office has requested documents from more than a dozen schools. Not every school is suspected of wrongdoing. Some schools received document requests because of their relationships with study abroad providers. But other inquiries could be an attempt to survey schools with study abroad programs. A spokeswoman for Brown University did not immediately return a call seeking comment. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:45 AM | Comment Jury selection in prison guard appealJury selection is set to begin today for one of three men who were found guilty of assaulting a prisoner while they were working as prison guards. Ernest Spaziano, of Burrillville, Capt. Caulter Botas, of Pawtucket and Lt. Kenneth J. Viveiros, of North Providence, appealed the District Court's February guilty verdicts. They were given suspended sentences and probation. Jury selection in Spaziano's trial is set to start today in Superior Court, according to Michael J. Healey, spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch. Botas and Viveiros will be tried separately. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:19 AM | Comment Officials will weigh storm response improvementsThe state’s Emergency Management Advisory Council is meeting today to present some suggestions on how to better manage the state during inclement weather. Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Major General Robert T. Bray -- head of the state National Guard and acting executive director of the state Emergency Management Agency -- will join other State Emergency Management officials to discuss the results of the Council’s review of emergency response during the Dec. 13 snow storm. According to a statement released by Roberts, the review covers some newly implemented and proposed solutions for the “failures of emergency response.” The meeting is set for 2 p.m. at East Providence City Hall. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:14 AM | Comment Westerly School Committee member in court todayA Westerly School Committee member is scheduled for arraignment today to face two felony counts of fraud. An elderly couple told police they wrote Dominic DiFazio's company -- Dom DiFazio Contracting -- two checks totaling more than $2,700 to replace the windows in their house. According to a police report, both checks were cashed the day they were written – Sept. 4 and Sept 7 -- but the work was never done. Police Chief Edward A. Mello described the couple, Harold and Florence Plympton, as "more than patient" and DiFazio as "less than patient," refusing to turn himself in when he was arrested during a budget retreat on Nov. 17th. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court, Wakefield, this morning. DiFazio is also due in court next month to face a misdemeanor fraud charge for allegedly writing a bad check to A-1 Rolloff Disposal. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:51 AM | Comment Former councilman faces sexual assault chargesFormer Central Falls councilman Luis Gil pleaded not guilty last week to three charges of sexual assault of a 15-year-old boy. Gil, 45, was arrested on Nov. 12 after the Providence police allegedly found him in his car, under the Henderson Bridge, partially dressed with the 15-year-old boy buttoning up his jeans and trying to put on his shirt in the back seat. The resulting investigation led to additional charges. Gil said he was the boy’s soccer coach, but, according to state police Capt. Stephen Lynch, there is no indication of that. Third-degree sexual assault involves a defendant older than 18 who engages in sexual penetration with someone between 14 and under 16. Gil was released on personal recognizance; he is due back in Superior Court for a pre-trial hearing in late March. Gil was initially scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference last Tuesday, when he was arraigned, according to a court clerk. His name was still scheduled for arraignment on a court calendar today. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:45 AM | Comment Today's weatherThere's a slight chance of snow early this afternoon, and we can expect rain later in the day. Expect clouds all day, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature near 37 degrees. Winds should pick up from the southwest, with gusts up to 30 mph. Rain may continue into the night, maybe turning to snow after 9 p.m. when the temperature drops to about 25 degrees. Tomorrow expect clear, sunny skies, and a temperature reaching 37 degrees. For more weather and regular upates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:23 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features sports columnist Bill Reynolds writing about the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:15 AM | Comment January 21, 2008Tonight: Blues, jazz and 9 Chains to the MoonHere's a sampler of bands playing tonight. Mark Taber plays blues at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. 453-6500, www.thehihat.com. 7 to 11 p.m. The John Allmark Big Band plays jazz at Bovi's Town Tavern, 287 Taunton Ave., East Providence. 434-9670. 9 p.m. Bent Left and Leiana plays rock at Club Hell, 73 Richmond St., Providence. 351-1977. 8 p.m. $5. Nine Chains to the Moon, Seis, Milo Greene and Akinola play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment URI men's basketball drops out of AP's Top 25SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- University of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball team has dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25. Rhode Island was ranked 23rd in the country, but was upset Thursday, losing 68-61 to Saint Louis. The Rams received just 17 points in Monday’s poll. The Rams next play George Washington on Wednesday at home. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:49 PM | Comment New efforts to prevent carbon monoxide deathsThe state Department of Health plans to require hospitals to buy carbon monoxide screening equipment as part of a campaign to prevent deaths from the toxic and odorless gas. The effort, scheduled to be announced tomorrow, comes two weeks after a woman, her boyfriend and her 14-year-old son died in their Providence home after their boiler apparently began leaking carbon monoxide. Health Department Director David R. Gifford has proposed an amendment to hospital licensing regulations that would compel the purchase of carbon monoxide screening instruments, such as a type of a pulse oximeter that measures carbon monoxide levels in addition to the oxygen content in a patient’s blood. -- Journal staff writer Benjamin N. Gedan Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 6:45 PM | Comment Shoot for "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" begins in BristolBRISTOL -- Richard Gere was in town today for the first day of shooting of the film “Hachiko: A Dog’s Story.” The film crew was at 18 High St., a private residence in the historic downtown that is to be the home of Gere and co-star Joan Allen in the movie. It was the start of what’s projected to be several weeks of shooting in Bristol, Woonsocket and other parts of Rhode Island for the film based on a true story about a loyal canine companion. For Gere fans in Bristol, the big day will come Feb. 25 when the production closes down a portion of Hope Street between Constitution and Bradford streets for a full day of filming. -- Journal staff Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:36 PM | Comment Traffic advisory: Accident in Bristol may affect trafficBRISTOL -- Drivers may encounter traffic at this hour in the area of Route 136 at Tupelo Street, where Bristol police dispatch said responders are clearing an accident. Details of the accident were not yet available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:16 PM | Comment Update: One suffers minor injuries in Lawrence fire
LAWRENCE, Mass. -- A massive seven-alarm blaze that started in an empty downtown nightclub quickly spread through 16 buildings today, destroying homes and businesses and forcing residents to flee in their pajamas into bitter cold. One person suffered minor injuries in the blaze at Market and South Union streets in Lawrence, Mass., that engulfed apartment buildings and a home for the mentally disabled. Extra: See footage of the blaze as it spread through Lawrence. The fire was first spotted by an ambulance crew on an unrelated call about 2:30 a.m., state Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said. Coan said the fire started in the nightclub, which was being renovated. The club had no walls, and that "gave the fire an opportunity to take hold very quickly," he said. Freezing winds quickly pushed the blaze through the block, which included early 1900s triple-decker wood frames, a hair salon and three buildings being rehabilitated by Habitat for Humanity. Firefighters were hampered by wind chills that dropped to 2 below zero, freezing the water used to fight the blaze and covering buildings and streets in ice. Zulma Borgos, 49, said she was awakened by calls of "Fire! Fire!" from her boyfriend, Elias Riverra. Borgos said when she looked out the window, "I couldn't believe what I saw." "It was a ball of fire," said Riverra, 21. He didn't even have time to grab a pair of socks before waking Borgos' three girls in the apartment and running. -- The Associated Press The girls, ages 5 to 12, were wrapped in blankets when they arrived at a shelter the Red Cross set up in a local school. Other people arrived in bathrobes and slippers. Police Lt. Scott McNamara said about 150 people were evacuated from the area. By this afternoon, 54 were at the Red Cross shelter, he said. Bill Meagher, a Red Cross volunteer, said many of those displaced by the fire already were struggling financially. "A lot of these people who were burned out today don't have anything," he said. "They're not going to be able to find housing right away. "With the freezing cold weather ... all the shelters are full," Meagher said. Gov. Deval Patrick toured the site and met with displaced families today and said work remained "to close in on what the cause of the fire is and most especially to help the families get back on their feet." "But one step at a time," he said. Fire officials said the cause was suspicious. Coan said state and city fire officials were investigating the blaze with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The nightclub owner, Geraldo Torres, 45, of Methuen, said the last time he was in the building was about 7 p.m. Saturday. He told the Eagle Tribune of Lawrence that he had no idea how a fire started because he turned off the power whenever he left. "There's no way the fire can start there," he said. Torres said he bought the nightclub for about $250,000 intending to open a restaurant and bar with an Italian or Mexican theme. Renovations began about two months ago and he put $300,000 into the building. Torres said he didn't buy insurance. "We lost everything," he said. "All my hard work is in there." Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:35 PM | Comment Carcieri to deliver 'state of the state' tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- With state government facing a sea of red ink, Governor Carcieri will stand before a joint session of the House and Senate at 7 p.m. tomorrow and deliver what could be his bleakest “state of the state’’ address yet. Carcieri is expected to focus on the short- and long-term fiscal challenges confronting state government, according to his office. He plans to discuss the broad outlines of the decisions necessary to balance the budget deficit in the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, and next fiscal year. The state faces a projected $151 million revenue-spending gap this year, and a potential deficit of up to $450 million in the new budget year that begins on July 1. Under state law, Carcieri's budget proposal for the next fiscal year was due last week, but he asked lawmakers to give him until the end of the month to present it. Other governors in the region have, in recent weeks, used their own state of the state addresses to talk about the strain national economic trends have placed on their own economies. Republican Carcieri is expected to do likewise while attempting to rally public and legislative support for cost-cutting measures -- such as the $12.7 million mid-year cut in municipal aid he proposed last week -- that have already evoked howls out of the cities and towns. -- Katherine Gregg, Journal State House Bureau
In Maine earlier this month, Governor John Baldacci said: “Home heating oil and gasoline prices are at record highs. Winter, just a few weeks old, has already shown its teeth. The national economy is struggling under the weight of declining home values. State revenues are not immune from the national condition and are falling short of expectations…We are forced to make hard decisions and set priorities. ‘’ In Vermont, Gov. James Douglas said: “We must seek efficiencies…stretch resources while protecting the most vulnerable; and treat precious taxpayer dollars as if we earned them ourselves…Today, I lay out a series of proposals to achieve prosperity through affordability and to rethink, revitalize and reform the way our state approaches its most pressing challenges.’’ Fresh from reelection a year ago, Carcieri told the Democrat-dominated legislature here that Rhode Island’s “ship of state,” having righted itself, was “heading in a new and exciting direction,’’ but threatened by a continuing penchant for over-spending. At that time, he said: “This has been the most difficult budget since I took office.’’ “As in recent years, ‘’ he said then, “Rhode Island is benefiting from continued growth in revenues. However, each year our appetite to spend exceeds our resources. Every family watching tonight knows that if they’re only getting a 2% pay raise this year, they can’t spend 9% more…’’ A year ago, he also said: “The combined, two year projected excess of expenditures over revenues (is) almost $360 million…Balancing this budget will require sacrifices everywhere. We must further reform our entitlements, demand more cost-effective services from our vendors, develop new service models, and reduce our personnel costs. ‘’ Immediately following the governor’s speech, House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence, and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed, D-Newport, will “offer the perspective of the General Assembly’s Democratic Party on the condition of the state and share their vision for Rhode Island’s future.’’ The address is expected to be broadcast live on television by NBC 10, WPRI 12, and by Capitol Television (which can be viewed on Channel 15 of both Cox Cable of Rhode Island and Full Channel Cable). It will be broadcast live on radio by WPRO 630 AM, WHJJ 920 AM and WRNI 1290 AM. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:41 PM | Comment Martin Luther King Day: prayer, song and a history quizNEWPORT -- Participants in today’s local celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day prayed, sang, gave speeches, and even held a history quiz to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader. Following a morning performance at Thompson Middle School by the school’s Select Chorus, Joyce Williams, president of the Newport County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, asked, “Do you hear the harmony in their voices? That’s what Martin stood for.” She noted that King will have been dead 40 years this April, longer than he lived. But his life continues to serve as a powerful reminder for people to strive for equality and to give of themselves for the cause. “We need your help,” she said, urging everyone in the audience to volunteer themselves as she and others who were alive during King’s time have done. “A few of us are getting old.” The guest speaker at the annual birthday program was Army Lt. Col. Lester Knotts, a professor at the Naval War College and graduate of West Point Academy. He began by telling the audience of about 80 that he could cite endless “grim” statistics that reflect how, even after King’s death, “equal opportunity is not here yet.” But he said he wouldn’t do that. “I’m a happy guy,” said the married father of two young children. A Sunday school teacher and former infantryman now seeking his third master’s degree, he went on to deliver a message of how everyone can improve their own lives -- not to enrich themselves -- but to better the lives of those around them. “I want to encourage you to arise and do something,” he said. “My message to you is not one of woe but one of hope.” While not everyone is a famous civil rights leader, he said, most possesses either physical, political, financial or social power -- even the power of love. “Get up and use it!” he repeated over and over. “Share what you have. It would be selfish to do otherwise.” Repeating some of his favorite adages, he said, “You can talk and talk but nothing gets done until someone picks up a wrench,” and “Do not be afraid of hard work; be afraid of laziness.” Other speakers included Mayor Steven Waluk, Supt. John Ambrogi and School Committee Chairman Charles Shoemaker. In the audience were members of the City Council and Newport’s delegation to the General Assembly. An hour into the program, 18 runners, including one carrying a torch, arrived in the auditorium in sweatsuits and yellow T-shirts commemorating MLK Day. They were volunteers from Naval Station Newport continuing the annual tradition of carrying the torch from Portsmouth to Newport in tribute to King. The winner of the annual essay contest, Lauren Thibeault, a seventh-grader from Charlestown, read her entry. Between speakers, the audience sang “Lift Ev’vy Voice & Sing” and “We Shall Overcome,” two popular civil-rights anthems. In the afternoon, following a luncheon at the Atlantic Beach Club, the 14th annual black history bowl was held at Thompson, testing the knowledge of students from area schools. The documentary “American Blackout,” about the historic suppression of black voters in America, is being shown today at 5 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King. Center. That will be followed by a worship service at the Community Baptist Church, the second of the day. A prayer breakfast was held earlier at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:30 PM | Comment ACLU commends Corrections on media policy revisionThe Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Unions says "the public's right to know" scored a victory when the state Department of Corrections modified regulations that it had proposed concerning the news media's access to inmates for interviews. The Department of Corrections proposed the changes last year, but it drew criticism from civil liberties activists, journalists and former inmates at a September hearing. After the hearing, the DOC took another look the proposed changes. Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU, said the DOC responded to most of the major issues that were raised at the meeting. For example, the DOC has revised a proposal that would have required the presence of a DOC public information officer at all interviews. The rule now allows the reporter to demand that the officer leave. The DOC has also changed language that would have made reporter's notes, recordings and videotapes subject to review by the DOC. "The revised regulations will better promote transparency in an agency where openness is particularly crucial. Ultimately, it is the public’s right to know that benefits from these changes,” Brown said. The resulting revised media policy shows “the public hearing process works,” said Corrections Director A. T. Wall. “We try hard to balance our need for proper security and the availability (of inmates) for the media.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Thomas Mooney. Brown was disappointed that the DOC wouldn't change its policy on access to out-of-state prisoners. Wall said, “We need to defer” to the wishes of the “home” department of corrections where the inmates originated." “If those officials have no problem with a Rhode Island reporter interviewing one of their inmates, ACI prison officials will allow it.” Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:10 PM | Comment Local Pulitzer-winning playwright takes Yale postPaula Vogel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who has served as Brown University's director of master's and undergraduate playwriting since 1984, has been appointed chairwoman of the playwriting department at Yale University's drama school. Yale's Web site says that Vogel has been named Eugene O'Neill professor (adjunct) and department head and will take on full-time duties at Yale on July 1. “The appointment of Ms. Vogel reflects our commitment to attracting not only the most talented students, but also the world’s leading practitioners to serve as their teachers," Yale president Richard C. Levin said in the statement. Vogel has written several plays, won awards including the Pulitzer in 1998 for drama for "How I Learned to Drive," and has had several fellowships. Vogel "has distinguished herself as a unique and profoundly accomplished playwright and teacher,” the dean, James Bundy stated. “Her extraordinary artistic achievements are matched only by her tireless commitment to, and remarkable track record in, the training and mentoring of young writers. I am certain that her vital creative intelligence and generous collaborative spirit will inspire not only the playwriting department, but also the entire Yale School of Drama community, and I look forward to her influence on our program for years to come.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:40 PM | Comment Providence homicide victim survived shooting in 1995
The city's first homicide victim of 2008, Michael Holston, was a resident of the city. He was shot outside Club Desire at 1 Franklin Square, off Allens Avenue, shortly after 2 a.m. yesterday. Newspaper clips identify Holston as an All-State basketball player for Hope High School in the early 1990s, leading the team in 1993 with 22 points a game. Two years later, Holston was cleaning up after a party at the Boys and Girls Club in South Providence when he was shot in the abdomen. Police said the shooter, 19-year-old Nikittey Brown, was seeking revenge against Holston, who had argued with Brown's cousin about money. Club Desire was in the news last year for being a tenant in a state-owned building that also housed state Department of Transportation offices. The police asked that anyone with information about the slaying call detectives at (401) 243-6406. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:30 PM | Comment People in R.I., Northeast rescue unwanted dogsCOLUMBIANA, Ala. -- Dogs lovers in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and other Northeast states are running to the rescue of unwanted dogs from other parts of the country. While many states in the Northeast have strict leash laws and encourage spaying or neutering, other states like Alabama have been less successful in keeping down the number of unwanted dogs. That’s led animal activists in those states to link up with potential dog owners in northern states, sometimes transporting the dogs on 20-hour road trips to be with their new owners. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:43 PM | Comment Update: Lawrence fire, "I couldn't believe what I saw"
One person was injured in the blaze in Lawrence, Mass. -- about 30 miles north of Boston -- that engulfed apartment buildings and a home for the mentally disabled. The extent of the injuries is unknown. Extra: See footage of the blaze as it spread through Lawrence. The fire was first spotted by an ambulance crew on an unrelated call about 2:30 a.m., state Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said. Coan said the fire started in the nightclub, which was being renovated. The club had no walls, and that “gave the fire an opportunity to take hold very quickly,” he said. Freezing winds quickly pushed the blaze through the block, which included early 1900s triple-decker wood frames. Firefighters were hampered by wind chills that dropped to 2 below zero, freezing the water used to fight the blaze and covering buildings and streets in ice. Zulma Borgos, 49, said she was awakened by calls of “Fire! Fire!” from her boyfriend, Elias Riverra. Borgos said when she looked out the window, “I couldn’t believe what I saw.” “It was a ball of fire,” said Riverra, 21. He didn’t even have time to grab a pair of socks before waking Borgos’ three girls in the apartment and running. -- The Associated Press The girls, ages 5 to 12, were wrapped in blankets when they arrived at a shelter the Red Cross set up in a local school. Other people arrived in bathrobes and slippers. The Red Cross said it expected about 35 to 40 people at the shelter. Bill Meagher, a Red Cross volunteer, said many of those displaced by the fire already were struggling financially. “A lot of these people who were burned out today don’t have anything,” he said. “They’re not going to be able to find housing right away. “With the freezing cold weather ... all the shelters are full,” Meagher said. Fire officials said the cause was suspicious. Coan said state and city fire officials were investigating the blaze with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:35 AM | Comment Gas prices drop for 2nd weekGasoline prices in Rhode Island dropped four cents this week, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of unleaded, regular gasoline is $3.079 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has dropped six cents in the last two weeks, but the average price in Rhode Island is still six cents above the national average of $3.019, according to AAA. AAA attributes the drop to lower winter demand. The average price here was $2.289 at this time last year. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:32 AM | Comment All-night effort: Printing Pats' T-shirts in PawtucketLike a lot of New Englanders, Jessica Bahl followed yesterday's Patriots' game closely. She's a fan, but wasn't straight this morning when it came to her feelings about the team's win. "I'm not the person to ask," she said laughing over the industrial noise that bled in through the phone. "I'm exhausted." Exhausted because as soon as the clock ran down in Foxboro, she got to work in Pawtucket Bahl is the general manager of Mirror Image, Inc., a screenprinting company that prints Patriots' T-shirts for the area. She's exhausted, to be sure, "but we get pumped with adrenaline," she said. Being fans helped the three-dozen employees make it through the night and finish up the "thousands and thousands" of AFC Championship T-shirts by about 8 a.m. today. (Bahl said she's not allowed to say exactly how many T-shirts they print). It's not over for the Patriots, and it's not over for Mirror Image. The Patriots are going to the Super Bowl and Bahl and company will be glued to their radios. And if things go well, there won't be a party, Bahl said. "We won't have time for that." -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:08 AM | Comment Photo: Tapping the keys at the King breakfast
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:37 AM | Comment Blaze in Lawrence, Mass., engulfs 14 buildingsLAWRENCE, MA. -- A massive seven-alarm blaze in downtown Lawrence has engulfed 14 buildings, including some apartment buildings. Fire officials say no injuries have been reported in the fire at Market and South Union streets that was called in at about 2:30 a.m. today. See a local fire official describe the scope of the blaze. The blaze started in an empty nightclub that was being renovated, then spread quickly through a hair salon, and other buildings, including a home for the mentally disabled. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:17 AM | Comment State celebrates legacy of Dr. Martin Luther KingPROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with events across the state this holiday weekend. It's a holiday on the federal and state government level, meaning those offices will be closed. Municipal offices and public schools in Rhode Island are also closed Monday, as well as banks. From 7:45 to 10 a.m., the Ministers Alliance of Rhode Island will hold its 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at Rhodes on-the-Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. Here's a list of more events in the area marking the day. The program will also feature awards for local activists who have made contributions to their communities like Lorraine Ramos, founder of the Beehive Childhood Center in East Providence. The state also held a forum on Saturday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, including workshops on youth leadership, community leadership and nonviolence. -- projo.com and Associated Press reports Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment A bright day but bitterly coldThe wind will make today's bitter cold feel even worse. Although today should be sunny, the high should reach just 26 degrees in the Providence area and the wind of 7 to 14 mph. will, at times, make it feel like 3 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight's low will be about 13 degrees. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a photograph of Patriots' linebacker Junior Seau holding the trophy awarded to the winner of the AFC Championship game. A column by sports columnist Bill Reynolds accompanies the photograph. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 18, 2008MLK Day a holiday for many on MondaySlain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. will be remembered officially this Monday, the holiday in his name. It's a holiday on the federal and state government level, meaning those offices will be closed. Municipal offices and public schools in Rhode Island are also closed Monday, as well as banks. On Monday morning, from 7:45 to 10 a.m., the Ministers Alliance of Rhode Island will hold its 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at Rhodes on-the-Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. Here's a list of more events in the area marking the day. The 7to7 news blog, and other projo.com blogs, will be up and running this Monday, with reports on MLK Day activities and, of course, the aftermath of the AFC Championship game on Sunday. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:56 PM | Comment Tonight: Real-estate intrigue in NewportThe Firehouse Theater in Newport tonight at 8 offers a performance of Glengarry Gen Ross. It's a David Mamet play, directed by Andrew Stigler, about the intrigue among characters in a real estate office. Can't make it tonight? There's another performance at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. For other happenings this weekend -- which for many is a three-dayer that marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday -- check projo.com's Lifebeat section and calendar listings.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment 2 R.I. schools make the grade on Newsweek listPROVIDENCE -- Classical High School has made Newsweek magazine's latest ranking of the nation's top public schools, placing 952 out of the 1,351 schools that made the magazine's cut, Schools Supt. Donnie Evans said in a news release today. “We are excited to announce yet another nationally recognized accomplishment by Classical High School,” Evans said in the statement. “I applaud and thank the teachers, the school administrators, and especially the students and their families at Classical who have worked very hard to build and maintain Classical’s outstanding performance and national reputation.” Public schools are ranked according to a ratio where the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students in the school in 2006 is divided by the number of graduating seniors. Classical was one of two schools on the list from Rhode Island. The Newsweek list, available online, shows the other Rhode Island school in the list: East Greenwich High School, which the magazine ranked 1,138th. In the prior year's list, the two swapped spots: Classical was ranked 1,146th and East Greenwich placed 659th. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment Update: Court vacates Urciuoli, Driscoll convictionsA federal appeals court has overturned the corruption convictions of two former top Roger Williams Medical Center executives accused of paying a state senator to push their agenda at the State House. The panel also ordered a new trial in its decision announced this afternoon. Robert A. Urciuoli, the medical center's former president, and Frances Driscoll, a former senior vice president, had appealed their convictions tied to the theft of "honest services" from former state Sen. John Celona. The two argued to the three-judge 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in Boston that the jury had gotten faulty instructions from Judge Ernest C. Torres in U.S. District Court in Providence. In October 2006 verdicts, Urciuoli was found guilty of conspiracy to commit "honest services" mail fraud and 35 counts of "honest services" mail fraud, or aiding and abetting such fraud. Driscoll was convicted of one count of "honest services" mail fraud. Execution of their sentences was stayed pending their appeals. In their appeals, the defendants argued the judge's instructions "wrongly allowed for conviction" based on Celona lobbying mayors and in meeting with insurance companies, "conduct that they claim does not constitute a federal crime." The appeals court ruled in a 25-page decision that Torres instructed, over the defense's objection, that pertinent law included not only exercises of power such as votes but also any actions done "under the cloak of office." U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesman Thomas Connell said late this afternoon that his office had not yet decided whether to call for another trial for Urciuoli and Driscoll. “We’re reviewing the decision, and we will make an appropriate decision as to a path of conduct once we have reviewed and analyzed the import of this decision,” he said. Read the decision today by the appeals court. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Dan Barbarisi, Journal archival reports and The Associated Press Part of the appeals court's vacating of the convictions centers around Celona's lobbying town officials to get more ambulance runs to the hospitals. The appeals court decision found the "ambulance run advocacy with the mayors cannot qualify as a deprivation of 'honest services' owed to the public." The court added that urging local officials to follow law "is not easily described as a deprivation of honest services, actually or potentially harmful to the citizens of Rhode Island." The appeals court concludes "... the [jury] instructions were over-broad insofar as they licensed the jury to consider the rescue run advocacy as a deprivation of honest services, but that the insurance episodes were properly considered as potentially criminal -- as, needless to say, were Celona's actions in promoting or blocking legislation to favor" Roger Williams Medical Center, the decision says. Lawyers for Urciouli and Driscoll praised the decision. “Fran Driscoll is a thoroughly decent person and consequently I couldn’t be happier because she is somebody who fully deserves the result that is reached here," John A. "Terry" MacFadyen, the lawyer for Driscoll, said. "I'm absolutely excited to get the results, and I think it's a great thing for a decent man," said Martin Weinberg, a lawyer for Urciuoli. Celona, a North Providence Democrat who had served as chairman of the powerful Senate Corporations Committee, admitted selling his office for personal gain to Roger Williams Medical Center, the drugstore chain CVS and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. He pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud in August 2005 and was sentenced a year ago to 30 months in federal prison. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:59 PM | Comment Update: Missing W. Greenwich woman found aliveA missing West Greenwich woman was found alive this afternoon in woods about a quarter-mile from her address, according to the state police. It is believed Lisa J. Doire, 41, a mother of two who lives on Fox Run, spent the night in the woods, according to state police Capt. Raymond White. It is not known why. She was located by a helicopter as part of a search of the area. She had been missing since last night. State police said she was found in relatively good shape. Her brother-in-law, Steve Diore, told reporters she had been taken to a hospital for observation. Police said Doire’s husband told them she was home when he took their son and daughter to run some errands at about 4:30 p.m. yesterday. He said when the three returned to the house at about 6:30, she was gone. Leo Doire said he searched the wooded area that surrounds the house, then called police. West Greenwich Police Chief Ronald Lepre said earlier today that there were “no signs of a struggle or of a disturbance of any kind in the house,” adding later that the investigation was still "wide open." More than 50 local and state authorities were searching the area with search dogs. Lepre said Doire has no history of mental illness. "I'm interested," Lepre said about the circumstances, "to see why and where," Doire had gone. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:41 PM | Comment Update: Explosion's cause tracked to truck's water tank
According to the Providence Fire Department, the truck belonged to JA Concrete Pumping in Cumberland. Around noon today, the truck’s high-pressure water tank exploded and one of the covers blew off, punching a hole in the roof of 90 Royal Little Drive, near the AAA Providence headquarters branch office. No one was hurt in the explosion, which left an 18-inch gash in the roof of a building that houses VeriSign and Markland Technologies. One of the businesses was briefly evacuated. The Fire Department’s hazardous materials team inspected the area and determined that no dangerous substances had been released. Although the driver of the truck left the scene, the state police truck squad was able to track him down. Today, Providence police were unable to say what charges, if any, were filed against the driver. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. -- Journal staff writer Linda Borg Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:38 PM | Comment High court stays out of dispute over custody case blogPROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court is refusing to review or halt a Family Court order that told a state agency to “advise” a retired minister to stop publishing a blog “as it pertains” to two children involved in a divorce and custody case. The Rev. Anne Grant, who heads the Parenting Project based at the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church in Providence, had asked the high court to overrule Family Court Judge John A. Mutter, saying his order violated her constitutional rights to due process and freedom of speech. But the state Department of Children Youth and Families urged the Supreme Court to reject Ms. Grant’s requests, saying that Mutter did not order Ms. Grant to do anything and that the case of “Sara Doe” and “Mary Doe” was “protected by several levels of confidentiality.” In a one-sentence order released today, the Supreme Court said, “The petition for writ of certiorari and petitioner’s motion to stay are denied.” Andrew J. Johnson, DCYF’s deputy chief legal counsel, said the agency is glad the Supreme Court ruled the way they did, and he expects similar issues to be litigated in the future. “We felt all along we had acted in an appropriate manner at the direction of the Rhode Island Family Court,” Johnson said. “As we move forward in technology and the Internet is used more and more, these issues will undoubtedly go before courts more and more, and we in society and the courts will have to balance the privacy rights of the children versus the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech.” Grant referred questions to Thomas R. Bender, a Providence lawyer representing her in the case. Bender noted that in saying it wouldn’t hear the matter at this time, the Supreme Court did not address the merits of the case. “We can only speculate as to why they did not want to hear it,” he said. “The most reasonable explanation is that because DCYF acknowledged the order wasn’t specifically addressed to her, it didn’t have any impact on her, and therefore it wasn’t necessary for the court to address it.” -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Bender said he filed the petition in hopes of clarifying the situation and ensuring no one would try to use Mutter’s order to hold Ms. Grant in contempt of court if she continued to publish the blog. “All the court needed to do was add a paragraph to the effect that ‘We are not taking this up at this time because the order doesn’t require Anne Grant to do anything,’ but they declined to do that,” he said. So now, Bender said, he will probably advise Ms. Grant to continue to publish the blog and to comment on the case while avoiding photographs or information that would identify the children. “If another party asks to hold her in contempt for that, we’ll have to go to court and argue that the order was not specifically addressed to her and the court did not have any jurisdiction over her,” he said. Ms. Grant had used the blog — www.custodyscam.blogspot.com — to criticize DCYF and others involved in the case, saying they’d used a “bogus theory” to take a mother’s two daughters from her and to send one of the sisters to live with the father — after the father had been accused of sexually abusing the girl. The blog had decried reliance on parental alienation syndrome, a theory which the child psychologist Richard A. Gardner developed “to describe his clinical impressions of cases he believed involved false allegations of child abuse,” Bender has said. DCYF has said that while the blog used pseudonyms for the girls, it included the children’s photographs, diary entries and medical information, and it repeated the sexual abuse claim that a DCYF hearing officer had deemed “unfounded.” At DCYF’s request, Mutter issued a decree on Aug. 17, saying: “DCYF, as the temporary custodian of the children, is to advise Anne Grant, author of www.custodyscam.blogspot.com, to remove any and all written and pictorial information pertaining to the children in the above matter, from the inception of publication to the present and henceforth, and to cease publication of the blog as it pertains to these children.” Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:17 PM | Comment Grand jury: Fatal shooting by Pawtucket police justifiedA Providence County grand jury has found that the actions of Pawtucket police officers in the shooting death of a man last July were "lawful and legally justified." A press release from the state Attorney General's Office today said the grand jury had finished its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jason Audette, on July 27. Audette, 34, of 544 Central Ave. in Pawtucket, was killed at a tenement house at 62-64 Coyle Ave. Officers called to the scene shot Audette, a burglary suspect there who police said had a gun in his hand. All together, Officers David Holden, 26, Mark Ramos, 31, and Christopher LeFort, 37, fired about a dozen shots at Audette with .40-caliber Glock service weapons, killing him. In its press release, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said the grand jury made its finding because Audette had been armed with a loaded .32-caliber pistol, had refused to comply with three separate orders to drop his gun, and was pointing his gun directly at one of the officers. As a result, "the officers felt that their lives were in imminent danger and, therefore, were justified in shooting" Audette. -- With projo.com archival reports Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:00 PM | Comment Officials: Woman killed self, kin on purpose on highwayCAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- A woman with a history of mental illness purposely walked her young niece and nephew into oncoming traffic on Interstate 495 in Lowell last week, in a double-murder suicide, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office said today. Marcelle Thibault, her 5-year-old niece, Kaleigh Lambert, and her 4-year-old nephew, Shane Lambert, both of Brentwood, N.H., were killed on Jan. 11 when they were struck by two cars. Thibault, 39, of Bellingham, was driving her 2003 Lincoln sedan south on the interstate when she turned the vehicle car sharply, drove across the median, crossed the northbound lanes and then began driving against traffic in the breakdown lane, authorities said. She then stopped on the right side of the road, got out of the car and removed all her clothes and undressed the children. She then took both children into her arms and walked onto the highway. "We believe that Ms. Thibault took her niece and nephew and walked with them into oncoming traffic on Route 495, tragically resulting in the deaths of the two young children while taking her own life in the process," District Attorney Gerry Leone said in a statement. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:40 PM | Comment Trying to do better: December storm follow-upThe state’s Emergency Management Advisory Council is meeting next week and will present some suggestions on how to better manage the state during inclement weather. Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Major General Robert T. Bray -- acting director of the state Emergency Management Agency -- will join other State Emergency Management officials to discuss the results of the Council’s review of emergency response during the Dec. 13 snow storm. According to a statement released by Roberts, the review covers some newly implemented and proposed solutions for the “failures of emergency response.” The meeting is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at East Providence City Hall. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:36 PM | Comment Traffic Alert: Scituate accidentPolice and rescue crews are at an accident on Rockland Road in Scituate. The Scituate police say the accident, near Danielson Pike, involved two vehicles. None of the injuries appeared to be very serious, but three people may be transported to nearby hospitals. Traffic has been disrupted on Rockland Road, about 1 mile from the state police building, but not Danielson Pike. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:26 PM | Comment Harp seal rescued by Mystic team; public can view itA Mystic Aquarium rescue team on Wednesday helped a harp seal found stranded at Napatree Point in Westerly's Watch Hill section, the aquarium and research institute announced today. The male seal, thought to be a yearling, was seen on the beach by aquarium staff eating sand, "which probably indicates the animal was dealing with some sort of stress-related issue," Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration said in a news release today. “Harp seals are usually found further north, following the ice flows,” said Janelle Schuh, a stranding coordinator for the aquarium's Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program. “However, it’s not totally uncommon this time of year to see them off the southern New England coast as well, but it’s not their natural habitat.” Aquarium staff took the seal to the Seal Rescue Clinic at Mystic Aquarium, where it is receiving antibiotics to fight off infections. “He’s doing well right now,” Schuh said in the statement. “We’re trying to get him to eat fish again and once he’s off the antibiotics, he’ll be re-released. There is a 14-day waiting period when an animal like this is given medication; if everything is OK after that, he’ll then be returned to the ocean.” The public is welcome to see the seal at the aquarium on a television monitor that tracks his movements. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:14 PM | Comment Bakst: How I'll prevent hypothermia at Pats' game
So, the blanket is definitely coming with me. Speaking of coming, or going, I see that the MBTA train to the stadium will leave Providence at 1:10 p.m., which means there won’t be a lot of time to kill before settling into my Section 238 (no alcohol) seat before game time, which, given the temperature forecast (a high of 22 degrees dropping to 7 Sunday night), is probably a lucky break, no? Now, for my ensemble: -- A pair of thin socks, plus toe warmers or foot warmers or both – this will be, as the coaches say, a gametime decision - and heavy socks and whatever shoes best accommodate same. -- Long underwear, heavy 100 percent wool slacks, and, on the outside, a pair of nylon rain pants. (I’m also considering putting some pajama bottoms or sweat pants in there somewhere.) -- The top to the long underwear, a T-shirt, a collared shirt, then a regular sweatshirt and/or windbreaker pullover, then a heavy hooded sweatshirt and zip up windbreaker, then a hooded winter parka. -- Mittens and hand warmers, probably two pairs. -- A knit hat, a scarf, and a face mask. (Yes, I said a face mask, with a Patriots logo. It’s the kind of thing you’d use if you were robbing a milk store. No, you’ve probably never seen me in it. For one thing, I don’t rob milk stores. I wear it only at Pats games and then only when the weather is brutal.) -- Several snacks including All-Bran oatmeal raisin bar and Fiber One oats and peanut butter bar. Definitely intend to get a hot chocolate – probably two – at the concession stands. Maybe also chicken breast sandwich, turkey leg, or chicken/rice/beans/salsa burrito (light on the cheese and hold the sour cream.) If Patriots are winning, may celebrate and splurge on a kosher hot dog. Come to think of it, if they’re losing, I’ll be so distraught I may have to get one to ease my pain. Frankly, any time is a good time for a kosher hot dog, and, on a health kick, I’ve been depriving myself for too long. You may be thinking, “Good luck to you, fella. You go right ahead and go to Foxboro and freeze. I’ll watch on TV.’’ And you may be smart. What can I say? I do this because it’s what I do, it’s who I am, and I love it. -- M. Charles Bakst, Journal political columnist and diehard Pats fan Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:57 PM | Comment Update: Container bursts, damages Providence buildingA loud, explosive-type noise that caused occupants along Royal Little Drive near Silver Spring Street in Providence to call police came from a pressurized container on a truck that had burst, shooting pieces at a nearby building. According to Providence Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief Curtis Varone, part of the container shot at the building at 90 Royal Little Drive -- near the AAA Providence headquarters branch office -- leaving a 1.5-foot gash on the roof. One business was briefly evacuated, Varone said, but no one was hurt and people are returning to their buildings. A hazardous materials crew inspected the area and determined no dangerous materials had been released. The state police are looking for the truck that had been carrying the container, according to Varone, because it is no longer on the scene. Varone said the truck has the letters "Cumberland Piping" on the side. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson with, reports from Journal staff writer Linda Borg Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:13 PM | Comment Update: Amtrak, unions reach agreementWASHINGTON -- Amtrak reached a deal with nine labor unions, averting a possible strike at the end of this month, the passenger railroad announced today. The deal averts not only passenger rail disruptions but commuter chaos in many East Coast suburbs where short-distance trains run on Amtrak infrastructure. "Investing in the railroad comes in many forms, and one of the best ways is to invest in its people, which we've done with this tentative agreement," Amtrak president and CEO Alex Kummant said in a statement. "We have averted a possible strike that could have had a crippling effect on the lives of millions of Americans." Details of the tentative agreement will not be released until it is ratified by affected union members in the next several weeks, according to a statement from Amtrak. But people familiar with the labor agreement, speaking on condition of anonymity because the details had not been formally announced, said it adopts the recommendations of a presidential emergency board report issued Dec. 30. The board recommended Amtrak grant back wages to its workers, and the report triggered a 30-day countdown until a strike became legal. There has never been a strike in Amtrak's 36-year history. The dispute, which had continued despite years of unsuccessful mediation, involved about 10,000 employees whose last contract ended Dec. 31, 1999. Amtrak, which depends heavily on federal subsidies, was concerned about how it would afford the back wages, which would average nearly $13,000 per employee. The railroad had offered to give each worker a lump signing bonus of $4,500 instead of back pay. An Amtrak spokesman had said the back pay would cost Amtrak about $150 million more than what the company had offered. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 12:51 PM | Comment Search on for missing W. Greenwich woman, 41Authorities are searching for a 41-year-old mother of two who was last seen in her Fox Run home in West Greenwich yesterday evening. According to police, Lisa J. Doire’s husband said she was home when he took their son and daughter to run some errands at about 4:30 p.m. yesterday. He said when the three returned to the house at about 6:30, she was gone. Leo Doire said he searched the wooded area that surrounds the house, then called police. According to West Greenwich Police Chief Ronald Lepre, there were “no signs of a struggle or of a disturbance of any kind in the house.” Doire is described as 5’5”, 105 pounds, with blonde-brown hair. More than 50 local and state authorities are searching the area with search dogs. Lepre said Doire has no history of mental illness. He said police intend to keep searching: “Hopefully everything will work out.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:16 PM | Comment RIPTA changes some schedules, routesBuses and trolleys change to their winter schedules tomorrow so be aware of a few different arrival and departure times and slightly different routes. The changes are temporary; the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority makes schedule changes three times a year. Route 51/Charles Street will begin running all day, and will be consolidated with Route 79/Columbus. Route 80/Armstice Boulevard will be rerouted to Memorial Hospital and Columbus Avenue on a new schedule. It will also be consolidated with the old Route 73 bus, which has been renamed Fairlawn/CCRI, and will have a continuous route between Pawtucket and Lincoln. Some trips on the Smithfield, Dexter/Lincoln Mall, Elmwood/Auburn/Airport, Dyer/Pocasset and North Scituate lines are being discontinued. Services are being expanded on the Admiral/RIC, Providence/Newport, Branch Avenue and Broad Street lines. Changes re being made to other routes, as well. Download a .PDF file outlining the schedule changes, or visit the RIPTA Web site for more information Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:19 AM | Comment Cape Cod robber can keep $1M lottery prizeBARNSTABLE, Mass. — The luck keeps rolling for a convicted bank robber who won a $1 million lottery prize. Timothy Elliott will be able to keep his winnings, even though he violated his probation when he bought the scratch ticket, according to an agreement reached with the Massachusetts Probation Department and approved today by Barnstable Superior Court Judge Richard Connon. Elliott, 55, will be required to pay only a monthly $65 probation supervisory fee that had been previously waived because he was indigent. Elliott was placed on five years probation after pleading guilty in October 2006 to unarmed robbery for a heist at a bank on Cape Cod. Under terms of his probation, Elliott was not to “gamble, purchase lottery tickets or visit an establishment where gaming is conducted, including restaurants where Keno may be played.” Elliott’s attorney, J. Drew Segadelli, acknowledged his client violated his probation when he bought the $10 ticket for the “$800 Million Spectacular” game at a Hyannis supermarket. But he called the violation minor. “On the scale, that he scratched a ticket, while wrong, is not such a harm,” Segadelli said. Segadelli said there was never any indication that Elliott, who already has received the first of his 20 annual $50,000 checks from Massachusetts’ lottery commission, would have to return the money. The lottery had previously said Elliott should be able to keep the prize. “That was a media hype,” he said. “There was no foundation or support for that ever occurring.” -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:12 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of Governor Carcieri's plan for closing a $151-million budget deficit. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:12 AM | Comment Cranston's sixth graders to return to elementary schoolProponents say the move will save the financially struggling school department about $1 million a year. Chariman Michael A. Traficante, Andrea M. Ianazzi, Steven A. Stycos, Frank Lombardi and Donna Tocco-Greenaway voted in favor of the move. Paul H. Archetto and Deborah C. Greifer voted against. The decision reverses a 13-year-old policy of sending sixth-graders to the middle schools. The next step, according to Chairman Michael A. Traficante, is to work through the four different proposed scenarios in workshop meetings. He said planning should be complete within 3 to 4 months and hopefully, the physical act of setting up space for sixth graders in the elementary schools will take place this summer. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:54 AM | Comment Cranston kicks off coat driveCranston’s Mayor will be on hand at Whole Foods today, not to consume, but to kick off a winter coat drive. Mayor Michael T. Napolitano will be on hand at the grocery store at Sockanosset Crossroads today from noon until 1 p.m. to help collect new and used men’s, women’s and children’s coats. The clothes will be donated to the Comprehensive Community Action Program, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and other churches and charities. The coat drive will continue tomorrow, and collection boxes will be placed at the Cranston Senior Center and Cranston City Hall. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:54 AM | Comment Funeral for Roomful's Enos today
The funeral for Bob Enos, the trumpeter from Roomful of Blues who died last week, is set for today at 9 a.m. Enos had played trumpeter for Roomful, a long-time Rhode Island blues band, since 1981. The service will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 82 High St., Wareham at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wareham. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:30 AM | Comment Conn. woman seeks probation in Santa groping caseDANBURY, Conn. -- A woman accused of groping a mall Santa Claus has applied for special probation that could wipe any criminal charges from her record. Thirty-three-year-old Sandrama Lamy was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault on Dec. 15, for allegedly touching the Santa at the Danbury Fair mall inappropriately while sitting on his lap. In court yesterday, Lamy's lawyer applied for accelerated rehabilitation, which is made available to first-time offenders. If she is granted the special probation, her criminal record could be totally erased after completing a term of unsupervised probation. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Carcieri to discuss furloughs with union leadersPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri plans to meet with union leaders today and discuss his proposal to furlough state workers so Carcieri can close a 151 million dollar budget deficit. It's one of many cuts the governor has proposed to fix a shortfall in the current fiscal year, which ends in June. Under the proposal, state workers would have to take six days off without pay to save an estimated $15 million. Carcieri says no state agencies will shut down because workers would not take their furlough days simultaneously. He's scheduled to meet this morning with union leaders to discuss the plan. Carcieri made a similar proposal last year, but he dropped it amid intense opposition from state employee unions and Democratic lawmakers. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment Rain should taper offAt least it's not snow, right? This morning is starting off with heavy rain, but it should taper off later in the day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature near 45 degrees with east winds gusting as high as 32 mph. Skies should clear up tonight, when the temperature should drop to about 21 degrees. Tomorrow we may see snow in the afternoon as clouds gather and the temperature reaches 37 degrees. Mild west winds will reach a bout 9 mph. Saturday night more snow is possible with a low temperature near 19. There's a slight chance of even more snow Sunday, with cloudy skies and a daytime high temperature of just 24 degrees. Adding to the cold will be high winds from the west, gusting as high as 31 mph. Watch for ice Sunday morning, when the temperature drops down to just 9 degrees. For Martin Luther King Day, expect sunny skies, but low temperatures, reaching the low 20s. For weather updates through the weekend, check projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:00 AM | Comment January 17, 2008Tonight: CCRI on PBSRhode Island's PBS will air a documentary about community colleges, in particular, the Community College of Rhode Island. The program Discounted Dreams: High Hopes and Harsh Realities in America's Community Colleges is on at 9 p.m. The program is followed at 10 p.m. by a half-hour discussion program that includes comments by Ray Di Pasquale, the CCRI president. State Commissioner of Higher Learning Jack Warner and state Sen. Juan M. Pichardo are also featured. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment URI, PC men's basketball teams hit the road tonightUniversity of Rhode Island and Providence College men's basketball teams both have away games tonight. URI is at St. Louis at 8 p.m. while Providence plays UConn at 7 p.m., the latter to be televised on ESPN-FC. Keep up with score and stats for both games, and talk about the results, on projo.com's PC and URI sports pages. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:57 PM | Comment Photo: On a roll at Gillette
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:20 PM | Comment Update: W. Warwick officer accused of assault arraignedCRANSTON -- A West Warwick police officer charged with domestic simple assault stemming from a Christmas Eve argument with his girlfriend was allowed to remain free after his arraignment today in District Court. Patrolman Jonathan I. Caldwell, 32, of 98 Randall St. in Cranston, was given a pre-trial date of Jan. 28. He remains free on $1,000 personal recognizance bail posted at the time of his arrest Jan. 4. A no-contact order with his girlfriend, Rachel Pineda, 26, remains in effect. According to police reports, Pineda told Cranston police officers that she tried to keep Caldwell from leaving his house after he had been drinking on Dec. 24. She said she stepped between Caldwell and the door and that he pushed her into a wall and onto the floor. While she was on the floor, she told the police, Caldwell punched and kicked her before leaving. Pineda said she sought treatment at Kent Hospital, where emergency doctors told her she had suffered torn cartilage in her knee. She said she did not report the incident immediately because she did not want Caldwell to lose his job but that she eventually went to the police at the urging of family members who noticed her bruises. Caldwell, who joined the force in 2001, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:09 PM | Comment Coast Guard flies R.I. fisherman from boat to hospitalAfter complaining about chest pains, a Rhode Island fisherman was flown by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter yesterday to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment. The 45-year-old fisherman, Barry Clapt, was in stable condition today at the Hyannis, Mass. hospital, a spokesman said. Clapt was taken from the Narragansett-based trawler Mary Elena after 11:30 a.m., said Petty Officer Lauren Downs. Downs said she did not know where Clapt lived, but said he was a Rhode Island resident. He was part of a crew fishing 180 miles southeast of Cape Cod, she said. The Canadian Coast Guard contacted the U.S. Coast Guard’s First District Command Center after U.S. radios failed to pick up the calls for help from the 77-foot trawler, Downs said. The U.S. Coast Guard launched two jets and a helicopter, said Lt. Engrid Elso. A Falcon jet based at the Air Station in Cape Cod was diverted from a nearby patrol to communicate with the crew aboard the Mary Elena. A second jet also flew to the spot. A helicopter from the air station took the ailing crewman to Hyannis Airport where emergency workers took him to the hospital. -- Journal staff writer Paul Davis Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:01 PM | Comment Fire reported in 3-story building in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Firefighters are at the scene of a third-floor fire in a three-story wood-frame building at 169 Princeton Ave., according to James Taylor, chief of communications at the Providence Fire Department The call came in at 4:01 p.m. No other information was available shortly before 4:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:55 PM | Comment Update: Man, sought by Westerly police, is arrestedWESTERLY -- The police have arrested a Westerly man they had been looking for as a suspect in the robbery of a 7-Eleven store, the police said late this afternoon. Jason P. Bolduc, 29, of Pearl Street was arrested today by Westerly officers about 4 p.m. without incident at a relative's apartment on Marriott Avenue, according to the police. The police had received a tip about his whereabouts. Bolduc will be held overnight and appear in Washington County District Court in the morning on charges of robbery. The Westerly police were looking for Bolduc, who they suspect of robbing the store with a man who they allege went on the next day to rob and assault an elderly couple in Connecticut. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson and Journal staff writer Paul Davis Earlier today, the police said they considered Bolduc to be armed with a knife, and dangerous. The police said they got an arrest warrant for Bolduc yesterday after obtaining physical evidence and a witness identification linking him to the burglary, according to Det. Sgt. Mark Carrier earlier today. The police allege Bolduc robbed the Route 1 convenience store on Monday with 45-year-old Gregory Whiting of East Providence. The next day, an elderly Stonington, Conn., man called the police and said he and his wife had been choked and assaulted, and robbed. The police spotted a car matching the caller’s description and followed it into Westerly, where it crashed into a tree, Westerly Police Chief Edward A. Mello said earlier today. The police say they found Edward Northup, 37, of Westerly in the car, and Whiting, who had fled, at a nearby home. Both men were found yesterday to be in violation of probation for previous sentences and are being held without bail. Bolduc has “a lengthy record with us,” according to Carrier, and had previously been involved in high-speed chase with local authorities. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:51 PM | Comment Carcieri's budget plan calls for furloughs, state aid cutsGovernor Carcieri released a sweeping budget proposal today that would make dramatic cuts and changes affecting all state employees, cities and towns, several thousand low-income health-care recipients -- and even cell-phone users. Carcieri’s plan, known as a supplemental budget, would revise the 2007-2008 state spending plan the General Assembly passed in June. Both the legislature and the governor agree there is urgency in adopting the revised budget in the coming months to close a current-year deficit projected at $151 million. The proposals released today may help in closing next year’s projected $450-million budget deficit, but Carcieri plans to release a separate 2008-09 budget in the coming weeks. The legislature ultimately needs to approve the governor’s plans, which State Budget Officer Rosemary Booth Gallogly says should be passed by March to achieve all of the proposed savings. Assembly leaders weren’t immediately available to comment. The governor’s 119-page supplemental budget includes a provision that would cut $10 million in state aid to cities and towns for the current year, in addition to reducing their reimbursements on the motor vehicle excise tax by $2.7 million. Asked why the governor would take money away from municipalities in the middle of a budget year, Gallogly said that many communities have healthy budget reserves that could make up the cut. Urban areas will be hit particularly hard by the plan, including Providence (which would lose around $2.9 million), Pawtucket (more than $1 million), Cranston (more than $1 million) and Woonsocket (more than $700,000). Carcieri also outlined a plan to require all of the Rhode Island 15,000 or so state employees to take six unpaid days before the end of June. Gallogly said the days off would be flexible, adding that she hoped to work out an agreement with labor unions in the coming weeks. -- Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau AFL-CIO Treasurer George Nee earlier reiterated organized labor’s opposition to a similar furlough plan proposed by the governor last year. "If people have those kinds of proposals … they have to do that through the collective-bargaining process," he said, "otherwise you’re reducing people’s waging unilaterally." Gallogly said the governor may asked the General Assembly to pass a law mandating the furloughs, and she suggested “another option” that would allow the governor to act unilaterally if necessary. The furloughs would save approximately $14.8 million, Gallogly said. Meanwhile, a separate proposal would allow the state to cut state subsidized health insurance, known as RIte Care, for approximately 2,000 immigrant children living in Rhode Island. Department of Human Services Director Gary Alexander said that facing a severe budget deficit, the state needs to prioritize its benefits for citizens. The governor has backed off plans to cut health-care for another 8,000 low-income children, but included a measure to cut benefits to more than 7,000 adults on RIte Care. Among the more unusual proposals outlined today, the governor suggested changing state law to ban “hand-held mobile telephones while driving.” A new $50 fine would be created for the offense, which has previously failed to pass the Assembly. In all, the revised spending plan would cut state expenditures by $83.2 million by the end of June, while raising approximately $68.8 million in new revenues. The revenue changes include capping the tax credits allowed by the state’s historic tax program at $20 million in the current year and $40 million in subsequent years. Historic preservationists have credited the program with helping to revitalize dilapidated mills and crumbling buildings around the state. In a press release advancing the budget release, Carcieri said his staff has already reached out to Democratic and Republican legislative leaders to talk about the options and some of the plans his office is considering. “Based on those meetings, I believe that the General Assembly recognizes the severity of the budget problem and is willing to work with my administration to craft a solution," Carcieri stated. Carcieri said the shortfall mainly came about because of a fall-off in state revenues such as taxes and lottery proceeds and in projected caseloads in some state financed programs. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:06 PM | Comment Black Storytellers festival gets funds from bankThe Rhode Island Black Storytellers festival is getting a boost from Citizens Bank for its week-long festival. The festival kicks off this Sunday with two events in South County, a choir performance at the Westerly Public Library and a family storytelling concert at the Cornerstone Playhouse at True Blue Café in South Kingstown. It ends in Newport with another family storytelling concert at the Martin Luther King Center on Sunday, Jan. 28. Click below for a complete listing of events, or visit the RIBS Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Sunday, January 20 RIBS and Teju present a Family Storytelling Concert at Cornerstone Playhouse at True Blue Café, 213 Robinson, Street Wakefield, 6 p.m. Tickets $10.00 adults $5 under 12. Monday, January 21 Friday, January 25 8 p.m.: Spoken word at Trinity Restoration, INC., located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 393 Broad Street, Providence. Riders Against the Storm, Spittin Images, and more share their storytelling styles in rhythm and rhyme. Tickets $8.00. Saturday: January 26 Saturday Night: Not just for kids. Join RIBS and guests for a night of stories at the RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Street, Providence. Tickets $10/advance. $15/door. Available at www.arttixri.com. Doors open at 7pm. Sunday, January 27 Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:38 PM | Comment New England Tech to acquire Brooks-Eckerd building
New England Institute of Technology said today that is has entered into an agreement with Rite Aid Corp. to acquire a 25-acre property on the former Rocky Hill Fairgrounds and a 285,000-square-foot building once intended to house the Brooks-Eckerd corporate headquarters. “In a surprising and unanticipated development just before Christmas, we renewed discussions with Rite Aid regarding the sale of the former Brooks building," said Richard Gouse, New England Tech's president. "Rite Aid reconsidered an offer from the college and a purchase-and-sale agreement has been negotiated and was signed today.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last July, the college announced a long-term plan to move from its present location on Post Road in Warwick to a new 200-acre campus in East Greenwich. “We are extremely excited about this new development and have asked our professional campus planners to immediately incorporate this site into our proposed campus plan," Gouse said. "As we have stated from the beginning, we have every intention of working closely with town officials to ensure that our campus development protects the high quality of life enjoyed by East Greenwich residents.” Residents of a nearby condominium have complained about the proposed campus. Brooks-Eckerd never occupied the building because the drugstore company was acquired by rival Rite Aid Corp. -- Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 1:27 PM | Comment Update: Police must testify on smoke-shop documents
A judge has ordered members of the state police to testify about why documents were withheld relating to the trial of Narragansett Indians arrested during the 2003 raid on a tribal smoke shop. The trial is delayed until Feb. 25. Judge Susan E. McGuirl ordered Maj. Steven G. O'Donnell and other high-ranking police officials to testify while she weighs the defendants' motion to have the case against them dismissed. The documents in question are undated witness statements by O'Donnell, then-captain and in command at the time of the raid. An eight-page statement was submitted to Superior Court, Providence, on Jan. 4. An 11-page document was submitted as part of a packet that the state police gave the court Friday after being subpoenaed to release all raid-related documents. Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other Narragansetts are charged with misdemeanor offenses ranging from disorderly conduct to assault. Prosecutors say the defendants missed similar deadlines to share information and will have plenty of time to review the new material before trial. The trial has been delayed pending resolution over the documents. Jury selection had been scheduled to start yesterday. The arrests happened when police raided the newly opened smoke shop on tribal land in Charlestown, which was not collecting state taxes. A federal appeals court later ruled the shop was operating illegally. Extra: More about the raid and its aftermath. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:10 PM | Comment Bacteria found at Mass. milk plant linked to deathsBOSTON -- Listeria has been found in 16 of more than 100 tests done at a Shrewsbury milk processing plant that was identified as the source of a deadly outbreak of the bacteria. Public health officials say one environmental swab, one skim milk sample and seven flavored milk samples from a Whittier Farms dairy tested positive for the same strain of listeria found in four of the five cases linked to this outbreak. Seven samples tested positive for a different strain. Three elderly men have died since last June after drinking bacteria-contaminated milk from the plant. The test results do not pinpoint where the contamination of the milk occurred, but suggest it took place during the production process. The environmental swab that tested positive was taken from the floor near a homogenizer. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:26 PM | Comment Update: Funds focus on foreclosures and heating aidProviding good shelter -- in the form of keeping warm and decent housing -- are two matters drawing funding right now. Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline this morning announced a new program to offer zero-interest loans to help people buy properties out of foreclosure. The city is setting up a $1 million fund for loans designed to help pay for repairs and improvements to dilapidated properties. The $1 million is part of the city’s Housing Trust Funds, which are used, among other things, to build affordable housing and assist borrowers with closing costs, said Ken Schadegg, housing coordinator for the Providence Department of Planning and Development. The fund, which has been in existence since the early 1990s, is self-generating; the money from repaid loans is used to make new loans, Schadegg said. The loans for foreclosure properties would not have to be repaid until the owner sells the property. The funding is also aimed at encouraging banks to provide mortgages for such properties by assuring funds are in place to fix them up. Providence has been especially hard hit by foreclosures. Last month, 176 of 308 properties in Rhode Island advertised for foreclosure were located in Providence. Yesterday, U.S. Rep James Langevin, D-Rhode Island, applauded the release of $450 million in federal energy assistance fundsto help people keep the heat on this winter. -- Journal staff writer Lynn Arditi and projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:19 PM | Comment Anonymous donor hopes to help nab cabbie killerCENTRAL FALLS — An anonymous donor is offering a $4,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the person who shot and killed a cab driver in Central Falls last year. Forty-two-year-old Jose Rodriguez was found in his cab in July after he was shot in the head. He died the next day. The Victim Support Center, which helps families of those who are victims of violent crime, says it’s also helping look for the killer by posting fliers throughout the state. Center director Sheila Capece says the killing happened in broad daylight, so someone must have seen something. Central Falls police are urging anyone with information to come forward. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:50 AM | Comment State to businesses: It's time to follow recycling rulesRhode Island businesses recycle just about three percent of their waste, according the state Department of Environmental Management, yet they’re responsible for about 60 percent of the waste currently in the landfill. The DEM has announced a renewed push to enforce its commercial recycling regulations, beginning with the Feb. 15 launch of an online program that will allow businesses to report their waste and recycling efforts. The program will also help businesses develop programs that will maximize waste recycling. Businesses will have one year to come into compliance before the department begins enforcing the recycling regulations. In the second phase of the program, the DEM will work with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to educate businesses and help them come into compliance. Read the recycling statutes here, or find all DEM regulations here. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:30 AM | Comment City fund aims to help purchase of foreclosed propertiesPROVIDENCE -- Mayor David N. Cicilline announced a new program this morning to offer zero-interest loans to help people buy properties out of foreclosure. The city is setting up a $1 million fund for loans designed to help pay for repairs and improvements to dilapidated properties. The money is being made available from housing trust funds, according to the mayor's office. The loans would not have to be repaid until the owner sells the property. The funding is also aimed at encouraging banks to provide mortgages for such properties by assuring funds are in place to fix them up. Providence has been especially hard hit by foreclosures. Last month, 176 of 308 properties in Rhode Island advertised for foreclosure were located in Providence. -- Journal staff writer Lynn Arditi Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:56 AM | Comment Defense: Dismiss smoke shop chargesPROVIDENCE -- Seven Narragansett Indians accused of scuffling with state police who raided a tribal smoke shop want the charges dismissed. Defense lawyers accuse prosecutors of failing to turn over dozens of documents related to the 2003 raid. As a result, they'll ask Superior Court Judge Susan McGuirl to dismiss the case during a hearing scheduled for this morning. Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other Narragansetts are charged with misdemeanor offenses ranging from disorderly conduct to assault. Prosecutors say the defendants missed similar deadlines to share information and will have plenty of time to review the new material before trial. The arrests happened when police raided a tribal smoke shop that was not collecting state taxes. A federal appeals court later ruled the shop was operating illegally. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:00 AM | Comment Photo: The view from an igloo
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:49 AM | Comment Morning fire on historic Benefit StreetAn early morning fire on Benefit Street sent residents out in the cold. Occupants of the three-story, wooden house at 377 Benefit St. were already on the sidewalk when firefighters arrived, according to Providence Fire Department Chief of Communications James Taylor. The problem apparently started in the second-floor bedroom, along a heating duct, he said. No one was injured, and the scene was under control within a half hour. The incident is under investigation. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:47 AM | Comment Photo: A golden glow across downtown Providence
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:31 AM | Comment AG Lynch addresses hospital mergerRhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch is talking about the proposed merger between hospital groups Lifespan and Care New England this morning. Lynch is addressing the executive board of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. The proposed merger would produce a seven-hospital corporation controlling two-thirds of hospital services in Rhode Island. The merger needs approval from Lynch and Dr. David Gifford, director of the state Department of Health. Lynch plans to discuss the review process and responsibilities that must be fulfilled before the merger can be approved. The address is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. at 3288 Post Road, Warwick. If approved, the merger would bring together five of the hospitals affiliated with Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, Butler Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital. It would also include Newport Hospital and Kent Hospital, in Warwick, which are not teaching hospitals. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Cold enough to take your breath awayStep outside and it's obviously cold, but it may not be that bad. Give it 45 seconds. It's only about 16 degrees outside, and it doesn't take long for the cold to make it uncomfortable to breathe. The temperature is expected to rise about 20 degrees to 36 with a calm south wind around 6 mph. Snow and rain will likely return late tonight, when the temperature drops to 29 degrees and winds about 8 mph. Precipitation continues into tomorrow -- some snow, some rain --tapering off in the early evening. The temperature should reach 40 degrees and an east wind becomes west, reaching about 11 mph. For more weather and regular updates, projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about a new affordable health-care plan in Rhode Island. Download a copy of today's front page. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 16, 2008Tonight: Acoustic rock, jazz in Newport, and rapFrom acoustic outlaws to rappers, the music scene is varied tonight. The Acoustic Outlaws play acoustic rock at Olives, 108 North Main St., Providence. 751-1200. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover. Cadence Green, Doggie Hi! Yippee and Chris Robertson play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. Loaded Dice and DJ Swing Daddy play swing at The C.V. Club, 329 Grosvenor Ave., East Providence. 434-9612. 7 to 11 p.m. Dance lesson, 7:15 pm. $7 (special events $8-$10). Dick Lupino, Joe Esposito and Yvonne Monnett play jazz at Sardella's Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd., Newport. 849-6312. 7 to 9:30 pm. Wu-Tang Clan perform rap at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. 331-5876, 272-5876, www.etix.com. 9 p.m. $35 advance; $40 day of show; $45 reserved. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:50 PM | Comment R.I. will get about $4.5 million in heating assistanceThe Bush administration has agreed to release $450 million in emergency heating assistance, which will bring badly-needed money to Rhode Island and other cold-weather states. Rhode Island will receive about $4.5 million, just as the state was about to run out of federal money provided through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. “With temperatures dropping and energy prices rising, this release of LIHEAP contingency funds is sorely needed,” Reed said in a statement. “This emergency funding will help thousands of working families and seniors in Rhode Island keep their heat turned on this winter,” said Reed, who serves as the chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Coalition, a bipartisan group of senators that lobbies for policies that enhance the region’s economy and environment. “It’s welcome news,” said Matteo P. Guglielmetti, a state official who runs the heating assistance program for Rhode Island. He said the additional money comes at a time when the state Office of Energy Resources was about to notify the community action program agencies to tell those now applying for help that they could not guarantee that any more grants could be made. -- Journal staff writer Timothy C. Barmann LIHEAP is a grant program in which the federal government provides money to states to pass on to people who are having trouble paying their utility bills. The government allocates a certain amount of money to fund the program, and it also sets aside a contingency fund, controlled by the president, who can release the additional money at his discretion. There is still about $136 million left in the president’s emergency contingency fund. Rhode Island’s share of the initial grant was about $13.5 million. That would have been enough to help only about 25,000 people, Guglielmetti said. Now, counting the contingency funds, Rhode Island will receive a total of about $18 million. That will allow the state to help an additional 4,000 families, he said. Some families may now be able to receive a second grant or a second emergency delivery of 100 gallons of heating oil, he said. LIHEAP money has already been used to pay for 3,000 such deliveries, Guglielmetti said. Last year, the state distributed $19.5 million in LIHEAP money to about 30,000 households. About $6 million of that was carried over from the previous year. Heating costs for those that use oil is at an all-time high mainly because of the high cost of crude oil. The average price of home heating oil in Rhode Island on Monday was $3.359 a gallon, down 7 cents from its all-time high reached last week. The average price is 41 percent higher than it was a year ago. A typical customer that uses 666 gallons of heating oil will pay about $2,187 for heat this heating season, which is $435 or about 25 percent more than last year’s heating season, according to calculations by The Journal. Rates for natural gas in Rhode Island have actually declined slightly compared to last winter, but they remain near their historic highs. A typical customer that uses a total of 922 therms of gas in a year (the same amount of energy in 666 gallons of heating oil) will pay $1,408 this year, which is $15, or 1 percent less than last winter. Because the state anticipated that less money would be available this year, it cut the average amount of grants to enable more people to receive at least some assistance, Guglielmetti said. Guglielmetti said that a low-income household that has run out of oil may get help through the state’s emergency heating assistance hotline. The number is (401) 574-9003. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Plan would exempt some small businesses from fire codePROVIDENCE -- Small, “non-hazardous” businesses of 2,500 square feet or less would be exempt from the state’s uniform fire code, under proposed regulations developed by the state Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review and Fire Marshal Frank Sylvester. Sylvester, Fire Board Chairman Rene Coutu, and Tom Coffey, the board’s executive director, outlined the proposals before the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government today. Some fire alarm installation deadlines would also be extended by the new regulations, and full-alarmed performance theaters that seat fewer than 500 would be allowed to operate without a full sprinkler system -- if the theaters provided double the normal exit capacity and sprinkler coverage over the stage. The board has been refining the extensive new regulations for months, and plans to present them and take comments at a public hearing Feb. 11. The regulations could be in effect as soon as March 1, said Coffey. Last summer, a bill that would have eased the fire code’s effects on businesses passed the Rhode Island House in the last hours of the legislative session, but died in the Senate. Leadership in the Senate said the bill came too late to review. After the bill failed to pass, its architects -- Rep. Joseph Trillo, R-Warwick, and former Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick -- and Governor Carcieri urged the Fire Board to enact many of the bill’s proposals through regulations. The proposed changes in the bill had come from hearings conducted by the House Oversight Commission to Study the Ramifications of the Fire Safety Code, an advisory committee led last year by Ginaitt and Trillo. The panel had been charged with studying the effects of the 2003 fire code. That code, which was approved in the months after The Station nightclub burned down on Feb. 20, 2003, killing 100 people and injuring another 200, 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. Many business owners complained that the new code required too many expensive changes to their properties, and they turned to the legislature for relief. Coffey said the proposed regulations drew heavily from the bill that failed last year. -- Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:25 PM | Comment Two men held without bail after home invasionSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Two men from Westerly and East Providence are being held without bail following the home invasion and robbery of an elderly couple Tuesday afternoon in Stonington, Conn.. Gregory Whiting, 45, and Edward Northup, 37, were arrested Tuesday and charged with a host of offenses after police pursuit through Stonington and along the coast in Westerly. They have not been charged with the home invasion, though police expected to secure an arrest warrant for one of the suspects tonight, said Stonington Capt. Jerry Desmond. Whiting and Northup appeared today before Judge William C. Clifton in District Court, Wakefield, where they were arraigned on some of the charges related to the chase. Whiting was also charged with first-degree robbery for allegedly robbing a 7-Eleven convenience store on Route 1 in Westerly with another man early Monday morning. Washington County Superior Court Judge Stephen Nugent then ordered them held without bail as probation violators. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:40 PM | Comment Governor has a plan to close the $150 million deficitGovernor Carcieri tomorrow will forward the General Assembly his fiscal 2008 supplemental budget plan, which he said will rely mainly on spending cuts in eight areas, to shore up a projected $151 million hole in the current year's state budget. This fiscal year ends in June. A news release from the governor's office today did not elaborate on the eight areas for which the Carcieri administration will proposed spending reductions. “With less than six months left in the current fiscal year, we are required to take some difficult steps to quickly resolve a projected $151 million budget shortfall,” Carcieri said in the statement. Carcieri said his staff has already reached out to Democratic and Republican legislative leaders to talk about the options and some of the plans his office is considering. “Based on those meetings, I believe that the General Assembly recognizes the severity of the budget problem and is willing to work with my administration to craft a solution," Carcieri stated. Carcieri said the shortfall mainly came about because of a fall-off in state revenues such as taxes and lottery proceeds and in projected caseloads in some state financed programs. The Governor’s plan to resolve this shortfall, which he presents tomorrow, will rely largely on spending reductions in eight specific areas. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:23 PM | Comment Update: Michael Derderian to be paroled in October 2009PROVIDENCE -- Michael Derderian, who pleaded no contest in the 100 Station nightclub fire deaths, will be released on parole in October 2009, about three-quarters of the way into his four-year sentence, the state Parole Board decided today. Though the club co-owner was eligible for parole consideration after serving a third of his sentence, the board decided Derderian will be paroled after serving 37 months "with appropriate counseling." Last week, 19 people -- some of them parents holding photos of their children, who were concert-goers lost in the blaze -- told the board they opposed Derderian getting early release. Derderian became eligible for parole after serving 16 months. He began serving time on Sept. 29, 2006, after he and his brother, Jeffrey, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Jeffrey Derderian did not have to serve prison time under his plea agreement; he was sentenced to community service. "The board took into consideration the testimony of the victims, both opposed and in favor of his release, the impact this crime has had on the community, his overall institutional adjustment as well as his low risk to reoffend and minimal risk to public safety," said an e-mailed statement issued on behalf of the board. "Due to the enormity of the loss and trauma suffered by many, the Board deliberately did not set another parole reconsideration date, but voted to release Mr. Derderain close to the expiration of his sentence. One member of the board dissented. Lt. Thomas Verdi, a veteran of the Providence Police Department, supported Derderian finishing his sentence without parole. It was not clear at this writing how many parole board members voted on Derderian's parole, and whether any were absent. The board was continuing to meet today on other parole matters. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports On Feb. 20, 2003, Daniel Biechele, who was tour manager for hard-rock band Great White, set off pyrotechnics that set afire flammable foam the Derderians had put on the walls of the West Warwick club as soundproofing. The building burned to the ground in minutes. Biechele is slated to be put on parole in March after serving part of a four-year sentence. He pleaded guilty to illegally lighting the pyrotechnics. More than 460 people were in the club the night of Feb. 20, far more than any of the allowable capacities for the building set out in town documents. It was one of the worst nightclub fires in the nation's history. Extra: Full coverage of The Station fire and its aftermath . Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:46 PM | Comment Photo: Gere takes the stage at the State House
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:12 PM | Comment Should abused children have to testify in open court?PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge today expressed serious concerns about whether foster children would have to "endure the rigors and, maybe, traumatic experience" of testifying in open court. A class action brought by the state's child advocate alleges graphic incidents of child abuse. U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Lagueux made no ruling, but scheduled a hearing for next Wednesday at 11 a.m. to review whether state Child Advocate Jametta O. Alston and interested parties have authority to represent the best interests of the foster children named in the suit that asserts the state Department of Children, Youth and Families failed to protect may children in its custody. "Who has made the decision that that's in their best interest?" Lagueux said. The developments came during an afternoon hearing. Lawyers from state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office who represent the state's defense and the state Department of Children, Youth and Families appeared. Lawyers also appeared for plaintiffs the child advocates office and for Children's Rights, a national organization that is an advocate for abused and neglected children. Alston said the child advocate has no plans to call children to testify but could not guarantee they would not be called. The defense could call them to testify to dispute some of the charges. Lawyers for the state argue federal court does not have jurisdiction to hear the case, that it should be dismissed and is essentially a matter for Family Court. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:03 PM | Comment Photo: A sweeping view of the Marble House
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:11 PM | Comment CNN's Lou Dobbs to speak at Roger Williams UniversitySalman Rushdie. Gary Bauer. Bob Geldof. Lou Dobbs. The group doesn't have much in common, but that's the point. All have been invited to speak at Roger Williams University; Dobbs rounds out the group on Jan. 31, when he's slated to speak to students and the public as part of the school's Civil Discourse lecture series. “Civil Discourse is designed to bring to campus as many points of view as possible,” University President Roy J. Nirschel said in a statement. "... Whether they agree with him or not, Lou Dobbs will certainly energize our students.” A Harvard graduate, Dobbs is an award-winning journalist who has worked with CNN since 1980. He left the news network in 1999 to start Space.com, an astronomy Web site, and returned to CNN in 2001. He now hosts the Lou Dobbs Financial Report and Lou Dobbs Tonight, a popular show which has been criticized for presenting unclear or false items during its discussions on immigration. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:56 PM | Comment Broken boiler = Half day for Westerly studentsWESTERLY — A lack of pressure in a boiler’s fuel line resulted in chilly classrooms today at Westerly Middle School and early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. School Supt. Thomas DiPaola said the problem was discovered at 6:30 a.m. DiPaola said he, Middle School Principal Dennis Curran and staff members from building, transportation and food service agonized over whether to send students home early. DiPaola said they had to allow time for a repair crew to work after shutting off all the heat, but they also had to consider student safety and parental inconvenience in an early dismissal, and they didn’t want to incur a make-up day at the end of the year. “We went as long as we could,” he said, allowing all students to eat lunch before leaving between 11:30 and 11:40 a.m. Because they spent at least half a day in school, it counted as an educational day. He said parents were notified by NIT Group’s Connect-Ed automated phone system, and that they would be notified again about classes tomorrow as soon as possible. Information about school closings are posted on the district’s Web site. DiPaola said the new Middle School at 10 Sandy Hill Rd. has good insulation and that no classroom got colder than 60 degrees. -- Journal staff writer Donita Naylor Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:49 PM | Comment Pawtucket man is indicted on molestation chargesA Pawtucket man has been indicted on charges of molesting a victim or victims 14 years old or younger in Pawtucket. Lloyd Harrison, 43, of 70 Englewood Ave., 2nd Floor, is named in the Providence County Grand Jury indictment on two counts of second-degree child molestation and one count of first-degree child molestation, Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office said in a news release today. The indictment was handed up yesterday. Harrison allegedly committed two acts of second- degree child molestation and one of first-degree child molestation between July 1 and Sept. 28 of last year. Harrison is scheduled to be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court on Jan. 30. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:52 PM | Comment Cicilline to meet with Federal Hill residentsFederal Hill residents get a chance to meet with the mayor tomorrow at the Mayor's Night Out get-together. The monthly events take place in different Providence neighborhoods. Mayor David Cicilline will be on hand along with municipal department heads to answer questions and hear residents’ concerns. Individuals or groups can have up to 10 minutes to meet with the officials, but meetings are on a first-come first-serve basis, so people seeking a meeting should be sure to show up on time. Mayor’s night out starts at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Federal Hill House, 9 Courtland St. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:44 PM | Comment Update: Carcieri plan would up retirement ageGovernor Carcieri this morning proposed a set of sweeping reforms aimed at bringing property tax relief to Rhode Island communities. The plan calls for all cities and towns that are not keeping up with contributions to their self-administered pension plans move all new employees to the state Municipal Employees Retirement System. It would also institute a minimum retirement age of 59 for nonvested municipal workers in the state’s system to make them consistent with teachers and state employees. The proposal further calls for extending the property tax cap that now applies to all cities and towns to local fire districts, thus capping the amount these districts are allowed to raise taxes in communities that depend on fire districts. It also recommends fixing state payments to towns and cities for properties exempt from the tax rolls. To help eliminate the guess work that can go into local financial planning, the proposal would also allow municipalities the option of delaying the start of their fiscal year to October. That move would give cities and towns time to consider the enacted state budget – and specifically the local aid packages – before having to pass their own budgets for the coming year. Carcieri’s proposal would also require that all new collective bargaining agreements be filed with the state – either with the Division of Property Valuation and Municipal Finance or the Department of Education – within a month of reaching a final labor agreement. It’s a proposal that Carcieri calls “a giant leap forward toward open government.” Finally, the proposed legislation calls for a study of property tax classifications and exemption plans in cities and towns across the state with the goal of streamlining the offerings and making property taxes more equitable throughout the state. In a joint press conference with Gary Sasse, the director of the newly created Department of Revenue, the governor called the proposals “pieces of a mosaic” that will help get local spending under control at a time when the state is trying to reign in its own spending in face of a growing deficit. “We won’t [be able] to address the state’s problems if cities and towns are in a weak fiscal position,” Sasse said. Each of the above proposals – submitted as one legislative bill – would need General Assembly approval. House Republicans said they intend to submit the legislation sometime this week. -- Journal State House reporter Cynthia Needham Posted by Jack Perry at 1:02 PM | Comment Senate committee slated to get update on fire codesThe Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee this afternoon is slated to get a status update on revisions to state fire code regulations from the state fire marshal and the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review. The 2 p.m. meeting will be in the State House's Room 313. State Fire Marshal Frank Sylvester, Fire Code Board Chairman Rene R. Coutu and Fire Code Board Executive Director Thomas B. Coffey are scheduled to testify. The hearing is open to the public and it will be taped by Capitol TV for later airing on channel 15, for Cox Communications and Full Channel subscribers, and on channel 34 for Verizon subscribers. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:42 PM | Comment Who's Providence's top dog? Kennel club has answerWho's top dog in Providence? Not the mayor. Not even the former mayor-turned-radio-show-host. 
File photoThis Lab lives up to his name. In 2007, it was the Labrador retriever, the most popular American Kennel Club registered breed in Providence last year, the American Kennel Club announced today. The club announced national and city findings for breeds registered during 2007 and used the news release to promote the AKA/Eukanuba National Championship dog competition on Feb. 2. Second goes to the German shepherd. For third, there was a tie among the beagle, golden retriever and Yorkshire terrier. (However, they are listed as third, fourth and fifth, respectively). The boxer came in sixth. And the dog that makes hearts melt because it has a smooshed face that appears to be melting: seventh goes to the pug. The kennel club notes this marks the third year in a row the pug has cracked Providence's top 10. The poodle came in eighth. The bulldog was ninth in a tie with the Doberman pinscher. "The intelligent, athletic Doberman pinscher experience a surge in popularity in Rhode Island's capital city, and now sits tight among Providence's top 10 dogs," the kennel club release said. The kennel club news release says that despite ranking fifth in Providence last year, the dachsund didn't make the top 10 this year. However, the breed was seventh nationally this year, according to the club's findings. “Providence residents may live in a small state, but they choose big dogs as their pets,” Lisa Peterson, American Kennel Club spokeswoman, said in the statement. “Half of the city’s top 10 breeds are large dogs, and although the small Shih Tzu and dachshunds have scampered up to high positions on the nation’s Top 10, those breeds still don’t make the cut in Providence.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:55 AM | Comment 2 R.I. men to be arraigned in home invasion, chaseWESTERLY – Two Rhode Island men are due in court this morning after they allegedly broke into a Connecticut home and assaulted the occupants before leading the police on a chase that ended in Westerly. Edward G. Northup, 37, of Westerly, and Gregory L. Whiting, 45, of East Providence, are scheduled to be arraigned on a host of charges, including disorderly conduct, obstruction of police officers, assault, and vandalism. They also face fugitive charges for allegedly breaking into an elderly couple’s home in Stonington, Ct., yesterday. The Stonington police say Northup and Whiting assaulted the couple, and stole money and valuables, before leading police on a chase that ended with the suspects’ arrests in Westerly. The police said they received a call from a man who lives in the lower Pawcatuck section of Stonington at 4:25 p.m., stating that his house had been broken into and he and his wife had been assaulted. After the call went out over police radio, an officer patrolling near Pawcatuck spotted a car matching the description, and the suspects led the police on a chase through downtown Pawtcatuck and into Westerly, the Stonington police said. The chase ended when the suspects’ car crashed into a yard on Pearl Street in Westerly, and the two men were soon arrested. The police said that the female victim was seriously injured and was taken to Westerly Hospital for treatment. The male victim did not need medical attention. The police were not releasing the names of the victims, and did not release the address of the alleged home invasion or the amount of money said to be taken. The investigation continues with assistance from detectives from both departments. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:40 AM | Comment Providence honoring 2 for commitment to civil rightsTwo former state politicians will be honored tonight at the 5th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame ceremony. Julius C. Michaelson and Joseph E. Newsome will be recognized for their commitment to nonviolence and the community of the slain civil rights leader who would have been 79 years old yesterday. Michaelson was a state legislator for 12 years and served as state attorney general in the 1970s when he acted as an advocate for fair housing, consumer protection, pollution control, conservation, open public meetings and collective bargaining. Newsome is also a former state legislator, and headed the South Providence Development Corporation, the headquarters for which he turned into a model for energy efficient development. This is the third annual Hall of Fame Ceremony; a tradition started by Mayor David Cicilline on the 40th anniversary of the civil rights march on Washington. Inductees will have their names engraved in a permanent plaque in City Hall. The ceremony is set to begin tonight at 7 at the Rhode Island Convention Center Rotunda. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:05 AM | Comment Mass. to count bald eaglesBELCHERTOWN, Mass. -- Wildlife officials and volunteers will be fanning out along Massachusetts waterways in search of bald eagles. The annual count of the once-endangered birds is being conducted today as part of the nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. Among the sites being surveyed are the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, the Merrimack River in Newburyport and two adjacent ponds in Lakeville. A year ago, observers spotted at least 47 bald eagles in Massachusetts. The state's all-time high came in 2005, when 75 were counted. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 9:55 AM | Comment Judge: Government had no right to seize JFK sailboatBOSTON -- A federal judge has ruled that the government had no right to seize and auction a sailboat once owned by John F. Kennedy. The 22-foot sailboat was taken in 2004 by the government, which alleged a convicted marijuana dealer used drug-related profits to set up the purchase of the boat around 1996 by several investors. But Judge William Young says the government failed to prove drug money was used to buy and refurbish the boat. He ordered the government to pay $125,000 to one of the boat's co-owners, Dr. Kerry Scott Lane. The government says it will appeal, and so does Lane. He says the boat is much more valuable and he should have been awarded more. Kennedy raced the sloop as a teenager. He sold it in 1942, right before he shipped out to the Pacific in World War II. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 9:42 AM | Comment Last day to register to vote in Mass. presidential primaryIf you're a Massachusetts resident looking to vote in the Feb. 5 presidential primary, and you have not yet registered to vote, today's your last chance to do so. You may register in person at your local city or town hall. Or you can download a registration form and mail it in, as long as it carries today's postmark. Download a registration form by clicking here. It's a generic form, with details about Massachusetts registration (and all other states) attached. You'll need to mail it to this address: Secretary of the Commonwealth, Elections Division, Room 1705, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. Heads up: You'll also need to provide identification to register, and a copy of a suitable type if you mail in a form. Online submission of voter registration is not available. For more information about voting in Massachusetts, visit the secretary of state's Elections Division Web site. Of you may call the Elections Division at 1-800-462-VOTE. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 8:40 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Hydraulic fluid spill causing jam on Rte. 6PROVIDENCE -- City trucks were on their way to Route 6 and Hartford Avenue where a leaky truck was causing a backup on the eastbound part of the highway. The truck broke a hydraulic line, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence fire department. Sand trucks were called out to try to soak up the fluid. -- projo.com Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:24 AM | Comment Carcieri, Sasse to unveil bill to ease local tax burdenPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri and his choice for the new director of the Department of Revenue, Gary Sasse, are scheduled to announce legislation today "designed to implement reforms in cities and towns necessary to bring relief to local taxpayers," the governor's office said last night. The “Municipal Fiscal Responsibility Act" has seven provisions that will "reduce taxpayer costs at the city and town level, while ensuring greater accountability," the news release said. The statement did not provide details about how, but said the news conference will be at 10:30 a.m. in the State House's State Room. Sasse's nomination is headed to the full Senate for approval next Wednesday. At a Senate panel hearing yesterday, several legislators asked him if he intended to delve into how much “bang for the buck” Rhode Island is getting from its much-ballyhooed tax credit for television and movie productions. A little over a year ago, in a Journal story exploring the impact of the film tax credits, Sasse, then head of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, a business-backed research group, said: “We are concerned that the film tax credit is not creating permanent jobs and investment in Rhode Island.” The question came as actor Richard Gere heads to the State House today for a press conference on his new movie, "Hachiko: A Dog Story", to be filmed entirely in Rhode Island. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 8:13 AM | Comment Actor Richard Gere to appear at State HousePROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Film and Television Office announced that actor Richard Gere, who is starring with Joan Allen in a movie that will be filmed entirely in Rhode Island, is due to take the stage at the State House today. Gere, who is also the movie's producer, is expected in the State House rotunda at 2 p.m. as part of an official welcome for the filming of Hachiko: A Dog Story, which will be directed by Academy Award nominee Lasse Hallstrom, who did Cider House Rules, Chocolat and The Hoax. Governor Carcieri's schedule indicates the governor is expected to attend. Movie producers, Vicki Shigekuni Wong and Bill Johnson, are also expected. -- projo.com staff writer Michael McKinney Posted by Jack Perry at 7:10 AM | Comment Parole board to decide on Derderian's parole todayPROVIDENCE -- A week ago, furious relatives of some of the 100 people killed by The Station nightclub fire implored the state parole board to keep one of the club owners behind bars. Now, Michael Derderian gets a chance to tell the board why he should be freed less than halfway into his four-year prison sentence. Derderian, a co-owner of The Station nightclub, was scheduled to meet in prison today with the parole board, which will announce later in the day whether he'll be released early from jail. He's eligible for parole after serving 16 months of his sentence, which he began in September 2006 after he and his brother, Jeffrey, pleaded no contest to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter. Jeffrey Derderian was spared jail time under his plea agreement. The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at the West Warwick club began when the rock band Great White set off pyrotechnics that ignited highly flammable foam that the Derderians installed as soundproofing on the club's walls. Besides the 100 people killed, more than 200 others were injured. Former Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele is also serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to illegally lighting the pyrotechnics. But he's due out on parole in March and had the backing of many victims' relatives when he became eligible last fall. In contrast, nearly 20 victims' relatives and survivors told the parole board last week that Derderian should be forced to serve out his entire prison term. They said he had not shown adequate remorse and had shirked his responsibility as a nightclub owner to keep his patrons safe. Besides the foam, prosecutors say the club was often overcrowded, hosted other bands that used pyrotechnics and had other dangerous conditions. Parole board chairwoman Lisa Holley has said that the while the board takes into account input from victims' relatives, it also considers factors such as the inmate's remorse, acceptance of responsibility and plans for life after prison. Derderian's lawyer, Kathleen Hagerty, did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment A brisk start and then a high of 38 degreesIt's cold out there. Very cold. But with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature near 38 degrees, we're just about at the average temperature of 37. We can expect sunny skies again today, and gusty winds as high as 23 mph. Tonight the temperature drops to the mid-teens and lower winds to about 9 mph. Clouds are set to return tomorrow, and temperatures should be the same, reaching about 36 degrees. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about the 100th anniversary celebration of the federal courthouse building in Providence, which will include a visit from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 15, 2008Tonight: Wyclef Jean plays at Lupo's, Idol returns to FoxAfter weather canceled the show last night, Wyclef Jean plays tonight at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence. The show starts at 9 p.m. at the venue at 79 Washington St. All tickets for the original date will be honored tonight. For more of tonight's shows around the state, check out projo.com's listings. Want to take a peak of some of tomorrow's performers? American Idol returns tonight for its seventh season -- ! -- with a two-hour show starting at 8 p.m. that continues tomorrow night. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment 23 of Caprio's staff to lose week's pay in budget movePROVIDENCE -- State Treasurer Frank Caprio's managers will lose a week of pay as part of his effort to address the state's budget crisis. Caprio says 23 nonunion employees will forfeit approximately $50,000. The furloughs will be scheduled over the next 18 months. Rhode Island is facing a $600 million budget deficit spread between the fiscal year ending in June and the one following. Caprio tells WJAR-TV that his budget plan is a symbolic step since it won't solve the state's financial problems. He hopes other state agencies will take similar steps. Last year, Governor Carcieri proposed furlough days for state workers, but he later abandoned the plan amid intense opposition. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:54 PM | Comment Calling hours, funeral for Roomful of Blues trumpeter setVisiting hours for those who wish to pay respects to the family of for Bob Enos, the trumpeter from Roomful of Blues who died last week, will be Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Route 28), Wareham, Mass. The funeral will be held on Friday at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 82 High St., Wareham at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wareham. -- Journal pop music writer Rick Massimo Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Actor Gere to star at State House event tomorrowPROVIDENCE -- The Rhode Island Film and Television Office announced that actor Richard Gere, who is starring with Joan Allen in a movie that will be filmed entirely in Rhode Island, is due to take the stage at the State House tomorrow. Gere, who is also the movie's producer, is expected in the State House rotunda at 2 p.m. as part of an official welcome for the filming of Hachiko: A Dog Story, which will be directed by Academy Award nominee Lasse Hallstrom, who did Cider House Rules, Chocolat and The Hoax. Governor Carcieri's schedule indicates the governor is expected to attend. Movie producers, Vicki Shigekuni Wong and Bill Johnson, are also expected. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:53 PM | Comment Governor to announce bill aimed at easing local taxesPROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri and new Department of Revenue director Gary Sasse will announce legislation tomorrow "designed to implement reforms in cities and towns necessary to bring relief to local taxpayers," the governor's office said this evening. The “Municipal Fiscal Responsibility Act" has seven provisions that will "reduce taxpayer costs at the city and town level, while ensuring greater accountability," the news release said. The statement did not provide details about how, but said the news conference tomorrow will be at 10:30 a.m. in the State House's State Room. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:46 PM | Comment Ethics panel to prosecute former E. Providence mayorPROVIDENCE -- Stepping into a partisan battle over East Providence’s election apparatus, the state Ethics Commission today voted to prosecute the city’s former mayor, Joseph S. Larisa Jr., for violating the state’s ethics code in representing a local official before the city council. Larisa signed on as the unpaid lawyer to defend Thomas Riley, the sole Republican member of the East Providence Canvassing Authority, in a disciplinary hearing stemming in part from a reference to "swapping spit" in an e-mail Riley sent to another authority member, a Democrat. The complaint against Larisa, a Republican, was filed by John F. Conley, the head of East Providence’s Democratic party. It accused Larisa of violating the state’s "revolving door" law, which forbids former officials from representing themselves or anyone else before the agency they belonged to for a year after leaving the position. Its purpose is to keep public officials from abusing their influence immediately after they leave office. Larisa said today that the ban shouldn’t apply to him because he represented Riley for free, but the commission decided otherwise. "They don’t think free public service is an exception to the ’revolving door’ ban. I think it is," Larisa said. Larisa lost to current Mayor Isadore Ramos Jr. during a disputed election and recount in 2006 for the single at-large seat on the East Providence City Council, and Ramos was sworn in to replace him in December. Seven months later, Larisa represented Riley before the council, which was considering disciplining Riley. -- projo.com staff writer Bruce Landis The dispute that put Riley before the City Council grew out of a years-long dispute over the conduct of the city Canvassing Authority, its handling of the city’s voter rolls, its meeting times, access to its records and other issues. The immediate cause was a series of e-mail messages Riley sent to authority chairwoman Dorothy O’Gara, a Democrat. One said that O’Gara should "spend less time swapping spit and holding hands" with canvassing clerk MaryAnn Callahan and more time studying state election law. Just what that meant came up at the council session where Larisa represented Riley. "Swapping spit" is a slang reference to kissing, and applying it to two women offered further rude implications that council members took note of. Riley, on the other hand, says he was only referring to a game where boys sealed a deal by spitting on their hands and shaking on it. The council gave Riley a written reprimand. The next step in Larisa’s case is a trial-like hearing before the commission, with the commission staff presenting the prosecution case and the defendant’s lawyer presenting his side. The other choice, one that prominent public officials have almost universally chosen instead of letting the prosecution play out, has been negotiating a settlement, normally accompanied by a sizable fine, with the commission. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:40 PM | Comment House panel to air bills banning drivers from 'texting'The House Corporations Committee is slated to hold a hearing today on bills that would prohibit people from sending text messages while driving. One bill is sponsored by Rep. Joanne M. Giannini, D-Providence, and the other bill is sponsored by Rep. Joseph McNamara, D-Warwick. A survey last year by AAA and Seventeen magazine found that 46 percent of drivers 16- and 17 years old said they text-message while driving, according to a New York Times article. Several states already have a ban on such messaging. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:07 PM | Comment Former URI development official dies in Mass. crashRobert Turcotte, who spearheaded the money-raising that built University of Rhode Island's Ryan Center, was struck and killed Sunday evening by a tractor-trailer on Route 128 in Massachusetts. Turcotte, 44, who grew up in Woonsocket and was living in Holliston, Mass., had pulled his 2003 Dodge Durango into the breakdown lane on Route 128 south in Weston, a Boston suburb, and got out, a state police news release said.  Photo courtesy of URI ROBERT TURCOTTE He was struck "while standing in the vicinity of the white fog line separating the breakdown lane and the right travel lane" by a tractor trailer driven by James Glovacki, 55, of Greenfield, Mass., according to the police. Police responded at about 5:50 p.m. Turcotte was declared dead at the scene. Glovacki was uninjured. Turcotte had been associate vice president for development at URI, leaving in 2000. After being hired in the late 1990s, Turcotte led a staff that brought in the large early donations for what would become the Ryan Center -- six- and seven-figure gifts -- in what ultimately became a $15 million campaign, the largest for a URI building and one that exceeded goals, said Paul Witham, associate vice president at URI. Events such as Rams men's basketball games -- a team that's made the Associated Press's top-25 polls for weeks running now -- had been held in the old Keaney Gymnasium. The Ryan Center, which opened in fall 2002, doubled capacity for fans and now plays host to entertainment events such as rock concerts. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Witham said Turcotte put in place procedures and protocols that were the foundation for the fund-raising that continued. In an interview today, Witham said he had talked with Turcotte about five weeks ago. Turcotte spoke of his wife, son and daughter. Witham remembered Turcotte saying his son was playing hockey, doing skills on the ice that Turcotte said he couldn't do when he was the same age, Witham recalled. And Turcotte spoke of his parents, who had moved to Cumberland. "I'm in shock," said Witham, who'd been out for a couple of days and was walking in this morning when he heard what had happened. "He was a very well-liked guy," Witham added, who was known to stay in touch with URI colleagues over the years. The crash is under investigation with help from State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:00 PM | Comment Photo: Don't dump on the Pats
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:37 PM | Comment Providence store penalized for selling beer to minorsPROVIDENCE -- A Smith Hill liquor store was fined $1,000 and ordered to close for 5 days after its owner was nabbed selling a six-pack of beer to a minor. The board's vice chairman, State Rep. Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence, said Shawn Merilan, owner of SNM Liquors, showed a “a total lack of any understanding” of how to screen minors at his store. This was Merilan's third offense. In late November, he sold a six-pack of beer to a 20-year-old student who was working with the Providence police. The sting operation was initiated by the Barrington police after the department learned that a teenage driver who was involved in a fatal crash had consumed alcohol that two teenagers bought at SNM. In addition to the fine, SNM Liquors was ordered to close for 5 consecutive days, beginning Jan. 31. Fox today said he wanted to ensure that the closure included a weekend, typically a lucrative day for business. Merilan was not at today's hearing. He can appeal the ruling or the penalty to the State Department of Business Regulation within 10 days. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:45 PM | Comment Caution: Falling snow
Yesterday's snow brought the fear of slipping and falling. Today's mild temperatures bring the threat of falling chunks of melting slush. Caution tape lines the Alice Building on Union Street, where throughout the day, snow dropped from the building's roof. Tonight, it could rain and then the temperature could drop into the low 20s. That combination could create another risk: ice on the sidewalks and roads. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:39 PM | Comment Man apparently hangs himself in Woonsocket jail cellWOONSOCKET -- A Boyden Street man apparently used his own shirt to hang himself inside a jail cell here last night. The state police are investigating with assistance from the Woonsocket police. Robert Dumont, who had been arrested at about 10 p.m. on breaking-and-entering charges, was found hanging at about 10:45 p.m. after an officer went to check on him. Deputy Chief Richard Dubois said today that Dumont, who lived in an apartment building at 63 Boyden St., was arrested after he had allegedly broken into another apartment in the building. When officers arrived, Dumont acted belligerantly and may have been drinking, according to the police. The police used pepper spray to try to subdue Dumont, but it appeared to have no effect, the police said. Several officers had to restrain Dumont to get him into a police cruiser. At the police station, two police dispatchers monitor cells and another officer processes prisoners and checks on prisoners hourly, according to the police. One of the dispatchers had seen Dumont standing near the door. The dispatcher noticed that Dumont had been in the same position for a time. The dispatcher had the officer go check on Dumont, and the officer found Dumont hanging at about 10:45 p.m Dumont's shirt was tied to a cross bar on the cell door, the police said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Tatiana Pina Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:20 PM | Comment Photo: This winning scene lights up the night
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:45 PM | Comment Firefighters respond to two fires in CranstonCRANSTON -- Firefighters have responded to two fires, one on Spectacle Street and the other at 7 Council Rock Road, the fire dispatch said. Further information was not available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:19 PM | Comment Former doc sentenced for steroids in R.I. and now N.Y.ALBANY, N.Y. -- A former doctor was sentenced to prison for 3 to 6 years on charges stemming from Albany County prosecutors' multistate investigation into illegal sales of steroids and other drugs. Ana Santi, 69, pleaded guilty in March to a single felony count of criminal diversion of prescription medications as part of a plea agreement. She was sentenced Monday by Judge Stephen Herrick, a court clerk said. In November, she was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence to two years in federal prison for writing illegal prescriptions for a New Jersey-based business. In New York State, a 13-count count indictment in January charged the Queens resident with signing prescriptions for Internet customers of a Florida-based health clinic without ever seeing them, signing prescriptions without a valid medical license and forging the name of another doctor. Santi's New York license to practice medicine was revoked in 1999. So far, 11 people have pleaded guilty in Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares' probe into Internet sales of prescription drugs. It is illegal in New York for doctors to write prescriptions for patients they don't see in person. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:17 PM | Comment Organic fertilizer plant to be built at Central LandfillA Boston-based company today announced it is executing a lease to build a 40,000-square-foot organic fertilizer plant on the grounds of the Central Landfill property in Johnston, which is run by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. In a news release, Converted Organics said it is executing a lease option, the second such contract to build a plant. The first is for one under construction in Woodbridge, N.J. "The option to lease the Rhode Island property for development of Converted Organics' second facility represents a significant milestone for our company," Ed Gildea, president and chief executive officer of Converted Organics, said in the statement. "Converted Organics is now exceptionally well-positioned at the cross-roads of three significant global economic trends: The explosive growth in organic farming, the critical need for sustainable solid waste recycling solutions, and the overwhelming demand for green technology investment opportunities." The plant will be used for processing of organic materials such as food waste into liquid and solid fertilizer for retail, turf management and agribusiness markets, the company stated. It will process, at full capacity, up to 200 tons per day, or 60,000 tons annually. Material that would otherwise be put in the landfill will be diverted to the fertilizer product plant, which Converted Organics anticipates will be running in 2009. The company said the new plant will increase the recycling rate within Rhode Island and the landfill's life by eliminating 10 to 15 percent of waste now deposited there. The company asserted the plant will help "in preventing associated increases in greenhouse gas emissions." "We are excited that our partnership with RIRRC will not only will help Converted Organics satisfy the significant demand for our products, but also bring multiple new jobs to the Johnston community," Gildea stated. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:07 PM | Comment Photo: And the walls are a-tumblin' down
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:54 PM | Comment Civil rights roundtable tonight to mark MLK's birthdayPROVIDENCE -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day may not be until Monday, but the slain civil rights leader would have been 79 years old today. To commemorate his birthday, a coalition of community groups from the state are meeting tonight for a civil rights round table where discussion will focus, not on the 1960s, but on civil rights issues facing Rhode Islanders today. The executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Keith Stokes, will be the keynote speaker. A descendant of Newport's early African-American and Jewish families, Stokes is set to speak about immigration in the context of the nation’s history. State politicians, activists, lawyers, and law enforcement representatives will be on hand to talk about issues as wide ranging as rights for people with disabilities to racial profiling. Representatives from the General Assembly, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Public Defenders Office and other groups will be on hand. After the presentations comes the party. Gospel, jazz, food and drinks will close the event, set to begin at 5:30 this evening at the newly re-opened Providence Black Repertory Theater, 276 Westminster St. in Providence. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:17 PM | Comment Live college basketball chat today at noonJournal sportswriter Kevin McNamara will answer questions from readers on the local college basketball scene today at noon. To participate, go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password), enter the college hoops chat room and begin typing your question. Remember not to hit enter or click send until you have finished your thought; questions will display as Kevin answers them. A transcript of the chat will be posted later today on projo.com. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:57 AM | Comment Pawtucket shelter gets heating help from Kennedy effortU.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy joins his cousin Joseph Patrick Kennedy II, a former Massachusetts congressman, today to present a check for heating assistance at a Pawtucket shelter. Citizens Energy, run by Joseph Kennedy, provides heating oil to families living in poverty and shelters. Today the organization will present the New Hope Shelter with a check to help cover electricity and natural gas costs. New Hope caters to families in Central Falls and Pawtucket. Last year almost 50 families spent time at the shelter. Citizens Energy was founded in 1979. Its biggest crude oil supplier is CITGO, the national oil company of Venezuela. The announcement is scheduled for 11:30 at the New Hope Shelter, 4 Branch St., Pawtucket. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:23 AM | Comment National Grid taking to the air for South County wiringA helicopter used by National Grid, the state's dominant electricity distributer, is scheduled to begin today the restringing of wires in East Greenwich and North Kingstown as part of its $25 million Southern Rhode Island Transmission Project. The helicopter will fly about 150 feet above the ground and be used to install pulling ropes which will be placed in rollers attached to the poles. The ropes will be tied to the wires, and both will be pulled through the rollers to complete the wire installation. The job is expected to take three to five days. National Grid is using the helicopter to avoid any damage that heavy equipment might cause the environmentally-sensitive areas along the right of way where the work is being done. The flights are scheduled to start in an area near the intersection of Routes 2 and 4. A staging area for take-offs and landings will be established on the north side of Old Baptist Road. Overall, the project will replace 13.5 miles of existing 115 kilovolt transmission lines, adding about 12.3 miles of new lines along an existing right of way. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2008, also includes a new substation and upgrades to an existing substation. -- Journal staff writer John Kostrzewa Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:18 AM | Comment Newport police offer driving classes for seniorsThe Newport police department is offering a series of classes for seniors who are looking to sharpen their driving skills. At “Driving Through Their Ages,” seniors will have access to medical and auto specialists, and a chance to ask questions and practice driving skills. The seven classes are free for seniors, and will be held on Wednesday evenings, from 4 p.m. through 6 p.m. at the Newport Police Station assembly room, beginning Feb. 20. Be sure to bring a valid drivers license and a registered vehicle. Class size is limited to 20. For more information, call Officer Parsonage at 845-5864 or Officer Piermont at 845-5865. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:09 AM | Comment Tomorrow's topic: School violenceState troopers who were among the first to respond to the Virginia Tech shooting will join Rhode Island officials tomorrow to discuss school violence. The conference on school shooting and school violence, sponsored by Governor Carcieri and state police superintendent Col. Brendan Doherty, is set to take place at Bryant University in Smithfield. The April 16th shooting at Virginia Tech left 33 people dead and prompted school officials across the country to reexamine security and safety measures on campus. U.S. Attorney Robert Corrente, Attorney General Patrick Lynch, and other state and local officials are scheduled to speak on best practices, team response, civil liability, and other issues surrounding school violence. The conference, which is partially funded by the Target Corporation, is set to begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Bryant University Grand Hall of the George E. Bello Center. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:40 AM | Comment Photo: Sun rising over West Greenwich
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:34 AM | Comment Some post offices extend hours for passportsAttention jet-setters: the Post Office is extending hours for passport services this weekend to help speed up the application process. The Barrington Post Office at 200 Middle Highway will have extended hours this Saturday. Photo services and postal workers will accept applications until 3 p.m. Applicants will need to bring a completed application, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, two passport pictures and payment -- $97 for adults 16 and older, and $82 for children. To download applications and find out which forms of identification are accepted at the USPS passport Web site. Click below to see which Massachusetts locations will also keep extended hours. The following Massachusetts Post Office locations will stay open until 3 p.m. this Saturday to offer passport services: 8 East Main St., Avon 169 Broad St., Bridgewater 120 Commercial St., Brockton 16 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph 108 First Parish Road, Scituate 31 Porter St., Stoughton Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:13 AM | Comment Former councilman in court on teen sex chargeA former Central Falls councilman is set to appear in court today after the police say they found him in a car, partially dressed, with a 15-year-old in the back seat. Luis Gil, who resigned as a Central Falls councilman, was arrested Nov. 12. He faces additional charges after an investigation following his arrest. Gil and the boy are alleged to have met in August while the boy waited for a RIPTA bus in Pawtucket, according to state police Capt. Stephen Lynch. Gil allegedly approached the boy, but the boy declined to go with him and got on the bus, Lynch said. Gil followed the bus until the boy got off, and agreed to to with the councilman, Lynch said. They drove to Lincoln Woods in Lincoln, where they allegedly engaged twice in consensual sex, Lynch said. They later went to the former rectory of the Notre Dame Church, which is privately owned, where they had consensual sex a third time, according to Lynch. Gil faces four charges of third-degree sexual assault, which involves a defendant older than 18 who engages in sexual penetration with someone between 14 and under 16. He is set for a pre-arraignment conference today in District Court, Providence. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:19 AM | Comment Sen. Reed heading to Iraq todayU.S. Sen. Jack Reed will travel to Iraq today for his 11th visit there since 2003, his office announced. The Rhode Island Democrat, a West Point graduate and Armed Services Committee senior member, is slated to meet with American commanders and Rhode Island soldiers serving there before returning to the United State on Jan. 19. The U.S. military last week launched Operation Phantom Phoenix, an offensive aimed at "cracking down on al Qaeda-aligned terrorists and other insurgents in Iraq," Reed's office said. Reed served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantry platoon leader. -- projo.com staff writer Michael McKinney Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment More snow possibleThe snow is gone, for now, but there's a chance of more, after noon. Meanwhile, we'll see cloudy skies, a mild west wind and a high temperature near 36 degrees. More snow may fall tonight, before 9 p.m. Clouds should clear later, as the temperature drops to the low 20s. Tomorrow, look for sunny skies, and a high temperature near 37 degrees. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on yesterday's snowstorm and the state's reaction to it following the problems of the December storm that crippled traffic and stranded Providence students on buses. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 14, 2008Tonight: There's rock in the snowy cityAll done with your snow shoveling? Then you've earned a night out on the town. Justin and the Cosmics, Deer Tick and Will Elliott are slated to play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. Mark Taber will plays the blues at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. 453-6500, www.thehihat.com. 7 to 11 p.m. White Williams and Ecstatic Sunshine play rock at The Living Room, 23 Rathbone St., Providence. 521-5200. 9 p.m. All ages. More ideas for events, visit projo.com's Lifebeat page. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment Car crashes into Newport convenience store / Photo
“The operator, knowing it was slippery, started braking, at which time she pressed the accelerator by mistake and the car lunged forward into the building,” said police Lt. William Fitzgerald. The accident occurred at 10:30 a.m. as a winter storm was dropping several inches of snow on Aquidneck Island. Mary Young, 72, of 3 Sheffield Ave., drove into the parking lot with someone in the passenger seat. Her Nissan Maxima crashed right through the entrance, which is near the cashier’s counter, said Fitzgerald. The entire front end of the car wound up inside the store. “It wasn’t halfway in, but it was enough that the people inside the vehicle were concerned about the debris,” said Fitzgerald. “They were kind of wedged in…The Fire Department responded so they could be safely removed from the vehicle.” The building inspector was summoned to the scene, said Fitzgerald, but he said “it doesn’t appear there were any structural deficiencies to the building.” -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:50 PM | Comment WaterFire watercolor wins 5th annual Scenes of R.I.A Providence artist's watercolor painting of WaterFire has been picked by Governor and Mrs. Carcieri as winner of the fifth annual Scenes of Rhode Island award. Artist Deane S. Lawrence will receive the privately paid-for $1,000 prize, and there will be limited edition poster reproduction of the winning work “WaterFire, 2007." "Mr. Lawrence has been exploring Rhode Island through his painting -- especially with a focus on its waterways," a news release from the governor's office said in announcing the awards early this evening. Second prize goes to Natalie Pfanstiehl of Cranston, whose watercolor titled “Beavertail" gets $250. Third prize, and $100, goes to Newport’s Marietta Cleasby for her watercolor “Island Home School.” The curated show is a partnership between the governor's office and State Council on the Arts "to promote both the beauty of the state and the artists who capture its essence," the news release said. The winners are part of an exhibit featuring works by 43 artists at the Atrium Gallery at the Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, on Smith Street in Providence. The show is open to the public during business hours anc continues through Jan. 29. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Somerset police warn against disabled police aid groupSOMERSET, Mass. -- Police warned today that area businesses may be asked to contribute money to an organization that claims to benefit disabled police officers, yet apparently spends more than 80 percent of its budget on fundraising and not a dime on individuals. The sales pitch from the Disabled Police Officers Assistance Foundation asks for money to support "our local community officers that are struggling through a hard time due to a disability.'' But the 2006 not-for-profit tax disclosure form for the organization's parent company -- the most recent on file with the state of Massachusetts -- shows that the group is based in Niceville, Fla., raised $627,052 and spent $513,200 on fundraising. And the line that calls for listing "specific assistance to individuals'' is blank. The group, on its Web site, claims to have handed out 21 scholarships of up to $1,000 each in 2006 and 46 scholarships in 2005. Police Chief Joseph C. Ferreira said the organization came to Somerset's attention after a local merchant was prepared to donate $1,000 and called police to check out its legitimacy. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. The group is sending out letters with a Rehoboth, Mass., letterhead and signed by Patrick D. Kane Jr., whom Ferreira said is connected to the Kane Marketing Group, which operates out of Pawtucket, R.I. A message could not be left at Kane's number. A recording said the voicemail box was full. Police said they have also been unable to contact Kane after many days of attempts. Ferreira said the investigation is continuing. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:17 PM | Comment Update: Food terminal demolition begins, plus protestersPROVIDENCE -- Carpionato Properties began demolishing the old food and produce terminal on Harris Avenue this afternoon, soon after a judge's ruling allowing it. But the developer was forced to halt work for a time when several men -- and a man's dogs -- stood on the building to try to stop the demolition in hopes that an appeal of the ruling would be filed. The police, arriving about 4:25 p.m. after Carpionato Properties called them, told Erik Bright, who had two dogs with him, Clay Rockefeller and others they would have to get off the building or be charged with tresspassing. They got off the building, and Carpionato has resumed demolition work. The scene unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. -- shortly after a judge's ruling this afternoon that the company can knock down the terminal, denying an attempt by state lawyers to stop the demolition. By late afternoon, a backhoe was taking down a canopy at the building's front, and windows were being removed on a corner of the building. The Johnston developer had obtained a demolition permit last week from the Providence Building Official, allowing them to destroy the building as soon as asbestos removal work is complete. The permitting surprised state officials, who had sold the historic 1929 building to Carpionato in February 2007 with the understanding that it would be reused. The day after the demolition permit was issued, state lawyers filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order preventing Carpionato from knocking down the building. This afternoon, Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein denied that motion, saying that the state would be unlikely to prove its case in the long term. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi “The court has concluded that it is unlikely here… that plaintiff has a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits,” Silverstein said. “The court inescapably has concluded here that it must find against the plaintiff’s position,” Silverstein said. Carpionato’s attorneys speculated that full demolition could take as long as four months. State lawyer Michael Mitchell declined comment. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:13 PM | Comment Update: Snow wanes after heavy, slushy start / Photo
By late morning, the snowfall had waned. Though it may keep falling through early afternoon, no more significant accumulation is expected. Snow accumulation totals ranged from about 2 inches at T. F. Green Airport in Warwick to more than 5 inches farther inland and less towards the southern coast. “I’m certainly not going to characterize this as a blockbuster storm or anything,” Charles Foley, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., said. In what may have been an abundance of caution following the storm that left some students stranded on buses for hours, all school systems in the state cancelled classes today except one -- on Block Island. The snow slowed travel throughout the region earlier this morning. Traffic was backed up on Route 146 North in Lincoln near the Wilbur Road overpass due to an accident during the rush-hour snowstorm this morning. As of early this afternoon, the state police were reporting seven accidents and 45 disabled motor vehicles that they’d handled during the storm – significantly fewer than the nearly 200 the state police had handled during the Dec. 13 storm. Across the state, north winds were mild, but heavy, slushy sleet was weighing down power lines, causing disruptions to thousands of homes. About 1,700 National Grid customers remained without power in Rhode Island late this afternoon from the overnight snowstorm, compared to about 10,500 who were without power this morning, a National Grid spokesman said. Some 475 customers were without power in Glocester, 435 in Foster, about 300 in Scituate and the rest scattered in other communities, said spokesman David Graves. Graves said that there were a lot of individual outages, which can be labor intensive. He said there may be some customers who will be without power through the night but that the company expects the majority of customers' power will be on this evening. The hardest hit cities and towns were Cumberland, Burrillville, Lincoln, Smithfield and Johnston. And as staff trickled into The Journal office in Providence, several reported more than 5 inches in their cities and towns. But accumulations were less near the southern coast, with 1 to 2 inches on the ground in Wakefield. More than a dozen arriving and departing flights were canceled at T. F. Green Airport. Check the latest flight information on the airport's Web site About 100 flights scheduled to arrive of depart Logan International Airport in Boston were canceled or delayed. Check current flight status on Logan's Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writers Amanda Milkovits, Gene Emery, Meaghan Wims, and Mark Arsenault. By 7 a.m., an early rising Journal reporter had measured about 2 inches of accumulation in Cranston. He described lighter snow piled atop heavy slush. It's difficult to shovel, he said, but makes great snowballs. Another reporter sent in a report from Pawtucket, where she said there were about 3 inches of snow on the ground by 9 a.m. And although there were clumps of slush around, she said plows were on the roads in Seekonk, Swansea, Warren and Bristol, and bare pavement was even visible in places. But later in the day, another Journal staffer said traffic had ground to a halt on Route 95 from the city north to Route 295. "It's jammed," he said. "Absolutely jammed." Temperatures should climb just to the freezing point today, with a north wind between 10 and 17 mph. Tomorrow may also bring more snow in the morning and early afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30s and northwest winds should reach about 9 mph. Looking ahead, this snow – coupled with fairly average temperatures – may not look so bad. “The next significant feature that is on our plate is going to be a return to very arctic temperatures,” Foley said. He’s talking about temperatures – high temperatures – in the 20s by the end of the week and over the weekend. Get the latest conditions and forecasts for your area at: http://projo.com/weather Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 5:00 PM | Comment Update: 1,700 remain without electricity after stormAbout 1,700 National Grid customers remain without power in Rhode Island this afternoon from the overnight snowstorm, compared to about 10,500 who were without power this morning, a National Grid spokesman said. Some 475 customers are without power in Glocester, 435 in Foster, about 300 in Scitutate and the rest scattered in other communities, said spokesman David Graves. Graves said that there are a lot of individual outages, which can be labor intensive. He said there may be some customers who will be without power through the night but that the company expects the majority of customers' power will be on this evening. What had been more than 30,000 customers without power around New England this morning is at about 10,000. Extra: Tips from National Grid on dealing with storms and outages. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:56 PM | Comment EPA: Warren boat maker will pay $195,000 in finesA Warren boat maker will pay $195,000 in fines to settle claims that it violated federal Clean Air Act provisions. Pearson Composites LLC will pay the penalties for violating emission standards, work practice standards and reporting and monitoring provisions, the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The company corrected the violations after being told of them, the EPA said. Pearson makes fiberglass boat hulls, decks and other components, and the manufacturing generates hazardous air pollutants -- mainly styrene and methyl methacrylate -- that "are known to adversely affect human health," the EPA said in a news release. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney A person can experience irritation to skin, eyes and mucous membranes by being exposed to methyl methacrylate, which is also "associated with certain adverse respiratory and neurological effects," EPA said. A person's nervous system can be affected by exposure to styrene, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, has found is a possible carcinogen, the EPA said. Both styrene and methyl methacrylate are potential asthma irritants. "To better protect public health and the environment, it is critical that all companies make every effort to comply with environmental laws and regulations," Robert Varney, EPA regional adminstrator, said in the statement. "Hazardous air pollutants can pose a serious risk to workers and to the public. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:37 PM | Comment Sen. Reed will head to Iraq for his 11th visit thereU.S. Sen. Jack Reed will travel to Iraq tomorrow for his 11th visit there since 2003, his office announced. The Rhode Island Democrat, a West Point graduate and Armed Services Committee senior member, is slated to meet with American commanders and Rhode Island soldiers serving there before returning to the United State on Jan. 19. Reed served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantry platoon leader. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:34 PM | Comment Update: Nature disrupts naturalization ceremonyA group of soon-to-be American citizens faced a setback today when a naturalization ceremony was canceled due to weather, but they were not informed. The ceremony, set to be conducted by Magistrate Judge Lincoln Almond, was canceled last night, according to U.S. District Court Chief Deputy Clerk Paulette Dube. The ceremony was supposed to be at 9:30 a.m. today at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium In Providence, but the clerk of the court, David A. DiMarzio, decided to cancel the ceremony as winter storm warnings rolled in. “The governor was saying, ‘If people don’t need to go out, then stay off the roads,’” Dube said. So the court made calls to several media outlets, asking for the cancellation to be broadcast. “We thought we were covered,” but the message, for some reason, didn’t get out. The ceremony has not been rescheduled, but Dube said it will likely take place next month. At about 8:30 this morning, one of the prospective new citizens called The Providence Journal and said that about 400 people had shown up for the ceremony. The naturalization ceremony, he said, is a day many years in the making. “Today was the day that I was supposed to become a U.S. citizen,” said the caller, who did not want to give his name. “Now I’m not. It takes a year or so to get through the process … It’s a big deal, it’s a huge deal. It’s marriage, having a kid, then this.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson CORRECTION: An earlier version of this post incorrectly said that the judge magistrate had made the decision to cancel the 9:30 a.m. ceremony, which was originally reported as scheduled for 9 a.m. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 4:13 PM | Comment Judge says developer can demolish historic food terminalPROVIDENCE -- A judge has ruled that Carpionato Properties can knock down the food and produce terminal on Harris Avenue, denying an attempt by state lawyers to stop the demolition. The Johnston developer had obtained a demolition permit last week from the Providence Building Official, allowing them to destroy the building as soon as asbestos removal work is complete. The permitting surprised state officials, who had sold the historic 1929 building to Carpionato in February 2007 with the understanding that it would be reused. The day after the demolition permit was issued, state lawyers filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order preventing Carpionato from knocking down the building. This afternoon, Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein denied that motion, saying that the state would be unlikely to prove its case in the long term. “The court has concluded that it is unlikely here… that plaintiff has a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits,” Silverstein said. “The court inescapably has concluded here that it must find against the plaintiff’s position,” Silverstein said. Carpionato Senior Vice President Kelly Coates said that two canopies hanging over the bui “We will take the canopies off and continue to remove the asbestos,” Coates said. Carpionato’s attorneys speculated that full demolition could take as long as four months. State Lawyer Michael Mitchell declined comment. —Staff Writer Daniel Barbarisi Posted by Peter Phipps at 3:56 PM | Comment Illegal immigrant wins $30,000 in workers' comp casePROVIDENCE -- Edgar Velasquez, an illegal Mexican immigrant who slashed his face open with a chainsaw, today won a $30,000 settlement against the owner of a Warwick tree service company owner. Velasquez was working for William J. Gorman, owner of Billy G’s Tree Care in Warwick, when the accident occurred in 2007. Velasquez was not in court to hear the news. He returned to Mexico last month after being allowed to testify against Gorman in workers’ compensation court, in a nearly unprecedented case. Before he left, however, Velasquez said he was hopeful that a judge’s preliminary ruling in his favor would result in a full settlement. Velasquez was deported in 2007 after Gorman allegedly tipped off immigration authorities. However public pressure prodded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue a humanitarian visa that granted Velasquez a temporary return to Rhode Island. Steven Dennis, whose law firm represents Velasquez, said he was not entirely happy with the settlement. He had originally sought in excess of $70,000 for his client. -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:42 PM | Comment Barrington couple charged with serving minorsBARRINGTON -- A local couple has been charged by police with illegally serving alcohol to minors during a New Year's Eve party at their home. Gabriel A. Pacheco, 48, and Mary Lou Pacheco, 45, of 11 Northwest Passage, have become another example of the enforcement of the new social-host law designed to make adults responsible for the underage drinking that takes place under their noses. Earlier this month, a 47-year-old Bristol woman was charged under the social host law in connection with a New Year’s Eve party at her home at which she allegedly poured drinks for some of the minors who attended. It's also an example of how there are no secrets on the Internet. The party came to the attention of police after 13 pictures of the Barrington imbibers, age 17 to 20, were posted on Facebook.com, the social networking site, under two different names. One of the photos showed the Pachecos in the background. Others showed the youths in the basement playing ``beer pong,'' a drinking game. The pictures had been widely distributed in town, according to police, who allege that the youth were drinking at least part of the time they were directly under the supervision of the Pachecos. On Friday, police confronted the couple. They were summoned to appear in Providence District Court on Jan. 23. The potential fine for the misdemeanor charge of purchasing or procuring alcohol for a minor is $350. None of the seven party-goers have been charged, although police said they expect to call the parents of the local youths to the station and show them the photos. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. They included three Barrington High School students, all female, ages 17, 17 and 18; two other Barrington residents, a 19-year-old male and 20-year-old female; and two teens from out of town, a 17-year-old female and an 18-year-old male. One of the girls in the picture caused a furor in town five months ago when she posted photographs of her party-going friends drinking beer in a Facebook group called "Intoxicate Oh-Eight," named after the high school class of '08. More than 17 percent of this year's senior class in Barrington High School belonged to the group. Enforcing underage drinking has taken on new urgency in Barrington following two deaths and one near-death just since July. The litany of serious alcohol-related cases has become all too familiar in town: Ryan Greenberg, awaiting trial for second-degree murder following the boating death of Patrick Murphy in July; Michael J. Silveira, now serving two years in the state Training School after he slammed his car into a tree in November, killing passenger Jonathan Converse, and the 17-year-old accused of eluding police in Colt State Park, Bristol, and nearly killing a pedestrian when he slammed his car in a stone wall. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:37 PM | Comment No day off for the kids on Block IslandNot all of Rhode Island’s students got the day off today. The New Shoreham School District – which is comprised of about 140 students at Block Island School – braved the weather for the sake of education. But to be fair, the weather bore little resemblance to the snow seen on the mainland. “Because we’re surrounded by that big body of water, it’s a lot warmer out here,” Marsha Gutierrez, assistant to the superintendent, said. “There’s no snow on the ground,” she said. That doesn’t mean it was a breeze getting to school. Gutierrez takes the ferry to work; the first one was canceled because of the nasty winds, rain, and even a few flurries. The precipitation may have started as snow, she said, but it turned to rain quickly. And by lunchtime, even the rain had died down. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:53 PM | Comment State steps up to avoid problems seen in Dec. stormThis was the biggest storm of the new year, but it didn’t carry the wallop or create the same problems as the storm of Dec. 13. This storm arrived overnight and blew in over thinly trafficked roads. All schools in the state, with the exception of New Shoreham schools, were canceled because of the storm, said Brittan Bates, spokeswoman for the state Emergency Management Agency. About 11,000 customers were reported to be without power this morning, and there were concerns about heavy, wet snow breaking tree limbs and downing power lines. No communities called the state Emergency Management Agency for assistance, Bates said. After criticism about state leadership and communication in the last storm, Governor Carcieri held a news conference at the National Guard last night, and Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, whom Carcieri has put in charge during weather emergencies, held news conferences about the storm at 6 and 10:30 this morning. Neither was around during the Dec. 13 storm – Carcieri was on a plane in the Middle East and Bray had called out sick that day. “The biggest thing [that was different] for us is the coordination was more formal and more public,” Bates said. Unlike the last storm, the state EMA wasn’t left on its own. Members of the Providence police and the state police worked in the Emergency Operations Center with the EMA staff handling logistics and planning. The EMA also offered seats to officials from the state Energy Office, Public Utilities and the American Red Cross of Rhode Island, but all three agencies declined, deciding to keep the state informed through up-to-date situational awareness reports, Bates said. -- Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits The state Department of Transportation also didn’t send any officials to the Emergency Operations Center, choosing instead to remain at its own multi-million dollar Traffic Management Center in Providence. The DOT also refused to come to the EOC during the last snowstorms, including the Dec. 13 storm. Then-executive director Robert J. Warren had trouble getting information from the DOT that night; he told The Journal later that his calls to director Jerome Williams and others there weren’t answered. Warren dealt instead with Carcieri’s chief of staff, who was at the Transportation Management Center. Warren had said that he was frustrated that he couldn’t compel DOT to send someone into the EOC to work with the emergency officials. The state EMA doesn’t have a direct link to the DOT traffic cameras – a persistent problem the agency hasn’t had the money to fix – so it accesses the cameras the same way as the public does, Bates said. To fix the communication problems, the state DOT agreed to use the laptop communications system that links users directly into the Emergency Operations Center. And, the DOT gave the state EMA the number of critical phones that would be answered. As happened during the Dec. 13 storm, the state police had extra troopers on the roads and more detectives in the barracks to handle volumes of calls during the storm, said Maj. Steven O’Donnell. The state police overlapped the night and day shifts, with 40 troopers on at peak times to handle the morning commute, and posted a trooper at the Thurbers Avenue curve on Route 95 in case of traffic problems, O’Donnell said. As of early this afternoon, the state police were reporting seven accidents and 45 disabled motor vehicles that they’d handled during the storm – significantly fewer than the nearly 200 the state police had handled during the Dec. 13 storm. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:40 PM | Comment Evidence release delays Narragansett smoke-shop trialPROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge today delayed the trial of seven Narragansett Indian tribal members accused of fighting with state police as officers raided the tribe's smoke shop in Charlestown. Judge Susan E. McGuirl delayed jury selection, which was scheduled to start Wednesday, because the state police released significant discovery materials on Friday afternoon. The judge has not yet announced the new date for jury selection. The defense lawyers are asking the judge to dismiss the case. After efforts to establish a casino did not succeed, the tribe opened a smoke shop on tribal land on Route 2 on July 12, 2003. Shortly after state lawmakers ended their legislative session without agreeing to put a gambling question on the ballot, the tribe began selling cigarettes from the store at bargain prices because they were not charging state taxes. Tribal leaders said they were carrying out their right to self-government. On July 14, state police used a search and seizure warrant at Governor Carcieri’s order. However, the raid became a violent confrontation, captured on television, in the parking area that led to eight Narragansetts, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, being arrested and at least eight state troopers and Indians injured. Criminal cases waited more than three years as federal courts figured out state jurisdiction over the tribe’s 1,800 Charlestown acres. The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling that the state can enforce its laws on the Narragansetts’ settlement lands, and so the case is proceeding. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:45 PM | Comment MySpace, AGs agree on safeguards for young site usersSocial networking giant MySpace.com has reached an agreement with 45 states – including Rhode Island -- to adapt new safeguards to better regulate who is able to use the site. The News Corp.-owned Web site has agreed to a host of security changes, most of which are aimed at limiting the availability of younger members’ profile information. Children younger than 14 are not supposed to register with the Web site, which allows people to network with other members by sharing pictures, blogs and other information. The company has agreed to let parents submit their children’s e-mail addresses so that they cannot be used to set up accounts; making the default setting on 16- and 17-year-olds’ profiles “private,” so only their friends can see them; and responding within 72 hours to any complaints of inappropriate content. “This is an important outcome because of the specific and quantifiable steps that MySpace has agreed to take,” Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch said in a statement. “I am confident that it will foster a safer online experience for teenagers and other young people who use MySpace.” The agreement comes after almost two years of discussions between MySpace and attorneys general across the country about how to improve security after a number of reports of sexual predators using the Web site for inappropriate contact with minors. The company also agreed to create a task force to research new ways to verify the ages and identities' of potential registrants, and a host of more general security measures. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:38 PM | Comment Federal agency gives Cape wind farm preliminary OKWASHINGTON — A key federal agency has given preliminary environmental approval to a proposed wind farm off Cape Cod. A report by the Minerals Management Service released today says plans by developer Cape Wind Associates to build 130 windmills across 25 miles of federal waters in Nantucket Sound would pose no major environmental problems. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the project later this year. Supporters say the project is a safe, clean way to create renewable energy and new jobs. Opponents fear possible environmental and economic effects on Cape Cod’s tourist and fishing industries. Various federal and state agencies have been reviewing the plan to build the nation’s first offshore wind farm since November 2001. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:34 PM | Comment Bob Enos, trumpeter for Roomful of Blues, dies at 60Trumpeter Bob Enos, a member of Rhode Island blues legends Roomful of Blues, died early Friday morning while on tour with the band in Douglas, Ga., according to a statement from the band. He was 60. His bio on the band's Web site describes Enos this way: "Bob "Bubba" Enos, long a mainstay of the band, puts the sparkle on top of Roomful’s legendary horn section. "His energetic, searing attack, whether soloing or as part of the ensemble, makes the band’s sound immediately identifiable." A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Enos had played with The Platters and other New England soul, R & B, and jazz outfits before joining Roomful. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:10 PM | Comment Committee to review Carcieri's choice for Revenue postThe Senate Committee on Finance is scheduled to consider the nomination of Gary S. Sasse to head the newly created Department of Revenue. Sasse, of East Greenwich, was the executive director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council for 30 years. Governor Carcieri nominated Sasse to the $130,000 –a-year revenue director position in early November. If Sasse’s nomination is approved by the Finance Committee, it moves to the full Senate for Advice and Consent. The hearing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. tomorrow in the State House, Room 211, and is open to the public. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:23 AM | Comment Wyclef Jean show at Lupo's postponed due to weatherThe Wyclef Jean show originally scheduled for tonight at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence, has been postponed to tomorrow night at 8 because of the weather. All tickets for the original date will be honored tomorrow night, or you can get a refund before tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets ($35) are still on sale at the box office, all FYE stores and at www.etix.com. For more information, call (401) 331-5876. -- Journal pop music writer Rick Massimo Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:20 AM | Comment Judge to decide fate of historic Providence terminalA Superior Court judge is expected to decide at 2:30 p.m. whether Carpionato Properties can demolish the food and produce terminal on Harris Avenue, Providence. The state is trying to stop the developer from razing the historic building behind Providence Place mall. Carpionato, a Johnston developer, this week sought and received an emergency demolition permit to raze the historic 1929 building, arguing that it poses a risk to public safety. Carpionato wants to erect a combination of commercial and hotel buildings at the site, which it bought from the state early last year. The move shocked state officials, who thought that the terms of the sale protected the building from demolition. The state sold the property at a below-market price on the condition that Carpionato reuse the building. On Thursday, state lawyers rushed to court to seek an order preventing Carpionato from destroying the terminal building. Judge Michael Silverstein heard arguments from lawyers this morning and said he would issue his decision at 2:30 p.m. -- With reports from Journal staff photogapher Andrew Dickerman and information from previous Journal reports Posted by Jack Perry at 11:18 AM | Comment Snow slows, big freeze aheadThe snow is expected to keep falling through early afternoon, but there’s no more significant accumulation expected. So far this morning, snow accumulation totals range from about 2 inches at T. F. Green Airport to more than 5 inches farther inland. “I’m certainly not going to characterize this as a blockbuster storm or anything,” Charles Foley, meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said. And from here on out, he said there won’t be activity of consequence “just some nuisance flurries.” But looking ahead, this snow – coupled with fairly average temperatures – may not look so bad. “The next significant feature that is on our plate is going to be a return to very arctic temperatures,” Foley said. He’s talking about temperatures – high temperatures – in the 20s by the end of the week and over the weekend. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:48 AM | Comment Gas prices drop 2 centsGas prices in the Ocean State dropped two cents last week after increasing the previous two weeks, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.119 at the self-service pumps, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price in Rhode Island is four cents above the national average. At this time last year, the average price was $2.359 in Rhode Island. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:24 AM | Comment Foster man, 21, killed in crash SundayThe police are investigating a fatal accident that killed a 21-year-old Foster man early yesterday. According to a statement issued by the police department, a caller notified the police of a possible accident near 16 Mt. Hygeia Road, Foster, at about 6 a.m. When police and rescue officials responded, they found Alexander A.Fasanya of East Killingly Road. According to the police statement, Fasanya had been driving north on Mt.Hygeia Road when he crossed the centerline, and hit a tree and a utility pole. Fasanya had internal injuries. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and later pronounced dead. The accident is still under investigation. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:17 AM | Comment Photo: Fixing a utility pole
Posted by Jack Perry at 9:57 AM | Comment Photo: Road blocked
Posted by Jack Perry at 9:38 AM | Comment Photo: An early coating
Posted by Jack Perry at 9:31 AM | Comment Winter fun on sleds and skatesIf you have kids at home, chances are they won't be going to school today. But they don't have to spend the day inside. Kidoinfo.com, a blog devoted to activities for parents and kids in Rhode Island, has posted a list of prime sledding hills, submitted by users. There's also ice skating across the state, beyond the Bank of America City Center Rink, downtown. Check the ski conditions across the region and the country at projo.com. And even though school is out, kids can learn a lesson in civic responsibility while enjoying their own winter wonderland: have them help shovel the sidewalks. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:29 AM | Comment Power outages across the stateAcross the state, heavy, slushy sleet is weighing down power lines, causing disruptions to tens of thousands of homes. In Rhode Island, about 10,500 National Grid customers are without power this morning, according to the company's spokesman, David Graves. And throughout New England, he said, the number reaches more than 30,000. The hardest hit cities and towns include Cumberland, with 1963 outages; Burrillville, with 1692 outages; Lincoln, with 1,624 outages; Smithfield, with 1318 outages; and Johnston with 1,006 outages. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:54 AM | Comment Photo: 'Day off' with a shovel
Posted by Jack Perry at 8:38 AM | Comment Winter skies quieter over New EnglandA winter storm storm is making travel difficult. More than a dozen arriving and departing flights have been cancelled at T. F. Green Airport so far this morning. Check the latest flight information on the airport's Web site About 100 flights scheduled to arrive of depart Logan International Airport in Boston have been canceled or delayed. Check current flight status on Logan's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:33 AM | Comment Storm leads to school, other cancellationsToday's storm has led to widespread closings in the Ocean State. Check here for a list of closings. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Winter weather returnsAs if we didn't know already, the National Weather Service is calling for a winter storm today, with expected accumulation of up to 5 inches around the state. Already in Cranston, an early rising Journal reporter has measured about two inches of accumulation. He sees light snow piled atop heavy slush. It's difficult to shovel, he said, but makes great snowballs. That may be good news for kids today, many of whom will get the day off. Check the projo.com closings and delays Web site to see school closings, parking bans and other delays and other weather related closings. Temperatures should climb just to the freezing point today, with a north wind between 10 and 17 mph. There's a slight chance that the snow may continue unto the evening, when temperatures drop to the low 20s and winds calming to about 6 mph. Tomorrow may also bring more snow in the morning and early afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30s and northwest winds should reach about 9 mph. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Gene Emery Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on the continuing problems at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 11, 2008Tonight: Popa plays the blues; rock's Missing ElementFriday night is here, and so are the blues, not to mention rock and jazz. The Robert Black Band, rhythm and blues, Narragansett Cafe, 25 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. 423-2150. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Dick Lupino and Jordan Nunes, jazz, L'Epicureo, Hotel Providence, 311 Westminster St., Providence. 521-3333, www.lepicureo.com. 6 to 9 p.m. Missing Element, rock, Twin River, Fado, 100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln. 723-3200, (800) 720-7275, www.twinriver.com. 8:30 pm-12:30 a.m. No cover. 18+. Popa Chubby plays blues at Chan's Restaurant, 267 Main St., Woonsocket. 765-1900. 8, 10 p.m. $15 early show; $10 late show; $18 both shows. Check projo.com's full listing of bands playing around the region tonight. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment Responders are at fire on Tuckerman Ave., MiddletownMIDDLETOWN -- Firefighters are at the scene of a house fire this evening on Tuckerman Avenue, the police dispatch said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Alleged boiler installer detained as illegal immigrantPROVIDENCE -- A man who helped install the boiler that authorities believe may have caused the deaths of three people has been taken into federal custody as an illegal immigrant, according to the police. Alex Menendez-Mendez, 23, of Providence has been taken into custody by Immigration Customs Enforcement agents, who were notified after Providence police detectives interviewed Menendez-Mendez. The police said they learned during the interview that Menendez-Mendez had illegally entered the U.S. from Guatemala about three years ago. The news release this evening said detectives learned the identity of "one of those persons" who installed or helped install the boiler. The release made no mention of whether Menendez-Mendez will be charged by the police, but it said the investigation into the South Providence deaths continues. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Rainfall breaks record; lightning zaps powerRecord-breaking rainfall today flooded some Rhode Island roads while lightning hit at least one home and zapped power to Lincoln Mall's main buildings. Providence set a record for rainfall of 1.16 inches, eclipsing the old record of 1 inch set in 1922, the National Weather Service reported. More rain may be on the way, with tonight's forecast predicting showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 9 p.m. But tomorrow is forecast to be mostly cloudy, gradually becoming sunny with a high of around 48 degrees. A conflicted-personality month has so far delivered an overnight temperature of 8 degrees on Jan. 3, and a record high temperature of 66 degrees on Jan. 8. This morning the National Weather Service issued urban and small stream flood advisories for Bristol, Kent, Providence and Washington counties, bringing an unseasonably warm week to a soggy end. Many commuters this morning reported seeing lightning, as it flashed across the sky in downtown Providence. A Johnston house was damaged this morning when it was struck by lightning, according to its owner, Frank Romano. Romano said his wife and two young children were inside the two-story house at 161 Bishop Hill Road when they heard a loud explosion that shook the house. No one was injured but the siding near an outdoor faucet was blown away, according to Romano. The house lost electricity and a basement window was also damaged, Romano said. He also said he believes that two holes in the ground about 15 feet from the building were caused by lightning. Lincoln Mall's main buildings lost power at about 8 a.m. after lightning struck a utility pole at the front of the property and burned out a main transformer. Mall manager Donna Begin said maintenance crews had been at the mall, on George Washington Highway, installing temporary generators and were working to replace the ruined transformer. Temporary generators restored power to a Stop & Shop supermarket that is part of the mall campus. Some emergency systems in the main buildings were also back on line through use of temporary generators. The smaller buildings had their own power. Begin said she hopes to have power restored by about 8:30 tonight. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill and Journal photographer Andrew Dickerman Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Providence sets new rainfall recordProvidence set a record for rainfall of 1.16 inches today, eclipsing the old record of 1 inch set in 1922, the National Weather Service reports. It was a week, then, that saw at least two weather records shattered, but not the kind you might expect in January. On Tuesday, Providence recorded a high of 66 degrees, busting the 62-degree record set in 1930. And remember just the week before: the high temperature on the night of Jan. 3 was forecast at 8 degrees. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:20 PM | Comment Lincoln Mall main buildings lose power after lightning hitLINCOLN -- Lincoln Mall's main buildings lost power at about 8 a.m. today after lightning struck a utility pole at the front of the property and burned out a main transformer. Mall manager Donna Begin said maintenance crews had been at the mall, which is on George Washington Highway, all day installing temporary generators and were working to replace the ruined transformer. She said the lightning struck the utility pole at the front of the property and the energy passed through power lines leading to the mall's main building. Temporary generators restored power to a Stop & Shop supermarket that is part of the mall campus. And some emergency systems in the main buildings were also back on line through use of temporary generators. The smaller buildings had their own power. Begin said the hope is to have power restored by about 8:30 tonight. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:39 PM | Comment Cable cut leaves several URI buildings without powerSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- More than a dozen buildings in the upper part of the University of Rhode Island campus have been without power since this morning after a worker struck a high-voltage cable with a saw during renovations at Lippitt Hall. No one was hurt in the incident, and power is expected to be restored by 5 this afternoon, according to URI Communications Director Linda Acciardo. All the buildings affected are administrative and/or academic buildings that are connected by the same electrical loop, one of several that serve the Kingston campus, she said. Workers, under conditions provided by state law, were given the opportunity to leave for the day. The power went out around 10 a.m. after the worker hit the cable saw while working on the floor of Lippitt Hall, one of the campus's original granite buildings. Built in 1897, Lippitt faces the quadrangle and was at one time home to URI's basketball court. The $8.5 million renovation plan calls for converting the hall, which has housed an academic computer center, into a fully academic building for the mathematics department and honors program. Acciardo said that the local fire department responded to the campus, and that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has been contacted. No research projects at the campus appear to have been affected. The contractor on the project is A.F. Lusi Construction. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:08 PM | Comment Photo: Railing against the rain
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 3:52 PM | Comment No new cases of TB at Central Falls High SchoolNo new cases of active tuberculosis have been identified after testing at Central Falls High School, the state Department of Health announced this afternoon. The department has nearly completed the first phase of skin testing. The testing was done after the report of a student with active TB. Also, a smaller than expected number -- about five percent -- of staff and students had positive skin test results, according to the department. Those staff members and students may or may not have latent TB from some past exposure, the department of health says. Posted by Jack Perry at 3:08 PM | Comment Bristol to be overrun by robotsIt may not be The Day The Earth Stood Still, but there is going to be a robot invasion in Rhode Island. Not to worry, these robots won’t go run off and terrorize humanity – hopefully. In fact, they’ll be competing against each other to complete tasks aimed to create solutions for energy conservation. Tomorrow marks the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition, hosted by Roger Williams University’s School of Engineering. For four months, the teams have been working with adult mentors on their robots in a program designed to spark an interest in science and technology in kids. Forty-six teams from across the state will compete for a chance to test their robots’ ability against international teams at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival. Saturday’s event is free and open to the public. It begins at 11:15 at the Campus Recreation Center Field House on the Bristol Campus, One Old Ferry Road. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:34 PM | Comment SEA CORP scores Warfare Center dealA Rhode Island company has been awarded a contract worth nearly $5 million dollars to support its work at the Newport Naval Undersea Warfare center. SEA CORP will provide financial date management and administrative services to the Sensors and Systems Department. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:33 PM | Comment Dance instructor, facing R.I. charges, convicted in Mass.TAUNTON, Mass. -- A dance instructor has been convicted in Taunton of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl he met at a former dance studio. Keith Sampson testified during the trial that he never had a sexual relationship with the teenager. But the jury found him guilty yesterday of raping the girl at a Taunton hotel in January 2005. The jury acquitted Sampson of another charge that he raped the girl at his home. The student, now 18, testified that she had a four-month sexual relationship with the instructor that began during a trip to Germany. Sentencing is set for February 22. The 29-year-old Sampson also faces charges that he raped another girl he met at a dance studio in Johnston. The police have accused him of giving the girl alcohol, then assaulting her at his home in Easton, Mass. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:13 PM | Comment Jurors deny racial remarks in Cape murder caseBARNSTABLE, Mass. -- Several jurors who convicted a black trash collector in the murder of a white fashion writer denied today that racially charged remarks were made during deliberations. Their testimony came on the second day of an unusual hearing into whether their verdict against Christopher McCowen was tainted by bias. Judge Gary Nickerson finished interviewing the jurors today and scheduled another hearing for Jan. 18, when he will hear from two experts testifying for McCowen about the general effect of race on jury deliberations. The judge said he would then decide whether the remarks made in the jury room influenced the verdict in any way. Nickerson has said he could order a new trial if he found that bias affected McCowen's conviction for the rape and fatal stabbing of Christa Worthington at her Cape Cod home in January 2002. Yesterday, juror Roshena Bohanna, who is black, testified she was offended when one female juror said the bruises on Worthington's body would have been caused by a "big black guy." Bohanna said that comment and several others seemed to show racial bias on the part of several white jurors. Today, juror Taryn O'Connell, who is white, said the remarks were not disparaging and were used only to describe McCowen's race. "It was always used descriptively," O'Connell said. Juror Matthew Maltby, who is also white, said he recalled the juror who made the remark telling Bohanna that "it doesn't have anything to do with race. The defendant is big and black." Maltby also said he recalled the jury foreman telling other jurors that race should not play a role in their decision. "He said, 'We want to make sure we get this right - totally right - because race does not come into it,' - and it didn't," Maltby said. Nickerson continually had to remind the jurors today that he was interested only in what was said in the jury room, not their opinion on whether the words had racial overtones. McCowen, who was Worthington's trash collector, claimed he had consensual sex with her but that his friend killed her. His defense maintains authorities wrongly focused on him as a suspect because they did not believe Worthington, a 46-year-old writer who had covered fashion in New York and Paris before moving to the small town of Truro, would have a consensual relationship with a black garbage man. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 1:36 PM | Comment Red Sox trophy hits the road to ConnecticutThe Boston Red Sox World Series trophy made a field trip today ... to Connecticut. The trophy was in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Monday and taken to locations there on Tuesday. The trophy also visited Vermont last month. But don't fear, Rhode Island Sox fans. Pam Ganley, a Red Sox spokeswoman, said by email today that the plan is to visit Rhode Island with the trophy. "We have been in touch with the governor's office and will likely have an event in April in conjunction with the Pawtucket Red Sox," Ganley's email said. Larry Luchino, team president and chief executive officer, led a group of team officials traveling from Fenway Park to the Nutmeg State today "in order to thank Connecticut fans for their support during the 2007 season," according to a news release by Gov. M. Jodi Rell's office. According to a report by WTNH-TV Channel 8, no players are part of the Connecticut tour. Connecticut residents -- and Rhode Islanders who happen to be in the area -- can see the trophy from 2:15 to 4 p.m. in Hartford in the first-foor rotunda of the state Capitol building. The trophy was slated to already have been on display in New Haven from 10 to 11 a.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney “We couldn’t be happier about bringing the trophy to the ever-increasing number of Connecticut fans who have supported us over the years,” said Lucchino. “Connecticut is a cornerstone of Red Sox Nation, and our supporters in Connecticut deserve to see this trophy that they helped bring back to Fenway.” Rell, a confessed Yankees supporter who hails from western Connecticut, which is better known for Yankees fans than Sox supporters, invited the team and is scheduled to be on hand to greet representatives today. Read the Red Sox news release about the Connecticut visit here. Read the Sox news release on the Nova Scotia visit. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:24 PM | Comment UNH researchers: Northeast winters not what they wereALBANY, N.Y. -- If you've thought Northeast winters aren't what they used to be, you're right. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have measured just how mild winter is getting. Their study of weather station data from across the Northeast from 1965 through 2005 found temperatures from December through March increased by an average of 0.70 degrees a decade. In New England, snowfall declined about 3 inches a decade. The biggest snowfall decreases were in December and February. And this past Tuesday, a record high for the day was set in Rhode Island, at 66 degrees. Weather experts said then that last year gave us the warmest January on record. Before that it was 2006. Before that, it was 2005. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 11 of the warmest years since record keeping began have occurred in the past 12 years. Meteorologists who have studied long-term climate trends said the observations appear to be in line with other research. -- The Associated Press and projo.com reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:14 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Seeking tales of being a bridesmaidIn the new movie 27 Dresses, Katherine Heigl has been a bridesmaid 27 times and has a closet full of nightmare dresses to show for it. We’d like to hear your bridesmaid experiences, both bad and good (somebody must have gotten to buy a bridesmaid dress they could wear again), for a Sunday Journal Lifebeat story. If you’re willing to share, call writer Laura Meade Kirk at (401) 277-7379 or e-mail her at lkirk@projo.com. Meanwhile, the romantic comedy movie, which was filmed in Rhode Island, is scheduled to open Jan. 18. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:11 PM | Comment Providence Police: Txt 4 InfoPROVIDENCE -- A child from your neighborhood has been abducted, but you don't know that. As a matter of fact, you just saw her walking down the street with someone. But what if you had received a text message from the Police Department minutes after she had gone missing? You could let the police department know, within seconds, where you saw her last, describe the person she was with, which direction she was going. Calling it "the next step in our use of technology," Col. Dean Esserman, Providence police chief, announced a partnership with Citizen Observer, a system that sends alerts using email and the ever-present text message, and lets people send anonymous tips to the department via texting. The department has been researching an alert system for the past year, according to Chief Steven Melaragno who is the architect of this program, along with Lindsay Richardson, of the chief's office. The system, for which the department will pay $12,000 for a two-year subscription, will allow for greater communication with the community, Melaragno said, and will offer alerts in English and Spanish. You can sign up online for the service here. Melaragno said text messages are sent through an encryption service before they reach the police station, ensuring anonymity. Even so, he said, research in other cities -- such as Boston, which uses a similar service -- has shown it takes several months for potential users to feel comfortable with that claim. In about six months, the department plans to review use, and analyze whether its worth the cost. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:02 PM | Comment Heavy rain, lightning today and Sunday maybe snowThunder and lightning moved through Rhode Island this morning, bringing an unseasonably warm and sunny week to a dramatic, if soggy, end, and damaging at least one house. The National Weather Service issued advisories this morning, announcing that powerful thunderstorms were moving through the region, capable of producing wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph. and causing flooding in areas with poor drainage. Rain was expected to fall at about three-quarters of an inch per hour at some points, bringing 1.5 inches of rain to some areas by late morning, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning was visible for many people commuting to work this morning, and it flashed across the sky in downtown Providence several times. A house in Johnston was damaged this morning when it was struck, according to its owner. 
Journal photo/ Andrew DickermanSiding near an outdoor faucet were blown away in the lightning strike Frank Romano says his wife and two young children were inside the two-story house at 161 Bishop Hill Road when it was struck. They were not injured. They heard a loud explosion and the house shook, according to Romano. The house lost electrical power but did not catch fire as far as Romano can determine. Romano brought a photographer around the house and showed sections, such as near outside faucets, downspouts and an electrical meter, where vinyl siding had been blown off. A basement window was blown out. He also pointed out two holes in the ground about 15 feet from the building. He believes the holes were caused by lightning. This week's unseasonable weather could very wintry by Sunday. A "significant winter storm" could hit the area Sunday night into Monday, the weather service says. Although the forecast is uncertain, the weather service says the storm could affect the Monday morning commute covering roads with snow and reducing visibility. -- With reports by Journal photographer Andrew Dickerman and projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Jack Perry at 11:47 AM | Comment Man, 64, charged with stabbing brother's girlfriendTIVERTON — A Tiverton man will be arraigned this morning on a felony domestic assault charge after allegedly stabbing his brother’s girlfriend in the neck yesterday afternoon. The police responded to 173 Hancock St. after receiving a 911 call at about 4:40 p.m. from a woman who reported that she had been stabbed in the neck. Sgt. James Costa, Det. Michael Miguel and patrolman Brendan McKinnon found the 47-year-old woman bleeding from her lower neck, crying and hyperventilating, according to Deputy Chief Nicholas Maltais. The woman told the police that she had argued with William A. Pelletier, 64 – who shares the house with the woman and his brother, her boyfriend – and he had stabbed her with a folding knife, Maltais said. The woman’s boyfriend was not home at the time. Pelletier left the house before the police arrived, but the police were able to stop him nearby on Hurst Lane after a neighbor reporting seeing his car drive by. The police recovered the suspected weapon in the parking lot of New Harbor Mall, in neighboring Fall River, Maltais said. Pelletier was arrested on a charge of domestic assault with a deadly weapon and he was held overnight for arraignment today in Newport District Court. The woman was taken to St. Anne’s Hospital, in Fall River, before being transferred to Rhode Island Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition this morning, the police said. The police are not releasing her name. — Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Posted by Jack Perry at 11:03 AM | Comment Photo: A gray Providence skyline
Posted by Jack Perry at 10:53 AM | Comment House in Johnston struck by lightningJOHNSTON -- A house in Johnston was damaged this morning when it was struck by lightning, according to its owner. Frank Romano says his wife and two young children were inside the two-story house at 161 Bishop Hill Road when it was struck. They were not injured. They heard a loud explosion and the house shook, according to Romano. The house lost electrical power. The house did not catch fire as far as Romano can determine, but Romano brought a photographer around the house and showed sections, such as near outside faucets, downspouts and an electrical meter, where vinyl siding had been blown off. A basement window was blown out. He also pointed out two holes in the ground about 15 feet from the building. He believes the holes were caused by lightning. The National Weather Service reported thunderstorms moving through the state this morning. Romano was waiting for an insurance adjustor, and he's concerned about the cost of repairs. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Andrew Dickerman Posted by Jack Perry at 10:48 AM | Comment Weird winter weatherThe thunderstorms are here. Around the state, lightning, thunder, and heavy rains are coming and going, bringing an unseasonably mild and sunny week to a soggy end. The National Weather Service has issued urban and small stream flood advisory for Bristol, Kent, Providence and Washington Counties. Check the current watches Web site, which is updated every few minute with the latest advisories and warnings. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:39 AM | Comment Connecticut counting its eaglesNEW HAVEN -- State environmental officials say that more than 100 volunteers will be spending the next few days looking for eagles in Connecticut. They're taking part in the state Department of Environmental Protection's annual eagle count, which offers a snapshot of how the state's eagle population is doing. Julie Victoria, a wildlife biologist with the DEP, is coordinating where the teams conducting the count go. Victoria says that last year, 153 volunteers saw 62 bald eagles, four fewer than in 2006. The statewide eagle count is part of a national event that has been done every winter since 1979. The eagles that are in Connecticut for the winter come from northern New England and Canada. -- Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 9:25 AM | Comment Deadline today for grants to help the poorNon-profit organizations that work to improve the quality of life of people living in poverty have until noon today to apply for grants from a 180-year-old trust established by Ebenezer Knight Dexter. The Dexter Donation is offering grants up of to $2,000 to cover program expansions or new projects. Organizations interested in applying for a grant need to submit a completed application form -- which you can print out here, or fill out online here; a description of the proposal including its purpose, size, budget, and timetable; names of employees and/or volunteers; organization’s financial statement or most audit report or operating budget. Bring seven copies of the applications to the Board of Commissioners of the Dexter Donation, C/o Providence City Clerk, 25 Dorrance St., in Providence. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:51 AM | Comment Boston takes steps to ban trans fat in restaurantsBOSTON — The Boston Public Health Commission has given preliminary approval to a ban on the use of trans fats by restaurants in Boston. If the measure receives final approval, it would go into effect later this year and follow the lead of New York City, which banned trans fats in November 2006. Many restaurants in Boston say they have already eliminated trans fat in cooking and a number of fast-food chains have also stopped using the substance in the wake of the New York ban. A bill pending before the Legislature would impose a statewide ban on trans fats, which medical researchers have linked to clogged arteries and heart disease. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:17 AM | Comment Judge will continue to probe jurors in Cape murderBARNSTABLE, Mass. (AP) -- Jurors who convicted a black garbage man in the murder of a white fashion writer traded allegations of racism Thursday in an unusual public hearing called by the judge to determine whether their verdict was tainted by racial bias. Lawyers for Christopher McCowen sought the hearing after three jurors accused three others of making racially derogatory remarks while deliberating whether McCowen raped and fatally stabbed Christa Worthington in her Cape Cod home in January 2002. If the judge finds bias affected their November 2006 verdict, he could order a new trial. Judge Gary Nickerson acknowledged it was "an extraordinarily unusual" hearing then started to question the jurors individually in open court, but out of earshot of the other panelists. Each of the first four questioned by midday described racially charged deliberations. Roshena Bohanna, who is black, told him two women on the panel referred to the defendant as a "big black guy" and said they were afraid of him. Bohanna said Marlo George, who is white, in trying to convince fellow jurors that McCowen had caused the bruises on Worthington's body, said, "If a big black man hits a woman, then she gets those bruises." Bohanna said she and George became confrontational when she asked what McCowen's race had to do with the bruises and accused her of racism. The jury foreman had to call for a break. George denied referring to McCowen's race during that discussion but acknowledged she described McCowen as a "200-pound black man" while arguing that McCowen went to Worthington's house looking for sex the night she was killed. She said she used the term black "merely as a descriptive element," and said after Bohanna took offense, she told her she didn't mean anything derogatory by it. Bohanna also told the judge she overheard juror Eric Gomes, a dark-skinned man Cape Verdean descent, tell a white female juror that he does not consider himself black. When Bohanna later had the confrontation with the white juror, she said she heard Gomes say, "That's the reason why I don't like black people. Look at the way they act." On Thursday, Gomes denied ever saying he did not like black people. "Absolutely not," he said. Carol Cahill, who is white, said Bohanna accused all the jurors of being racist during deliberations and herself used a slur toward a white female juror. "She said, 'You're just a 'cracker from the South' or 'a southern cracker,'" Cahill said. When the judge asked Cahill if she ever said she was afraid of "a big black guy," she said: "I did say that I felt 'intimidated' ... the fact that I was making a decision for his life," Cahill said. She denied ever referring to his race. McCowen, who was Worthington's trash collector, claimed he had consensual sex with her but that his friend killed her. His defense maintains authorities wrongly focused on him as a suspect because they did not believe Worthington, a 46-year-old writer who had covered fashion in New York and Paris before moving to the small town of Truro, would have a consensual relationship with a black garbage man. The judge interviewed seven jurors Thursday and ordered all 14 back to court Friday. He told them not to talk about the case with anyone. McCowen's attorney, Bob George, said the hearing so far proved McCowen did not get a fair trial. "There is no doubt in my mind that the jury deliberations in this case have been tainted by racial bias," he said. District Attorney Michael O'Keefe left court without commenting. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:03 AM | Comment Heavy rain on the wayWe didn't get the snow, but the rain is here and expected to get heavier. The National Weather Service is forecasting possible thunderstorms later accompanied by heavy rains and a high temperature of about 54 degrees. More rain is expected tonight, maybe more thunderstorms later in the night with temperatures in the mid 30s. Tomorrow is looking cooler, with sunny skies and a high temperature just shy of 50. Tomorrow night it gets cold again, with an overnight low in the mid 20s. Rain may return Sunday, when the temperature gets up to about 40 degrees. We may see snow Sunday night when the temperature drops to the mid 20s again. And snow may greet us again Monday, with cloudy skies forecast and a return to winter-like weather, with a high temperature in the mid 30s. For weather updates throughout the weekend, check projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story about the danger of carbon monoxide gas, which killed three people in a South Providence home. Download a copy of the front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:01 AM | Comment January 10, 2008Photo: It may not be a holiday, but it's on ice
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:47 PM | Comment Tonight: Poetry slam happens in ProvidenceThe slam is under way. A poetry slam that is, at AS220 in Providence, and it's slated to go from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. The Journal described it today as a chance to share poems and practic reading them out loud in a laid-back place. AS220 is at 115 Empire St. For information, go to www.as220.org For more events today, check out our calendar listings. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:45 PM | Comment Photo: Pinning the badge on Newport's new fire chief
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:37 PM | Comment Update: Providence man wins $200,000 Powerball prizeA Providence man who had gone to pick up a friend whose car had broken down also picked the winning ticket for a $200,000 prize from last night's Powerball drawing. Luis Gordillo seldom plays the lottery but bought the ticket when he stopped at the Jefferson Global at 15 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, on the way to pick up the friend, a Rhode Island Lottery news release said this afternoon. Gordillo's ticket matched the first five numbers but not the PowerBall number. Last night's Powerball drawing was for a $72.9 million. Saturday’s estimated Powerball jackpot is $83 million. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:28 PM | Comment 13 presidential candidates make it to R.I. primary ballotThirteen presidential candidates will be on Rhode Island’s March 4 primary ballot, the final slate for that contest, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announced today. Today was the deadline for the secretary of state’s office to certify that candidates had collected the signatures of at least 1,000 eligible Rhode Island voters to qualify for the primary. “One sign that Rhode Islanders are taking this primary very seriously is the number of signatures they submitted. In 2004, only President Bush collected more than 2,000. This year, seven candidates exceeded that mark,” said Mollis. “We certified more than 25,000 signatures in all.” Hillary Clinton had 2,902 certified signatures. John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich and Barack Obama will be on the Democratic ballot as well. Republican Ron Paul led all candidates with 3,109 certified signatures. Hugh Cort, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Alan Keyes, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson will also be on the GOP ballot. Hunter and Keyes broke through the 1,000-certified-signature requirement today to become last two candidates to qualify to run in the primary. See the full list of numbers here. Twenty people had filed candidacy declarations with the secretary of state. But Democrats Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Republican Tom Tancredo withdrew from the race. Others, such as Democrat Bill Richardson -- who withdrew form the national race today -- did not get enough certified signatures to make the ballot. On Feb. 1, Mollis will hold a public lottery at the State House to figure out the order in which candidates' names appear on the ballots. The question remains which of the 13 will still be in the race by the time the R.I. primary rolls around. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:09 PM | Comment Warwick mayor lashes out at FAA over runwayIn a sharply worded letter, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian has lambasted the Federal Aviation Administration for rejecting the city's proposal that it consider limiting any runway expansion at T.F. Green Airport to 8,300 feet. This past summer, Avedisian called on the FAA to broaden the alternatives it is considering for a runway expansion beyond the 8,700 feet and 9,350 feet options. Last month, the FAA denied that request, arguing that any shorter expansion would unacceptably restrict the number of passengers the airport could send on cross-country flights. In an interview with The Providence Journal at the time, Avedisian criticized that decision. Now, he has sent a formal response to the FAA, saying the FAA's letter "simply reiterates the assumptions and inaccuracies that have been consistently presented by the FAA." "The most recent FAA response simply reiterates its previous position in order to validate a predetermined minimum runway length," Avedisian said. Avedisian, a longtime airport critic, said the FAA had not seriously considered the potential impacts on homes and businesses near Green Airport. As he has in the past, he also argued that the plane the FAA is trying to accommodate, the Boeing 737-500, is not fuel efficient and is increasingly less popular among airlines flying across the country. That decision, Avedisian said, could be grounds for a lawsuit against the FAA. "The FAA ignores this fact and continues its support for the use of the B737-500 aircraft in order to justify its argument for a longer-than-necessary runway," Avedisian said. "Current industry trends indicate that air carriers are reallocating aircraft in a manner that maximizes efficiency and profitability within their networks. This trend does not include the use of the 737-500 for non-stop coast-to-coast service. "The FAA’s continued insistence that the B737-500 must be used in the fleet mix for non-stop coast-to-coast legs is technically flawed; it is not accepted by most industry professionals and defies common sense," Avedisian said. Discussions of a runway expansion began more than eight years ago. The FAA does not plan to issue a draft environmental impact statement, the next step in the process, for at least a year, and a final report is not expected until late 2009. Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 5:59 PM | Comment Update: Labor director Orefice taking new state jobAdelita Orefice, the state Department of Labor and Training director, is leaving the position, telling staff today she has decided to take a new job as deputy secretary of the state Office of Health and Human Services. Just after 4 p.m., Governor Carcieri confirmed the move and announced the appointment of Sandra Powell as interim director of the labor department. Orefice's new position will replace the former, and currently vacant, spot of chief of staff in the Health and Human Services Office, Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said. Carcieri faced a battle last year over the reconfirmation of Orefice to her post, which she has held since 2004. At that time, Carcieri decided to withdraw her nomination as it faced an almost certain no-confidence vote by a Senate committee. But his office said she could continue to serve until she -- or a replacement -- was confirmed by the Senate. Orefice said in her message that although she is leaving, "I will always have the deepest respect and affection for my DLT family, and take tremendous pride in the work we have achieved together over the last four years," Orefice stated. In his press release, Carcieri said Orefice has done a "terrific job" as labor director. “In fact, Lita has gone above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions. Over the last several years, Lita has brought new focus to a long overlooked, but vitally important agency of state government." He also referred to her role as a whistle blower in the scandal involving the Beacon Mutual Insurance, the state's dominant workman's compensation insurer. “As a member of Beacon’s board of directors, Lita blew the whistle on the rampant corruption and financial mismanagement at that important Rhode Island institution," Carcieri said. "As a result of Lita’s courage, Beacon’s board and management have been overhauled and criminal investigations have been launched against those who were responsible for the company’s problems.” Last June, Carcieri blamed AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer George Nee, and former Beacon board member, specifically for exacting revenge for Orefice’s role in “exposing illegal activities” at Beacon and convincing the Senate not to support her. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Katherine Gregg and Cynthia Needham at the Journal State House bureau In the message to her staff today, Orefice praised her interim replacement: "As many of you know first-hand, Sandra not only has 20 years of progressive experience in workforce development, but also possesses rare leadership qualities that will greatly benefit this organization," Orefice stated. "I am heartened to know that I am leaving you in good hands." Carcieri's office said Powell has worked 19 years at the Department of Labor and Training in workforce development programs. She is a lifelong Rhode Islander with a bachelor's degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. For the past two years, Powell has served as as assistant director overseeing the state’s public workforce development system. She has been responsible for a $15 million budget that supports many federal and state workforce development programs for jobseekers and employers, Carcieri's office said. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:41 PM | Comment Update: Gas leak resolved on Providence's East SidePROVIDENCE -- A gas leak has been resolved on the city's East Side, and people have returned to a handful of homes that were evacuated. National Grid workers were replacing a gas meter at 29 Preston St., between Hope and Gano streets, when during the work the connection on the inside of the house broke off, according to David Graves, a National Grid spokesman. National Grid sent a crew to do some digging in the area so that service could be temporarily shut off in order to do the repairs. Everyone was back back in homes around 3:10 p.m. There may still be filling in of the area that was dug up, and workers are finishing the meter replacement. -- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:51 PM | Comment Another first for Providence: Fetish fair this weekendBodices, boots, belts … the New England Leather Alliance’s convention is coming to town this weekend. But it's definitely not a Wild West-cowboy sort of thing. This is the first year that the group's Fetish Fair Fleamarket will be held in “the hip, up-and-coming, artsy city of Providence,” according to the Leather Alliance’s Web site. It's the 30th such event for the group, which will include classes, vendors, art shows, outreach programs and demonstrations. It's open to the public -- but adults only. It starts tomorrow with a fashion show at the Biltmore Hotel and continues through Sunday at the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Biltmore and Westin hotels. Admission is $20, less for members. Don't be misled by the title. The event is not a free-for-all. It has quite a list of rules for attendees: No smoking, no one younger than 18 allowed, no animals, no public sexual activity and no nudity -- and prospective attendees are advised to be “PG-13, at most." “If you want to show more or do more,” the rules ask, “please get a room.” FYI: The Biltmore and Westin are already sold out, the group's Web site says. Contact the Leather Alliance for more information at 617-876-NELA (6352). -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:36 PM | Comment Traffic Alert: 195 backed up from Riverside to 95An accident on Route 195 in Providence has a lane closed to cars and traffic backed up to Route 95. The accident is on the eastbound side of the highway near Exit 4/Taunton Avenue. Keep up with the latest traffic conditions at the Transportation Management Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:26 PM | Comment Amendment would let voters fill office vacanciesA constitutional amendment that would give voters the chance to elect an official to fill a mid-term vacancy will be reintroduced this year at the State House. Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, D-Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, said in a statement that giving residents the vote instead of allowing positions to be filled by a legislative vote or gubernatorial appointment is an issue of separation of powers. If the bill passes, vacancies in the office of lieutenant governor, secretary of state, general treasurer and attorney general would be filled by a general election when the position is vacated less than halfway into the term. “This is a reasonable measure to make sure that voters have the chance to elect new general officers if there is at least half the term remaining,” Raptakis said in a statement. “If the vacancy occurs toward the latter half of a four-year term, there is no need to go to the trouble and expense of an election. But a vacancy of two years or more should be filled by the voters, since there is ample time to schedule and conduct an election.” The legislative process of choosing an official requires a decision by the Grand Committee, a majority of members of the Senate and the House. The last time this process was used was in 2000, when then-Secretary of State James Langevin left office after being elected to Congress. “This process,” Raptakis said in his statement, “sticks out like a sore thumb in this era of separation of powers and government reform.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:23 PM | Comment Bills aim to deflate Internet-inflated event ticket pricesBack in the day, the desperate sought out a scalper stationed outside, say, that Led Zeppelin show. But when Hannah Montana -- a.k.a. Miley Cyrus -- played Rhode Island in December, fans trolled the Internet, where tickets inflated to as much as $500 a pop. Now state Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., D-Smithfield, has introduced bills aimed at closing what he called a loophole that lets people buy up lots of tickets for various events, then resell them at jacked-up prices on sites such as eBay and StubHub.com, according to a news release. Hannah Montana tickets originally priced at $21 to $63 shot up to $229 to $500 under that practice. Rhode Island law presently bans ticket scalpers. It allows "resellers" such as recognized Internet sites to charge a fee, which law defines as not more than $3 or 10 percent of the price printed on the ticket. One Tassoni bill calls for banning online purchasing of tickets to events in Rhode Island for the purpose of reselling them at prices that exceed what current law allows. A second Tassoni bill would add to current law language stating that Internet ticket sales are not exempt from the $3 or 10 percent resale price cap. “This is not about demand, it is about greed," Tassoni said of the inflation on Internet sites. "These businesses can electronically buy thousands of tickets and make a killing rather than a reasonable profit for reselling. The performers at these events don’t care, because they are making their share no matter what. It is the people who want to attend these shows who are getting cheated by this practice because there aren’t any $29 tickets left at the box office. Consumers are being forced, if they want to see a show or a sporting event, to pay an astronomical amount via Internet so some middleman with a computer program can make a bundle." The bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:09 PM | Comment Florida man pleads guilty in steroid casePROVIDENCE -- A Florida man has pleaded guilty to selling supplies to steroid users over the Internet. Bryon Parker, of Delray Beach, appeared in U.S. District Court today and admitted that he sold drug paraphernalia. He faces a maximum of three years in prison, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend a reduced sentence. A judge set a sentencing hearing for March 28. Prosecutors say Parker operated a Web site offering the supplies needed to convert steroids from a power into an injectable liquid, including sterile syringe filters, oils and alcohol. He has agreed to forfeit $250,000 in proceeds from the sales. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:02 PM | Comment R.I. Philharmonic receives $1 million donationRhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School announced today it has received a $1 million donation willed by the late George M. Sage, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who "had a special fondness" for the orchestra's percussion section. The gift will be used to permanantly name the position of principal timpany player the "Mr. & Mrs. George M. Sage Chair" and the gift will go towards the Carter Center for Music Education and its new Sage Hall, the philharmonic said in a news release. The hall will be a multi-use recital and rehearsal space and hold recitals of solo music and chamber music -- trios and quartets, for instance. The hall will seat 100 to 150 people, depending on the performing ensemble's size, and, as a rehearsal space, hold student orchestras, wind ensembles and/or choral groups. This was not Sage's only gift in recent months. In December 2007, Sage, who died at age 75 in December 2006, bequeathed $4 million to the endowment of St. Andrew's School in Barrington, the biggest gift the school ever received. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney In 1996, the orchestra's percussion section hosted a birthday for Sage, and when he came to a concert he sat so that he could see the timpanist perform. "We are extremely grateful for the extraordinarily generous commitment of George and [Sage's wife] Barbara toward our shared goals of expanding the artistic growth of the orchestra and building the future of music education in Rhode Island, Almon Hall, the philharmonic board president, said in the statement. Sage and his wife subscribed to the philharmonic, donated for several years and supported many philhamormic special events, the philharmonic said. After merging with the music school in 2000, the philharmonic orchestra sought space adequate to hold music education programs and adminstrative offices in one place. Last year, the orchestra philharmonic moved into East Providence offices, in part as a result of a $2 million challenge grant from the Carter Family Charitable Trust. Renovations are under way for expanded rehearsal and education space in that new headquarters, and the plan is to open Carter Center for Music Education this fall. More than 1,500 Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts students take weekly lessons, classes and/or ensembles at the music school. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:49 PM | Comment Conn. principal bans cookies, ice cream from cafeteriaGREENWICH, Conn. -- The principal of a Greenwich elementary school has banned the sale of cookies and ice cream in the school cafeteria. Mark D'Amico says he feels it's his responsibility to uphold healthy eating at Glenville School. The principal says too many students toss out healthy carrots and turkey sandwiches that parents pack in their lunches and go straight for the desserts on sale in the cafeteria. The director of food services for the district says the cookies and the ice cream are low-fat and within district and state healthy eating guidelines. But he says he understands that Glenville and some other schools want to put more emphasis on a nutritional meal -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 1:16 PM | Comment Cape jurors questioned about bias in deliberationsBARNSTABLE, Mass. -- The only black juror on a panel that convicted a black trash collector of killing a white fashion writer told a judge today that several jurors made racially charged remarks during deliberations, including two women who referred to the defendant as a "big black man" and said they were afraid of him. Roshena Bohanna's testimony came during what the judge acknowledged was an "extraordinarily unusual" hearing in which he called back the entire jury that convicted Christopher McCowan more than a year ago in the fatal stabbing of Christa Worthington to be questioned in open court about whether racial bias came into their deliberations. McCowan's lawyers have asked Judge Gary Nickerson to look into the question of whether bias tainted the deliberations, and if so, grant McCowan a new trial. Three jurors filed affidavits after the verdict saying three other jurors had made racially insensitive remarks. McCowen, who was Worthington's trash collector, claimed he had consensual sex with her but that his friend killed her. His defense maintains authorities wrongly focused on him as a suspect because they did not believe Worthington, 46, a writer who had covered fashion in New York and Paris before moving to the small town of Truro, would have a consensual relationship with a black garbage man. Bohanna, the first of the jurors to be questioned today, said the racial remarks contributed to heated jury discussions. One white woman, in trying to convince other jurors that McCowan had caused the bruises on Worthington's body, said, "If a big black man hits a woman, then she gets those bruises," Bohanna told the judge. Bohanna said she became confrontational with the woman after she asked what McCowan's race had to do of the bruises and accused her of racism. The jury foreman had to call for a break. Bohanna also said she overheard juror Eric Gomes, a dark-skinned man Cape Verdean descent, tell a white female juror that he does not consider himself black. When Bohanna later had the confrontation with the white juror, she said she heard Gomes say, "That's the reason why I don't like black people. Look at the way they act." Nickerson was questioning each juror individually in open court, out of sight of the other panelists. The hearing was expected to last two days. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:09 PM | Comment Faulty ventilation cited in carbon monoxide deathsFor the first time since the investigation began into the carbon monoxide deaths of three people in a Providence house, authorities have specified what was wrong with the heating system that led the family to be exposed to the deadly gas. At a news conference today, where a carbon monoxide awareness campaign was announced, Maj. Stephen Campbell said the boiler system at 345 Blackstone St. was improperly vented; previous accounts only said the boiler was improperly installed. And the three victims have been positively identified by the office of the State Medical Examiners today. Their bodies were discovered Monday at 345 Blackstone St. Sonia Flores, 46, Ryan Aleman, 14, and Marco Herrera, 52, all from Providence, were poisoned by the gas; they were identified using dental records and fingerprints. Neighbors have said that Flores lived in the house with her son Ryan, a ninth grader at the Met School, and her boyfriend. Police initially treated the deaths as homicides, but an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma and the Medical Examiners concluded that carbon monoxide was the cause. Read today's story on the investigation.
At the conference, Mayor David N. Cicilline joined representatives from the police and fire departments to announce a public awareness campaign about the dangers of carbon monoxide and ways to prevent poisoning. The fire department will be installing carbon monoxide detectors for free to low-income and elderly residents thanks to a donation from Benny's, First Alert and Ocean State Job Lot. Click below to read more about ways to protect your home from the hazardous gas, or call the Fire Prevention Hotline at 401-243-6034. -- with reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith - Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home outside of sleeping areas - Make sure that heating systems are installed by licensed professionals with the proper permits from the City’s Department of Inspection and Standards - Never use an oven or grill to heat your home - During and after snowstorms, make sure vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves and fireplaces are clear of snow build-up - Know the difference between the sound of a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm and remember that a smoke detector is not a substitute for a carbon monoxide device - Call the Fire Prevention Hotline number at 243-6034 if you have any questions about carbon monoxide Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:07 PM | Comment Hearing postponed in foster care lawsuitPROVIDENCE -- A hearing has been postponed on the state's request to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges widespread failures in Rhode Island's foster care system. State child advocate Jametta Alston sued the state last year on behalf of 3,000 children in state custody. The lawsuit says some children have been seriously injured or even killed in foster care after the Department of Children, Youth and Families failed to protect them and demands an overhaul to the system. The state argues that the lawsuit asks the federal court to second-guess decisions of the Rhode Island Family Court. The hearing was scheduled for today, but has been postponed until January 16. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 11:28 AM | Comment Kerry to endorse Obama for Democratic nominee / VideoMYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) -- Barack Obama is being endorsed by fellow Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee who lost to George W. Bush that year and gave up his own plans for a 2008 run a year ago. Kerry planned to announce his support today at 11 a.m. at a rally at the College of Charleston, said a Democrat familiar with Kerry's decision. The 2004 nominee was to argue that Obama can best unite the country and has the potential to create transformational change, the person said. Kerry lost the South Carolina Democratic primary in 2004 to John Edwards, the former North Carolina senator who now is running third in the 2008 campaign behind Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama. Besides any potential help for Obama, today's endorsement was a slap at Edwards, who was Kerry's running mate in the last election. The two had their differences during the campaign over strategy and spending. In post-mortem interviews, Edwards said he would have been more aggressive in challenging the unsubstantiated allegations of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the Vietnam War veterans who questioned Kerry's military record. Kerry's endorsement also was a jab at Clinton, the New York Democrat who won the New Hampshire primary after a loss to Obama in the Iowa caucuses. Kerry had withheld his endorsement, hoping to have an impact on the race and avoid the fate of fellow Democrat Al Gore, the 2000 nominee who endorsed Howard Dean in 2004 shortly before the former Vermont governor's campaign imploded. Gore has made no endorsement so far this year. While Kerry has been close to Clinton's husband, the former president, he was incensed in 2006 when she chided him after Kerry suggested that people who don't go to school "get stuck in Iraq." Aides said Kerry meant to jab at Bush and say "get us stuck in Iraq," and that he didn't appreciate Clinton piling onto the criticism he was already getting for the remark. Kerry himself had considered running for president in 2008, but that plan fizzled with the botched remark. For many Democrats, his words revived bitter memories of his missteps in 2004, when he lost to Bush. Video: Watch live video from the Associated Press of the event Get the latest on this story from the Associated Press ... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:59 AM | Comment $200,000 Powerball ticket sold in WarwickCRANSTON -- A $200,000 winning ticket was sold in Rhode Island for last night’s $72.9 million Powerball drawing, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The $200,000 winning ticket was purchased from Jefferson Global at 15 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. The prize has not been claimed. The ticket matched the first five numbers, but not the Powerball number. The standard payout for this type of win is $200,000, but if the player opted to purchase the Power Play feature for an additional dollar, the $200,000 prize would be multiplied by four to equal $800,000, according to the Lottery. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:22 AM | Comment Fla. man expected to admit steroids charges todayA Florida man charged with selling kits that change anabolic, powder-form steroids into injectables is expected to plead guilty today in U.S. District Court. Byron Parker, of Delray Beach, allegedly made close to $1 million in 2005 and 2006 selling the kits in Rhode Island and across the country. The 32-year-old ran his company, Research Services LLC, in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Parker will plead guilty to selling drug paraphernalia, according to a plea agreement filed with the court in December. The maximum penalty is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also has agreed to forfeit $250,000 of proceeds of the sales. Parker’s company Web site advertised kits that could be used to turn the powder into a liquid that can be injected using materials such as cottonseed or sesame oil, ethyl oleate, benzyl alcohol, sterile syringe filters and glass bottles. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:13 AM | Comment 2 hurt in crash on Pontiac Ave., Cranston/ Photo
CRANSTON -- Two people are being taken to the hospital and a section of Pontiac Avenue near City Hall has been closed after an accident this morning. A pole was struck knocking high-voltage wires to the ground. Utility crews have been called to the scene. One of the cars rolled over. -- With reports from Journal photographer Andrew Dickerman Posted by Jack Perry at 9:32 AM | Comment Providence man killed trying to cross Route 95A 36-year-old Providence man was killed last night when he tried to cross Route 95 on foot. Darren Mann was apparently involved in an accident on Route 2 in Warwick that left his car disabled, according to State Police Lt. Eric LaRiviere. Mann headed toward Route 95, near Exit 8 at about 10:40 p.m. yesterday. He crossed both southbound lanes and made it to the grassy median, LaRiviere said. But when Mann tried to cross the northbound lanes, he was struck by two vehicles. LaRiviere said police do not know why Mann was heading toward Route 95 and at this time, it does not appear that any alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident. Mann's body was taken to the state medical examiners' office. There were no other injuries, and the drivers of the two vehicles that struck Mann will not face any charges. Route 95 was shut down for several hours while the scene was examined. The accident is still under investigation. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:18 AM | Comment Conn. drunken driver billed for utility pole damageLITCHFIELD, Conn. -- A Warren man has been told he must pay nearly $20,000 to replace a utility pole he knocked over while driving drunk. Thirty-nine-year old Christopher Paul was sentenced yesterday to serve a minimum of four months in prison and devote 200 hours to community service. The judge also told Paul he is on the hook for the $19,641 bill he received from Connecticut Light and Power. The tab includes a transformer, wires, and cleanup fees following a Sept. 23, 2006, crash which destroyed the pole along Melius Road in Warren. A CL&P spokesman says it's protocol to send a bill for damaged utility poles and a laundry list of associated things to those who cause damage. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Winter returns: Sleet and snow in the forecastIt may not feel like it this morning, with mild temperatures climbing toward the 50s, but we've reached the end of a brief spring-like reprieve and are headed back to winter. Rain, sleet, snow -- they're all in the forecast. The day should be mild, with sunny skies and a high temperature of 52 degrees. Things take a turn tonight, with the National Weather Service issuing a hazardous weather outlook: rain, and possibly sleet and snow with a temperature in the low 30s. More rain is forecast for Friday, with thunderstorms possible, and a high temperature in the low 50s. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of a parole hearing for former Station nightclub owner Michael Derderian and more coverage of Tuesday's presidential primary in New Hampshire. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 9, 2008Tonight: URI vs. Dayton, Providence vs. RutgersURI's basketball team, ranked 22nd, is in Ohio to take on 17th-ranked University of Dayton tonight at 7. In their meeting last season, URI edged out Dayton 75-74. For up-to-date information, check out the projo.com sports Rams page at http://www.projo.com/uri/ Also, you can catch the game at Cox Cable, CSTV, radio station WSKO (99.7 FM), and radio station WHJJ (920 AM). Meanwhile, Providence College basketball is at the Dunk in Providence, taking on Rutgers. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. For up-to-date information, check out the projo Sports Friars page at http://www.projo.com/pc/ If you're not going to see it in person, you can catch the game on Cox TV and at radio station WEEI (103.7 FM). Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment Jewelry stolen from safe at Nortek CEO's homePROVIDENCE -- Jewelry was reported stolen today from a safe at the East Side home of wealthy industrialist Richard L. Bready. Bready is chairman and chief executive officer of Nortek, a manufacturing company that has its headquarters in Providence. Among its products are home security devices, including Keepsafer brand wireless security systems. The police were called to Bready’s home at 280 Irving Ave. at about 3 a.m., where they were met by Cheryl A. Bready, his wife. Mrs. Bready told the officers that “a large amount of jewelry was missing” from a second-floor safe, according to a police report. Maj. Stephen Campbell, commander of the police Investigative Division, declined to divulge an estimated value of the loss and said an inventory was still being done. Mrs. Bready told the police that when she opened the safe to put away an article of jewelry, she discovered all of the jewelry trays in the safe were empty. But there was no sign of forced entry into the safe or into the house, the police said. The last time she saw the jewelry in the safe was Christmas Day, when the trays were said to have been full. The Breadys went on vacation the next day, Dec. 26, and returned on Jan. 4, but Mrs. Bready said she did not have occasion to look inside the safe until shortly before 3 a.m. today. While the couple was away, there were family members and other individuals in the house, so the burglar alarm was not activated, according to the police. Asked how the investigation will proceed, under the circumstances, Campbell replied, “Detectives have been up there and we’re moving forward with the complainants.” Because there is no indication of forced entry, the crime is being classified as a larceny rather than a break-in. Mr. and Mrs. Bready are active in social and philanthropic circles; for example, they are leaders in Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education, an organization that offers private school scholarships and mentoring for children of a parent who is or has been incarcerated. And Mr. Bready is chairman of the Roger Williams University board of trustees. The couple also invest in restaurants, one of which, 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, on Pine Street downtown, was robbed Sunday. Restaurant manager Kevin Kazarian reported that a ski-masked man wielding a knife stole about $8,000 and a bag of keys from the Ten Prime office safe, tied him up and escaped. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:56 PM | Comment Coast Guard tows flooded trawler to safetyA 56-foot commercial fishing trawler took on water and was in danger of running onto rocks near Point Judith before it was towed to safety by the Coast Guard this afternoon. No injuries were reported. The trawler Mistress started to take on water last night about three miles northeast of Block Island. Water pumps could not keep up, and by 6 this morning the crew called Coast Guard Station Point Judith to report a flooded engine room and an adrift vessel, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard broadcast a request for any vessels in the area to help the Mistress, according to a news release. The Mistress contacted sister ship Second Wind, a 67-foot stern trawler, which arrived and towed the Mistress. The vessels headed toward their home port of Point Judith. A 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Point Judith also responded. By 11:30 a.m., as the two sister ships neared entrance to Point Judith's outer harbor, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tim Burns, the coxswain of the 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat, said, the Second Wind's towlines parted: the Mistress was in danger of grounding against a harbor break wall. "We had about 30 seconds before they [Mistress] were on the rocks," Burns said in the statement. He said his crew reacted quickly and threw several heaving lines to take the Mistress in tow. "If we hadn't thrown those heaving lines over, they would have been in trouble," said Burns. It is this sort of towing scenario that Coast Guard crews regularly train for, according to the statement. Once the Mistress was towed into Point Judith Pond inner harbor, another Coast Guard crew from a 27-foot rescue boat boarded the flooded vessel with de-watering pumps and pumped out the engine room. The Mistress was moored by 2:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:25 PM | Comment Male disguised as woman robs Somerset bankSOMERSET, Mass. -- He robbed the bank as a she. A man disguised as an elderly woman, wearing face paint and an ensemble that included a knit hat covered with a multicolored kerchief and a tan knee-length trench coat with a belt, went into Citizen's Union Bank just after 1 p.m. today and walked out with an undisclosed amount of money, the police said in a news release. The man, who also wore glasses during the robbery at 921 Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Highway bank branch, handed the teller a note indicating he had a gun and would use it if he did not get what was in the cash drawer. Minutes later, the robber was out the door and may have gotten into a dark green Volkswagen convertible driven by a white female. The police said the female driver was described as being her in 20s, wearing sunglasses and having long brown hair in a ponytail. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:10 PM | Comment 3 Warren stores cited for selling cigarettes to 17-year-oldWARREN -- Three stores face potential $250 fines after selling cigarettes to a 17-year-old who was sent inside in a police investigation to see whether clerks asked for identification and turned the teen away. Five Warren stores did ask for an ID and then refuse to sell the cigarettes, but Super Mart, at 747 Main St., owned by Al Youssef; Valero DB Mart, at 625 Metacom Ave. owned by Mohammad Rashid; and Pop’s Filling Station/Salem Gas, owned by Nafez H. Salem, were cited for violations, the police said in a news release today. A Jan. 11 court date for violating law that someone must be 18 to buy cigarettes is set for District Court, Providence. According to the police, the teenager went into each store alone but was electronically monitored by a sergeant. The teen asked for a pack of Marlboros. “I expect additional surveys with cooperating juvenile witnesses to occur later in the year," Chief Thomas D. Gordan said in the statement. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:45 PM | Comment Bill seeks uniform penalty for students who abuse alcoholStudents who violate school policy by possessing or using alcohol or drugs -- on or off school property -- would be suspended from school sports teams, clubs, dances, proms, and other activities for one year, under a bill filed today in the General Assembly. Filed after a year of several deaths and arrests involving alcohol and teenagers, the proposed legislation would require all schools that participate in the Rhode Island Interscholastic Sports League to suspend violators for a calendar year. The suspension would not apply to activities mandated for all students, such as graduation-required community service. Students who are suspended in their senior year of high school would not be allowed to attend graduation ceremonies and related events, even if academically eligible to graduate. The bill does not stop a student who is academically eligible from graduating. Currently, discipline of students who violate a school's alcohol/drugs policy is imposed case by case under guidelines set by each district's School Committee. The bill says that besides the one-year suspension, any additional discipline would be imposed as it now is: case by case under the School Committee-set guidelines of each district. Rep. Jan Malik, D-Warren, whose district includes Warren and part of Barrington, is the bill's primary sponsor. Malik said that if the proposed suspension period of one calendar year becomes an issue, he would have "no problem" trying to find a compromise on the time period. He said his main focus is to establish a uniform policy.
After La Salle Academy in Providence suspended 31 students who police say attended a Bristol house party -- including La Salle varsity football players who missed the Thanksgiving Day game as a result -- Malik said he felt the academy did the right thing. He also wondered about a potential situation in which students from different schools attend a party but receive different -- perhaps widely different -- disciplinary action, and what message that may send. He said he hoped the bill would equalize the discipline. Malik said that if the bill becomes law, he wants school departments to send letters to families explaining the law. He also said he would like schools to conduct assemblies at the beginning of the academic year on the new law. "I think we send millions of dollars" to schools in communities, Malik said, so "something as important as this should be universal." The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:40 PM | Comment Bill filed to prohibit restoring tolls at Mt. Hope BridgeBRISTOL -- As the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority holds a series of public hearings on closing a $233 million deficit projected within 20 years, state Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. has filed a bill that would prohibit the restoration of tolls at the Mount Hope Bridge. A consultant hired by the authority has proposed bringing tolls back to the bridge -- 10 years after they were eliminated -- as one way to help close the deficit. The suggested fee is $1. “At this time, when gas prices are increasing to record levels, Rhode Island’s motoring public can’t support any other increases in the cost of daily transportation,” Gallison, D-Bristol,Portsmouth, said in a statement. “The Turnpike and Bridge Authority needs to be doing its utmost to maintain the bridges while living within its means. Residents should not be facing another tax when they’ve already been paying what we were told was plenty to provide for proper maintenance of the bridges.” The two bridges face major maintenance and repair needs, whose costs are expected to far surpass toll revenues, the authority’s primary source of revenue. Minimum costs are projected at nearly $200 million for the Pell Bridge connecting Jamestown and Newport over the next six years and close to $15 million for the Mount Hope Bridge between Bristol and Portsmouth over the next four years. A report by PB Consult Inc. suggests the following ways to generate additional revenue: raising the basic cash toll to $3 from $2 for the Pell Bridge, and hiking a variety of other toll fees, to bring in an additional $119 million to $149 million; restoring a toll at the Mount Hope Bridge to generate an additional $91 million; eliminating token discounts to raise $17 million; and, increasing tolls during the summer to reap an extra $21 million. But Gallison says that bringing back tolls to the Mount Hope Bridge would cause traffic backups and safety hazards on the bridge. He and other lawmakers sent a letter to the authority opposing the move. Read Gallison's proposed legislation. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Those who signed it were Rep. Jan P. Malik, D-Warren, Barrington, Rep. Douglas W. Gablinske, D-Bristol, Warren, Sen. Walter S. Felag, D- Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, Sen. Charles J. Levesque, D-Portsmouth, Bristol, Sen. June N. Gibbs, R-Middletown, Newport, Little Compton, Tiverton, and Sen. David E. Bates, R-Barrington, Bristol. Gallison suggests that instead of reestablishing tolls at the Mount Hope Bridge that the authority raise the toll for out-of-state vehicles. He said that higher tolls would make Rhode Island less affordable and hurt workers in the East Bay, including those at Raytheon, in Portsmouth. Former Gov. Lincoln Almond asked the authority in 1998 to eliminate the 30-cent toll when it was determined that the costs of collecting it was on the verge of outweigh the amount of revenue it generated. The authority, which had been considering a consultant’s proposal to hike the toll to $1, voted instead to abolish it. The authority has held the first in a series of public hearings on ways to address its deficit. The location of the meeting slated for Bristol at 7 p.m. Monday has been changed to Mount Hope High School (from Town Hall) to accommodate a potentially larger audience. The other hearings, which all start at 7 p.m., are scheduled for tomorrow night at Portsmouth Town Hall, Jan. 15 at Middletown Town Hall, Jan. 22 at North Kingstown Free Library, and Jan. 23 at Rhode Island College, Dennis Roberts Hall Alumni Lounge, Providence. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:22 PM | Comment Carbon monoxide deaths spur safety effort by cityPROVIDENCE -- After three people were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in a South Providence house, city officials tomorrow will deliver a safety message and information on where to get free detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. The 10:30 a.m. news conference will be at the Providence Public Safety Complex, and Mayor David N. Cicilline, Fire Chief George S. Farrell and police representatives will deliver the message. The mayor will also announce a new effort to educate Providence families on carbon monoxide poisoning dangers. The bodies of the family were found in the 325 Blackstone St., house two days ago. Officials have said they think an improperly installed basement furnace for the heating system led to the deaths. Extra: Find out more about dangers of carbon monoxide and ways to prevent poisoning. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:09 PM | Comment Mass. OKs regulations for retail-based health clinicsBOSTON -- Massachusetts health officials have approved new regulations allowing the operation of retail-based medical clinics at pharmacies. The move came after Woonsocket-based CVS Caremark Corp. applied last year to open a retail clinic at one of its stores in Weymouth. The state’s existing regulations did not cover the operation of retail clinics. Officials say the new regulations also will help not-for-profit hospitals, community health centers and others expand basic health services. Critics say the "minute-clinics" could pose a conflict of interest, putting profits ahead of patients health. But supporters say they will expand access to health care and help ease conditions at crowded emergency rooms. There are hundreds of retail-based health clinics nationwide. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:55 PM | Comment High court won't review smoke shop ruling on governorThe state Supreme Court will not reconsider its December decision that Governor Carcieri does not have to testify in the Narragansett Indian smoke-shop case. Defense lawyers had asked the court to reconsider its ruling, but the court announced this afternoon that it won't revisit the issue. Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other defendants were arrested four years ago when the state police raided a tribal smoke shop that was not collecting state taxes. They are charged with misdemeanor crimes, ranging from assault to disorderly conduct. The court in December found that the governor’s testimony was not relevant to defense arguments that the state police used undue force in executing the raid. The troopers were acting under the command of a search warrant issued by District Court, and not instructions given by the governor or the state police superintendent at the time, Col. Steven M. Pare, the court said. The trial is scheduled to start Jan. 16, but defense lawyers requested a delay today after the government added 16 police officers to its witness list. The case has already been delayed several times. Read the Journal's special report about the smoke-shop raid. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Jack Perry at 1:37 PM | Comment Valentine heart candy sends new messagesREVERE, Mass. -- Personal relationships can go through hot and cold spells just like the weather - a sometimes harsh reality illustrated by this year's new sayings on the New England Confectionery Co.'s traditional Valentine's Day heart candies. NECCO said today that its Sweethearts Conversation Hearts will include the weather-themed phrases "Melt My Heart," "In A Fog," "Chill Out," "Cloud Nine," "Heat Wave," "Sun Shine" and "Get My Drift." The sayings "highlight the excitement and unpredictability of the day-to-day change of weather and people's love lives," NECCO marketing manager Lory Zimbalatti said in a statement. This year's 10 new sayings also include nature-inspired phrases "Wild Life" and "Nature Lover," and the saying "Do Good." -- The Associated Press The Revere-based company has been making Sweethearts Conversation Hearts since 1866, and in the 1990s began introducing different themes. NECCO also makes Necco wafers and Clark bars, with manufacturing plants in Revere and Pewaukee, Wis. NECCO is being sold to a group of investors under a deal announced Dec. 28. Terms of the sale to a group led by American Capital Strategies Ltd. weren't disclosed. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:16 PM | Comment Defendants want smoke-shop case delayed -- againDefense lawyers in the Narragansett Indian smoke-shop case filed paperwork today to delay the start of the trial which has been delayed multiple times already. Lawyers are asking Judge Susan E. McGuirl for more time to prepare after the state added 16 police officers to its witness list. Jury selection had been scheduled to begin Jan. 16. McGuirl was scheduled to hear motions today in Providence Superior Court, but the case remains under the jurisdiction of the state’s Supreme Court, which is considering whether it will reconsider its December decision that Governor Carcieri does not have to take the stand. Read the Journal's special report about the smoke-shop raid. Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other defendants are charged with misdemeanor crimes, ranging from assault to disorderly conduct. They were arrested four years ago when the state police raided a tribal smoke shop that was not collecting state taxes. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:55 PM | Comment Sex offender pleads not guilty to new charges/ Photo
PROVIDENCE — A 37-year-old Cumberland man pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of breaking and entering at his arraignment this morning in Superior Court. Gary P. LaMountain, of 5 Crestwood Court, was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, where he has been since he was arrested on the charges on Aug. 12. Judge Joseph A. Keogh also issued LaMountain, who was represented by the Public Defender’s Office, a no-contact order with the victim, a 27-year-old Cumberland woman. According to the Cumberland police, LaMountain was arrested after he allegedly broke into an apartment on Middle Street in Cumberland and raped the woman four times in the early morning hours of Aug. 12. At the time of his arrest, LaMountain was on a 15-year suspended sentence for two counts of first-degree sexual assault, eight counts of forgery and counterfeiting, and one count of felony assault. LaMountain served three years of a five-year prison sentence imposed in 2004 before being released from the ACI in April 2007. On Sept. 27, LaMountain was sentenced to serve the remainder of his 2004 prison sentence , 20 years total, after he admitted that his arrest in August violated the conditions of his probation. Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia ordered that LaMountain begin serving immediately the rest of his suspended sentence, less time served since his arrest. A Providence County grand jury indicted LaMountain on the five charges from August 2007 on Dec. 19. LaMountain will next appear in Superior Court on Apr. 9 for a pre-trial conference. -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:51 PM | Comment Newport sailor accused of computer sex crimeNAUGATUCK, Conn. -- Naugatuck police have arrested a member of the U.S. Navy who is stationed in Newport and charged him with using the Internet to talk with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. Police say Justin Williams, 24, has been charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury to a minor, criminal attempt at second-degree sexual assault and use of a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Naugatuck police had help with the investigation from Perverted Justice, a volunteer organization that targets predators. Court documents did not list an attorney for Williams. According to a letter sent to local media by Lisa Rama, a public affairs officer with the Newport Naval Station, Williams has at the station as an E5 since March 2006. Rama said she would not be releasing a statement, adding that the Navy had been cooperating with the investigation, which remains a Civil matter. Williams, who lives in the Wakefield section of South Kingstown, was held on $100,000 bond and is due back in court Monday. -- With reports from the Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:51 PM | Comment MBTA preparing for possible Amtrak strikeBOSTON -- The MBTA is preparing for a potential Amtrak strike later this month that could create havoc for Boston commuters. The MBTA owns most of the commuter rail track that carries suburban riders. But Amtrak dispatches all service in and out of South Station, which handles 60 percent of the MBTA's commuter trains. Amtrak also operates the track between Boston and Providence. A strike would nearly shut down South Station, forcing thousands of commuters on to subways, buses or into their own personal vehicles. The legal right for Amtrak workers to strike begins on Jan. 30. An emergency presidential panel created to avert a strike made raise and compensation recommendations last week that the unions liked. But Amtrak would probably need help from Congress to pay for it. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:40 PM | Comment Black Rep to host re-opening partyPROVIDENCE -- The Providence Black Repertory Company will host a re-opening celebration and fundraiser at its theater on Westminster Street Friday after it was closed for two weeks because part of the ceiling collapsed. The celebration, which starts at 5 p.m., will include impromptu theater, African drumming, poetry, and hip hop performances. The cost of admission is a suggested tax-deductible contribution of $15, which can be made at The Black Rep Box Office. The Black Rep says it lost more than $25,000 because of the two-week closing and insurance did not cover the entire cost of repairs. It's trying to raise money to make up for the loss. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:47 AM | Comment ME: No foul play in hanging death of illegal immigrantThe state Medical Examiners Office says today that the 27-year-old Providence man who was found dead several hours after immigration officials raided his apartment died from hanging. David De La Roca was found behind a locked door, hanging from a belt, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested his roommate, Mynor Montufar, the father of the first baby born in 2008. Both men were illegal immigrants. The Medical Examiners Office confirms there was no evidence of foul play in De La Roca's death. Meanwhile, Montufar awaits deportation.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:40 AM | Comment Paolino: Personal touch helped Clinton win in N.H.When former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr. arrived in New Hampshire to campaign for Sen. Hillary Clinton, he hoped she could narrow the gap between Sen. Barack Obama to within the single digits. But he wasn’t expecting a positive spread. “Yesterday during the day,” he said from New Hampshire, “we were hoping that we were going to be in single digits behind Senator Obama. He had great momentum coming out of Iowa.” How does Paolino think Clinton did it? “She went out, and she just campaigned her heart out,” Paolino said. Politicians are typically surrounded by consultants, advisors, spokespeople, and “they just kind of make it into a robotic situation,” he said, “Nobody gets to see you.” But in New Hampshire, Clinton made herself available to voters, even tearing up at a café when talking about the grueling nature of political campaigns. Clinton took 39 percent of votes in the Democratic primary, while Obama had 36 percent. In New Hampshire, non-affiliated voters are free to vote in either party’s primary. “Sen. Obama had been the political freight train,” Paolino said, but New Hampshire slowed him down. It’s now time, he said, to regroup. The hopefuls are setting their sights on Michigan, South Carolina, Nevada, Florida... The Rhode Island primary is set for March 4, after Governor Carcieri vetoed a bill that would have moved it up to Super Tuesday – Feb. 5 . Many residents -- including Paolino -- complained that the veto rendered Rhode Island's primary nearly meaningless, as more than 30 states have earlier primary dates. “If we had not won last night,” Paolino said, “Our March primary could have been meaningless.” Paolino said Rhode Islanders consider Clinton a third senator: “She has been to Rhode Island many times. People admire her and like her.” But, he added, he’s not taking anything for granted. He's filing as a Rhode Island Delegate. “We’re going to have to work it.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:15 AM | Comment National education magazine gives R.I. mixed marksRhode Island has received mixed grades on the quality of its public education system, scoring poorly in two critical areas: student achievement and the state’s efforts to improve and evaluate teacher quality, according to a national education magazine. Education Week’s “Quality Counts 2008” report card gave Rhode Island Ds in those categories. The state fared better in its academic standards and testing system, earning a B+; the overall chance for success of students, B-; and the amount of money it spends on education, B. The state received a C- for its efforts to offer early-childhood education programs and prepare students for college and work. Rhode Island received a D in the teaching profession category. Education Week reviewed whether teachers are required to take subject exams to demonstrate their proficiency, and whether the state requires formal evaluations of teachers and ties the evaluations to student achievement. Rhode Island fell short in both areas. Overall, Rhode Island averaged a C, matching the national average, but lagging the other five New England states. Not surprisingly, Massachusetts ranked among the top scorers nationally, as it has in other measures of education quality such as SAT scores and on national reading and math tests. -- Journal staff writer Jennifer D. Jordan The magazine, which has graded states for 12 years, analyzed six areas for the 2008 report card. Education Week changed some of the categories in an effort to highlight two issues: how well states educate students from the preschool years all the way to college; and how well teachers are trained and evaluated, since teacher quality is one of the most critical factors in student success. Rhode Island received a D in the teaching profession category. Education Week reviewed whether teachers are required to take subject exams to demonstrate their proficiency, and whether the state requires formal evaluations of teachers and ties the evaluations to student achievement. Rhode Island fell short in both areas. In addition, the state fared poorly in student achievement. Education Week analyzed the results of reading and math tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, called the Nation’s Report Card. Rhode Island’s proficiency scores ranked low — although most areas showed improvement since the test was given in 2003 and 2005. Just 34 percent of fourth graders scored proficient on the math test in 2007, and 30.8 percent were proficient in reading. For eighth graders, 27.7 percent scored proficient in math and 27.2 were proficient in reading. The report card also found that Rhode Island teachers are the highest paid in the nation when compared with other similar professions. These include: accountants, architects, clergy, compliance officers, commuter programmers, counselors, editors and reporters, human resources specialists, insurance underwriters, occupational and physical therapists, registered nurses and technical writers. Nationally, teachers earn just 88 cents on the dollar, when stacked against comparable professions. In Rhode Island, teachers earn about $1.12, or 12 cents more on the dollar than other comparable professions. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:08 AM | Comment Portsmouth's West Main Road shut down for car fireThe Portsmouth police have shut down West Main Road (Route 114) in the area of Hedly Street because of a car fire. Traffic is being diverted until further notice onto Hedly Street to East Main Road (Route 138). No further details are available at this time. -- Meaghan Wims Posted by Jack Perry at 9:39 AM | Comment Conn. hears appeal of killer who ditched body in R.I.HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Connecticut Supreme Court has heard the appeal of a Berlin man convicted of killing a Hartford woman and ditching her body in Rhode Island. Edwin Snelgrove Jr. had written letters comparing himself to serial killer Ted Bundy. His criminal record includes killing a woman in New Jersey and nearly killing another. He was sentenced to life for the September 2001 murder of 23-year-old Carmen Rodriguez. At his sentencing, Snelgrove yelled that the judge and jury convicted him not on the evidence, but on his past. His public defender told the high court yesterday that there's no objective, physical evidence linking Snelgrove to the crime. Rodriguez, a 32-year-old mother of four, was last seen alive leaving a Hartford dance club with Snelgrove, according to the police. A carpenter picking up trash in the woods near Grassy Pond Road in Hopkinton found Rodriguez's decomposing remains stuffed in a plastic garbage bag on Jan. 6, 2002. Her teenage daughter had reported her missing almost four months earlier. -- The Associated Press with Journal archival reports Posted by Jack Perry at 9:34 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Lanes blocked on 95 SouthboundTwo lanes are blocked on Route 95 near Exit 23. An accident just after 9 this morning is going to add to commute time. The two left southbound lanes are blocked at Exit 23/Route 146 North. See that area on the Transportation Management Center's traffic cameras. For updated conditions, see the TMC Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:27 AM | Comment Teen driver in Lincoln fatal crash faces arraignmentA 17-year-old Lincoln High School student is set to be arraigned today on felony charges three months after a car crash in which his first cousin was killed. Andrew Bessette was driving with a friend on Oct. 15 down Wilbur Road between Jenckes Hill Road and Old Louisquissett Pike when the car he was driving went off the road, drove over a stone wall and crashed into a tree on Longmeadow Road. One of his passengers was his cousin and schoolmate, 15-year-old Marissa Lorea. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger was also seriously injured. Bessette appeared in District Court, Providence, in October and was released on personal recognizance. He faces a felony charge of driving to endanger, death resulting. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:18 AM | Comment Derderian parole hearing begins tonightWARWICK -- The parole board will hear from relatives of some of the 100 people killed by a nightclub fire as it considers whether to release one of the club's former owners from prison. Michael Derderian is serving a four-year sentence for the February 2003 fire at The Station in West Warwick. He's eligible for parole after serving 16 months. Some victims' families say they will urge the parole board to not release Derderian early. They continue to hold him responsible and say they're not convinced he has shown genuine remorse. The fire began when pyrotechnics from the band Great White ignited flammable soundproofing foam that the Derderians had installed. Daniel Biechele, the band tour manager who ignited the pyrotechnics, was granted parole and is due out in March. Parole board chairwoman Lisa Holley says she's received letters both supporting and opposing Derderian's parole bid. But some who supported Biechele's parole say they won't do the same for Derderian because they're not convinced he's shown genuine remorse. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warwick Police Department. It will start off closed to the public, as those family members who wish to testify in private to the board speak first. After they're done, the meeting will open to the public, with more testimony. Derderian will not be there. -- The Associated Press, with reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Another warm day: Record breaking? Maybe.We're not expected to break any records today, but we'll certainly come close -- within two degrees. Tonight's skies should clear up and the temperature should dip to the freezing point. Winds continue to gust as high as 40 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page reports on the New Hampshire presidential primary, won by Democrat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican Sen. John McCain. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 8, 2008Tonight: Jazz and politics take the stageWhether Newport or Providence, it's jazz tonight. Bobby Ferreira plays jazz at The Chanler, Spiced Pear Restaurant, 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport. 847-2244. 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Hi-Hat Trio plays jazz atThe Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. 453-6500, www.thehihat.com. 7-11 p.m. UM with Hal Crook, Bob Gullotti, Dave Zinno and Leo Genovese play jazz at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. 831-9327. 10 p.m. $7. All ages. Of course, you can always watch the results of the New Hampshire presidential primary. Whether it be on TV, gathering with like-minded pals, or online, results should just coming in after polls close. Some shut down at 7 tonight, and others at 8. The potential winners are still up in the air. But turnout has been described as "very, very good" by the New Hampshire secretary of state, based on reports from the polls. Projo.com will carry the latest news on the primary, as well as reports and photos from Journal staffers on the scene today. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:15 PM | Comment Update: Bill would make English R.I.'s official languageA state lawmaker is proposing to make English the official language of Rhode Island. Rep. Kenneth Carter, D-North Kingstown, said in a news release that 27 states have made it their official language. The “Rhode Island English Language Affirmation Act of 2008" would do so here. "Official English does not mean English only,” Carter, the bill's prime sponsor, said in the statement. “None of the states with official English laws prohibit government agencies from using another language when there is a compelling public interest for doing so, such as protecting public health and safety and ensuring equality before the law.” The bill acknowledges an individual's constitutional rights to communicate in a language other than English, according to a laymen's explanation at the end of the bill. But Carter added that he believes "we need to encourage every citizen of this state to become more proficient in the English language" to help them "participate more fully in the economic, political and cultural activities of the state.” The release says studies show bilingual education "actually keeps immigrant children from learning English" and that by more than 2 to 1, "immigrants themselves say the U.S. should expect new immigrants to learn English.” The bill states that except where provided under various subsections, English would be the language of government in the state. For instance, the bill's provisions would not apply to, among other things, the teaching of languages, requirements under the federal act for people with disabilities, "actions or documents" that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendeants Last fall, on a radio talk show, Governor Carcieri, a Republican, called for making English the state's official language while talking about his comments criticizing the provision of English-language interpreters in some state departments. Jeff Neal, spokesman for Governor Carcieri, said he did not believe the governor has had the opportunity to review the specific language in the current bill, but that the governor "has said in the past he was interested in at least studying the concept of English only in Rhode Island state government." At this point, key leaders in the House and Senate oppose the English-only bill. See their comments by clicking below. -- With reports from Katherine Gregg of the Journal State House Bureau Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano, D-North Providence, said today: “It’s not a new idea. Probably every ten years it comes up. And personally I’ve always opposed it. I just don’t think it’s fair to people that …I think it unnecessarily targets people that don’t speak English and are doing the best they can to make it in this country. Just like our ancestors tried to make it in this country.’’ And House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence, said: “This is an English-speaking country. I think to succeed in this country you need to speak English, but we’ve been a melting pot that has absorbed people from myriad different nationalities speaking different languages and this country has still managed to use that to its strength, advantage and grow.’’ More specifically, Fox sees “practical problems,’’ including impediments to teaching English as a second language (ESL) classes. “When you get into official languages and we want to have those classes available in order to have young children learn English to succeed in this world, how do you teach those children if you can’t speak in their native tongue.’’ “The other issue is whether it’s a state issue,’’ he said. “I don’t know if the floor of the House of Representatives in Rhode Island, especially in a year when we are going to have a lot of other very tough decisions to make and hard issues to discuss, whether this is the appropriate forum for it.’’ Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Update: Make that a record high of 66 degrees / Photo
The high was set at 2:36 p.m. The mercury had shot past a 77-year-old record at 12:30 p.m., reaching 65 degrees in Providence, according to the National Weather Service, then edged up one more degree by the afternoon peak. Last year, 2007, gave us the warmest January on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before that it was 2006. Before that, it was 2005. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 11 of the warmest years since record keeping began have occurred in the past 12 years. But just five days ago, on Jan. 3, the temperature dropped to 8 degrees. Tomorrow, the thermometer starts to head back down again, but not by much. Under mostly cloudy skies, the day should start out breezy, with temperatures possibly reaching the lower 60s. But they'll start to fall into the 50s by afternoon, and continue to drop as the weekend nears. For the latest weather, go to: projo.com/weather -- projo.com staff writers Michael McKinney and Brandie Jefferson Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:35 PM | Comment Update: Station victims' kin to speak on Derderian parolePROVIDENCE -- The state parole board will hear tomorrow night from relatives of the 100 people killed by a nightclub fire five years ago. Michael Derderian, the former co-owner of The Station nightclub, becomes eligible for parole after serving one-third of his four-year prison sentence. The fire began when pyrotechnics used by the rock band Great White ignited flammable foam on the club's walls. Daniel Biechele, who set off the pyrotechnics as the band's tour manager, was also sentenced to four years but is due to be released on parole in March. Some victims' families say they will urge the parole board to not release Derderian early. They continue to hold him responsible and say they're not convinced he has shown genuine remorse. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warwick Police Department. Family members who wish their testimony to be closed to the public will speak first. After they're done, the meeting with more testimony will be open. Derderian will not be there. The parole board is scheduled to meet with Derderian in prison next week before issuing its decision. -- The Associated Press, with reports from Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:15 PM | Comment Photo: Flocking to voting booths in N.H.
Journal reporter Scott MacKay has been feeding reports from New Hampshire today to projo.com's Politics blog. See his posts and more photos from Journal photographer Gretchen Ertl there. For results of the primary, visit projo.com's home page later tonight, where you can also add your reaction.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:34 PM | Comment 'Harsh policies of immigration' attacked in wake of arrestPROVIDENCE -- Days after the arrest of an illegal Guatemalan immigrant and apparent suicide of another tenant at that same address, a Guatemalan diplomat and the head of the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union today blamed “the harsh policies of immigration” for destroying families and “terrorizing a community.” Immigration agents arrested Mynor Montufar last Friday, two days after receiving media publicity as father of Rhode Island’s first baby of 2008. David De La Roca, one of Montufar’s housemates, was found hanging in a locked bedroom several hours later. Guatemalan Consul General Carlos Avila Sandoval and Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU, joined a host of critics against the federal Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement, and immigration policy in general, at a news conference at St. Teresa Church in Olneyville. “It makes me sad to see this over and over again,” said Avila Sandoval. “Personally, it really makes me sad, how continuously this terror is being used against used against people -- mostly from Guatemala.” Roberto Gonzalez, a Rhode Island immigration lawyer, said, “What we have here is something that is happening throughout the country, and it’s happening in Rhode Island, and it will continue to happen until we have immigration reform.” Revising an earlier statement, immigration authorities said yesterday that media publicity about Montufar ledImmigration and Customs Enforcement to “prioritize his arrest” because he posed a “potential flight risk.” ICE spokeswoman Paula Grenier had previously called the publicity and subsequent arrest “a coincidence.” -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:23 PM | Comment Query: How are you dealing with higher food costs?The rising cost of milk, eggs, meat and produce are contributing to the biggest jump in food prices in 17 years. Grocery bills are up and restaurant diners will likely face even higher prices on menus. How are you dealing with food costs? Are you finding creative ways to save when shopping and cooking? What’s the strategy for dining out? Do you go out less or select different restaurants based on cost. Or has nothing changed? Let’s share with each other. And if you have any cost-cutting recipes send them along, too. E-mail to food editor Gail Ciampa at gciampa@projo.com. We’ll take submissions until Monday, Jan. 21 and they’ll be posted on www.projo.com/food as they come in. A wrap of your responses and advice will run in Lifebeat Food on Jan. 30. Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 4:53 PM | Comment Alert: No foul play in Providence home deaths, ME saysNo foul play is suspected in the deaths of three people found inside a South Providence house yesterday, and preliminary studies are consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, the state medical examiners office announced this afternoon. Police believe an improperly installed heating system that leaked carbon monoxide led to the deaths. A heating system expert was inspecting the system this afternoon. "Positive identification of these individuals is still pending," the medical examiners' statement said. A neighbor and a friend have identified two of the house's occupants as Sonia Maritza Flores, 46, also known as Sonia Maritza Aleman, and her son Ryan, 16, a student at the Met School. The neighbor, Jasmin Osorio, 25, said Flores’ longtime boyfriend lived with them. The state Health Department said it wants to remind Rhode Islanders that if they suspect a carbon monoxide problem in their home, they should call their local fire department. The department also recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors in home and garage. Click here for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:39 PM | Comment Fire marshal: House where 3 died had new gas furnacePROVIDENCE -- State Fire Marshal Frank Sylvester said today that the South Providence house where three bodies were found yesterday had a new gas furnace installed shortly before New Year's Day. Overnight, investigators sealed the house and left the heater running in an attempt to gather additional evidence about a heater that may have been improperly installed. Police believe an improperly installed heating system that leaked carbon monoxide led to the deaths. A heating system expert is inspecting the system this afternoon. Sylvester said he recommends carbon monoxide detectors for all houses. He said carbon monoxide detectors are as important, if not more so, than smoke detectors because you can see smoke, while a carbon monoxide leak is invisible and has no odor or taste. The police initially treated the case as a homicide, but the department's deputy chief said last night that a preliminary autopsy found no evidence of trauma and that the deaths may have been accidental. Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy said at a community meeting that their preliminary investigation indicated that a boiler had been installed improperly in the house. A preliminary investigation, the police added later, showed that its installation was faulty and that there was an elevated level of carbon monoxide present. The decomposed bodies were discovered yesterday in the home at 345 Blackstone St. The police were called to check on them after a relative and neighbor couldn't get in touch with them. The state medical examiner's office is working to conclusively identify the victims and their cause of death. A neighbor and a friend identified two of the occupants of the house as Sonia Maritza Flores, 46, also known as Sonia Maritza Aleman, and her son Ryan, 16, a student at the Met School. The neighbor, Jasmin Osorio, 25, said Flores’ longtime boyfriend lived with them. A crew from the gas utility National Grid was at the house this morning. Campbell said tests would be taken again today to monitor the air quality and that the boiler and other parts of the system may be removed today as evidence. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Reporter's query: We’re trying to find more information about Ryan and the other people who died. If you know any of them, please call Linda Borg at 277-7823 or e-mail her at lborg@projo.com. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:00 PM | Comment Temperature hits 65, breaks record for high of the daySomething special happened this afternoon. You probably heard about it – “it’s soooo nice outside” – you may have even had a chance to enjoy it for yourself on a lunchtime walk, or caught a breeze passing by an open office window. Today at 12:30 p.m., the mercury shot past a 77-year-old record, reaching 65 degrees in Providence, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record, 62 degrees, was set in 1930. Last year, 2007, gave us the warmest January on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before that it was 2006. Before that, it was 2005. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 11 of the warmest years since record keeping began have occurred in the past 12 years. Just five days ago, on January 3, the temperature dropped to 8 degrees. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:06 PM | Comment Photo: Some sweet new seats at the Dunk
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:41 PM | Comment Gossage makes Baseball Hall of Fame; Rice falls shortNEW YORK (AP) - Goose Gossage became only the fifth relief pitcher elected to the Hall of Fame, earning baseball's highest honor Tuesday on his ninth try on the ballot. Known for his overpowering fastball, fiery temperament and bushy mustache, the former New York Yankee received 466 of 543 votes (85.8 percent) from 10-year members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Former Red Sox slugger Jim Rice was passed over yet again, getting 392 votes (72.2 percent), up from 346 (63.5 percent) last year and 16 short of the 75 percent needed. He will appear on the writers' ballot for the 15th and final time next year, when career steals leader Rickey Henderson will be among the newcomers. Andre Dawson was third at 358 (65.9 percent), followed by Bert Blyleven at 336 (61.9 percent). Gossage, who fell short by 21 votes last year, joins Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006) in Cooperstown's bullpen. Gossage was a nine-time All-Star who pitched for nine major league teams from 1972-94 and had 310 saves - 52 of them in which he got seven outs or more. He will be inducted July 27 in Cooperstown, joined by five men elected last month by the revamped Veterans Committee: former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, former Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, managers Dick Williams and Billy Southworth and ex-Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss. Posted by Mike McDermott at 2:23 PM | Comment Bill proposes sales tax on luxury clothing itemsPROVIDENCE -- If you drop a cool $500 on one piece of clothing, a proposal in the General Assembly would have you drop something extra into state coffers. Sen. Daniel J. Issa, D-Central Falls, is expected to introduce a bill that, according to a news release, he believes would raise up to an additional $1 million in annual revenue. The "sales tax on luxury items" would apply to one item costing at least $500, not a combination of clothes adding up to $500. Clothing with a price tag of $500 or more would be subject to sales tax for the amount over $500. The legislative session under way is expected to grapple with a budget deficit projected to be hundreds of millions of dollars, and Issa asserts the luxury clothing sales tax is one way to help with that mission. Issa said in the news release that he has been pleased to live in a state that does not impose sales tax on clothing "because most of our citizens consider clothes a basic, human necessity, like food, and not taxing such necessities is one way government can help citizens who are already taxed pretty heavily." But clothing items of the kind Issa states his bill focuses on go "beyond being about filling a basic human need" and are a luxury that should not be exempt from sales tax. "I just don't think it is right for someone to drop $10,000 on a fur coat and be exempt from taxes on that item when there are people in our society who are scraping to put clothes on their kids' backs and pay their heating bills at the same time," he stated. Issa said that in Massachusetts, sales tax is applied for an item valued at more than $175 while in Connecticut the tax is imposed on an item over $50. He also asserted a luxury clothing tax would not impact most Rhode Islanders, noting that in his city, "I would guess there aren't too many residents buying a $600 pair of shoes or a $1,000 Armani suit." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:40 PM | Comment R.I. house sales, prices continue to fallRhode Island house sales in November fell for the ninth straight month, and prices tumbled farther, too. The Warren Group, a Boston-based publisher of real estate data, reported that single-family house sales in November sank 18.7 percent from a year earlier, while the statewide median prices fell 8.7 percent, to $235,000. December data is not available yet, but the Warren Group data through November shows that house sales in the state last year declined more than 10 percent, and the median price fell nearly 5 percent, from $268,000 to $255,000. “It looks like Rhode Island’s housing market felt the crunch more than its neighbors in 2007,’’ Warren Group’s chief executive, Timothy Warren Jr., said in a statement. Providence and Bristol County showed the sharpest house price declines during the first 11 months of last year, with the median price down 6 percent and 6.25 percent, respectively. (The Warrren Group data for Bristol County, however, does not include Barrington.) Extra: Browse recent real-estate transactions in R.I. communities, as reported by The Warren Group. -- Journal staff writer Lynn Arditi Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:07 PM | Comment Traffic: New S. Main St. ramp to Rte. 195 to close brieflyPROVIDENCE -- The new South Main Street entrance ramp onto Route 195 eastbound will be closed tomorrow during the day while work continues on the new India Point Park pedestrian bridge. The Department of Transportation will close the ramp at 7 a.m. and re-open it at 3 p.m. While it's closed, traffic will be rerouted to the old Wickenden Street on-ramp that was closed in late December. When RIDOT closed the Wickenden Street ramp, the department noted it would occasionally be used to reroute traffic during the continuing Iway construction. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:52 PM | Comment They're just getting warmed up in New Hampshire
But throngs of New Hampshire residents this morning rose before sunrise and braved the crowds for a different type of contest: the first presidential primary in the country. Voters flocked to the polls at the Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester, where earlier Republican candidates Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney had campaigned. And at the Broad Street Elementary School in Nashua, voters had to navigate a through sign holding volunteers to cast their vote at the spot John McCain had stumped earlier. McCain, who received the first vote cast, is sharing an early lead with Democrat Barack Obama. But things are just getting warmed up, as the polls are open until 8 p.m. Projo.com will continue publishing reports from the scene on our politics blog. -- Journal staff writer Scott Mackay covering the campaign trail in New Hampshire, as told to projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:42 AM | Comment Feds give $2.5M to R.I. program for poor childrenChildren’s Friend and Service in Rhode Island is getting a federal boost in its effort to help children living in poverty. The organization’s Project Connect program has been awarded a 5-year, $2.5-million grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The program offers parents home-based treatment and referrals for substance abuse and other domestic problems that affect children. “This investment of federal resources in the Rhode Island economy, and more importantly in our child welfare system, is timely and badly needed,” David Caprio, executive director of Children’s Friend said in a statement. According to a statement released by the organization, the money will be used to expand the program throughout the state and allow 90 more families to participate. Currently six Rhode Island communities take part in Project Connect: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, East Providence, Warwick, and West Warwick Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:13 AM | Comment ACLU set to address immigration raidA local advocacy group plans to hold a news conference this morning to discuss lthe immigration raid prompted by the publicity given to Mynor Montufar after he became the father of the first local baby born in 2008. The baby's mother and grandmother will join the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union to discuss the arrests of Montufar and another man, as well as the apparent suicide of a third man. All three were illegal immigrants and were living in the house together when Immigration and Customs Enforcement made the arrests Friday. Montufar is set to be deported to Guatemala, according to ICE officials. The other man arrested is awaiting a hearing. Based on the information that family members have, "it seems pretty clear to us at this point that the suicide appeared to take place during or after the raid,” Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island ACLU said this morning. The meeting, set to begin at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa’s Church at 8 Pope St., in the city's Olneyville neighborhood, will also be attended by representatives of different community groups, according to a statement released by the ACLU. Brown would not say whether the meeting would be a precursor to action on the organization's part. Representatives from various community groups will also be present. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:31 AM | Comment Study: ID requirement lowers voter participationStates requiring voters to present identification before casting ballots have lower political participation levels, a new Brown University study says. The study also indicates "voter I.D. policies discourage legal immigrants from becoming citizens, particularly for blacks and Hispanics, reducing odds of naturalization by more than 15 percent," according to a university news release summarizing the study. The study was released by the American Communities Project at Brown’s Initiative in Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences. It reports that since 2000, and in part because of post Sept. 11, 2001, security concerns, state requirements for voter identification have increased. Nineteen states required some documentation of a voter’s identity by 2004, sometimes as a photo I.D. Supporters say identification is needed to prevent voting fraud, such as voting by noncitizens or people who are otherwise ineligible to register. Critics say that I.D. policies effectively suppress voter participation, particularly among minorities, the study says. The report, co-authored by director John Logan and graduate student Jennifer Darrah, concludes that voter I.D. is a factor with negative influence on civic participation in this country. “At a time when many public officials express regret that immigrants seem to lag in their participation in mainstream society, even small suppressive effects on naturalization -- the formal step to becoming an American citizen -- work in the wrong direction and should be taken into account as people evaluate the benefits and costs of more stringent identification requirements," the report states. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Among the report's findings: * In states with a voter I.D. policy in 2000, the odds of naturalization for foreign-born residents of the United States were cut by more than 5 percent, with greatest impact on Hispanics. * In election years 1996 to 2004, the odds of being a registered voter among citizens 18 and older were higher for whites by about 15 percent in states with voter I.D. requirements. But that "was more than counterbalanced" by a reduction in white voter turnout. "In 2004 alone the net effect was to reduce white turnout in these states by about 400,000 votes." * During that same period, voter I.D. policies reduced Asians’ registration and diminished voter turnout by blacks and Hispanics by about 14 percent and 20 percent respectively. Minority voting in applicable states in 2004 was down by more than 400,000 votes. * The "suppressive effect" of voter I.D. disproportionately affected not only minorities, "but also people with less than a high school education and less than $15,000 income, tenants, and recent movers." Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's warm temperature could break a recordThe fog should lift by mid morning and after that, we're looking at record breaking temperatures today. The National Weather Service is forecasting sunny skies and a high temperature of 63 degrees -- if we make it, that would beat the 62 degree record set in 1930. Tonight the clouds are set to return and the temperature will drop to the mid 40s. Look for fog after midnight and a slight chance of rain after 3 a.m. Rain could continue into tomorrow morning and may turn into thunderstorms and showers throughout the rest of the day. Skies should be cloudy all day with a high temperature in the low 50s and a southwest wind gusting as high as 36 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page reports the story of three people found dead in a Providence home. There's also coverage of the New Hampshire primary. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 7, 2008Tonight: E. Providence gets jazzed, Providence feels bluesTo get jazzed or feel the blues, you don't have to leave the state The John Allmark Big Band plays jazz at Bovi's Town Tavern, 287 Taunton Ave., East Providence. Call (401) 434-9670. 9 p.m. Mark Taber plays the blues at The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. Call (401) 453-6500, www.thehihat.com. 7 to 11 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Tonight in sports: College football title on the lineTop-ranked Ohio State enters the BCS national championship game against LSU searching for redemption, hoping to bury the memories of an embarrassing loss in last year's title game. "As much as you try to forget about it, there's no way of forgetting about it," Ohio State fullback Dionte Johnson said. "I can close my eyes and go through that game like I'm still there." The second-ranked Tigers come into tonight's showdown at the Superdome looking for validation, trying to prove they were indeed the team most deserving of a chance to play the Buckeyes for the title. "I really feel it was our destiny to be here," LSU receiver Early Doucet said. "For things to go the way they went - us losing to Arkansas, Pittsburgh beating West Virginia and Oklahoma beating Missouri - it all fell into place the way it did and I just think it was meant to be." That's a good theory. How else to explain how two teams that lost their second-to-last games are playing for the national championship? The winner will become the first school to win two BCS titles since the Bowl Championship Series began in 1998. The Buckeyes won it in 2002, then lost 41-14 to Florida as a prohibitive favorite in last year's championship game. LSU won the BCS title in 2003, beating Oklahoma right here in New Orleans, the Tigers' home 90 miles south of Baton Rouge. Ohio State (11-1), the Big Ten champions, and LSU (11-2), champs of the Southeastern Conference, have been two of the nation's elite programs over the past six seasons; the Buckeyes have won 66 games and the Tigers 63. Get the latest from the Associated Press ... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:36 PM | Comment Photo: Mother of New Year's baby speaks of fallout
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:27 PM | Comment Two drivers taken to R.I. Hospital after Providence crashPROVIDENCE -- A two-car crash near The Providence Journal building this evening sent two female drivers to Rhode Island Hospital with injuries the police described as more than minor but not life-threatening. The police would not identify the drivers, who were from Providence and Warwick. A preliminary investigation indicates that a white sedan was traveling fast on Sabin Street, possibly attempting to pass the gold sedan on the left, said Sgt. Gary Venditto. The gold sedan apparently attempted to make the left turn just west of the Journal building, a turn that loops around to Fountain Street, when the two cars collided. A male passenger in the gold sedan, which appeared smashed in on the driver's side, was not taken to a hospital, the police said. Both cars were towed. The call came in to police at 5:15 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:05 PM | Comment Cost of heating oil in R.I. hits new record high at $3.429The cost of buying heating oil continued its upward spiral today with the average price rising to $3.429 a gallon in Rhode Island, another record. The average price, which is based on a survey of local dealers by the State Office of Energy Resources, has risen 31 percent over the past 19 weeks.
The retail cost of a gallon of heating oil today is 54 percent higher than the retail cost of the equivalent amount of natural gas at the current rate charged by National Grid, the largest spread in at least six years. The price of heating oil had been tracking closely to natural gas for several years but became more expensive in the 2004-2005 heating season by about 5 percent, according to calculations by The Journal. The following year, oil was about 6 percent more expensive, followed by 10 percent more expensive in the 2006-2007 heating season. If the current price persists, it will cost $2,204 to heat a home this winter with 666 gallons of oil, compared to $1,485 for the same amount of energy using natural gas – a 48 percent increase. The price of gasoline per gallon also went up today, 3 cents, to an average of $3.139 for unleaded. Posted by Tim Barmann at 5:56 PM | Comment Update: Fire at Cumberland High forces evacuationCUMBERLAND -- One student was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation and faculty and students were briefly evacuated from the high school this morning after a small fire broke out in a storage garage connected to the school’s main building. The state fire marshal and the Cumberland police are investigating the cause of the fire; Supt. Donna Morelle said that officials believe the cause of the fire "may have been students smoking." The fire apparently started at about 8:45 a.m. in a garage located on the west side of the high school campus, behind the art and music wing. The locked room houses equipment for the high school sports teams and is accessible only to coaches and administration. The police said it is unclear how the fire started, and no one was in or around the room when emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The Cumberland Hill Fire Department and the police responded to the high school after the fire apparently set off the school’s fire alarm. The fire, which the police said was confined to a trash can, was contained by the sprinkler system and smoldering by the time emergency personnel arrived at the scene. A male student, whose name and age the police and rescue officials were not releasing today, was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. The condition of the student is unknown, said police and rescue officials. Deputy Chief Michael L. Kinch said that the student was not in the garage at the time of the fire and suffered smoke inhalation as smoke from the fire entered the main building. The police said there was minimum damage to the garage and sports equipment. Morelle said that “at no time was the safety of the students and staff determined to be in jeopardy.” -- Journal staff writer Philip Marcelo “There would have been a lot more damage had there not been any sprinklers,” said Detective Capt. James P. Coyne. The town recently installed a sprinkler system throughout the high school as part of the multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of the high school. Students and faculty in the main high school building were evacuated to the high school gymnasium, or Wellness Center. Students and faculty in the adjacent Transitional Building, which houses the school district administration offices and some high school classrooms, were not affected, said the police. Classes resumed at 9:50 a.m. and all after-school activities proceeded as scheduled for the rest of the day, said Morelle. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:55 PM | Comment Update: 3 bodies removed from S. Providence house
The three were taken out of the house at 345 Blackstone St., one after the other on stretchers carried through the front door and loaded into state medical examiner's vehicles. Police said if the deaths are determined to be homicides, they will be the city's first murders of the new year. Asked if they were seeking suspects, police would only repeat that they are treating the deaths as homicides. Mayor David N. Cicilline, who was at the scene, called it a "terrible tragedy for the city." Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy described the two adults as a couple. He said the police would not comment on identities until the medical examiner has looked at the bodies. The police went to the scene after getting a call at 12:14 p.m. today from a neighbor asking to check on the well-being of the people in the house. A family member had not been able to get in touch with them and had contacted the neighbor to check on them. The neighbor apparently did not get a response. The Colonial-style house is green with pale trim, red steps and brownish door, with two, possibly three stories. It's in a neighborhood of similar homes, described by police as single-family and owner-occupied, southwest of the Rhode Island Hospital campus. According to the city's online tax assessment database, the property at 345 Blackstone St. is owned by Sonia M. Flores. Click here for a panoramic view of the neighborhood. Police Lt. George Stamatakos called the area is a very good street, not one that sees troubles. At 6 o'clock tonight, the mayor and Police Chief Dean Esserman will meet with area residents at the Davey Lopes Recreation Center at 227 Dudley St. to talk about what happened. -- With reports from projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson and Journal staff writers Amanda Milkovits and Gregory Smith
Early this afternoon, at least 15 police officers, including detectives, were there. Some were outside in shirtsleeves, in today's unusually mild weather. The bodies were loaded into medical examiner's vehicles by about 3:20 p.m. Students were also starting to return from school at that time, congregating at the edge of the area, which had previously been eerily quiet. Triple murders are unusual in Rhode Island. A Foster police officer was convicted of shooting three teenagers to death in 1993. The Brendels of Barrington -- mother, father and daughter -- were killed in 1991 by former family friend Christopher Hightower. And Craig Price of Warwick admitted to killing a mother and her two daughters in 1989 when he was 15, and under questioning confessed to killing a neighbor two years before that. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:35 PM | Comment Live Clemens press conferencePitcher Roger Clemens, accused in the Mitchell report of using steriods and human growth hormone, holds a press confernce. Watch the conference. Posted by Peter Phipps at 5:05 PM | Comment Query: How are you dealing with higher food costs?The rising cost of milk, eggs, meat and produce are contributing to the biggest jump in food prices in 17 years. Grocery bills are up and restaurant diners will likely face even higher prices on menus. How are you dealing with food costs? Are you finding creative ways to save when shopping and cooking? What’s the strategy for dining out? Do you go out less or select different restaurants based on cost. Or has nothing changed? Let’s share with each other. And if you have any cost-cutting recipes send them along, too. E-mail to food editor Gail Ciampa at gciampa@projo.com. We’ll take submissions until Monday, Jan. 21 and they’ll be posted on www.projo.com/food as they come in. A wrap of your responses and advice will run in Lifebeat Food on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 4:31 PM | Comment Traffic advisory: Right lane of Rte. 6 west at Dean closedPROVIDENCE -- An accident has closed the right lane of Route 6 west at Dean Street in Providence, the state Transportation Management Center advised at 3:45 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:46 PM | Comment Update: Narragansetts try again to make Carcieri testifyLawyers for six of the Narragansett Indians accused of scuffling with and resisting state police as they raided a tribal smoke shop four summers ago asked the state Supreme Court today to revisit its decision about whether Governor Carcieri should be called to testify. The high court ruled Dec. 21 that the governor’s testimony was not relevant to possible defense arguments that state police used excessive force when they raided the smoke shop on tribal land in Charlestown on July 14, 2003. The decision overturned the trial Judge Susan E. McGuirl’s finding that Carcieri must take the stand about the orders he gave state police. State troopers raided the roadside shop at the governor’s order after the tribe began selling cigarettes without charging Rhode Island taxes. The confrontation turned violent, and Carcieri made numerous statements in the days and weeks that followed that he told state police to withdraw if they met resistance. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney The state Supreme Court’s ruling, the defense lawyers’ petition says, ignores federal court precedent that jurors may consider state of mind in assessing the credibility of a police officer’s claims he or she did not use excessive force. Blatant defiance of the governor’s order to withdraw may show the troopers bore ill will toward the tribe, Gary G. Pelletier, one of the defense, wrote in a petition filed this morning with the state Supreme Court. “Here, clearly if the governor had instructed the police to employ a SWAT team because some of the suspects might be `armed and aggressive,’ the court would deem this order relevant to the question whether officers used excessive force,” he wrote. “The converse order, therefore, also must be relevant.” Seven Narragansetts, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, face misdemeanor charges that include assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Jury selection for their trial is scheduled to start next Wednesday in Providence County Superior Court. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:28 PM | Comment URI hoop team climbs to 22nd in AP pollSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The Rhode Island men's basketball team has climbed in the national rankings following a 31-point victory last week. The Rams jumped one spot to 22nd in the Associated Press Top 25 poll released today. Rhode Island beat Fairleigh Dickinson 94-63 Wednesday to improve to 14-1 this season. That's the program's best record since the 1946-47 season. Rhode Island opens conference play on Wednesday at 17th-ranked Dayton, which will likely be the Rams' toughest test of the season so far. The Rams entered the poll two weeks ago at Number 25, cracking the rankings for the first time since November 1998. They're on a nine-game winning streak. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 2:59 PM | Comment TB case reported in Central Falls High School studentA Central Falls High School student has an active case of tuberculosis, the state Health Department announced this afternoon. A skin test that detects tuberculosis will be done on all students and staff identified as having had close contact with the student, the department said in a news release. The department consulted with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the matter. All juniors and seniors will be tested as well "out of an abundance of caution." Students and staff will be re-tested in 10 weeks because a person recently exposed to tuberculosis may not test positive for several weeks. The student with tuberculosis is receiving medical treatment and is recovering. Tuberculosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreading through the air from a person with an infection usually found in the person's lungs. The bacteria can cause two kinds of illness, an active form (active TB disease) and a latent form (latent TB infection). When infected, the bacteria commonly cause disease in the lungs but can also cause disease elsewhere in the body. The symptoms of active TB depend on where the infection is but usually cause a person to have a collection of symptoms: unexpected weight loss, night sweats, weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, persistent coughing (more than three weeks and sometimes with blood), shortness of breath. The Health Department was notified of the case on Thursday. “The uniqueness of the case being in a school with active TB has led the Department to recommend the testing of students and staff who had close contact with the student and out of an abundance of caution all juniors and seniors,” Dr. David R. Gifford, Health Department director, said in the statement. “People who have had close contact with this student have a low, but real, risk of getting TB. We want to ensure that we prevent the spread of TB in the school.” Central Falls Schools Supt. Frances Gallo said the first concern is students' health and safety."We are working collaboratively with the Department of Health on this response.” Read some more facts about TB here. Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:57 PM | Comment Update: Hasselbeck returns to View, with Taylor / VideoCranston native Elisabeth Hasselbeck returned to the popular television show The View this morning after more than two months on maternity leave. And she brought her family's newest addition, son Taylor Thomas Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck left for maternity leave on Oct. 23, 2007. On Nov. 9, she gave birth to Taylor Thomas. Hasselbeck, 30, and her husband, Tim, a quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, also have a daughter, Grace, 2. Hasselbeck's first day back will include "a big ticket item giveaway" for the studio audience and a full hour of "Hot Topics." Video: Watch a video clip of Hasselbeck introducing Taylor to View co-hosts and audience. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:34 PM | Comment Narragansetts try again to force Carcieri to testifyPROVIDENCE -- Six Narragansett Indians accused of scuffling with state police are making a last-minute attempt to force Governor Carcieri to testify at trial. The defendants are accused of fighting with police who raided a Narragansett smoke shop on July 14, 2003. They claim police used too much force when making arrests. Defense lawyers want Carcieri to testify about orders he said he gave to state police instructing them to withdraw if they met resistance from the tribe or its supporters. Last month, the state Supreme Court ruled that Carcieri's testimony would be irrelevant to a jury. Lawyers for the Narragansett defendants filed a memo today asking the Supreme Court to revisit its decision. They say that if police ignored Carcieri's orders, it might explain their state of mind. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 16. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:15 PM | Comment High court upholds man's conviction in 1991 killingThe state Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Nelson Bido, who is serving a life sentence for aiding and abetting the ambush murder of a bookkeeper who was trying to deposit more than $20,000 in 1991. Bido's Superior Court conviction came some 15 years after bookkeeper Jorge Confessor was shot in the back. The high court opinion, written by Justice Paul Suttell and made public today, states that for reasons not disclosed in the record, grand jury proceedings had not been finished in time following the shooting and Bido had been released before he was later arrested in 2005 when trying to leave the country. Bido argued in the appeal that the trial judge erred by denying four things: Bido's motion to dismiss for lack of a speedy trial; Bido's motion for a continuance to secure a new lawyer; Bido's motion for a continuance to investigate recently disclosed discovery; and Bido's motion to suppress a statement he have to New York City police. On April 15, 1991, Confessor drove into the Citizens Bank parking lot on Cranston Street with a paper bag containing receipts from several businesses when two men exited a car and a third sat at the wheel. One man pushed Confessor and the other shot him. Confessor, 44, died before help arrived. The police got witness descriptions of the three men and the car's license plate. In July 1991, New York City police arrested Bido. While handcuffed in the back seat of a New York City police car, he leaned forward and said, “I know what this is about. This is about Rhode Island.” Investigators said they found $1,700 in cash and the murder weapon in Bido's residence in Providence. During questioning by New York City police, Bido said that on the day of the murder he loaned his car to a friend Yovanny. Bido said he knew Yovanny and two other males planned to rob a courier because Yovanny told him so. Bido said he followed Yovanny to the bank in another car, but lost sight of him before hearing a gunshot. Then came, as the high court put it, an unexpected turn. Bido, remaining in jail, and his girlfriend, Rosalinda Colon, got married, "apparently so that Ms. Colon could not be used as a witness against him,"the high court opinion says. Providence police went to New York to extradite Bido, "but for reasons that are not disclosed in the record, the grand jury proceedings were not completed within the required period and Mr. Bido was released from custody." Bido was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia in September 2006, some 15 years after the crime. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security had arrested him in New York City the year as he tried to travel out of the country, and he was brought back to Rhode Island. The prosecution called 10 witnesses to testify in Superior Court, including Colon, described in the high court opinion as Bido's "now-estranged wife." The defense called no witnesses. A jury convicted Bido of conspiracy to commit robbery and aiding and abetting murder. Bido got a life sentence for the murder charge and a concurrent term of 10 years for the robbery charge. The Supreme Court heard arguments in Bido's appeal, among several cases, when it convened in South Kingstown in November. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:07 PM | Comment No foul play in death of man found in truck in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- There was no evidence of foul play in the death of a 61-year-old man found in a truck in Providence, but the cause of death is pending further investigation, according to the state medical examiner's office. Robert Webster, of no permanant address, was found dead, slumped behind the wheel of a Rent-A-Center truck on Hartford Avenue in the city's Olneyville section on Jan. 3, the police have said. The truck was parked in a lot at 55 Hartford Ave. at the Rent-A-Center store when the body was discovered at about 8 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:43 PM | Comment Barrington teen out of Training School, confined at homePROVIDENCE -- After four nights at the state Training School, a Barrington teen was placed on home confinement today, pending a pretrial conference on charges of driving while impaired, fleeing the police, slamming his car into a wall and pinning a pedestrian beneath it. The 17-year-old must turn in his driver’s license and undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and he is prohibited from playing high school sports as he awaits a pretrial conference in Family Court on Jan. 22. While the boy is on home confinement, the Robocuff voice-recognition system will place calls to his home to make sure he’s there. “He can only leave the house with his parents,” Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. said. On Thursday, Jeremiah had ordered the teen held at the Training School until today's probable-cause hearing. During Thursday’s hearing, the attorney general’s office had recommended placing the teen on “strict home confinement” with the Robocuff system. But Jeremiah had accused state prosecutors of applying a “double standard,” saying that a day before prosecutors had recommended holding another youth at the Training School although that case did not involve alcohol or injury. Prosecutors said the Barrington teen had no record, while the teen in other case did. Extra: Read a transcript of the Family Court proceedings Thursday. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Also on Thursday, a lawyer for the teen noted the state police had released the boy and had not brought him to court on an emergency petition. And that prompted Jeremiah to say, “Just because the police department is stupid doesn’t mean I’m going to be stupid.” Before the Family Court session, state police Maj. Steven O’Donnell issued a statement from Col. Brendan Doherty, the state police superintendent, saying: “We are disappointed and troubled by the comments made by the chief judge of the Rhode Island Family Court.” Speaking for himself, O’Donnell said, “Believe me, the state police recognize the carnage on the highways. The men and women in this department see it on a 24-hour/7-day-a-week basis.” But, he said, “We feel the state police acted properly in handling the incident in Colt State Park.” And, he said, “It’s unfortunate that a person that is held in the highest regard by law enforcement would” make such a comment. During the hearing, Jeremiah said he respects the state police, and he called them an “outstanding outfit.” But he noted that teens can be held at the Training School for up to five days if they are determined to be a danger to the community or themselves, and he said he does not understand why this teen was not held at the Training School after his arrest. Your turn: What do you think about teenage drinking?
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:37 PM | Comment Update: Speed a factor in Exeter fatal accidentExcessive speed was likely a factor in an accident last night that killed a 21-year-old Exeter man. The accident reconstruction has not been completed, but Zachary Woods was driving "at least twice the limit" down Mill Pond Road when his vehicle crashed, according to Sgt. Nicholas Tella. Tella said that at about midnight Woods lost control, driving into a large rock about 500 feet south of the intersection of Mill Pond Rd. and Liberty Road. The vehicle flipped over several times. Woods was ejected, Tella said, which usually a sign that the victim was not wearing a seatbelt. Woods had a faint pulse when rescue crews arrived, but he was pronounced dead at Kent Hospital at about 12:40 a.m. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:00 PM | Comment ACLU: Tracking chip would treat students 'like cattle'The Rhode Island ACLU claims that the Middletown School Department would be treating its students "like cattle" if it adopts a plan to monitor some of them with electronic chips. The ACLU has sent a letter to Middletown school officials asking them to abandon the plan, set to go into effect later this month. The pilot program is designed to track the travel of school buses and student riders. GPS tracking devices would be placed in two school buses, and radio-frequency identification labels the size of luggage tags attached to the backpacks of the 80 or so Aquidneck Elementary School students who ride those buses, according to a Journal story last week. School administrators would then be able to monitor — in real-time, via an online map of Middletown at a secure Web site — the progress of those buses and their passengers as the children enter and exit the buses. School officials could notify parents if the buses are running late or a child doesn't get on the right bus. But the ACLU says the program is an invasion of privacy and raises safety concerns. Middletown schools have said that the program would enable them to determine whether students get on the right bus, but the ACLU's letter says it hopes “this is a goal that school district procedures already address without the need to tag and track students like cattle. The use of RFID labels on the children is a solution in search of a problem.” The ACLU also says the information stored on the chips could potentially be read by others, using inexpensive readers available for purchase on the Internet. "If school officials can find schoolchildren, others might also be able to find them and target them for improper purposes,” the ACLU says. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:49 AM | Comment Southwest to boost fees for checked bagsSouthwest Airlines, the biggest carrier at T.F. Green Airport with more than half all passengers, said it will begin charging customers who want to check more than two pieces of luggage. Southwest now allows three checked pieces per passenger, with size and weight limitations for each bag. Starting Jan. 29, a third checked bag will carry a $25 fee, with higher charges for additional pieces. This will affect less than 2 percent of our customers,” said Chris Mainz, a spokesman. “In that sense, it's really not going to be a major impact to the customers.” The shift will help free luggage-hold space to carry more cargo, an area the largest low-fare carrier is targeting to raise revenue, he said. By John Kostrzewa Posted by Jack Perry at 10:43 AM | Comment Small fire at Cumberland High SchoolA bad habit may be responsible for a small fire that broke out at Cumberland High School this morning. The fire started in a storage closet at about 8:45 this morning, according to Supt. Donna Morelle. The fire is still under investigation. However, Morelle said, officials believe the cause of the fire "may have been students smoking." Students and faculty were evacuated from the main building to the wellness center, and students and faculty in other buildings were not affected, she said. Firefighters said the building's sprinkler system contained the fire, which was quickly extinguished. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:05 AM | Comment Gas prices up 3 cents per gallonGasoline prices have climbed another three cents in the Ocean State, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.139 at the self-serve pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has climbed seven cents in the past two weeks. Rhode Island is three cents above the national average of $3.109 for regular unleaded gasoline. A year ago at this time the average price in Rhode Island was $2.419. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:02 AM | Comment Who's in in the Ocean State's primaryOne day ahead of the closely monitored New Hampshire presidential primary, seven presidential hopefuls have reserved a spot for their names in the Rhode Island primary. Municipalities have until Thursday to validate the signatures of the remaining candidates, several of whom have collected the required 1,000 signatures, but have not had them certified as valid. Democrats with the required number of certified signatures are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Republicans who will appear on the primary ballot include Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, and Mitt Romney. Candidates who have collected more than 1,000 signatures, but still need certification, include Democrats John Edwards and Dennis Kucinich, and Republicans Fred Thompson, Alan Keyes and Duncan Hunter. You can keep up with the candidates progress on the Secretary of State's Web site. On Feb. 1, the Secretary of State’s office will hold a public lottery to decide the order that the candidates’ names will appear on the ballot during the March 4 primary. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:36 AM | Comment From bathing to books in Fox Point
PROVIDENCE -- A building in Providence's Fox Point neighborhood that had been abandoned since the 1970s is set to be presented today as an expanded library for the Vartan Gregorian School. The former Fox Point bath house has been used by the city traffic engineer, and was considered as the location for the Fox Point Soccer Hall of Fame. But it was built in the early 20th century as a place for residents -- many of whom did not have running water -- to bathe. Mayor David N. Cicilline, City Councilman Seth Yurdin, Schools Supt. Donnie Evans and other local officials will meet at the newly renovated building at 9:30 this morning for a short ceremony and a tour of the facility. The Vartan Gregorian School is a charter school that teaches students from pre-kindergarten to the 6th grade. See more old pictures of the building, at 455 Wickenden St., on the Art In Ruins Web site. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:47 AM | Comment Homeless programs to get $6.4 million from fedsPAWTUCKET -- Rhode Island homeless programs are set to receive a $6.4 million boost in federal funding. The money will be distributed among about 50 programs that support homeless individuals and their families, from street outreach and emergency shelters to transitional and permanent housing. U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Governor Don Carcieri are scheduled to hold a press conference today in Pawtucket to announce the increased federal funding. The bulk of the funding will go toward creating housing and providing services for the homeless. A smaller portion will go to programs to help people avoid becoming homeless, like job training, childcare and substance abuse treatment. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Cloudy, but with a high near 55 degrees who cares?It's looking pretty mild today with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature near 55 degrees, cloudy skies and a mild southwest wind. The clouds are expected to stick around tonight, with fog developing after midnight and an overnight low around 40. Fog should lift late Tuesday morning, but the clouds will stick around, and the temperature is expected to climb to near 60 -- just a few degrees shy of the 62 degree record set in 1930. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the New Hampshire presidential primary and a report that the father of Providence's first baby of the New Year faces deportation. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 4, 2008Providence youth, 16, charged with shooting manPROVIDENCE -- The police have charged a 16-year-old South Providence youth who has a lengthy juvenile court record in the shooting of a man outside an Asian restaurant Thursday afternoon. The alleged victim was identified today as Donique Dupree Jordon of 21 Laban St., which is in the Silver Lake area of the city. Maj. Stephen Campbell said his condition at Rhode Island Hospital had been upgraded from critical to serious. Campbell said the police found the suspect at a house at 23 Rodman St., Elmwood, as he was hurriedly undoing his cornrow braids in an attempt to alter his appearance. When his mug shot was taken at police headquarters, half of his head was still in cornrows. The major lauded two detectives, Angelo A’Vant and Detective Sgt. William Dwyer Jr., for “a pretty good piece of work,” identifying the suspect and having him apprehended so quickly that he could not disguise himself. The suspect was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and was taken to Family Court, where a judge ordered that he be held at the Rhode Island Training School. According to the police, Jordon and the youth had fought recently. The youth spotted Jordon inside Yang’s restaurant, at 924 Broad St., South Providence, where Jordon was waiting for a takeout order, rapped on the window and beckoned Jordon to come outside. Jordon did, and the youth shot him at least twice. Jordon collapsed on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, according to Campbell. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:18 PM | Comment Tonight: Catch a club show or the boat showThere's still an hour to catch the 15th annual Providence Boat Show tonight, in which 240 exhibitors and 300 boats are expected at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Hours today are until 8 p.m. (If you have plans tonight, you can also catch it tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Tickets are $12 for adults but free for children age 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. Call (401) 846-1115 or go to Providenceboatshow.com. There's plenty of time to see a show tonight. Lolita Black play rock at AS220, 115 Empire St., Providence. Call (401) 831-9327. 9 p.m. $6. All ages. Brickpark play rock at Olives, 108 North Main St., Providence. 751-1200. 10 p.m to 2 a.m. Cover varies. Steve Burke plays jazz at Li'l Bear Lounge, 983 Main Rd., Tiverton. Call (401) 624-9164. 5 to 9 p.m. Debbie Davies plays the blues at Chan's Restaurant, 267 Main St., Woonsocket. Call (401) 765-1900. 8, 10 p.m. $12 early show; $10 late show; $15 both shows. Mean Carlene plays blues at Newport Blues Cafe, 286 Thames St., Newport. Call (401) 841-5510, www.newportblues.com. 9 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:10 PM | Comment Two-alarm fire burns in three-story building in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Firefighters have been at the scene of a blaze on the second and third floors of a three-story building at 102 Laura St. this evening. The fire --- in the Elmwood section of the city -- escalated to a second alarm, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. No further details were available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:59 PM | Comment Update: Bill calls for monitoring drunken drivers' sweatIf a bill in the General Assembly becomes Rhode Island law, judges would have discretion to see that someone who drinks and drives could not simply sweat off a conviction. Instead, the sentencing judge would have the option of requiring a person to wear a monitoring device that randomly tests the person's sweat for alcohol content. The proposal would apply to a person who is found guilty, pleads guilty or pleads no contest to driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. "The device shall have the capability of sending the results in real time to the monitor of the device regardless of the wearer's location," the legislation says. The device would alert the probation office that the person is drinking alcohol while under the provisions of a court sentence.
Currently, McNamara said, a law on the books says a judge can order someone to use an ignition interlock device, in which a person blows into it to prove he or she hasn't been drinking. But the problem with that is a person can conceivably ask a family member or other person to breathe into it for him or her, McNamara said. The bill was introduced yesterday, day three of the legislative session, and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The person wearing the device would be responsible for costs associated with wearing and monitoring it. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:30 PM | Comment Woman accused of severing parrot's foot is found deadWARWICK -- Pamela Worden, the woman accused of stealing a baby parrot and cutting off its foot to remove an identification band in May, was found dead on Dec. 23 at her home. She was 57. Worden, of 911 Toll Gate Rd., was scheduled to be in Kent County District Court today for a trial calendar call. She was charged with a felony charge of possession of stolen goods and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to an animal. Worden went to her room to lay down around 10 a.m. on Dec. 22, and never woke up. Her roommate, Robert Patton, 80, found her the next morning, fully clothed and still wearing her make-up, lying in her bed, he told the police. The state medical examiner listed her cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of opiates and benzodiazepines (depressants). According to the police, Worden was prescribed a number of medications, an opiate -- Avinza, a pain medication that releases continuous doses of morphine -- and the depressants Flurazapam and Alprazolam. It did not appear that Worden overused the drugs, the police said. The number listed to Worden’s Warwick home is disconnected. David A. Holden, director of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, heard about Worden’s death yesterday when he went to observe the court proceedings. “We were prepared to assist in any way in the trial,” Holden said. “I’m sorry that the defendant died and for her family. We were still willing to go forward in any way we could.” The attorney general’s office got the news last week, said spokeswoman Beryl Kenyon. The charges against Worden will be dismissed once a death certificate is issued. “This has been an unusual case all along,” Kenyon said. “But usually we have some sort of resolution.” In May, the police said Worden walked into the Petco store on Bald Hill Road and asked about buying a parrot. She held the bird and told employees about a similar bird she bought at another store. Worden reportedly continued shopping, according to the police, and the clerk noticed the bird was missing minutes later. Employees traced the purchase Worden made at the other store and gave her contact information to the police. Officers found two birds when they entered Worden’s apartment this summer. One was missing a foot a bleeding; the amputated limb, the bird’s identification band and a pair of scissors sat on the counter nearby. The bird was taken to an avian specialist in East Greenwich has since been adopted to a good home, said Scott W. Brady, manager at Petco. After the bird’s surgery, it came back to the store for observation. More than 1,000 people expressed interest in adopting the bird, Brady said. The bird was placed in a home three weeks after the operation. “We just did a few interviews to see who had birds before and took the best person from that,” Brady said. “It worked out well.” -- Journal staff writer Talia Buford Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:25 PM | Comment Update: Firefighters at building fire in Providence / Photo
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:18 PM | Comment Update: Car goes into water; woman gets out on ownEAST PROVIDENCE -- Fire department rescuers pulled a car out of water off Veterans Memorial Parkway this afternoon, and a woman, who had gotten out of the car on her own, was treated on scene and taken to a hospital, according to a Fire Department spokesman. The car had gone off the road into water at the bottom of South Broadway, in the area of the Metacomet Country Club on the city's west side. The woman's identity, condition and why the car went off the road are not yet available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:03 PM | Comment Man arraigned in New Year's stabbing in SomersetSOMERSET, Mass. -- A Massachusetts man has been charged with stabbing another man in Somerset early New Year's Day, the Somerset police said today. Derick Allen Mahoney, 21, of Center Street in Abington, Mass., was arraigned this afternoon in Fall River District Court on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A 20-year-old man was the stabbing victim; he was treated and released at Rhode Island Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The police went to 328 Wood St. at 1:05 a.m. Jan. 1 for a report for 30 youths fighting in front of that address, where police learned of the stabbing. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:27 PM | Comment Suspect questioned in stabbing/robbery of delivery driverPROVIDENCE -- The police are questioning a suspect in an incident this morning in which a delivery truck driver was punched, stabbed in the stomach, robbed of his wallet and saw the group that allegedly jumped him drive off with his delivery truck. The driver, Juan Castro, 33, of Pawtucket told the police he had gone into the Stop & Shop at 850 Manton Ave. to take a coffee order, then returned to his truck to finish the order invoice. A person described as a black male in his 20s, wearing a hoodie, approached Castro and asked for money. Castro said he did not have any. Castro told police the man punched him in the face/head and then two to three other people jumped him. One stabbed him with what Castro thought to be a knife, according to the police report. His black leather wallet, containing $300 in cash, VISA and Mastercard, Social Security card and license, was taken by the group from his pants pocket, Castro said. They drove off with the red and yellow Cafe Bustelo truck, but Castro did not know in what direction, the police said. Police also spoke to a witness and the store manager. At about 7:59 a.m. today, police got a phone call that the truck was in the back of 550 Hartford Ave., and a police officer located it in that plaza. At 8:04 a.m., an officer saw a suspect walking on Plainfied Street who police say fit a suspect's description. The man was taken in for questioning without incident, the police said. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:22 PM | Comment In N.H.: Obama: People are the 'change agents' / Photo
Obama spoke in mostly generalities for about a half hour to a boisterous crowd of about 2,000. “I believe in the power of the American people to be the change agents in this election,” he said while weaving in and out of topics including health care and tuition tax credits. Four days ahead of the New Hampshire presidential primary, Obama has spent the day trying to sustain the momentum built after the Iowa Democratic caucus, where he emerged ahead of former Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Hillary Clinton. Matching the upbeat mood of his supporters, Obama said he'd take his message all across the country, enlisting the help of the young and old, students and retirees “and even,” he said, “some of the wealthy.” He exited the gymnasium to the beat of Stevie Wonder, telling the crowd, “This is our moment, this is our time.” -- Journal staff writer Scott Mackay covering the campaign trail in New Hampshire, as told to projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:23 PM | Comment Traffic Update: Accident in W. Greenwich clearedPolice and rescue crews have cleared the scene of a multi-vehicle accident at 45 Nooseneck Hill Road in West Greenwich. The accident was just off Route 95, near Exit 6. A rescue helicopter had been called, but that call was cancelled and West Greenwich police say there do not seem to have been serious injuries. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:11 PM | Comment In N.H.: Full court press for Obama / Photo
Basketball nets have been pulled up where on a normal day the school's Crimson Tide work on free throws. But it's Jan. 4, so the Democrats and Republicans who triumphed or merely survived Iowa are flooding New Hampshire today to try to keep their momentum going, or find what they couldn't in Iowa, for the primary four days away. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, triumphant in the Republican caucus in Iowa where he easily beat out former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the top spot, is expected to play some bass guitar this afternoon during a stop at New England College in Henniker. Action movie star Chuck Norris -- prominently visible on the victory speech podium with Huckabee in Iowa last night -- is expected to accompany Huckabee to to the college stop, the college says on its Web site. Clinton, the New York senator and wife of former President Clinton, finished third just behind North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in Iowa, which has been cast as a significant setback. She started today in Nashua with an airport appearance. She said it takes experience for the leadership of being president and, without mentioning Obama by name, said voting for him would be a "leap of faith." Obama began with a Portsmouth airport rally, then did some door-to-door meet-and-greet in Hampton, along New Hampshire's coast. He's headed to Concord, the state capitol. -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay covering the campaign trail in New Hampshire, as told to projo.com staff writer Michael McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:51 PM | Comment Paint companies seek overturn of cleanup planPROVIDENCE -- Three former lead paint manufacturers have asked a judge to strike down a $2.4 billion cleanup plan requested by the state. The proposal would force Sherwin-Williams and two other companies to pay for the inspection and cleanup of roughly a quarter-million older homes believed to contain toxic lead paint. The companies believe the state’s proposal is legally flawed and needs to be thrown out or at least altered. But Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein appeared unlikely to grant the companies’ request during arguments today. Silverstein says the companies’ concerns would best be addressed by two public health experts who were specially appointed to evaluate the state’s plan and make recommendations to him. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:49 PM | Comment Bill calls for monitoring drunk driver's sweat for alcoholIf a bill in the General Assembly becomes Rhode Island law, someone who drinks and drives could not simply sweat off a conviction. Instead, the sentencing judge may require a person to wear a monitoring device that randomly tests the person's sweat for alcohol content. The proposal would apply to a person who is found guilty, pleads guilty or pleads no contest to driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. "The device shall have the capability of sending the results in real time to the monitor of the device regardless of the wearer's location," the legislation says. The device would alert the probation office that the person is drinking alcohol while under the provisions of a court sentence. The person wearing the device would be responsible for costs associated wirth wearing and monitoring it. Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, D-Warwick, is prime sponsor of the bill introduced yesterday, day three of the legislative session. The bill has been referred to House Judiciary Committee. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:34 PM | Comment Hasbro to buy game companyPawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. said this morning it has agreed to buy closely held game producer Cranium Inc. for $77.5 million. The purchase may close by the end of the first quarter, Hasbro said, and the price may change depending on Cranium's assets when the purchase is completed. Proceeds of the sale will go to shareholders and toward paying off Cranium's debt. The company's games include Cranium, Cranium Hullabaloo and Cranium Cadoo. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:27 PM | Comment Man wanted for attempted murder caught in RehobothREHOBOTH, Mass. -- State and local police nabbed a Taunton fugitive wanted for attempted murder after he fled yesterday afternoon into woods in Rehoboth, local police said. The Massachusetts state police notified Rehoboth authorities at about 4:30 p.m. that its violent fugitive unit was searching the Horbine Road area for Jason Furtado, 36, whose last-known address is on Weir Street in Taunton. Furtado was wanted on three outstanding warrants and had fled from the state police when they moved to apprehend him in Swansea. The Enterprise, of Brockton, Mass., reports that Furtado allegedly tried to strangle a man Dec. 28 in Taunton. The other outstanding warrants charge Furtado with assault to commit a felony, threats, and a Brockton police warrant charging him with driving while his license was suspended, failing to stop for police and speeding, the newspaper reports. Rehoboth police joined state police, K-9 units and a helicopter to assist in the search. Rehoboth patrolman Thomas Ranley spotted Furtado as he left the woods on Reservoir Avenue and arrested him without incident. Furtado was turned over to the state police. -- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:19 PM | Comment Traffic alert: Road work on Route 295 in CumberlandRoad work has shut down several lanes of Route 295 in Cumberland. Bridge maintenance on 295 at Exit 10/Route 122, is blocking the two right lanes on the southbound side of the Interstate. Work is expected to clear at about 2:30 p.m. today.
Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:25 AM | Comment This time, CCRI's Lincoln campus is closedFor the second day in a row, a Community College of Rhode Island campus is closed. This time it's the Lincoln campus, which is closed because of a plumbing problem. CCRI is on break, but students have been visiting the campuses to register for classes and conduct other business. Yesterday, an electrical problem shut down the school's Warwick campus. The Warwick campus has re-opened, according to spokeswoman Kristen Cyr, and the Providence and Newport campuses are also up and running. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:57 AM | Comment North Providence man to receive Purple HeartA North Providence Army veteran will be awarded several commendations today, including a Purple Heart Medal, for his service more than 50 years ago. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed will present the Purple Heart Medal to Peter A. Soscia, a veteran of the Korean War, this afternoon. According to the citation, Soscia was wounded in action in May 1951 while serving with the the Army’s 89th Medium Tank BN, 25th Division, Korea. He will also be awarded a Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with one Silver Star Device; United Nations Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; and the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp. Reed, a member of the Armed Services Committee, will present the Medals to Soscia at 1:30 p.m. ceremony at his office, 1000 Chapel View Blvd. in Cranston. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:42 AM | Comment Talbots to close some kids', men's stores, restructureTalbots Inc., the retailer with several stores in Rhode Island, said this morning it will close 78 of its kids' and mens' stores by September, eliminating 800 jobs. Talbots, which has 1,000 stores nationwide, did not dislcose which stores would close. The stores in Rhode Island, in Barrington, Providence and Cranston, are general merchandise Talbots stores, and not the speciality men's and children's units that Talbots runs. The company said it is restructuring to focus more on its core customer — women who are 35 years old or older, and also said its fourth-quarter sales so far were trending lower for both its Talbots and J.Jill brands. -- Journal Business Editor John Kostrzewa Posted by Jack Perry at 9:40 AM | Comment Fired Mass. medical examiner sues Bay StateBOSTON -- The state’s former chief medical examiner has filed a lawsuit, claiming Governor Deval Patrick had no grounds to dismiss him after a report that said the ME’s office was on “the verge of collapse.” Doctor Mark Flomenbaum was placed on administrative leave last May after it was revealed that the medical examiner had lost track of a body that later was found buried in the wrong grave. He was fired in August after the scathing 36-page report that said the office could only be righted under new leadership. Flomenbaum says he was hired in January 2005 to turn around the long-troubled office and was in the process of implementing some changes recommended in the report. The lawsuit was filed in Suffolk Superior Court, but the Supreme Judicial Court has agreed to hear arguments on it because of important legal questions raised by the dispute. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:23 AM | Comment Providence police investigate robbery, stabbing / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- Det. Joanne Paolino, with the Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, dusts to get fingerprints from a truck that was stolen this morning from behind a Stop & Shop store on Manton Avenue shortly after 7 a.m. The driver was stabbed. The truck was found by the police behind a strip mall at 550 Hartford Avenue. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:18 AM | Comment Street gang member set for sentencing todayA member of a violent street gang is set to be sentenced in federal court today for his part in a plot devised with a drug dealer to break into a drug supplier's house and rob him at gunpoint. The drug dealer was actually a federal agent, and Nheat Nhim, 21, of 329 Webster Ave., Cranston, was arrested with three others. Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Nhim and three others sold drugs to an undercover agent who said he wanted to try to "set up" a drug supplier. Nhim said he knew people who could pull off the home invasion; the group met on April 26 and were arrested in a parking lot in Cranston. Nhim pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime, and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In September 2001, Nihm, then 15, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for breaking into a house, tying the family with duct tape and setting the house on fire. He is scheduled for sentencing today by Judge William E. Smith at 3 p.m. in U.S. District Court. -- With Journal archive reports Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:29 AM | Comment Paint companies seek overturn of cleanup planPROVIDENCE -- Three former lead paint manufacturers are asking a judge to strike down a 2.4 billion dollar cleanup plan requested by the state. If the plan stands, Sherwin-Williams Company, NL Industries, Incorporated, and Millennium Holdings LLC would have to clean up roughly 240,000 homes believed to contain toxic lead paint. A Superior Court judge has scheduled a hearing in the case for today. The state won a landmark lawsuit last year against the companies, which were found liable for creating a public nuisance. But the companies say the cleanup plan has major legal problems and want it eliminated or altered. For example, the companies say they shouldn't be forced to clean up individual homes when the state presented no evidence at trial identifying which properties were contaminated. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment A cold start but warming upToday is forecast to be much warmer than yesterday, but that doesn't mean much. It's just about 9 degrees right now and the National Weather Service forecasts a high temperature near 34 degrees with partly sunny skies and a west wind up o 15 mph. More clouds should roll in tonight, and the temperature should drop to about 20 degrees. Tomorrow look for sunny skies and even warmer temperatures, reaching the mid 40s. Tomorrow night, more clouds and an overnight low near 29 degrees. Sunday the clouds return, but temperatures, again, should reach the mid-to-high 40s and an overnight low near 35. Next week looks nearly balmy as we return Monday with cloudy skies and a high temperature in the 50s. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of the Iowa caucuses and news that governor Carcieri's plan to layoff 1,000 state workers probably won't save as much money as the administration had estimated. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.
Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 3, 2008Tonight: 5 degrees, and now the meteors show upWe're talking a predicted low of 5 degrees tonight. So people really should stay inside. Which is too bad for stargazers, who have the chance of catching the optimum sight of a meteor shower tonight. Peak viewing time in the United States is 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. -- tonight into tomorrow -- when the Quadrantids shower is expected high in the northern hemisphere. The meteor shower's name, which may conjure a faux-science word from an abandoned script of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, came about because the meteors appear to come from abandoned constellation Quadrans Muralis, according to a summary on NASA's Web site. NASA's Web site, in a summary, also offers this advice: "To view the Quadrantids, dress warmly and find a dark area with a clear view of the sky. Use a tree or pole to block the light from the moon. "Look towards the north. While the Quadrantids can be seen anywhere in the sky, they will appear to be coming from the area between Draco, Hercules and Boötes. Estimates call for between 50 to 130 meteors per hour." For those living in these parts, dress warmly is the understatement of the year, and we're only on Jan. 3. NASA may not have had in mind cold of this kind, so stargazers will want to want to gaze from indoors, nursing a cup or three of cocoa. Things are expected to warm up, relatively speaking, over the next few days, to a balmy high of 51 degrees expected Monday. Tomorrow's temperature will shoot up ... to a high of 32 degrees and a low tomorrow night of 18 degrees, the latter a more than three-fold increase from tonight's low! Yeah, that's still too cold. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:05 PM | Comment Police probing harassment of Chief Esserman, familyPROVIDENCE -- City police acknowledged today they are investigating harassment of Police Chief Dean M. Esserman and his family and related “bilking” of area businesses. Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Kennedy acknowledged the investigation but would say nothing about the nature of the harassment, the identity of the businesses or how the businesses may have been taken advantage of. “We are conducting a criminal investigation into the harassment of the colonel and the colonel’s family, as well as the bilking of several businesses in the area” by an individual, Kennedy said. The alleged harassment began a week ago, he said. Esserman and his wife, the former Gilda Hernandez, who is a former detective in the New York City Transit Police, reside on the East Side with their two young children. They also have an older son who attends law school. “When we’re done (with the probe), then we’ll have more to say,” Kennedy said. Until then, he said, the police must “tread carefully” because the allegations are “serious.” Asked why the police are being so reticent, Kennedy replied, “I’m concerned about putting together a criminal case that will stick. … This investigation is far from being completed.” -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:34 PM | Comment Update: Teen shot in Providence critically hurt / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- An unidentified 18-year-old local man was shot and critically injured in South Providence this afternoon by a youth with whom he recently fought, the police said. A 16-year-old male suspect, also from Providence, was apprehended quickly and identified by a witness, said Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Kennedy. The suspect was being held for interrogation at police headquarters. “We believe the two had an altercation several days prior to this,” Kennedy said. The police are unsure what led up to the physical altercation, but Kennedy ruled out gang activity. The police withheld the names of both the alleged shooter and the victim. Officers were called to the vicinity of Yang’s, an Asian restaurant at 924 Broad St., at about 1:45 p.m., and they found the victim outside. He was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was undergoing surgery in the late afternoon, according to Kennedy. The shooting occurred, according to witnesses, when the suspect knocked on the window of Yang’s -- the 18-year-old was inside -- and gestured for the other young man to come outside. When he did, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot him, Kennedy said. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith At the scene the police obtained a description of the suspect and a possible first name, and a search ensued. Officers caught the suspect, who was familiar to them, in the vicinity of a house at 23 Rodman St., in South Providence. He was then brought to another location for what the police call “a show-up,” and Kennedy said a witness identified him as the shooter. Witnesses said the shooter had been toting his handgun in a beige bag, and the deputy chief said the weapon has not been recovered. Kennedy would not say how many times the victim was shot or where in his body he was shot. “We’re still questioning people” and want to withhold certain details to make sure witness accounts are not tainted by publicity, he said. The incident represents the second shooting of a person in 2008 in Rhode Island’s capital city. A man was wounded in the leg or legs in a previously undisclosed shooting on New Year’s Day, Kennedy acknowledged. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:34 PM | Comment Update: Power back on at CCRI Warwick campusPower is back on at Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus, and the campus will be open on a normal schedule tomorrow, said Kristen Cyr, a public relations officer for the college. The campus was closed today because of an electrical outage. A coil in the campus's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system froze and broke, creating a water problem that automatically shut down the electrical system. Employees should report to the campus tomorrow as normal. While students are on break, Cyr said some are coming to the campus for such things as registering for courses and paying bills. The operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:29 PM | Comment Judge wants show-cause hearing on B.I. marina appealIn what seems to be a positive development for Champlin’s Marina, Superior Court Judge Netti C. Vogel has directed lawyers litigating the Block Island marina’s controversial expansion plans to “show cause” why she should not grant an appeal of a state decision that denied its expansion. Vogel said the hearing would be held in light of a recent Supreme Court opinion that found another state agency, the state Department of Human Services, was not following state law in its conduct of administrative hearings. That decision established standards requiring that all evidence in a hearing must be on the record and available to all parties. Vogel said “undisputed evidence” shows that during the two years of hearings by the Coastal Resources Management Council for the Champlin’s case, council members communicated off the record with each other and with CRMC staff, particularly over an alternative, compromise expansion plan drawn up by CRMC staff. Lawyers in the case are expected to make their arguments to Vogel in two weeks. The Champlin’s case has been the biggest and most controversial issue heard by CRMC in a decade. -- Journal environment writer Peter B. Lord Posted by Andrea Panciera at 5:27 PM | Comment Judge orders Barrington teen held in Bristol park crashPROVIDENCE -- A clearly frustrated judge sent a Barrington teenager to the state Training School today until a hearing on Monday, noting the boy is charged with fleeing authorities at Colt State Park before slamming his car into a seawall and pinning a pedestrian. His arrest is the latest in what is becoming a pattern of alcohol-related incidents involving Barrington teenagers. Family Court Chief Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah Jr. said he believes in sending juveniles to the Training School for up to five days, pending a probable cause hearing, when they are accused of eluding police officers. “I believe in respecting authority,” he said. The attorney general’s office had recommended placing the teen on “strict home confinement” that would include “Robocuff,” a voice-recognition system which would place calls to his home to ensure he remains there. But Jeremiah accused state prosecutors of using a “double standard,” saying that a day earlier they had recommended holding another youth at the Training School in a recent unrelated case that did not involve injuries. William Devine, a lawyer representing the teenager, argued that the boy should not be held at the Training School, saying the teen has no prior record and a supportive family. Also, Devine said the police had released the boy and had not brought him into Family Court on an emergency petition. But Jeremiah said, “Just because the police department is stupid, doesn’t mean I’m going to be stupid.” Family Court judges can hold juveniles at the Training School for up to five days if they conclude that they pose a danger to themselves or the community, and Jeremiah concluded this teen posed a danger to the community. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick PDF: Read a transcript of today’s Family Court proceeding / Editor’s note: The Journal has redacted the defendant’s name because he is a juvenile. As the boy’s parents looked, the boy was handcuffed behind his back and led from the courtroom. After the hearing, another lawyer representing the teen, Mark W. Dana, said, “The family remains concerned about the alleged victim’s well-being.” The 17-year-old, who has not been identified by authorities, is accused of fleeing when a Department of Environmental Management officer approached his car at Colt State Park in Bristol on Saturday, Dec. 30, at about 8:15 p.m., when the park was closed. The teen drove over the grass and slammed into a seawall along Poppasquash Road, injuring a 51-year-old man who had been walking home, prosecutors said. The police said the youth, who was alone, failed a field sobriety test. Five full cans of beer and one empty beer can were recovered from the car, along with some marijuana. The boy is being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol; driving while intoxicated, bodily injury resulting; underage possession of alcohol; possession of marijuana, and driving while in possession of a controlled substance. Yesterday, Ryan Greenberg, of Barrington, pleaded not guilty to four charges, including second-degree murder, in the boating death of Patrick Murphy on the Barrington River July 17. His Superior Court arraignment came after a statewide grand jury indicted the 17-year-old, adding the murder charge to previous allegations of operating a boat to endanger, death resulting; underage possession of alcohol; and refusing to take a breath test after he failed a field sobriety test. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:34 PM | Comment Update: Outage closes CCRI's Warwick campusWARWICK -- Work is under way to repair an electrical outage that closed Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus today. A decision whether to open or close the campus tomorrow is expected within the next couple of hours, according Kristen Cyr, a public relations officer for the college. A coil in the campus's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system froze and broke, creating a water problem that automatically shut down the electrical system. To find out if the campus will re-open tomorrow, call the school's closure line: (401) 825-2344 or visit the school's Web site. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:23 PM | Comment Update: Teen shot in Providence / Photo
The shooting took place at about 1:40 this afternoon near Broad Street and Adelaide Avenue. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 4:07 PM | Comment Traffic: Right lane of Rte. 6 west blocked at Troy St.PROVIDENCE -- An accident is blocking the right lane on Route 6 west at Troy Street in Providence, the state Transportation Management Center advised shortly after 3:30 p.m. Check for updates at the TMC's Web site. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:38 PM | Comment Bill Belichick is NFL Coach of the YearJan. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots was named the National Football League's Coach of the Year after leading his team to an undefeated regular season. The Patriots were 16-0, making Belichick the first coach to lead his team through the season without a loss since Don Shula did it with Miami in 1972. The perfect record earned the Patriots' coach 29 of the 50 votes from a nationwide media panel in balloting conducted by the Associated Press. The season started with the NFL fining Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000 plus the loss of a first-round pick in this year's draft after the team was caught videotaping New York Jets coaches on the sidelines Sept. 9. Green Bay's Mike McCarthy was second in the balloting, receiving 15 votes for leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and the National Football Conference North Division title. Dallas' Wade Phillips and Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio each received two votes, while Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden got one apiece. Belichick won the award in 2003 after leading New England to a 14-2 regular-season record, winning its final 12 games before claiming the second of three Super Bowl titles. Posted by Mike McDermott at 2:53 PM | Comment Reporter's query: Do you work more than one job?For a story on people who hold multiple jobs, ProJo Jobs writer Andy Smith would like to hear from people who have two, three or even more jobs. You can reach him at 401-277-7485 or asmith@projo.com. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 1:46 PM | Comment Bill would allow lt. governor to fill in if governor is awayA bill introduced in the General Assembly by Democratic lawmakers would ask voters to amend the state constitution to let the lieutenant governor fill in for the governor when the governor is away. The proposed legislation comes in the aftermath of storm-induced traffic that paralyzed the state several weeks ago while Governor Carcieri was in the Middle East and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts was in the state. The Journal has reported that Roberts received praise and criticism for attempting but failing to take charge while the governor was out of the country. "In case of vacancy in the office of governor or of the governor's inability to serve, impeachment, or absence from the state, the lieutenant governor shall fill the office of governor, and exercise the powers and authority appertaining thereto, until a governor is qualified to act, or until the office is filled at the next election," the legislation in part reads. The bill also states that if the governor and lieutenant governor are vacant for various reasons -- from an absence to a death, to impeachment or resignation -- the speaker of the house would fill in for the governor's duties. Currently, the lieutenant governor assumes power only if the governor dies, resigns, is impeached or becomes incapacitated. The bill, introduced yesterday, has been referred to the House Separation of Powers Committee. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and the Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:15 PM | Comment KB Toys closing R.I. storesKB Toys is closing its three stores in Rhode Island, which are located at the Garden City Shopping Center in Cranston, Providence Place Mall in Providence and Narragansett Park Plaza in Rumford. The stores are running sales and employees say they will shut their doors by the end of January. Read more in projo.com's Biz Blog. Posted by Jack Perry at 1:02 PM | Comment Providence Place IMAX sale announcedNational Amusements Inc., based in Dedham, Mass., has formally announced its acquisition of the Feinstein IMAX Theatre at the Providence Place Mall. The Providence Journal reported the sale in the Biz Blog yesterday and in today's paper. In a statement released today by National Amusements, the privately held company said it was an "opportune time" for the purchase "since the movie industry is offering more and more large format film options for moviegoers to enjoy." -- Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 12:50 PM | Comment Coast Guard: Conditions ripe for capsizings/ Photo
The Coast Guard is warning mariners that the low temperatures put boats at increased risk for capsizing as ice built up above a boat’s water line moves its center of gravity. Cutters are patrolling the state’s harbors and are on call, ready to respond to calls within two hours of notification, according to a statement released by the Coast Guard today. “Our apprehension level is higher at this time of year," Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Johnson, a search and rescue coordinator, said in the statement. "We're much more aggressive with our response when the possibility of icing conditions is present.” The Coast Guard makes several recommendations to boaters looking to minimize ice build up: • Maintain radio communication with other vessels and shore regularly What's in store for mariners? Get the latest marine forecast. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:34 PM | Comment House panel, GOP caucus to focus on cost-cuttingPROVIDENCE -- The Democrat-led House Finance Committee meets at 2 p.m. today on Republican Governor Carcieri's layoff proposals, on the third day of a legislative session that leading lawmakers say will be consumed with shoring up a gaping budget hole. The committee is scheduled to meet in Room 35 at the State House. The hearing will be broadcast live on Capitol TV -- Channel 15 for Cox Cable and Full Channel viewers and Channel 34 for Verizon subscribers. Meanwhile, the House Republican caucus will hold a 3:30 p.m. news conference to outline a six-point plan they say aims to reduce spending. According to Joe Kasegian, a publicist for the House Republican caucus, included in the proposal are 10 percent cuts in the fiscal 2009 budget for all departments, 5 percent cuts in the current year for all departments, fully carrying out the separation of powers, finding "real property tax relief," freeing schools from unfunded mandates, and having all state lawmakers pay 10 percent of their healthcare costs. Your Turn: How would you solve the state's budget problems? -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:21 PM | Comment Electrical outage closes CCRI's Warwick campusThe Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus is closed today, according to a report on its Web site. An electrical outage is to blame. To find out if the campus will re-open tomorrow, call the school's closure line: 401-825-2344 or visit the school's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 12:11 PM | Comment Bristol woman accused of hosting teen drinking partyBRISTOL -- A 47-year-old woman has been charged under the state’s social host law after being accused of holding an underage drinking party at her home on New Year’s Eve at which she allegedly poured drinks for some of the minors who attended. Jessica Thomas, of 5 Easterbrooks Ave., faces a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in prison if convicted of the misdemeanor charge of allowing minors to drink in her house. She is set to be arraigned in District Court, Providence, Jan. 9. Twenty-two juveniles between the ages of 14 and 18 attended the party at which police found three pipes used to smoke marijuana and a variety of alcohol, including eight bottles of liquor, a bottle of wine, 48 unopened cans of beer and 30 empty beer cans and bottles, according to Lt. Nick Guercia. Police responded to her Cape Cod-style house at 9:30 p.m. after receiving an anonymous phone call about a loud party in the area, Guercia said. Juveniles were coming and going through the front door when the police arrived. Immediately after entering the house, the officers smelled marijuana. They found Thomas in the kitchen with about half-dozen teenagers. Most of the other partygoers were in the basement. Thomas’s teenage son was at the party, and Guercia said it appeared to be a New Year’s celebration. -- Journal staff writer Alex Kuffner Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:59 AM | Comment College hoops chat today at noonProvidence Journal sportswriter Kevin McNamara, in Milwaukee for tonight's Providence College-Marquette men's basketball game, will answer questions from readers today at noon. Send in your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password), enter the college hoops chat room and begin typing. Remember not to hit enter or click send until you have finished your thought; questions will display as Kevin answers them at noon. A transcript will be posted later on the PC sports page. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:27 AM | Comment Black Rep. shuts doors temporarilyThe Providence Black Repertory Company hopes to reopen within a week after part of the ceiling collapsed above the company's Xxodus Café. According to a statement, a layer of sheet rock and attached duct work fell last Thursday, damaging equipment and part of the stage and forcing the theater to close for repairs, cleanup and safety inspections. “Rest assured that we take the safety of our patrons very seriously,” Donald King, the artistic, executive director said in a statement, “and this incident in no way reflects negligence on our part.” King says the theater says is working with insurance agents, structural engineers and contractors to get the theater reopened and ensure that the building is safe and adheres to code. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:06 AM | Comment Boat show sails into ProvidenceThe Providence Boat show begins at noon today and continues through Sunday at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The event involves 220 exhibitors and 300 boats in a 140,000-square foot exhibition space. There will also be vendors selling boating accessories. In addition, there will be daily demonstrations and seminars: from bass fishing to using ethanol in marine motors. Tickets are $12 ($10 online, www.providenceboatshow.com) and free for those younger than 12. For more information, call (401) 846-1115. Read more from today's Lifebeat section. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:48 AM | Comment AAA keeps busy helping drivers start cars in the coldIf your car “almost” didn’t start, or you needed a jump to get going this morning, you’re not alone. Temperatures were in the single digits for the first time this winter, and AAA is averaging about 900 calls per hour this morning. Think of it as a chance to identify the weak batteries before they’re dead. “If your battery barely made it today, or we had to come get you started, it’s a good time to make sure that that battery is strong enough to make it through the winter,” David Raposa, spokesman for AAA said this morning. Make sure your dead batteries are disposed of properly – i.e. not in the trash can. The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation in Johnston takes the batteries for a $6 fee. Or better yet, take dead batteries to a scrap yard to be recycled – and make a few dollars. Another tip: “There is always that great benefit of slowing down in any adverse condition.” Intersections can be especially troublesome in the winter, according to Raposa. Roads are most slippery just when ice begins to melt, he said. The constant heat from idling cars ensures that icy intersections are among the more slippery spots on local roads. So keep an eye open at stop signs, as well as shady areas that don’t look like they get a lot of sun. “People need to be cognizant,” Raposa said, “That snow covered roads are not the only winter conditions they’ll need to react to.” -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:39 AM | Comment Photo: A cold wait at the bus stop
Posted by Jack Perry at 9:08 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Third accident on 95If you take Route 95 through the city, you may want to look for an alternate route this morning. A third accident has shut down the left lane on Route 95 southbound at Exit 23/Route 146 North/Charles Street. To see how traffic is shaping up, see the Transportation Management Center's traffic cameras online. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:42 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Second accident on Route 95Another accident on Route 95 is interfering with the morning commute. The left lane on 95 southbound at Exit 21/Atwells Ave. is closed after an accident just See traffic the latest conditions online on the Transportation Management Center's traffic cameras. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:28 AM | Comment General Assembly, day threePROVIDENCE – It’s day three for state legislators, and on the calendar for today is a resolution to create a commission to review a proposal. That proposal, however, is one that could bring two-thirds of the state’s hospital services under the control of one $2 billion corporation: a merger of Lifespan and Care New England. Read the resolution in .pdf format. Today, the House Finance Committee is expected to focus on the governor's layoff proposal in a session predicted to be consumed with a mounting budget deficit. To peruse the legislature's activity, check out this link, and check the committee calendars here. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:13 AM | Comment Traffic AlertA stopped garbage truck on Route 95 northbound has traffic slowed to a crawl. The truck has broken down at Exit 22B/US West toward Route 10/Hartford Conn, has For up-to-date traffic information, visit the Transportation Management Center's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:21 AM | Comment Rhode Island joins states' suit on greenhouse gas limitsPROVIDENCE -- California and other states, including Rhode Island, are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for denying the Golden State's first-in-the-nation greenhouse gas limits on cars, trucks and SUVs. The lawsuit challenges the Bush administration's conclusion that states have no business setting emission standards. Rhode Island and eleven other states have adopted California's standards. A spokesman for Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch says he plans to join the lawsuit because California's proposed rule are critical to curbing pollution. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson previously denied a request from California to enforce the rules, saying it would result in a patchwork of state regulations. -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:02 AM | Comment Bundle up, it's cold outsideIt may feel like record-breaking cold, but, believe it or not, it isn't. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature in the mid teens, but with wind chill, it should feel more like 9 degrees below zero. On this day in 1981, however, the high temperature was just 1 measly degree. So it could be worse. Winds from the north are gusting as high as 28 mph., causing the biting, below-zero feeling, but clear skies will at least keep it sunny. Tonight the temperature drops to about 6 degrees, as the winds shift from north to southwest at about 7 mph. More sun tomorrow with a high temperature in the mid 30s and winds gusting as high as 22 mph. For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story reporting that many Rhode Island high schools are struggling to meet state standards. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment January 2, 2008Rescue heads to report of pedestrian hit in ProvidencePROVIDENCE -- Rescue personnel have gone to Webster Avenue at Plainfield Street for a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The call came in at 6:21 p.m. No other information was yet available.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:48 PM | Comment Tonight: Kwanzaa celebration, acoustic rock and swingA Kwanzaa celebration is at 7 p.m. at St. Michael Church, 239 Oxford St., Providence. The celebration is sponsored by the church and the Catholic diocese’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry. There will be music by the Diocesan Gospel Choir. Refreshments will be served. In the clubs this evening, there is The Acoustic Outlaws, who play acoustic rock, at Olives, 108 North Main St., Providence, from 10 p.m to 1 a.m. and there is Loaded Dice and DJ Swing Daddy playing swing at the C.V. Club, 329 Grosvenor Ave., East Providence. The swing swings from 7 to 11 p.m and there is a dance lesson at 7:15 pm. Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:40 PM | Comment Robber in sunglasses, hood hits Cranston bank / Photo
Photo released by Cranston police
Police are investigating the robbery which occurred at about 2:45 p.m. According to Lt. Robert Quirk, the man did not show a weapon but demanded money from a teller. Police are not releasing the details of exactly what was said because of the pending investigation. Quirk said the man was being in his late 20s, stocky and with a ruddy complexion and had disguised his identity with a black wig, gray hat and sunglasses. He was wearing dark sweatpants and a blue hooded sweatshirt. After being handed a pouch with cash in it, the man was seen fleeing southbound through the bank parking lot. Police have released photos of the man captured by the bank’s security cameras and are asking anyone with any information to contact the detectives division at 477-5142 or 477-5000. -- Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:34 PM | Comment High court announces lead-paint appeals scheduleThe state Supreme Court announced today it has scheduled oral arguments for May 15 in the various appeals stemming from the landmark lower-court decision that went against several companies that used to manufacture lead paint -- and the state's appeal of one company not being found responsible. The high court announced the schedule of various tracks under which the appeal will be heard. For tracks one, two and four -- liability, damages and contempt, respectively -- opening briefs and supporting information are due Jan. 31.Responsive briefs and supporting information are due March 17. Reply briefs are due April 16. For track three -- the state's appeal of a verdict that did not fing against another paint company, ARCO -- the paintiff's opening brief is due Jan. 31. ARCO's responsive brief/opening brief as cross-appellant is due March 17. The plaintiff's reply brief as appellant and its responsive brief as cross appellee are due April 16. ARCO's reply brief as cross appellant is due May 1.
Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:12 PM | Comment Update: 3 people lose home in Woonsocket fire / Photo
State and local fire marshals were on the scene this evening still trying to determine the cause of the 11:30 a.m. fire at 76 Larch St. Finlay said investigators were initially puzzled by the fire because the house had a conventional oil furnace for heat and the residents had not been using alternative heat sources, such as propane heaters, which are often the cause of house fires this time of year. “We don’t have a specific cause yet,” Finlay said. “We’re still trying to nail it down.” The Red Cross was helping the three residents find shelter and food, he said. Only one person was home when the fire was reported at around 11:30 a.m. and got out safely, Finlay said. When firefighters arrived the saw “a large volume of fire and a large volume of smoke,” he said. The fire was brought under control about a half hour later. Though the blaze was brought under control without any serious injury or incident, he said it took firefighters several hours more to be sure it was out. The two-story house is an old one that has been added on several times over the decades. It has many partitioned rooms with voids and spaces between walls that gave the fire places where it could still travel. -- Journal staff writer John Hill Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:00 PM | Comment Traffic: Rte. 95S right shoulder at Exit 20 closedPROVIDENCE -- An accident has closed the right shoulder on Route 95 south in the area of exit 20, the split for Route 195 east, the state Transportation Management Center advised at 4:45 p.m. Check here for updates from the TMC. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:51 PM | Comment R.I. dance instructor charged in rape of 15-year-oldA Rhode Island dance instructor was arrested at his home in Massachusetts last weekend and charged with raping a 15-year-old girl, authorities said today. The instructor, Keith L. Sampson, 29, who had worked at Denise's Dance Studio in Johnston, was arrested soon after the police went to his home in South Easton, Mass., and found the alleged victim, said Easton Deputy Police Chief Allen R. Krajcik. The girl, a student from a dance school in Rhode Island, was taken to Brockton Hospital where she was treated and later released, according to Krajcik. Krajcik said he was unable to specify the name of the particular Rhode Island dance school where the victim had been a student. Sampson has worked at Denise’s Dance Studio at 80 Greenville Ave. in Johnston. According to the police, Sampson brought the girl to his home at 34 Pinebrook Lane, in South Easton, gave her alcohol and then sexually assaulted her. The girl sent a text message to a friend in Rhode Island who reported the incident to Warwick police, Sampson said. Easton police received word around 2:30 a.m. Saturday and immediately sent several officers to Sampson’s home, he said. Sampson was also charged with drugging an individual for the purpose of sexual intercourse. The dance studio’s owner, Denise DiPippo, told Channel 12 that she was shocked to learn of Sampson’s involvement in the case. “I’m a very concerned mom,” she said in a report posted on station’s Web site. “I teach each student like a mom would teach their own. Thirty years I’ve been in the business and this never happened to me. He fooled everyone. All the kids loved him and he turned out to be something he wasn’t. He put a false picture out to all these children. I hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else. I don’t ever want to see him again.” Sampson was arraigned in Taunton District Court and held on $50,000 bail, Krajcik said. -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 4:50 PM | Comment Update: Fire strikes six-apartment house in Providence
It was not yet known how many people were in the 30 Pembroke Ave. building at the time of the fire, but no one was injured. "I was so scared," said Anna Aguirre, 44, who lives in the building. Aguirre said she got home from her work at AIDS Care Ocean State to find smoke and fire. She called 911 on her cell phone and started screaming at people to get out of the building. She ran to the window of her apartment, knocking on it to tell her 15-year-old son Juan to get out. She could see an interior flashing alarm light from outside but said people seemed slow to come out. The fire, which went to two alarms after the call came in at 3:22 p.m., began in the basement of the wood-frame with brick veneer building and shot to the roof, according to Assistant Fire Chief J. Curtis Varone. There was considerable smoke and water damage throughout, rendering the building uninhabitable. One occupant told the fire department deputy assistant chief that he thought it was a false alarm because there had been a false alarm recently. The Red Cross's Rhode Island chapter is helping the people who lived in the building with shelter, food and clothing. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:47 PM | Comment Mass., R.I. have new way to track mortgage brokersWASHINGTON -- Seven states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, today launched a standardized and mandatory process to more thoroughly license and track tens of thousands of mortgage brokers. The effort could be expanded upon by Congressional Democrats, who are expected in 2008 to continue pushing for tighter national standards. Mortgage brokers have come under scrutiny over the past year as home loan defaults grew and housing market troubles worsened. Experts say loose licensing standards made it easy for shady operators -- even those with criminal records -- to work in the business. While mortgage regulations vary dramatically from one state to another, the new system creates a uniform application for mortgage brokers and a database that banking regulators, and eventually consumers, can use to track down brokers who try to work in one state after being banned from another. Consumers should have access by next year. In addition to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the initial states participating are Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and New York. In total, 42 state agencies -- including those in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico -- have committed to joining by the end of 2009, -- The Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:44 PM | Comment National Amusements buys Providence Place IMAX
The deal closed on Monday, according to Stephen Romanello, the theater's former director. The ownership change is expected to be announced tomorrow. Spokesmen for both companies declined to comment today. In an e-mail, Sarah Gormley, a spokeswoman for IMAX Corp., headquartered in Toronto and New York City, said the company would not say what it was paid for the theater. IMAX, a large-format film company, offers giant screens and 3-D experiences to movie goers. It designs and operates IMAX theatres and manufactures cameras and projectors. National National Amusements, the parent company of Viacom and CBS Corporation, also owns IMAX theaters in California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Buenos Aires. IMAX operates more than 300 IMAX theatres in 40 countries. Half of those theaters are in movie houses, the rest are in museums, science centers and other educational facilities, according to the company. The Feinstein IMAX Theatre is now playing "Sea Monsters 3D," "Beowulf" and "The Polar Express." Posted by Benjamin N. Gedan at 4:39 PM | Comment Ethics panel votes to prosecute Ciccone on 2 chargesPROVIDENCE -- The Ethics Commission voted today to prosecute state Sen. and union official Frank A. Ciccone III on two charges but dropped five other charges that his votes in the General Assembly amounted to an ethics violation because they benefited unions he works for. The decision means that in at least some circumstances, union officials can support legislation that benefits their unions. But commission Chairman James Lynch Sr. said that "this is not a blanket endorsement," and that the commission will deal with future cases one at a time. The charges the commission voted to prosecute relate to Ciccone's failure to publicly disclose his income from the Rhode Island Laborers' District Council of the Laborers International Union of North America, where he is president and a field representative, and the union's Local Union 808, where he is business manager. The complaint also accused Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, of using his position on the Senate Government Oversight Committee to benefit his union by investigating GOP Governor Carcieri's administration's use of temporary employees to fill jobs that would otherwise go to union members. The commission's staff report said its investigation, including watching 25 hours of videotaped committee hearings, found no indication Ciccone was working to replace temporary workers with union members, and the commission dropped that charge, too. The main issue raised in the complaint, filed by the group Operation Clean Government, was a bill Ciccone sponsored, voted for in the Senate Labor Committee, and voted for again on the Senate floor. The bill, which was passed by the Senate but died in the House, would have reduced the amount unions would pay toward the costs of mediation in disputes involving public employee unions, including some that Ciccone represented. The commission ruled today that because the legislation would have affected more than 100 other bargaining units no differently than the nine Ciccone is involved with, his votes qualified for an exception that is part of the state Ethics Code. The commission has never said, and Lynch didn't say today, exactly how big a group of beneficiaries has to be to qualify for that exception. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:30 PM | Comment Providence firefighters at fire on Pembroke AvenuePROVIDENCE -- Firefighters and rescue personnel have gone to a two-alarm fire at 30 Pembroke Ave. The call came in at 3:31 p.m., said James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department. Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:14 PM | Comment Man agrees to plead to steroid charges in R.I.A Florida man has agreed to plead guilty in U.S. District Court, Providence, to selling kits over the Internet that make anabolic steroids injectable. Bryon Parker of Delray Beach allegedly grossed more than $900,000 in 2005 and 2006 by selling kits that convert anabolic steroids into an injectable type, federal authorities announced today. He sold the kits to people in Rhode Island and elsewhere. The criminal information was filed on Dec. 27 and Parker also agreed to plead guilty and to forfeit $250,000 that were proceeds of the sales, according to the announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente and Mark Dragonetti, resident agent in charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Parker, 32, ran a business named Research Services LLC in West Palm Beach, Fla., the U.S. Attorney's office said. Through the business he ran a Web site, “researchlabsupply.com,” where he advertised for sale paraphernalia to be used to turn anabolic steroids from powder to an injectable liquid. The kits he sold included materials such as cottonseed or sesame oil, Ethyl Oleate, benzyl alcohol, sterile syringe filters, and glass bottles. In 2005, according to the information, Research Services grossed $240,395. In 2006, gross sales reached $697,600. The information calls for forfeiting the $250,000 in proceeds and identifies $219,067 seized by federal agents from accounts that Parker held. In the plea agreement, Parker concedes the forfeiture. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:18 PM | Comment Ex-N. Kingstown manager named Cicilline's new top aidePROVIDENCE -- Richard Kerbel, longtime town manager in North Kingstown, has been tapped as Providence’s newest chief of administration, filling the vacancy created by the recent departure of John Simmons. Kerbel, 57, will take over as Mayor David N. Cicilline’s top aide immediately. Simmons left at the new year to head the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. Kerbel served as town manager in North Kingstown from 1993 to 2006, before leaving to serve a one-year stint as town manager in Coventry. He resigned abruptly from his Coventry position in August 2007 after butting heads with the Town Council over finances. He lives in North Kingstown. Kerbel, a native of Ardsley, N.Y., holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tufts University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado. After a stint as an engineer for Boulder County, Colo., he enrolled at Texas A & M University, where he earned an engineering doctorate focusing on public works management. Before serving as North Kingstown's manager, Kerbel served as manager of Fallsburg, N.Y., and assistant manager of Rochester, N.Y. -- Journal staff writer Daniel Barbarisi Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:51 PM | Comment Jury selection in smoke-shop case to begin Jan. 16Jury selection in the trial of the seven Narragansett Indians charged when state police raided a tribal smoke shop will begin Jan. 16, with the trial to start six days later in Providence County Superior Court, according to a defense lawyer. Jurors will tour the site of the roadside shop on tribal land on Route 2 in Charlestown at the trial’s outset. They will also see the American Legion building where state police staged the raid on July 14, 2003, said William P. Devereaux, who represents six of the Narragansetts. In addition, Devereaux said he will submit briefs by the week’s end asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider its Dec. 21 decision that Governor Carcieri will not have to take the stand at trial. The court found that the governor’s testimony was not relevant to the criminal cases because he was not on the scene when state police executed a court-issued search warrant on the smoke shop after the tribe began selling cigarettes without charging state taxes. The raid turned violent and Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other adult tribal members were arrested on a range of misdemeanor charges that include assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The Supreme Court’s decision overturns a ruling by Judge Susan E. McGuirl that the governor must testify about the orders he gave to state police leading up to the raid. The trial had been slated to begin Monday. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:30 PM | Comment Nominations sought to honor emergency helpersNominations are being sought for the 2008 Rhode Island’s Hope Award, which was created in 2005 in honor of The Station nightclub fire victims, survivors and family members, the governor's office said today. Nominations are being sought in two categories to recognize those who have acted above and beyond the call of duty during an emergency or tragedy. They are also open this year to Rhode Islanders who assisted in any tragedy or emergency situation, regardless of where the incident occurred. This year, two awards will be presented. One is for the Outstanding Responder in a Crisis Situation, to recognize a person who responded selflessly to help others. The second is for the Outstanding Support Toward Recovery, to recognize a person who provided outstanding support to victims of tragic events and who have helped them put perspective and meaning to tragedy. A nomination form can be found www.governor.ri.gov or call Governor Carcieri’s Community Relations office at 222-2389. Nominations can be faxed to 222-8094 or mailed to Office of the Governor, State House, Room 112, Providence, RI 02903. In past years, Governor Carcieri presented Rhode Island’s Anchor of Hope awards to James Paolucci, the owner of the Cowesett Inn in West Warwick; Victoria Potvin Eagan, the founder of the Station Family Fund; Cranston ARC employees Sam Martin, Le’Etta Jones, Johnson Omosefunmi, and Melissa Brousseau for their rescue efforts on behalf of a stranded motorists, and Friends Way Program Director Laurie Fitzgerald. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 1:17 PM | Comment Web links help constituents follow Assembly's workPROVIDENCE -- State lawmakers open day two of the legislative session later this afternoon, but the gavel falls simply to introduce bills this early in the session. Keep score of the House and Senate bill introductions on the General Assembly Web site. So far, among others, there's a House resolution calling for a special commission to examine the veterans home in Bristol and to come up with a plan to overhaul it. And there is an education bill named after the late Rep. Paul W. Crowley. Not to mention a resolution proclaiming the second Tuesday in January "professional pet-assisted therapy awareness day." Here is the House calendar for today -- one bill listed currently. Tomorrow, the House Finance Committee is expected to focus on the governor's layoff proposal -- though the online agenda at the moment lists a court procedures bill and no other activities -- in a legislative session predicted to be consumed with a mounting budget deficit. To scroll through the legislature's goings on, check out this link. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Steve Peoples of the Journal State House Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:49 PM | Comment N.H. police find former Warwick girl, 14The Nashua, N.H., police last night located a missing 14-year-old girl who had been staying at a Nashua shelter and who had lived in Warwick within the past year, the police said. Heather S. Holmgren had been staying with her mother and siblings at the shelter for about three weeks before she was last seen at about 4 p.m. Dec. 21 in Nashua. Today, the police said Heather had intentionally fled the shelter and had been staying with various acquaintances in the southern New Hampshire area. Heather was returned to her mother’s custody, the police said. Before coming to Nashua, Heather had lived in Plymouth, N.H., for several months, and she had lived on Post Road in Warwick within the past year, the police said. The girl had run away in the past, the police said. At midday yesterday, the police released a photograph of Heather, saying she might have traveled to Maine, New Jersey or Rhode Island. The police located Heather at 7 p.m. yesteday, but did not notify the Journal until today. -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:40 PM | Comment Firefighters at blaze in Woonsocket neighborhoodWOONSOCKET -- Firefighters are at the scene of a fire burning at 76 Larch St., in a mostly residential neighborhood. More details are not yet available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:56 AM | Comment Update: Teen pleads not guilty to boating-death charges
Photo/ Mary Murphy
Ryan Greenberg enters court for his arraignment. PROVIDENCE -- Ryan Greenberg, of Barrington, pleaded not guilty this morning to four charges, including second-degree murder, in the boating death of Patrick Murphy on the Barrington River last July. His brief Providence Superior Court arraignment came after a statewide grand jury handed up an indictment of the 17-year-old, adding the murder charge to previous allegations of operating a boat to endanger, death resulting; underage possession of alcohol; and refusing to take a breath test after he failed a field sobriety test. He was released on $100,000 personal recognizance, ordered to undergo random drug screening, banned from operating any watercraft, and prohibited from traveling outside Rhode Island or Massachusetts. He is due back in court on April 2 for a pre-trial hearing. Greenberg, who remained outside the courtroom until his name was called, said little during the arraignment before Special Magistrate Joseph Keough. Murphy's parents, John and Phoebe, watched the proceedings from the second row of Courtroom 9 and left immediately with Barrington police via a stairwell. -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Greenberg is one of the state's most high profile “gap kids.” Although he is 17, Greenberg was charged as an adult after the General Assembly, in an effort to save money, changed the rules that determine which cases are handled by Family Court. Despite reversing that decision after 131 days, youths such as Greenberg remain in the adult system. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:51 AM | Comment State investigates death of psychiatric hospital patientCRANSTON -- The state is investigating the death of a psychiatric patient at St. Joseph Hospital in Providence. The patient died from injuries sustained in a fall off some furniture on Dec. 24. The patient -- whose name has not been released -- was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and died two days later. The Rhode Island Department of Health said it has requested all of the patient's medical records, but it said that it has not gotten all of them from St. Joseph. A spokesman for the hospital says it reported the incident immediately to the proper agencies, including the Department of Health, and that it has launched an internal investigation. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:02 AM | Comment Lane on Route 195 closed for constructionOne lane of Route 195 will be closed until mid-afternoon today and again tomorrow for construction. The left lane of Route 195 eastbound from Exit 3/Gano Street to Exit 4/US44 East will close until 3 p.m. today and again from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. tomorrow during road construction. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:56 AM | Comment Parties to discuss delaying trial in smoke-shop caseLawyers in the Narragansett Indian smoke-shop case are scheduled to meet this morning to discuss a possible delay in the trial, according to the state Attorney General's office. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 7, but Michael Healey, spokesman for the attorney general's office, last week said lawyers for the seven tribal members accused of scuffling with the state police are expected to seek a postponement. Healey said the attorney general’s office might agree to a delay of a "week or two" but not "months and months." Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas and six other defendants are charged with misdemeanor crimes ranging from assault to disorderly conduct. They were arrested four years ago when the state police raided a tribal smoke shop that was not collecting state taxes. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:50 AM | Comment Providence men set for murder arriagnments todayTwo Providence men are scheduled to be arraigned today in the murder and attempted robbery of a Fall River man. Sylvester Moses, 20, and David Mello, 20, are accused of the Aug. 15 death of Marc Quintal, according to Michael Healey, spokesman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch. The police say Quintal was in Providence looking to buy drugs, but that Moses and Mello set him up to be robbed. Quintal was shot in the back, according to the police. Mello was arrested Aug. 24 in Providence, hiding under a bed. Moses turned himself in Aug. 30. Each man faces one count of first-degree robbery; conspiracy to commit robbery; discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, death resulting; using a firearm while committing a crime of violence; and using a firearm while committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence. Both men also face a charge of carrying a pistol without a license. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:04 AM | Comment Teen accused of setting off bomb outside Cape marketBARNSTABLE, Mass. -- A Cape Cod teenager faces charges after police say a homemade bomb went off outside a Barnstable supermarket. A second, unexploded device that was found in the Shaw's parking lot last night was disabled by the state police, according to the Cape Cod Times. No injuries were reported. Authorities described the bombs as soda bottles filled with a mixture of common household cleaning products that were purchased in the supermarket. Hyannis Fire Department Lieutenant Thomas Kenney says the devices were made using instructions that were found on the popular Web site YouTube. Eighteen-year-old Andrew Spalt was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of an explosive. He was due to be arraigned in Barnstable District Court today. The police say two of Spalt's companions were questioned, but not charged. Posted by Jack Perry at 7:11 AM | Comment Traffic Alert: Accident on Route 195Route 195 westbound is backed up from Route 95 after an accident at about 6:30 this morning. To check current traffic conditions, see the Transportation Management Center cameras. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Watch out for black ice, snow showers possible laterYesterday's rain mixed with last night's freezing temperatures means lots of black ice on roads and sidewalks. The state has issued an advisory warning of black ice on roads across the state. As the day goes on, we may see snow showers with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature near 32 degrees and winds from the northwest gusting as high as 28 mph. Another advisory for tonight when we can expect the temperature to drop to about 8 degrees and, wind chills, as cold as minus 10 degrees. North winds may gust as high as 32 mph. Expect the sun to return tomorrow, but temperatures to reach just 18 degrees during the day and wind chill values in the negative single digits with gusts as high as 30 mph. Check projo.com's closing/delays page to see which schools are giving parents extra time to get ready this morning. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features a story on the Rhode Island General Assembly's first session for 2008, New Year's Day, and the big issues facing it, a projected budget deficit of $150 million this year and $450 million next year. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006