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« February 26, 2008 | Today | February 28, 2008 » February 27, 2008Tonight: Magic Slim and the Teardrops play the bluesMagic Slim and the Teardrops bring the blues to Chan's in Woonsocket tonight. The band picked up an award in 2003 as Blues Band of the Year, The Journal's Seize Today listing says in the Lifebeat section. It's $15 for the 8 p.m. show, $10 for the 10 p.m. show or $18 to catch both shows. For more things to do, browse projo.com's calendar of events. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:00 PM | Comment Jury selection nearly complete in smoke-shop trialPROVIDENCE — Jury selection continued today in the trial of seven Narragansett Indians charged with resisting and fighting with the state police as they raided a tribal smoke shop in July 2003. Prosecutors and defense lawyers appeared to be nearing a complete jury in Providence County Superior Court, but Judge Susan E. McGuirl replaced several members of the 16-person panel this afternoon after they were challenged by attorneys involved in the case. A bank branch manager was released after she told the court she was concerned by TV footage that showed apparent excessive force by the state police and tribal members during the raid. A Central Falls man who said he had many close friends on that city’s police force was also released. Lawyers are quizzing each prospective juror about issues ranging from their position on the Narragansett Indian tribe’s casino quest to whether they could accept defense arguments that state troopers might lie under oath. The state police executed a search warrant on July 14, 2003, to stop the Narragansetts from selling tax-free cigarettes from the roadside store in Charlestown. The confrontation turned into a violent scuffling match. Seven adult tribal members, including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, are now on trial for misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, obstruction and assault. Prospective jurors will continue to be questioned tomorrow morning. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 5:55 PM | Comment EPA: Four R.I. companies paying penaltiesFour Rhode Island companies have been assessed $2,000 fines by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for not filing reports on chemicals present at their facilities. An EPA news release today said the local companies are Geib Refining Corp. in Warwick, National Chain Co. in Warwick, Technodic Inc. in Providence, and M. Weisman Roofing Co. in Warwick. They are among 11 New England companies that have been assessed fines. The EPA said it reached settlements with the companies after inspections found they failed to report as required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The hazardous chemical inventory reports give information on "nature, amount, location, and hazards of chemicals stored at the facility," the EPA statement said. “Chemical reporting is very important for the public-at-large, and it is essential for the safety of first responders if there is an accident at one of these facilities,” Robert Varney, EPA's New England administrator, said in the statement. “Regular reporting of hazardous chemicals helps first responders to protect themselves, and protect the public, if there is a fire or other dangerous event at a facility. Officials also use this information for disaster planning -- for example when simulating a response to a hurricane.” -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:45 PM | Comment State gives its OK to plans to improve Newport schoolsNEWPORT -- The state has given preliminary approval to plans to replace the city’s aged elementary schools with modern facilities, including the construction of one new elementary school at the site of Underwood School. The project, estimated to cost between $20 million and $24 million, would be eligible for 30 percent reimbursement from the state if given final approval. The ultimate approval, however, must come from city voters, who are expected to be presented a referendum in November. The School Committee spent several years holding public hearings and discussing what to do about its five antiquated elementary buildings before finally settling upon a plan late last year. The committee voted to build a new K-2 elementary school at the site of the Underwood School, send all students in grades three to six to what is now Thompson Middle School and use surplus space at Rogers High School to create a separate wing for seventh and eighth graders. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit The 5-2 vote allowed Supt. John Ambrogi to complete an application for Stage 1 preliminary approval for the project from the Department of Education. He received a letter last week from Carolyn Dias, director of finance and administration. She wrote that the department “recognizes the great need for facilities work in Newport. To that, we are both approving your Stage 1 application and encouraging you to begin work on the Stage 2 application as soon as possible. We will continue to work with you to the extent needed during the Stage 2 process with the goal of full Board of Regents approval of the project by late April or early May. "Approval by the Regents by May should allow Newport sufficient time to obtain General Assembly approval for enabling legislation in this session.” Ambrogi said it took longer than expected to receive the preliminary approval. But the news was welcome. “I was obviously pleased we would be able to move forward with the project. It is one of the most important things that will be faced by the voters in November in terms of making a determination as to whether or not they support quality education for students at a very reasonable price,” he said. “Now hopefully we’ll quickly get Stage 2 approval and we’ll be able to show that a new school construction program benefits everyone in the city, the students, first and foremost, but additionally the taxpayers. According to Ambrogi, the consolidation, from seven schools to three, would translate into $21 million in savings in personnel costs alone during the next 20 years, not to mention heating and other expenses. In addition, the four elementary schools that would no longer be needed could be sold by the city for an estimated $7.7 million, generating about $16 million in taxes for the city over the next years If the city were to continue relying on its old elementary schools, it would still be faced with costly renovations, he said. The timetable calls for the three schools to be fully realigned and renovated by the fall of 2011. The plan is not without its critics. At hearings, parents have criticized moving seventh and eighth graders to Rogers and realigning grades at Thompson, which was refurbished with the intention of housing students in grades 6 to 8. Some said that a K-2 school should be built not at Underwood, but at a more central location. Ambrogi said that the Stage 2 application will require the city to submit detailed plans to the state. It’s where the city would have to commit to a location and grade alignment. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:41 PM | Comment Update: Bush pays tribute to Sox -- again / Photo, video
The First Fan -- President Bush -- clearly in his element among owners and players of the Sox -- paid tribute to individual stars with several humorous jabs at them and at himself. Bush welcomed "Dice-K" -- Daisuke Matsuzaka -- and told the crowd, which included a large contingent of Japanase reporters, "His press corps is bigger than mine. We both have trouble answering questions in English." It was the team's second trip to the White House in recent years. Many of the players also attended a ceremony in the spring of 2005, months after the Sox won the 2004 World Series. The president also got a big laugh by noting the absence of Manny Ramirez and joking that the slugger's grandmother "must have died again." But as is his custom at these White House gatherings of champions from beyond the world of politics, Bush also made some serious points about the value of teamwork and diligent effort. He also noted that members of the Red Sox planned after the White House celebration to visit wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "Thank you for really honoring the true heroes of America," Bush told the players. As the ceremony wound down, a military band struck up "Sweet Caroline," the number traditionally played during the seventh-inning stretch at Fenway Park. And as the champions walked up the stairway to the Truman Balcony of the White House, a chant rose up from the crowd, "Let's go Red Sox!" Video: See a clip of the White House ceremony today. -- John Mulligan of the Journal Washington Bureau Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:10 PM | Comment Update: Candidate Obama to visit R.I. SaturdayPROVIDENCE -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will make a campaign stop in Rhode Island Saturday as the March 4 primary here and in three other states could prove crucial in picking the Democratic nominee. But exactly when and where are still to be determined, his campaign said at a news conference this afternoon. The venue is not yet confirmed, though the time is likely to be early afternoon. Such uncertainty in scheduling has been typical of campaign visits, as candidates shuffle their schedules from state to state. Former President Bill Clinton is coming to Rhode Island tomorrow to campaign on behalf of his wife, Obama's opponent for the nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton Obama's wife, Michele, visited last week, and Obama's opponent in the Democratic primary, Hillary Rodham Clinton, was here last weekend. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Jack Perry at 3:59 PM | Comment Live video: Red Sox welcomed at White HouseThe Red Sox are in Washington, D.C., where the team is scheduled to take part in a ceremony at the White House with President Bush, saluting the world champions. It will be the second trip to the White House in recent years. Many of the players also attended a ceremony in the spring of 2005, months after the Sox won the 2004 World Series. After leaving the White House, the Sox will travel to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where they will visit with some wounded soldiers and bring the World Series trophy. Francona recalled the team’s last visit to the hospital as emotional and inspiring. “It was humbling and an honor to be there,” said Francona. “I didn’t hear one person say, ‘Let’s go.’ Everybody wanted to stay and talk [to the patients].” Weather-permitting, projo.com plans to have a live video feed of the ceremony on the South Lawn today, when the MLB champion Red Sox meet President Bush. Video: See live coverage of the event. -- Journal staff writer Sean McAdam Posted by Jack Perry at 3:00 PM | Comment Conn. woman gets probation for groping SantaDANBURY -- A woman accused of groping Santa Claus at the Danbury Fair Mall won't have to serve any jail time if she stays out of trouble. Sandrama Lamy of Danbury has been sentenced under an accelerated rehabilitation program that will wipe her record clean if she completes two years of probation. Danbury Superior Court Judge Susan Reynolds has ordered the 33-year-old to stay away from the mall. In December, Lamy was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and breach of peace for allegedly touching Santa inappropriately while sitting on his lap. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 1:36 PM | Comment RIPTA routes to detour for Pawtucket St. Pat's paradeTwelve Pawtucket-based RIPTA bus routes will be detoured Saturday for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pawtucket, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority said today. The affected inbound and outbound trips are on these numbered routes: * 42: Hope Street Pick-ups and drop-offs for the routes will be at Navigant Credit Union at Goff and Dexter streets. The buses will not stop at Pawtucket Transit Center from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Customers may call 781-9400 for the detoured route or go to www.ripta.com. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:12 PM | Comment R.I. 11th graders earn low marks in math test scoresPROVIDENCE -- Just 22 percent of Rhode Island’s 11th graders scored proficient in math on the new standardized tests that more than 11,000 students took in October, the lowest rate of proficiency recorded in the past decade. Education officials say the depressing scores offer a far more accurate and honest measure of students’ math performance than previous tests. Even worse, the majority of students — 51 percent — missed proficiency by a wide margin and were classified as “significantly below proficient,” receiving the lowest possible score. Just 1 percent of juniors — 123 students — did well enough to be classified as “proficient with distinction.” Another 27 percent of students scored “partially proficient” on the test, which focuses on algebra and geometry skills. Some high schools, particularly in urban areas, reported proficiency rates as low as 3, 2, even 1 percent, a troubling indication of the low level of math instruction occurring in those schools and the weak preparation low-income and minority students receive in elementary and middle school to handle challenging math concepts. The dismal results were released by Governor Carcieri and education officials at an 11 a.m. press conference today at the State House. Read a press release from the Rhode Island Department of Education's Web site. See the scores for each school. -- Journal staff writer Jennifer Jordan Officials point to three main problems behind the scores on the new test. Too few students have access to rigorous algebra and geometry classes as freshmen and sophomores. Instead, thousands of students who struggle in math are channeled into “math to nowhere classes,” as one education official calls them. In addition, problems in math start well before high school, but are compounded as students fall farther behind and the classes get harder. Often, there are not enough supports for struggling students. Third, many districts do not have high quality math programs and teachers adequately prepared to teach them across all grade levels. This lack of expertise has been exposed through the test scores, said Peter McWalters, Rhode Island’s education commissioner. “We need to look at teacher prep programs at the local colleges and the level of professional development offered to veteran teachers,” McWalters said. Not surprisingly, students in wealthy suburbs received the highest scores. Even there, however, math scores were significantly lower than reading. At Barrington High School, just 63 percent of students scored proficient in math, compared with 90 percent proficient in English. At the next highest scoring school, East Greenwich High, just 54 percent scored proficient in math; 88 percent in reading. Last year, 43 percent of juniors statewide scored proficient in math on the old test, the New Standards Reference Exam. But that test included basic skills, giving students credit for easier concepts, said Mary Ann Snider, director of assessment for the state Education Department. The new test, which was developed in part by math teachers from Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, is considered harder, Snider said. But it was designed to assess students on “what they should be learning in ninth and tenth grades,” Snider said. New Hampshire and Vermont, which developed the “New England Common Assessment Program” tests with Rhode Island, also fared poorly in math, with less than 30 percent of students in those states scoring proficient on the math test. Both states have smaller concentrations of poverty and have fewer English language learners than Rhode Island, and students in New Hampshire and Vermont generally score higher than Rhode Island on other national tests, such as the SATs. Yet all three states saw grim results on the NECAP math test. “It’s an American phenomenon to say ‘I can’t do math.’ People in Europe and Asia don’t say that,” McWalters said. “This is different than the literacy issue because people think they should read. But not all people assume they should do math.” Students scored higher in reading, with 61 percent of Rhode Island’s juniors scoring proficient or better, and 37 percent proficient in writing. New Hampshire students scored 67 percent proficient in reading, 28 percent in math and 33 percent in writing. Vermont plans to release its results next month. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:30 AM | Comment Advocate wants protective orders for pets, spayingAn activist organization is set to speak on proposed legislation related to animal treatment at the State House today. Defenders of Animals, a Rhode Island organization that, according to its Web site, consists of Daniel Tabella and volunteers, is set to promote four bills: A bill to prohibit a person from keeping animals outside for more than a half hour when conditions go beyond conditions deemed safe by the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scale (.pdf) A bill that would issue protective orders against a person who has been found guilty of abusing an animal. A bill that gives a judge discretion to give jail time to people convicted of crimes related to animal fighting. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:03 AM | Comment Whitehouse to testify on vote caging prohibitionSen. Sheldon Whitehouse is scheduled to testify today in favor of legislation that would prohibit challenges to people’s right to vote based on a mailing address. The process in question, known as “vote caging,” is when mail that has been “returned to sender” is used as a way to question a person’s residency and, therefore, right to vote. The Caging Prohibition Act was introduced last November. It would prevent challenges to voter eligibility based only on these returned mail lists. Whitehouse sponsored the bill along with 13 co-sponsors. His testimony in front of the Committee on Rules and Administration will be available on the Committee's Web site. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:57 AM | Comment No injuries reported in East Providence fireEast Providence fire crews are on the scene of a fire. The fire is at 935 Broadway, a residential building, according to the East Providence fire chief. As of 10:25, he says the fire is under control, and so far, there are no reports of any injuries. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:45 AM | Comment Kennedy Townsend visits R.I. to rally 'Women for Hillary'Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and other women from around the state are meeting today as “Rhode Island Women for Hillary,” a group that aims to organize women supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s bid for the White House. Also involved are Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed, former Senate Republican leader Lila Sapinsley and Suzanne Magaziner, a Bristol resident. The women are meeting today at 1:30 p.m. at the 3 Steeple Street restaurant. Last week, Sen. Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama, visited Rhode Island to rally women and encourage support for her husband's candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. Last Wednesday, Mrs. Obama spoke to about 150 professional and politically active women at an invitation-only rally for Rhode Island Women for Obama at the Providence Biltmore. She later spoke before an estimated 2,200 people at a rally for her husband’s campaign at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Warwick campus. Some of Kennedy Townsend's relatives, including her uncle Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, and cousins U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy have thrown their support behind Obama. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:42 AM | Comment Boston gives reprieves to 57 bars without sprinklersBOSTON -- Dozens of bars and nightclubs in Boston are being given more time to comply with state regulations requiring fire sprinklers. The fire department had warned owners of these establishments in November that if they did not install sprinklers within two months, they would be shut down. But officials are now giving reprieves to 57 bars and nightclubs who they say are either in the process of installing the equipment or have shown a commitment to do so. The 2004 law requires that establishments with capacities of 100 or more people have automatic sprinkler systems. It was approved in the wake of the February 2003 Station nightclub fire in West Warwick that killed 100 people. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 8:42 AM | Comment Kennedy Plaza reimaginedKennedy Plaza can get pretty hectic – with the students, the workers, the buses, the cabs, not to mention the car traffic. Is there a way to improve that public space? A group of residents, public safety officials, representatives from other public and private sectors of the community are getting together today to discuss ways to improve the public space in and around Kennedy Plaza. The workshop is led by the Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit organization that has worked with communities around the world to transform public spaces. A statement from Mayor David Cicilline's office says some ideas that spring from the brainstorming session may be implemented as soon as this spring. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:31 AM | Comment Former Israeli ambassador to talk peaceThe former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. is scheduled to make a stop in Rhode Island today. Daniel Ayalon will speak at Roger Williams University about the prospects of resolving some of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Ayalon’s speech, “Prospects for Peace in the Middle East,” is part of the University’s Civil Discourse lecture series. “It’s imperative that our University’s students – and our nation’s future generation of leaders – appreciate the complex array of issues affecting the Middle East," Roger Williams President Roy J. Nirschel said in a statement. “We expect that discussing the prospects for peace will cultivate both understanding and hope.” The lecture begins at 5:30 tonight at the University’s Recreation Center Gym. It’s free and open to the public, but there are limited spaces available. To reserve a ticket, call 401-254-3067 Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 8:28 AM | Comment URI gets explosive recognition, grantThe University of Rhode Island has been named a leading authority on explosives. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the school a national Center for Excellence for Explosives Detection, Mitigation, and Response. With the designation -- shared with Northeastern University -- comes a grant worth millions of dollars over four to six years to manage research and certificate programs. “This grant from Homeland Security recognizes URI’s leading research and outreach in explosives, energetic materials and pyrotechnics,” URI Professor Jimmie Oxley said, “and its ability to partner with other institutions doing work in these areas,” While URI will head the education aspect of the new Center, Northeastern will be the research wing. “This is tremendous news for the University of Rhode Island, and for our entire state,” Rep. Jim Langevin said in a statement. Langevin chair’s Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. “The recognition of URI’s status as a premier education and research institution is well-deserved,” he said, “and this new Center of Excellence will be an asset to the whole country.” The Center will research and evaluate risks, costs and consequences of terrorism and develop tools and methods to protect against it – especially in airplane cargo security, baggage screening and passenger identification. The Center will be get about $4 million per year for four to six years -- up to $2 million will go to URI. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:52 AM | Comment Carcieri to announce high school test resultsPROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island will soon learn how its high school students fared on a statewide test of skills in mathematics, reading and writing. Gov. Carcieri was expected to announce the results of the New England Common Assessment Program test during a news conference today at the State House. The test was administered in New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island in October. Results for Rhode Island students in grades three through eight were announced earlier this month. -- The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 7:02 AM | Comment Chance of rain showers today and snow showers tonightThere's a chance of showers mainly before noon, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperature should be about 44 degrees in the Providence area with a west wind of 7 to 15 mph. There's a slight chance of snow showers tonight with the temperature dropping to about 21 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 story about last night's debate between the Democratic presidential candidates and a story about expected voter turnout in Rhode Island. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006