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« May 21, 2008 | Today | May 23, 2008 » May 22, 2008Tonight: How about taking on 'Taming of the Shrew'?Head over to the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket for a performance of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew at 8 tonight. The theater is at 172 Exchange St. Tickets are $20-$34. Call (401) 723-4266 or go to www.arttixri.com. Read a preview of the performance by The Journal's Channing Gray. Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials play blues at the Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, Mass. (508) 324-1926, www.ncfta.org. 8 pm. $18 advance; $20 day of show. For those who want to remember, well, Abba, catch a tribute to the late-70s soft rockers. Arrival, tribute to ABBA, is at Twin River, Event Center, 100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln. 331-2211, www.ticketmaster.com. 8 pm. $15.50-$25.50. Update for sports fans: The Red Sox have already played their game today, beating Kansas City, 11-8. But the Celtics are up tonight against Detroit, at 8:30 p.m. Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:01 PM | Comment Update: Contractor accused of hacking DOT computersPROVIDENCE -- The State Police today accused Shire Corp., a major contractor for the state Department of Transportation, of illegally rifling through the DOT's computer system to get confidential information about other contractors' projects. The police said in court filings that the information gave Shire a major advantage in dealing with the DOT, particularly in delaying projects to Shire's advantage. The state police searched the company's Cranston headquarters today. They said in court documents that Shire apparently gained accesss to sections of the computer system that were supposed to be accessible only to DOT employees by guessing DOT staff members "very simple" user names and passwords. The DOT uses the computer system to track all of its construction projects, but also lets contractors use it to monitor their own projects' change orders and payments, and to request information from DOT engineers about contract terms. The state police said DOT officials became suspicious when a Shire employee began making information requests that could only have been based on information that supposed to be inaccessible to Shire. The state police that the DOT computer system was "accessed unlawfully" as recently as May 9. Shire Corp., a construction company specializing in bridge work, has received tens of millions of dollars in contracts during the past several years. Those have included many of the DOT’s most troubled projects, suffering long delays and expensive disputes with the DOT that have been often settled in Shire’s favor. One of its current projects is the Barrington Bridge, which has taken so long to build that the DOT has had to repave the temporary bridge next to it twice. The bridge carries traffic on Route 114, a heavily traveled secondary road running up the east side of Narragansett Bay, across the Barrington River. That project is taking twice as long to build as it was supposed to, and it could cost more than twice as much as its $10.4 million bid price. With the project far behind schedule, the state paid Shire $5.3 million in September 2006 to settle the company’s claim that the DOT caused the delays. Extra: Find more details in the State Police request for a search warrant and accompanying affidavit. Read more about the State Police search of the contractor's offices this morning. -- Journal staff writer Bruce Landis Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:56 PM | Comment Convicted child murderer Bunnell denied new trialPROVIDENCE -- Convicted child murderer Katherine Bunnell was denied a new trial today by a judge who said it was Bunnell, not her co-defendant, Gilbert Delestre, who set off the spiral of violence that killed 3-year-old Thomas “T.J.” Wright. “She went ballistic. She started the whole engine rolling that night,” Judge Gilbert V. Indeglia said, referring to the night 3 1/2 years ago that T.J. was beaten to death. “Delestre didn’t need much encouragement. And he followed along,” acting in concert with Bunnell to kill the toddler, Indeglia said. Bunnell and Delestre, who is to be tried separately, now blame each other for the murder. Witness said Bunnell flew into a rage and she and Delestre took turns beating T.J. when they returned to their Woonsocket apartment from a night out on Oct. 30, 2004 and found a mess --some spilled milk and yogurt -- that the toddler had made on their living-room floor. Bunnell, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder and murder conspiracy Friday following a two-week trial before Indeglia in Superior Court. T.J., described as an energetic little boy with a sweet disposition, was one of three young nephews that Bunnell took in when her sister, Karen Wright, went to prison in 2004 in Illinois. Ruling on a defense motion for a new trial, Indeglia said he agreed with the jury’s verdict, which put credence in the testimony of Bunnell’s babysitter, Kayla Roderick, who said she saw Bunnell drop T.J., knock him down repeatedly, punch him on the back and chest, and slap him hard across the face. Indeglia dismissed Bunnell’s claim that she only slapped T.J. lightly and never saw Delestre hurl the 32-pound toddler across the room. -- Journal staff writer John Castellucci Bunnell was stopped twice for speeding the night of the murder –– the first time when she drove the babysitter home, the second time on her way back to the apartment. Both times, Bunnell “batted her eyelashes” and talked the police officers who stopped her out of giving her speeding tickets, Indeglia said. “She has the ability to charm,” the judge said, and has probably charmed herself into believing that she wasn’t responsible for the multiple blunt force trauma injuries that medical witnesses said caused T.J.’s death. Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:47 PM | Comment R.I. Philharmonic names new executive directorDavid Beauchesne, director of education and community partnerships for the Rhode Island Philharmonic, has been named the orchestra’s executive director. He takes over for David Wax, who was let go last fall for reasons that were not made public clear at the time. Beauchesne, who joined the orchestra two years ago, has had been in charge of the Philharmonic’s music school, which is slated to open a new multimillion-dollar facility in East Providence this fall. While the board said he was the obvious choice, trumpeter Joseph Foley, an ex-officio member of the orchestra’s board, expressed concerns to board members earlier this week, saying the search for a new director was not properly advertised and that Beauchesne lacks experience for the post. A survey of orchestra members also found reservations about Beauchesne’s appointment. -- Journal arts writer Channing Gray Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:45 PM | Comment Carcieri's 3 judge nominees win Senate confirmationPROVIDENCE -- The state Senate today confirmed Governor Carcieri's three nominees to the Superior, District and Family Courts. Carcieri nominated the judges on March 26, moving to fill a Superior Court seat left open more than a year ago and District and Family Court vacancies. Bennet R. Gallo, 63, of West Greenwich was confirmed as a Superior Court associate justice. Gallo is a lawyer practicing out of a Coventry office and a state Parole Board member who served as an assistant attorney general from 1973 to 1975. He will replace Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr., who retired in February 2007. Pamela Woodcock Pfeiffer, 46, of Bristol was confirmed as a District Court associate justice. She has been state Supreme Court Clerk since 2003 and was a special attorney general from 1997 to 2003. She is married to Superior Court Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer. She will replace Judge John McLoughlin, who retired in November. Debra E. DiSegna, 52, of Narragansett was confirmed as a Family Court associate justice. She has served as a Family Court magistrate since 1989 and was a special assistant attorney general from 1983 to 1987. She will replace Judge Pamela M. Mactaz, who retired in August. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:26 PM | Comment For slain firefighter, a line out the door at wake / Photo
Firefighters from Cranston, Providence, Bristol, Coventry and elsewhere have come to pay respects at the wake for Pagano, who the police allege was shot and killed Sunday by next-door neighbor Nicholas Gianquitti, 40. Gianquitti, a former Providence police officer, is now charged with murder. Pagano "was a great guy, the ultimate family guy," said James Moore, who retired as a Cranston deputy fire chief in 2002 and worked with Pagano at Station 3 for several years. At first there were two lines to get into Nardolillo Funeral Home, with firefighters in one and friends and family in another. Shortly before 5 p.m., about 100 people were waiting to go inside. The full Cranston command staff and the chief are inside with Pagano's family. An American flag flew at half-staff. His funeral will be held tomorrow, starting from the funeral home at 8:45 a.m. More about the services and an online guestbook. From The Journal: More about Pagano and the shooting. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:10 PM | Comment Update: Obama to fill in for Sen. Kennedy at graduationBOSTON -- U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy won't be able to deliver a commencement address to Wesleyan University graduates after being diagnosed with brain cancer, so Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will do so for him. Obama offered to stand in for him, and Kennedy had accepted. Late this afternoon, the university's Office of Public Affairs confirmed that Obama is scheduled to give the address Sunday. Kennedy, 76, had hoped to speak at the ceremony in Middletown, Conn., where his stepdaughter will be among the graduates. The commencement exercises also coincide with 25th reunion festivities for one of his sons, Edward Kennedy Jr. Obama said he and Kennedy had talked earlier in the week about Obama doing the speech. "Considering what he's done for me and for our country, there's nothing I wouldn't do for him," Obama said in a statement. "So I'm looking forward to standing in his place on Sunday even though I know I won't be able to fill his shoes." The scion of the Kennedy political clan, his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., and niece Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, have endorsed Obama for president. Kennedy was diagnosed this week with a malignant brain tumor, which was discovered after he had a seizure at his home last Saturday. He was released Wednesday from Massachusetts General Hospital and has been recovering from his biopsy at the Kennedy family compound on Cape Cod. Kennedy's spokeswoman, Stephanie Cutter, said Kennedy accepted Obama's offer to help "knowing it would be an historic opportunity for the school and all those attending," including his stepdaughter, Caroline Raclin, and his son. "He's enormously grateful to Senator Obama and the support he's received from all of his colleagues this last week," Cutter said. -- The Associated Press and projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:20 PM | Comment Update: State vendor info site taken offlinePROVIDENCE – All public bidding on state contracts has been postponed, and the state’s vendor-information Web page is “unavailable until further notice,’’ according to a posting on the state Division of Purchasing site. According to John Landers, the head of the state’s information technology division, “the vendor Web site was affected [Wednesday] yesterday by an unauthorized attempt to enter a state Web site from the Internet. In this particular type of attempt, an outside computer that has previously been compromised is used to attack other computers on the Internet. Thousands of such attacks have been occurring across the world in recent days.’’ In this particular instance, Landers said, “there is no indication that anyone using our Web site was redirected to another Web site. The user simply received a ‘page not found’ error. There is also no indication that any information was obtained.’’ But Landers said, the Web site was taken offline until it could be “hardened to assist further in protecting against this type of attack.’’ The notice on the state purchasing Web page currently reads: RHODE ISLAND VENDOR INFORMATION PROGRAM. PLEASE NOTE:THIS WEBSITE WILL BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. ALL PUBLIC BIDS ARE POSTPONED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. While Landers said the Web page would likely go back up tomorrow, neither he nor Lorraine Hynes, the acting director of state purchasing, responded to inquiries about how many public bids were cancelled or the nature of those delayed bids. Earlier today, they also would not answer questions about when the bidding had been suspended, and any possible connection between the cancellation and a May 13 memo that went out from Department of Administration Director Jerome Williams ordering state agencies to freeze non-essential spending. In a e-mail reply this afternoon to the question of whether the bidding had been suspended because of Williams' memo or whether there was any connection to it, Landers replied, "Absolutely not." -- Katherine Gregg and Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau The memo orders department directors to follow strict new guidelines for all spending – including new bids and requisitions - through the end of the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. Despite the passage of a budget-repair bill earlier this month, Williams wrote: “As you know the state is experiencing significant fiscal issues. Although the legislature has passed a 2008 supplemental budget, all agencies need to do everything possible to reduce expenditures.’’ Among the issues are $15 million in personnel savings the General Assembly booked based on the governor’s proposal to have all state employees take six unpaid days off before July 1 to save money. With the clock ticking, none of these so-called “furlough days’’ have happened. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 3:39 PM | Comment Patrick Kennedy issues statement about his fatherU.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, the Rhode Island Democrat whose father, Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, has been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, has released a statement today: “I have been overwhelmed by all the support and encouragement from people here at home and all around the country. It has helped lift my spirits to know you are rallying around my father as he gets ready to undertake this challenge. "Despite the current circumstances, my father’s spirits remain high, his laugh loud and his words comforting. Once again, he sets the tone for the fight ahead. I will support him in every possible way. "My father has always been a fighter and I know he will approach this challenge with the same tenacity and determination that defines his character. "I recognize that for right now the best thing for him is some rest and relaxation, in the place he loves, with Vicki by his side. When the time is right, I will rejoin them in Hyannis and offer him the love and support he needs to confront this latest challenge. Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:11 PM | Comment Helping to get around Downtown
-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:54 PM | Comment Photo: A close eye on a buckeye butterfly
Posted by Jack Perry at 2:30 PM | Comment DOT's Leonetti to replace Franklin as R.I. controllerPROVIDENCE -- The current controller for the state Department of Transporation will become the new controller for the state, a spokeswoman for the governor's office confirmed this afternoon. Marc A. Leonetti will replace Lawrence C. Franklin Jr., according to spokeswoman Barbara Trainor. Franklin, 57, is leaving his post at the end of June after 34 years of state service. While several issues contributed to his decision, Franklin acknowledged last month that the looming threat of benefit cuts for state retirees “weighed heavily on my decision.”
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:22 PM | Comment Update: Two shot on Chalkstone Ave.PROVIDENCE -- Police are investigating the shooting of two young males on Chalkstone Avenue early this afternoon. The victims were taken by a private car to Rhode Island Hospital, police said. Traffic on Chalkstone Avenue between Parkway and River Avenues is being blocked off and being detoured. Seven evidence markers have been put down to show the position of shell casings and other bits of evidence. Police were examining a parked car in parking lot between Harmony's Family Restaurant at- 907 Chalkstone and Nino's Barbershop. -- Journal staff writer Greg Smith Posted by Andrea Panciera at 2:20 PM | Comment Burrillville declares 'rabies watch'BURRILLVILLE -- After learning that a local horse had rabies, Burrillville authorities declared a “rabies watch” earlier today and strongly urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs, cats, livestock and other animals. The announcement follows the Rhode Island Department of Health’s determination that a horse had rabies when it was euthanized last week, according to a news release from a Burrillville animal control officer, Ronald Woods. Under state law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies and Woods recommends that pet owners ask for special booster vaccines to counter rabies. The state has recommended vaccinations for livestock as well. The rabies watch will be in place for six months, the news release says. “There will be no leniency offered to anyone in this area in violation of the leash law or harboring unvaccinated pets,” the release says. “Residents should keep all pets (including cats) inside or on a leash while outside.” -- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds The infected horse was euthanized last week, the release says. After testing the animal, the state health department notified the town of the rabies case on Friday, according to Woods. Now authorities are asking the public to avoid all contact with wildlife and stray animals, and to report any incident of potential rabies exposure, through Nov. 16. Reports of sick wildlife or stray animals should be made to the town’s animal control department at 568-9480, the release says. Any case involving a person being bitten or scratched by an animal should be reported to animal control and also to the state health department at 222-2577, the release says. Pets and other animals should not be left outside unattended. Pets should be fed indoors and garbage containers should be covered, according to Woods. “Any persons feeding stray and/or feral cats are legally responsible for ensuring these cats are vaccinated against rabies,” the release says. The town and Salmon River Veterinary Service have scheduled a rabies vaccination clinic for next Thursday. It will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30. at the Burrillville Animal Shelter, 131 Clear River Drive in Oakland. The cost will be $10 per vaccination. All dogs must be leashed and under the control of a responsible individual, the release says. Also, cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Pet owners are asked to bring any records of prior rabies vaccination. Posted by Jack Perry at 2:16 PM | Comment E. Providence man struck and killed crossing Route 95The state police are trying to determine what a man was doing last night before he was struck and killed by a car while crossing Route 95 in Providence. Police Lt. Steven Lefebvre said 36-year-old Peter Silva, of East Providence, did not come from a car that had, for example, broken down on the side of the highway. “He was a pedestrian,” Lefebvre said. Silva was pronounced dead on the scene –– Route 95 northbound near the Orms Street overpass –– when state and city police and city fire crews arrived, at about 9:40 p.m. last night. The driver, Daniel Brisson, 52 of Central Falls, told troopers that he was driving in the high-speed lane when he saw Silva approaching on foot from the middle lane. Brisson told police that he did not have time to brake and he tried to swerve left; he hit Silva with the front of his car. Silva went onto the hood of Brisson’s 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass and into the driver’s side of the windshield, Lefebvre said, ending up back on the road. Brisson stopped immediately, Lefebvre said, and was helped by a witness. Brisson called authorities, who pronounced Silva dead at the scene. Lefebvre said there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in this death; Brisson is not facing any charges. Police are still investigating, trying to determine where Silva was before he walked onto the highway, and where he was going. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:00 PM | Comment CVS Trial: Celona testimony concludes
Scott Corrigan, a lawyer for the defense, wrapped up his questioning at 11:30 a.m. with several questions about false statements that Celona provided to a federal prosecutor and FBI agent earlier this year. It was clear that Celona was uncomfortable with the line of questioning. "You told them that you couldn’t remember all the lies you told them, correct?" Corrigan said. "I don’t know if that was the terminology," Celona said. "Did you tell them that you didn’t want to lie to them about lying?" Corrigan asked. Mark Smith, a lawyer for Carlos R. Ortiz, was next. He spent an hour and 15 minutes cross-examining Celona about his cable television show and a meeting in the office of former CVS spokesman Todd Andrews in January 2001. Celona said that Ortiz called the meeting in Andrews’ office to discuss his $1,000-a-month consulting contract. Ortiz talked about coming up with an official title and duties for the former legislator, 11 months after he began his consulting job for CVS. Andrews is expected to be the government’s next witness when the trial resumes at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Extra: Our continuing report on this trial and Operation Dollar Bill Posted by maria caporizzo at 1:25 PM | Comment Roof fire at linen supply building in PawtucketPAWTUCKET -- Firefighters are working to put out a fire on the roof of the New England Linen Supply building at 20 Rhode Island Ave., according to fire dispatch. The building is just west of McCoy Stadium. More details were not available. Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:23 PM | Comment State police search contractor's Cranston headquarters
CRANSTON -- State police and federal highway authorities this morning executed a search warrant at the headquarters of Shire Corp., a major state contractor involved in the long-delayed Barrington Bridge and Point Street overpass projects. “We have a court-authorized search warrant for an ongoing investigation being conducted by the State Police Financial Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the federal highway Office of Inspector General,” state police Detective Lt. Brian K. Casilli said shortly before noon, standing outside the company’s headquarters at 7 Starline Way. When asked if the search had to do with the Barrington Bridge or Point Street overpass projects, Casilli said, “I can’t comment further at this time.” When asked if anything had been seized from the company, he said, “If we discover any evidence, we will seize what’s relevant.” Casilli said state police and federal highway authorities arrived at Shire Corp. at 9:30 this morning and planned to be at the building most of the day. When the Journal inquired about whether Shire Corp. had any comment, Providence lawyer Artin H. Coloian emerged from the building. “It’s too early to comment,” said Coloian. “From what I’ve seen preliminarily, it seems to be isolated and doesn’t affect the operation of the company.” Regarding the state police, Coloian said, “They have been afforded every courtesy.” -- Journal staff writers Edward Fitzpatrick and Bruce Landis The Shire Corp. headquarters are in a one-story building on a dead-end street off Plainfield Pike in Cranston, near the Johnston border. A storage facility is across the street, and a plaza is next door. Shire Corp., a construction company specializing in bridge work, is a major contractor for the state Department of Transportation that has received tens of millions of dollars in contracts during the past several years. Those have included many of the DOT’s most troubled projects, suffering long delays and expensive disputes with the DOT that have been often settled in Shire’s favor. That project is taking twice as long to build as it was supposed to, and it could cost more than twice as much as its $10.4 million bid price. With the project far behind schedule, the state paid Shire $5.3 million in September 2006 to settle the company’s claim that the DOT caused the delays. Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:40 PM | Comment CVS Trial: Celona consulted for many, filed few taxesThe government’s star witness in the CVS corruption trial admitted this morning that he lied to federal investigators and cheated on his taxes during the years he worked as a paid consultant for the Woonsocket-based drug-store giant.  Celona In two hours of cross examination, Scott Corrigan, a defense lawyer, introduced evidence that former state Sen. John H. Celona was paid $12,000 or more annually from several businesses. Celona consulted for New England Ambulance Service Inc.; Certified cleaning and Restoration; Intercity Maintenance; and Healthlink. The consulting agreements called for representatives from the four businesses to appear on Celona’s cable television program at least once a year. Corrigan produced documents that showed Healthlink paid Celona $17,000 in 2001 that he did not declare on his income taxes. Celona also admitted that he used money from his campaign fund for personal use and failed to disclose it on his tax returns. At one point during cross examination, Corrigan showed a copy of a letter from Celona to his accountant on a video screen. “May I ask how you got those?” Celona asked. Judge Mary M. Lisi snapped back –– “No, you may not.” -- Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski Extra: More on this trial and Operation Dollar Bill In 2005 Celona pleaded guilty to charges that he sold his public office to CVS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and Roger Williams Medical Center. As part of the agreement in which Celona agreet to cooperate with the authorities, he was promised that he would not be prosecuted for tax evasion. Celona’s cooperation resulted in a 12-month reduction in his prison sentence. He is serving a 2½ year term in a federal prison in Pennsylvania. Today is his fourth day of testimony in the trial of two CVS executives -- Carlos Ortiz and John R. "Jack" Kramer -- accused of bribing Celona and buying influence in the State House. Celona is expected to return to the witness stand after a short break. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:53 AM | Comment A $200,000-winning PowerBall ticket sold in TivertonA $200,000-winning PowerBall ticket was sold in Rhode Island for last night's drawing. The prize has not been claimed. The ticket was bought at Stateline Tobacco, 29 Stafford Road, Tiverton, and it matched the first five numbers but not the PowerBall number, a Rhode Island Lottery news release said. Last night's drawing was for $15 million. Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:46 AM | Comment R.I. Radio Hall of Fame inducts its first classNo school, Foster Glocester! Just kidding –– get to class! Thousands of former students spent winter mornings waiting to hear Walter “Salty” Brine utter those words. And the phrase is one of the reasons Brine has earned a spot in the newly created Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. The inaugural class of 2008 will also include Sherm Strickhauser; Charlie Jefferds; Paul Fuller and Al Matthews; Chris Clark; Arlene Violet, Gene DeGraide and Chuck Stevens. Read about them on the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame Web site. The induction ceremony is at 7 p.m. today at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. Tickets can be purchased by calling (401) 781-9199. They’re $50 and benefit A Wish Come True. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 11:42 AM | Comment Coast Guard: Second LNG appeal deniedThe Coast Guard yesterday denied an appeal filed by an energy company to its decision that a proposed liquefied natural gas facility in Fall River was unsuitable for tankers. Weaver’s Cove Energy filed the appeal request with the First Coast Guard District in Boston after an unsuccessful appeal to the Coast Guard’s captain of the Port for Southeastern New England. In December, Capt. Roy Nash, captain of the port at the time, agreed with the initial October decision, that the necessary channel from Prudence Island, R.I., to the Fall River site was unsafe and had an “unacceptably high” risk of casualty. He upheld the initial decision. Rear Adm. Timothy Sullivan of Boston’s First Coast Guard District said he reached the same conclusions in a statement released yesterday: “After a thorough review of the detailed appeal by Weaver’s Cove Energy, I support Captain Nash’s decision that the waterway is unsafe in the vicinity of the Brightman Street Bridges for the transit of LNG tankers because of the same navigational hazards previously addressed.” Weaver’s Cove can appeal, finally, to the Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 10:14 AM | Comment No Providence/Newport Ferry service todayThe Providence/Newport Ferry is not making any trips today, according to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The ferry will be undergoing mechanical work, and will return to its regular schedule tomorrow, which will be in place until Oct. 16. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 9:28 AM | Comment Bail revoked for man accused of rape, stalkingNEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A man accused of raping and stalking a mentally disabled Rhode Island man has had his bail revoked. Buddy Smith is charged with rape, indecent assault and battery on a retarded person for allegedly assaulting the 25-year-old man multiple times between 2004 and 2006. Smith had been free on $1,000 bail. Yesterday, a judge revoked his bail and ordered him held until his July 21 trial. The ruling came after a witness testified about seeing Smith peeping in the window of the alleged victim's group home in Foster, R.I. -- The Associated Press Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:59 AM | Comment New traffic pattern in Providence todayThe next phase of Iway construction begins today with one ramp opening and another closing. The new ramp is only accessible to drivers who are driving north on Route 95 and take Exit 19 to the Iway bridge. They can access the new ramp onto Gano Street. RIDOT plans to close the old ramp from Route 95 North to Route 195. Until then, there will be two Exit 2 off ramps –– the one opening today and Exit 2 off the old I-195 which leads to Wickenden Street. RIDOT will have more information at a press conference at 10 a.m. today, when officials release more details about the Iway schedule for the rest of the month. For more information, visit the Department’s Web site, call in for updates at 5-1-1, listen to the Highway Advisory Radio System 1630 AM or call Customer Service at 401-222-2450. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:44 AM | Comment CVS trial: Star witness Celona to go back on standThe CVS corruption trial continues in federal court today with the ninth day of testimony. The government’s star witness, corrupt ex-senator John Celona, will be on the stand for the fourth day –– and the third day of cross-examination by the defense. Former CVS executives John R. ``Jack’’ Kramer and Carlos Ortiz are on trial for bribery, conspiracy and mail fraud for allegedly hiring Celona to do CVS’s legislative bidding at the Rhode Island State House. Over the past few days, Kramer’s lawyer, Scott Corrigan, has tried to show that Celona earned his $1,000-a-month consulting fee by promoting CVS at senior centers and housing complexes, and on his cable-access television show. Celona has testified that whatever he did in that regard was by his own initiative, to justify the money from CVS, and not at the direction of Kramer or Ortiz. Corrigan was scheduled to continue questioning Celona today in the federal courtroom of Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi. When Corrigan finishes, Ortiz’s lawyer, Mark L. Smith, will have his turn. -- Journal staff writer Mike Stanton Posted by Jack Perry at 7:09 AM | Comment Wake scheduled for slain firefighterA wake is scheduled today for a Cranston firefighter who was shot and killed Sunday in a neighborhood dispute. James A. Pagano died from a single gunshot wound to the torso, according to the state Medical Examiner’s Office. Nicholas Gianquitti, a former Providence police officer, was arrested and faces murder charges. The Paganos will hold a wake today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston. A funeral Mass is scheduled for tomorrow at St. Mark Catholic Church, where Pagano went as a boy. He will be buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery, following Friday’s Mass. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Rainy and coolWe're in for more rain later this morning. The clouds are already here. It will be cooler today than yesterday with a high temperature reaching just 64 degrees and mild west winds. Rain will continue into the night, but should clear up after midnight with a low temperature near 47 degrees and mild west winds. And tomorrow - surprise! - rain in the afternoon with partly cloudy skies and breezy northwest winds. There's good news, though: The temperature should shoot past 70 where it will hopefully stay through the weekend. Keep an eye on the weather at projo.com's weather page. Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment Today's front pageToday's front page features coverage of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's release from Massachusetts General Hospital and his return to Cape Cod after his cancer diagnosis, more coverage of the trial of two former CVS executives in federal court and reports on gasoline prices reaching $4 per gallon. Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006