07/05/2009

Last-minute dispute threatens effort to revamp R.I. open records law

R.I.’s small-batch coffee roasters doing well despite recession
In a state where the official drink is coffee-flavored milk, it should come as no surprise that despite the recession there’s a niche in the java-based business world that is perking along nicely.

Internal affairs: How grudges, old loyalties, personality conflicts led to union vote against Esserman
It was a typical union meeting, second Tuesday of the month, shots and beers in the old hall in a rundown Providence neighborhood.

Still ancient, still horrible, parade still draws a crowd
GLOCESTER –– There are no horses in this parade. The high school marching bands have been replaced by the funky beats of a clown band from Fall River. And the lines in the middle of the street are not red, white or blue.

Bristol puts its best foot forward in 224th Fourth of July parade
BRISTOL — Against the backdrop of a pristine summer day, American democracy was celebrated Saturday in a pageant of marching, music and patriotic display whose roots are almost as deep as the Republic. The 224th Bristol celebration, built around a nearly four-hour-long parade, once again did not disappoint.

Chief Esserman — then and now
Jan. 10, 2003: Just days after Mayor David N. Cicilline takes office, he introduces Dean M. Esserman as the new police chief to turn around the troubled department that had been wracked with scandal. Esserman, an Ivy League educated ex-prosecutor from New York City, had served as the police chief in Stamford, Conn., and arrived with the reputation as a taskmaster who had successfully cleaned up other police forces. At the introductory news conference in the city’s public safety complex, Cicilline called Esserman “the best chief in the country.”

Hundreds attend memorial service for South Kingstown firefighter
Allan “Pickles” LePage, who died Tuesday after an accident at the Kingston Fire District station, was remembered as a “fireman’s fireman.”

Classical students petition against fixed-schedule plan
Classical students sign a petition protesting the move to a standard class schedule in Providence high schools.

New education commissioner ‘ready’ to tackle Rhode Island’s problems
New state schools chief Deborah Gist has quickly made her presence felt and plans a hectic schedule to meet groups and tour the state’s public schools.

In Quotes: The week that was

News to use
Blackstone River tour canceled

Internal affairs: How grudges, old loyalties, personality conflicts led to union vote against Esserman
It was a typical union meeting, second Tuesday of the month, shots and beers in the old hall in a rundown Providence neighborhood.

Tens of thousands witness spectacle of America’s oldest Fourth of July parade
BRISTOL _ Against the backdrop of a pristine summer day, American democracy was celebrated Saturday in a pageant of marching, music and patriotic display whose roots are almost as deep as the Republic. The 224th Bristol celebration, built around a nearly four-hour-long parade, once again did not disappoint.

Hundreds attend memorial service for S.K. firefighter

07/04/2009

R.I. soldier makes Bristol his base for Fourth
It would be difficult to imagine someone to better symbolize the spirit of Bristol’s Independence Day parade than Tim Hale, a 42-year-old man who sits on the front porch of his in-laws’ home on Hope Street on Friday afternoon. In less than 20 hours, Saturday’s parade will kick off not far from where he sits.

Health insurers withdraw R.I. rate hike requests
But those covered by the state’s three commercial health plans will still see increases when they renew their policies.

Blight threatens R.I. tomato, potato crops
Some New England stores have stopped selling tomato plants, and even backyard gardeners are urged to spray with a fungicide.

R.I. beach closings
R.I. beach closings

6 weeks of rain muddy the profits of R.I.’s sun-seeking businesses
The sound of thunder and rain pelting the ground this summer is the sound of money –– swiftly going down the drain.

What’s open, closed Saturday, July 4
Rhode Island

Share your Newport Folk Festival memories with The Journal
The first folk festival in Newport was 50 years ago this summer, and we’re looking for stories from longtime attendees for possible inclusion in a series of stories on the history of the event.

News Digest
Bail denied for Guard recruiter charged with selling drugs

Sculpture of Providence native George M. Cohan is unveiled in Fox Point
PROVIDENCE — Before there was an Elvis or a Michael Jackson, there was a man regarded by many Americans as one of the greatest entertainers and who captivated a nation with his patriotic songs.

Suspect in Cumberland bank robbery arraigned
Darrin A. Gray is accused of robbing the Cumberland branch of Sovereign Bank and attempting to run down a state police officer.

Cranston council OKs contract with firefighters
The City Council approves a contract that includes concessions by the union that will help save $3.1 million over 3½ years.

R.I. advises Web retailers of tax
The retailers are notified they may be obligated to collect sales tax on purchases made by Rhode Islanders.

R.I. Sen. Blais’ pharmacy to close
The company entered bankruptcy in 2007 and this week a court-appointed trustee was granted permission to dissolve the business.

07/06/2009

Diversity Calendar
African Community

07/05/2009

New education commissioner ‘ready’ to tackle Rhode Island’s problems
New state schools chief Deborah Gist has quickly made her presence felt and plans a hectic schedule to meet groups and tour the state’s public schools.

07/03/2009

Thus far, stimulus money has generated few jobs in R.I.
So far, most of the money the state received from the economic recovery package has gone to defray the budget deficit.

Fidelity to add 500 jobs in R.I.
The investment company expects to bring the new workers in during the first quarter of 2010.

Governor vetoes Assembly’s dog-racing mandate
He says legislation forcing Twin River to hold dog racing “is a risk that the state cannot afford to take” because it could disrupt bankruptcy proceedings.

Bristol 4th of July parade float pays tribute to WWII victory ‘kiss'’
The booze was flowing and, all around him in Times Square, people were whooping it up in a spontaneous celebration of the war’s end. So when the sailor in his Navy blues saw the nurse in her white uniform, he embraced her, dipped her slightly and then firmly pressed his lips to hers.

Recession cuts into marching bands
Fewer bands, but more floats.

Tough times prompt 3 communities to cancel July 4 fireworks shows
Financial constraints have forced Cranston, Glocester and North Providence to cancel their traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows.

July 4th events this weekend
FRIDAY

What’s open, closed Friday and Saturday Fourth of July weekend
What’s open and what’s closed Friday

R.I. summer: The deluge continues
Another series of storms sweep through the state, dumping almost 3 inches of rain.

Heavy rains exceed even overflow tunnel’s capacity
PROVIDENCE — It rained so hard Thursday morning that for the first time all year, the state’s massive, $359-million combined sewer overflow tunnel finally filled to capacity and allowed untreated sewage to spill into the city’s rivers.

Rain, cloudy skies taking their toll on state’s agriculture
The lack of warm weather and sunlight are wreaking havoc on crops, especially strawberries and hay, and increasing the threat of blight and mildew.

Burlingame campers have a soggy time of it
Campers battle the elements to enjoy their vacations in the very uncooperative weather.

Beach closings
Beach closings

Providence to study getting revenue from tax-exempt institutions
In an attempt to raise revenue, Providence will consider asking hospitals and universities to make payments in lieu of taxes.

Tiverton soil cleanup to start in fall
The Department of Environmental Management says the cleanup of contaminated soil should be completed by the end of the year.

Police identify victim in Quonset Point accident
NORTH KINGSTOWN — Ritchie A. Morse, 31, of North Kingstown, has been identified by the police as the man who died in an accident at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point plant Wednesday morning.

High court decision halts plans to raze long-closed school
The ruling, voiding a lower court decision, says the city must decide the fate of the former Grove Street School on Federal Hill.

St. Laurent’s lawyer moves for delay in trial
The lawyer for Anthony M. “The Saint” St. Laurent Sr. says his client, charged in a murder-for-hire plot, has been hospitalized.

For an ex-Brit, Fourth just doesn’t hold the same sparkle
I love a party but have to admit I have mixed feelings about the Fourth of July holiday.

Family: Man who fled hospital might be in Providence
Gregory Hillman, 21, disappeared Monday after fleeing from a mental hospital in western Massachusetts.

Dispose of propane tanks safely, landfill officials warn
State officials are asking that those discarding the tanks do so properly, and not include them with trash bound for the state’s Central Landfill.

Sheehan to head E. Providence High School
EAST PROVIDENCE — A Middletown High School administrator will be the next principal of the state’s largest high school.

News Digest
Scituate man pleads guilty to tax charges

Police Digest
Man denies murder count in mother’s slaying

Plane makes belly landing at Green
This single-engine Piper Malibu, its landing gear stuck in the up position, made a safe belly landing at T.F. Green Airport, Warwick, at about 8:30 Thursday night. The owner-pilot, who is from Atlanta, was the only one aboard the six-passenger plane. He was uninjured. Commercial traffic at the airport was not interrupted, according to Patti Goldstein, spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

Photos: 3 injured as fire damages house in Providence
Three people were injured Thursday afternoon in a fire at 123 Laurel Hill Ave., in Providence. The building was heavily damaged, and all six of its residents required Red Cross assistance. Two firefighters suffered back injuries and a first-floor occupant was treated for smoke inhalation, Battalion Chief Joe Desmarais said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

07/02/2009

Cost of crossing Pell, Mt. Hope bridges might climb
It may soon cost $4 to cross the Pell Bridge, if you pay in cash or have an out-of-state E-ZPass transponder; tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge, which were eliminated in 1998, may be reinstated.

Supporters of state name change poised to woo voters’ support
Though the General Assembly has yet to approve placing the question before the state’s voters, the campaign for dropping “Plantations” from the state name has begun.

July makes a thunderous arrival in R.I.
It looks like July is picking up right where June left off, with rain and cool temperatures.

Lt. Gov. Roberts bows out of race for governor
But the field of would-be successors to Governor Carcieri still remains crowded even after the lieutenant governor’s announcement.

West Warwick school board loses bid for $3.3 million more from town
The board had been seeking an additional $3.3 million from the town.

TV show helps snare alleged Providence strip-club shooter
Law enforcement officials have no trouble tracking down Jonathan Quaweay after his image appears on America’s Most Wanted.

R.I.’s higher education chief steps down
Jack R. Warner’s departure marks the third education official to leave the state’s employ on June 30.

Senate commission to study marijuana decriminalization
The Senate commission will issue a report on decriminalization by Jan. 31, 2010.

News Digest
Electric Boat worker killed in accident

Police Digest
Central Falls IDS stabbing victim

Supporters of state name change poised to woo voters’ support
Though the General Assembly has yet to approve placing the question before the state’s voters, the campaign for dropping “Plantations” from the state name has begun.

July makes a thunderous arrival in R.I.
It looks like July is picking up right where June left off, with rain and cool temperatures.

Lt. Gov. Roberts bows out of race for governor
But the field of would-be successors to Governor Carcieri still remains crowded even after the lieutenant governor’s announcement.

Changing in the Guard
Watching Wednesday’s change of command ceremonies are, from left, Senior Chief Christopher Kukla, Senior Chief Peter MacDougal, and Adm. Vivian Crea, vice commandant of the Coast Guard. Watch the ceremonies on projo.com/video.

Cranston school board approves teachers pact
The new Cranston pact calls for higher health-insurance contributions by teachers.

Sex-offender bills stall in R.I. Assembly
Among the measures that have not passed is one that would make it a felony for convicted sex offenders to knowingly enter playgrounds, daycare centers and schools.

Central Falls councilor faces DUI charges
LINCOLN — A Central Falls councilwoman whom the police say was driving erratically on Great Road Friday night with a 10-year-old boy asleep in the back seat, has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license and with refusing to submit to a chemical test.

Jury awards Roger Williams hospital patient $3.9 million
Leo R. Villegas, who had suffered a stroke, fell out of a bed at Roger Williams Medical Center, fracturing his hip. The hospital bed alarm was never activated.

N. Providence Council OKs tax increase
The residential rate will rise to $19.65 per $1,000, from $16.75, as the town grapples with an estimated $10-million deficit.

Woonsocket store owner pulls gun on knife-wielding man
WOONSOCKET— A liquor store owner foiled a would-be robber Tuesday after a struggle during which the holdup man stabbed himself.

R.I. homeowners now have say on meter placement
A new law gives homeowners a say in where the utility meter would be located.

Chief: Unclear how firefighter died in ladder bucket mishap
Allan LePage was found with a fatal head injury in the bucket of a fire truck’s ladder tower, about 20 feet above the ground.

W. Warwick DPW chief to take Providence job
PROVIDENCE — Mayor David N. Cicilline announced Tuesday that he has appointed Paul J. Thomas, West Warwick’s Public Works director, to lead the city’s Department of Public Works.

RIPTA’s ready to roll
PROVIDENCE — The General Assembly’s increase in the state gas tax will roughly cover the budget deficit threatening to force service cutbacks in the state bus system, officials said yesterday.

2 more Web retailers cancel R.I. ties
Rhode Island now requires Internet retailers to collect 7 percent sales tax if they have affiliations with Rhode Island businesses.

07/01/2009

R.I. hospitals agree on safety protocol for surgeries
The new rules are designed to reduce the risk of wrong-site surgeries.

Carcieri OKs $7.8-billion R.I. budget
But the governor says the plan relies on one-time fixes and lawmakers put off difficult choices on spending.

$3 million in stimulus money to be used for fish ladders
The $3 million will finance several projects to open spawning habitats around the state.

R.I. Senate recesses with bills in limbo
Among the bills yet to be acted on are a ban on indoor prostitution and a call for a referendum on the state name.

R.I. volunteer firefighter Allan “Pickles” LePage dies
Allan “Pickles” LePage, who died of injuries suffered at the Kingston Fire District station, was a father figure to the state’s firefighting community.

Carcieri pushes for expanded R.I. Ethics Code
Governor Carcieri on Tuesday urged the General Assembly to give voters a chance to extend the state’s Ethics Code to cover legislative votes and other official actions taken by Rhode Island lawmakers.

Never too late to rock ’n’ roll, and to prove mom right
The kid is about 12 years old and clearly in need of some kind of ADD medication. I’m sitting behind a glass partition, trying to play something coherent on a drum set, struggling to keep up with Dwight Yoakam’s crack band on a CD doing “Little Sister.” You know, “… little sister don’t you do what your big sister does … .”

School’s now in session for state’s new education chief
Deborah A. Gist started her new duties a day early as she celebrates summer learning programs for low-income children.

As for the weather, some rays of hope
"It feels sooooo good, after all those weeks of rain," says Holly Specht, who enjoyed the sun outside her business, The Weight Loss Center, in South Kingstown on Tuesday.

N. Smithfield man faces child-molestation charges
A North Smithfield man is being held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions on multiple counts of child molestation.

City’s branch libraries go their own way
A newly formed nonprofit group takes control of Providence’s nine branch libraries, while the downtown library will rely on state support.

School’s now in session for state’s new education chief
Deborah A. Gist started her new duties a day early as she celebrates summer learning programs for low-income children.

Providence lawyer agrees to disbarment
Robert D. Natal is accused of mishandling clients’ money in property closings.

Accused recruiter kept drugs in office
Details of the drugs found by investigators are revealed at a bail hearing.

Johnston passes budget with tax increase
JOHNSTON — The Town Council on Monday night approved the fiscal 2010 budget, which carries a 3-percent increase in the residential property tax rate, as taxpayers begged officials to take more aggressive steps to curb the costs of local government.

EPA lets R.I., 13 other states impose tougher auto emission standards
Rhode Island is among the states that had sought to impose stricter standards.

Man says he was abducted from Warwick motel, beaten
WARWICK –– A Providence man said a group of men abducted him from his motel room late Monday night, binding him with duct tape and beating him as they took him back into Providence.

Providence teachers gain contract
The school board approves the three-year contract that calls for teachers to pay a greater share of their health-care coverage.

Racial profiling still prevalent, report says
Rhode Island is one of 22 ACLU affiliates that contributed to the national report.

High court orders new trial in Indian child custody case
The child was placed in foster care two years ago following a Family Court decision.

City’s branch libraries go their own way
A newly formed nonprofit group takes control of Providence’s nine branch libraries, while the downtown library will rely on state support.

R.I. Supreme Court holds Department of Corrections liable for contaminated food
The state Supreme Court ruling revives a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections, which acts as a distribution center for items sent to food banks.

Twin River creditors form panel
The panel will represent the interests of the unsecured creditors.

How they voted
How they voted

Twin River’s woes spur visit to R.I. by Harrah’s
The visit comes as the Senate approves a bill authorizing 24-7 gambling at the Lincoln slot parlor and requiring it to run a full season of greyhound racing.

Special master: Landmark talks ongoing
The special master overseeing Landmark Medical Center says he’s hopeful that an agreement with a prospective buyer is only a few weeks away.

Brown gets partner in energy center
A noted Cambridge, Mass., laboratory that employs 900 will partner with the university to pursue alternative-energy grants.

06/30/2009

Newport tries to turn the tide on seaweed
The city invests $320,000 in a unique machine to rid Easton’s Beach of a noxious nuisance.

01/25/2009

Born premature, Teagan comes home after months in the NICU
First of three parts: For Teagan Grant, born at 24 weeks, coming home is just the first step.

01/20/2008

Gay Evolution
What we know about gay history in America begins here, in Rhode Island, with a gay sex scandal that rocked the U.S. Navy and tarnished the reputation of a president. A half-century later, the gay rights movement rode into Providence on the back of a church. Those early activists drove a sweeping political and cultural agenda so unthinkable, the pioneers never thought they’d live to see it — a time when their lives would be as fabulous and as ordinary as anyone. Read about Providence’s transformation into a gay destination spot, watch slideshows of the everyday lives of gay men and women and listen to their personal stories. Staff writer Mark Arsenault and photographer John Freidah take you on a historical journey.

1919 Newport sting targeted gay sailors, ended in scandal
The nation was shocked to learn that the Navy sent out “agents” to solicit sex in an operation the Senate declared disgraceful.