NARRAGANSETT – The snack bar at Scarborough South State Beach has been closed after an employee tested positive for coronavirus disease. In announcing the closure Saturday, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the snack bar will not reopen “until DEM has deep-cleaned and disinfected it.” No timetable was given.According to DEM, the vendor…
Demonstrators, police clash in raucous protest on streets of Providence
PROVIDENCE — Dozens of protesters calling to defund or abolish the police marched through the streets of Providence on Saturday night, clashing with police officers, chanting slogans and temporarily blocking traffic at various intersections. Police said about seven people were arrested. Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News Press Release Distribution Service
Sunny Saturday, high near 90
Mostly sunny Saturday with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 m.p.h. in the afternoon.Partly cloudy Saturday night, with a low around 68.After a warm and comfortable day on Saturday, summer heatreturns with a heat wave likely from Sunday through Tuesday withnear record heat each day and triple digit highs possible…
For the birds: Once regionally extinct, loons are making a modest comeback in southeastern New England, with scientists’ help
As a nesting species, the common loon was declared gone from the region by 1925 after being aggressively targeted by hunters. Scientists with the Maine-based Biodiversity Research Institute are having success with what they describe as the largest project ever attempted to restore the species. Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News Press Release Distribution…
YMCA, CEO O’Donnell reach settlement in ex-employees’ gender discrimination case
PROVIDENCE — The YMCA of Greater Providence and its chief executive officer, former Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven G. O’Donnell, have reached a settlement with two former female employees in a lawsuit involving allegations that the women were harassed, bullied and mistreated based on their gender. […] Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News…
Bowen’s Wharf marked with RI Slave History Medallion as a site of slave trade in Newport during Colonial times
Second Rhode Island Slave History Medallion is placed in historic Newport location. Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News Press Release Distribution Service
Small group of protesters at Providence public safety headquarters on Thursday evening
PROVIDENCE – A small group of protesters, including some wearing “Black Lives Matter” shirts, gathered briefly at the city’s public safety headquarters Thursday night.They later moved away from the corner of Dean and Washington streets. A significant number of police officers were on duty.Around the same time two people, a man and woman, were charged…
At Raimondo’s request, 2 pediatricians tell parents: It’s safe to send your kids back to school
PROVIDENCE — Gov. Gina Raimondo on Thursday asked two pediatricians to reassure families that it is safe to send their children back to school Aug. 31.In the wake of what is fast becoming a revolt against in-person instruction, with a new parents’ group attracting more than 9,000 members, Raimondo asked Dr. James McDonald, who also…
Newport police charge man with DUI following two-vehicle crash
NEWPORT — A 34-year-old man was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence following a two-vehicle crash Monday night in the area of Webster Street and Bellevue Avenue.Jason Aguiar was also charged with driving so as to endanger and reckless driving. Police said Aguiar was also arrested for allegedly driving with a suspended,…
R.I. cuts land price to kickstart Fox Point apartment-grocery project
Construction of an apartment building with ground-floor supermarket on Wickenden Street is expected to begin this fall after state officials Wednesday cut the sale price of the land involved by 90%.Providence developers Truth Box Inc. and D+P Real Estate asked for a break on the $1 million they had agreed to pay for the parcel…
A R.I. restaurant owner, age 22, reopens with hopes of normalcy
I asked Lauren Martins if she really owned and ran her own restaurant.She smiled shyly and nodded.”But you’re 22,” I said.More surprising, she opened it two years ago at age 20.TO OUR READERS: This content is being provided for free as a public service during the coronavirus outbreak. […] Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island…
Raimondo still favors in-person learning, but pledges Aug. 31 school reopening will be based on science
“I’m not willing to say it’s safer to keep kids at home because I don’t know if that’s true,” the governor said. Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News Press Release Distribution Service
Ex-Hasbro CEO Hassenfeld questions R.I.’s proposed no-bid Lottery contract
PROVIDENCE – Philanthropist Alan Hassenfeld, the retired chairman and CEO of the Hasbro toy company, has sent Rhode Island lawmakers an open letter begging them to take a second look at the giveaways in the proposed 20-year, no-bid IGT contract.In the email he sent the lawmakers — and the governor — on Wednesday, he urges…
Other states have begun passing legislation in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Here’s what Rhode Island is doing.
PROVIDENCE – As other states begin to grapple with “police accountability” in the wake of George Floyd’s murder while in the custody of Minneapolis police, a Rhode Island Senate-created task force met Wednesday for the first time to set its own course.As a starting point, the task force initiated by the lone Black in the…
Newport to reopen playgrounds, but bring your hand sanitizer
Following guidance provided by State Health officials, city staff will begin a phased reopening of playground equipment later this week.Crews will be on site reinstalling swing sets and removing barriers installed as part of the city’s COVID-19 response beginning Wednesday, July 22.The equipment, which includes the adult Fit Lot in Aquidneck Park, is not sterilized…
Police chiefs express displeasure at police reform bills
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — Police chiefs from across Massachusetts gathered Tuesday to condemn what they called a rushed legislative effort to force through police reform bills they say are a knee-jerk response to far away events.A police accountability bill passed by the state Senate last week, and a House bill scheduled for debate this week,…
Satanic Temple offers scholarships to high school grads
SALEM, Mass. (AP) — The Satanic Temple is launching a college scholarship for high school students.The Salem, Massachusetts-based group, which advocates for stricter separation of church and state, among other civil rights issues, said Tuesday that the $500 “Devil’s Advocate Scholarship” is open to any 2020 graduate.To apply, students must answer one of two questions.…
New openings on the food scene: Jaswell’s and Gracie’s
Restaurants and other food businesses continue to open up or add services.Jaswell Farm, 50 Swan Rd., Smithfield, has reopened for the season, only for curbside pickup. Questions can be answered at (401) 231-9043 or order online at jaswellsfarm.com. Available items include their own zucchini and summer squashes, blueberries, cider doughnuts and […] Top Featured Tags:…
Feasting on scraps: Program turns food debris into nutrient-rich compost
A new Middletown-based program turns food waste and other debris into nutrient-rich and environmentally clean compost that could be used to grow more food. Top Featured Tags: – Rhode Island News Press Release Distribution Service
Warwick unveils ambitious plan to overhaul sports complex
Warwick will pursue a multi-phased “revitalization” of the Mickey Stevens Sports Complex, Mayor Joseph J. Solomon said on Monday, unveiling conceptual sketches that show playing fields and tennis courts along with modern touches, such as a parking area with solar carports and charging stations.To launch the project, within the next year, the city plans to…
