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June 21, 2009 - June 27, 2009 Archives


House goes into hiatus, legislation in limbo

3:36 AM Sat, Jun 27, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Steve Peoples    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- With scores of bills still in limbo, the General Assembly went into hiatus at 1 a.m. Saturday, as House Speaker William J.......



Senate adjourns for the weekend

11:40 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Senate adjourned shortly before 10 p.m. Friday after an eight-hour session that included passage of the over-$7.76-billion budget for next......



House OKs bill shielding names of officers in killings

11:33 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House approved by a wide margin late Friday night a bill that would bar the public identification of police officers in......



Bill mandating chemical tests in DUI accidents passes House

10:58 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Suspects in serious drunken-driving accidents will be required to undergo chemical substance tests if a bill that passed the House late Friday......



Firefighters battle house blaze in Charlestown

10:11 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

CHARLESTOWN -- Firefighters on Friday night were responding to a house fire at 58 Driftwood Drive. Ashaway Fire Chief Michael Williams said several people had......



PIN pad thieves lose appeal before U.S. Circuit Court

9:45 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

BOSTON -- Two of the California men who pleaded guilty 18 months ago to siphoning $132,000 from the bank accounts of 238 Rhode Islanders by......



Proposal to drop 'Providence Plantations' headed to ballot

9:25 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By News staff    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Voters in 2010 will consider a proposal to drop "Providence Plantations," the controversial phrase conjuring up for many images of Rhode Island's......



R.I. Senate approves $7.8-billion budget

7:43 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

By Steve Peoples Journal State House PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Senate has approved a $7.8-billion state spending plan, sending the budget bill to......



Kennedy returns to House for votes on climate bill

7:38 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau    Email

WASHINGTON -- To warm greetings from colleagues, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy appeared on the floor of the House late Friday to answer a call......



Senate approves referendum on state name change

6:55 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Voters will consider in 2010 a proposal to drop "Providence Plantations," the controversial phrase conjuring up for many images of Rhode Island's......



House panel extends pension cuts to District Court judges

6:47 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE -- In what has become an annual tradition, the House Finance Committee held an impromptu meeting on the State House balcony outside the House......



After signing reform bills, Patrick to OK Mass. sales tax hike

6:35 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

By Steve LeBlanc Associated Press Writer BOSTON -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick pledged Friday to sign a 25 percent hike in the state sales tax......



New Bedford man arrested on drug charges

6:18 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A New Bedford, Mass., man is being held at the Adult Correctional Institution on drug charges after a traffic stop on Route......



House approves creation of new Dept. of Veterans Affairs

6:18 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- House lawmakers on Friday approved legislation to create a new Department of Veterans Affairs within the Office of Health and Human Services,......



State Police, Atty. General oppose Senate prostitution bill

6:08 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Lynn Arditi    Email

Rhode Island's State Police and the State Attorney General say a bill approved by the Senate Thursday night that seeks to outlaw indoor prostitution actually......



Tiverton woman arrested on drug, stolen car charges

6:08 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

TIVERTON, R.I. -- A Tiverton woman was arrested and charged with driving a stolen car and possession of crack cocaine, the State Police said Friday.......



Famed jewelry maker Speidel files for bankruptcy

6:02 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By News staff    Email

By Benjamin Gedan Journal Staff Writer Speidel, a 105-year-old Providence jeweler, filed for bankruptcy late Friday. The case will be heard on July 16 by......



House votes to keep dog racing, allow 24-hour gambling

5:55 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House has voted to allow round-the-clock gambling at Twin River seven days a week, and force the bankrupt current owners to......



Thunderstorms and hail expected to hit this evening

5:50 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A cold front is expected to hit portions of the state Friday afternoon and into the evening bringing thunderstorms, severe at times,......



Patrick Kennedy leaves treatment for a House vote

5:35 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By Peter Phipps    Email

WASHINGTON _ Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy cut short his stay at a treatment facility Friday to answer a call from House Democratic leadership that......



Goddard Park, North Kingstown beaches reopened

5:26 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Two beaches closed this week for poor water quality have been reopened, leaving none closed as the weekend begins. The beach at......



West Warwick teachers complain to state about lost pay

5:15 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- Individual members of the West Warwick Teachers' Alliance have begun filing complaints with the state after the town failed to issue......



Proposal to change state name advances in Senate

5:00 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The full Senate is expected to vote on a proposed voter referendum to drop the phrase "Providence Plantations" -- which for many......



Coventry man sentenced for assault with intent to murder

4:40 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Talia Buford    Email

WARWICK, R.I. -- The Coventry man who shot his wife in the shoulder during an Independence Day argument in 2007 was sentenced to 40 years......



RI House OKs Yankees license plates; bill heads to Senate

YANKEES_PARADE.JPG 4:38 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (11)
By Maria Armental    Email

New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, left, and then manager Joe Torre, right, join New York City Rudolph Giuliani during the parade celebrating the New......



Update: Presiding judge's daughter confirmed as judge

rodgers_200.jpg 4:18 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (8)
By Mike McKinney    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Kristin E. Rodgers, daughter of retiring Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., won state Senate confirmation Friday to become a......



RI governor signs renewable energy legislation

3:51 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

By Alex Kuffner Journal Staff Writer WARWICK, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri on Friday signed into law legislation that could pave the way for off-shore wind......



Man pleads guilty to trying to sell crack cocaine

3:35 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Providence man has pleaded guilty to a charge of distributing five grams or more of cocaine base, the United States Attorney's......



Humpback that washed up on R.I. beach finally buried

3:30 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A dead whale that washed ashore on a private Rhode Island beach almost two weeks ago was finally buried. Ron Bogle,......



Cicilline unveils plan to promote arts in Providence

2:52 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Bill Van Siclen    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Flanked by dozens of local arts and cultural leaders, Mayor David N. Cicilline on Friday unveiled a sweeping plan designed to boost......



Senate delay leaves Carcieri with one less budget option

2:39 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

Governor Carcieri will either have to veto or sign the state budget once it hits his desk. A delay in the Senate -- the state......



Update: E. Providence motorcyclist killed on Rte. 146A

2:35 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Kate Bramson    Email

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- An East Providence man died early Friday morning when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle on Route 146A, the police......



R.I. House, Senate head toward finish line

2:25 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House and Senate will be back at it on Smith Hill this afternoon fighting through hundreds of bills as they race......



Local men charged with distributing crack cocaine

2:20 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Three local men have been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday. The indictments......



RI Relay for Life events on despite weather forecast

1:43 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

WESTERLY, R.I. -- The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life's three local events will go on Friday as planned, rain or shine, a spokeswoman for......



R.I. House, Senate sprint toward finish line

1:43 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By News staff    Email

By Cynthia Needham PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House and Senate will be back at it on Smith Hill this afternoon fighting through hundreds of bills......



'Rockefeller' asks judge to toss kidnap conviction

1:39 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

BOSTON (AP) -- Lawyers for the man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller asked a judge to throw out his kidnapping and assault convictions, arguing......



Senate OKs bill that protects tenants during foreclosures

1:12 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Lynn Arditi    Email

A bill to require that banks notify tenants about a pending foreclosure sale and continue to provide "essential services" such as heat, water and utilities......



Bullet from next door hits Providence man at cookout

1:02 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (3)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Gunfire from an adjacent back yard wounded a party-goer Thursday evening, Detective Lt. Paul R. Campbell said on Friday. Campbell said that......



Seekonk post office to be named for Marine killed in Iraq

ERICV~JW.JPG 12:58 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

SEEKONK, Mass. -- Seekonk's post office will be renamed Sunday after the late Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Paul Valdepeñas, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq,......



Blue Cross refuses to withdraw rate hike requests

12:08 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (5)
By Richard Salit    Email

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island won't withdraw its proposed double-digit rate hikes as requested by state Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller.......



Route 95 lanes to close Friday evening for roadwork

12:01 PM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Department of Transportation announced on Friday that traffic lanes will be restricted on parts of Route 95 beginning at 10......



The Oracle above the State House in Providence / photo

airshow_oracle.jpg 11:59 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Pamela Reinsel Cotter    Email

Providence Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez Team Oracle's Sean D. Tucker's flies over the State House and highways in Providence, promoting this weekend's......



Fall River concrete plant owner indicted in boy's death

11:42 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (10)
By Kate Bramson    Email

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A Bristol County grand jury has handed up an indictment against the proprietor of a Fall River concrete company in connection......



St. Michael, Providence, to mark 150th year with concert

11:19 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- St. Michael the Archangel, the parish on Oxford Street that has been home to thousands of Catholics of diverse backgrounds over its......



Motorists pointed to best route for Quonset air show

airshow_exits.jpg 9:04 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Pamela Reinsel Cotter    Email

View full-size image The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that they should take the new Route 403 highway to this weekend's R.I.......



Friday's Providence Journal front page

frontpage_20090626.jpg 7:00 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

In national news, Friday's front page reports on the deaths of "King of Pop" Michael Jackson and former Charlie's Angels' star Farrah Fawcett. Locally,......



Today in history: Barrington's invasion of the frogs

6:00 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

On the local front: A year ago today: The state Supreme Court rules that harsher penalties, approved in 2006, do apply to motorists who refuse......



Sex-trafficking measure clears House, Senate

12:02 AM Fri, Jun 26, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Lynn Arditi    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House and Senate Thursday night approved two separate bills to strengthen the law against sex-trafficking minors. The House, by a vote......



W. Warwick voters reject school sum, OK municipal budget

11:59 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- In a vote that was largely symbolic, West Warwick residents Thursday night overwhelmingly rejected the same $49.2-million School Committee budget it......



House Finance Committee approves student impact fee

11:54 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --- The House Finance Committee approved a bill late Thursday night that would assess colleges and universities a fee for all their non-Rhode......



House panel approves bill to block suspension of dog racing

11:45 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (6)
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Despite warnings that their actions could upset the consensual agreement filed by Twin River's owners in U.S. bankruptcy court this week, members......



Senate approves bill to make indoor prostitution illegal

11:35 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (18)
By Lynn Arditi    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Senate Thursday night approved a bill to make indoor prostitution illegal and hold landlords who "knowingly" allow prostitution on their property......



House panel OKs bill extending expired teachers' contracts

11:00 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (11)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House Labor Committee approved a bill late Thursday that unilaterally mandates that existing teachers' contracts remain in effect until a new......



Attorney general asked to investigate deadly car crash

8:27 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Donita Naylor    Email

CRANSTON, R.I. -- The Cranston police have asked the attorney general's office to determine whether there were any traffic violations involved in an accident in......



Child-molester bill approved by House judiciary panel

7:10 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Mike McKinney    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A bill that would make it a felony in Rhode Island for a convicted child molester to knowingly enter a playground,......



Providence man facing child-pornography charge

7:04 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Maria Armental    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Providence man was arrested Wednesday on child-pornography charges following an investigation by the state police computer crimes unit. Richard Bertoncini, 45,......



Providence water board rate-hike hearing held

6:50 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A public hearing on a proposed rate hike for the Providence Water Supply Board drew just one member of the public and......



AP Source: Michael Jackson dies in LA hospital

6:43 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Donna McGarry    Email

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Jackson, the record-breaking, sensationally gifted "King of Pop" who emerged from childhood superstardom to become the entertainment world's most......



Mayor's father loses bid to block therapist from neighborhood

5:47 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (9)
By Gregory Smith    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- John F. Cicilline, noted criminal-defense lawyer and father of Mayor David N. Cicilline, has unsuccessfully petitioned the Zoning Board of Review to......



Carcieri administration objects to bill forcing dog racing

5:33 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A top Carcieri administration official voiced strong opposition to a bill -- up for public hearing on Thursday, in the closing hours......



Strawberries are ripe for the pickin' / Photo, video

picking_strawberries.jpg 5:19 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

Providence Journal photo / Mary Murphy Olive Lemoine of Lincoln, right, picks strawberries with her niece, Alice Hart of Attleboro, Mass., at Four Town......



Suttell confirmed as RI's chief justice

suttell_200.jpg 5:04 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katie Mulvaney    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Less than a month after being nominated by Governor Carcieri, Supreme Court Justice Paul A. Suttell on Thursday won Senate confirmation as......



Striking carpenters OK 2-year building projects contract

5:02 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Members of the Rhode Island carpenters union Local 94, have ended their strike against the association representing state's major building contractors after......



White House chief of staff refers to late Sen. John Chafee

4:50 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau    Email

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel invoked the name of the late Rhode Island Sen. John H. Chafee on Thursday......



Update: Budget gets Finance OK, goes to full Senate

4:30 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

By Steve Peoples Journal State House Bureau PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Senate Finance Committee unanimously endorsed the proposed $7.76-billion state spending plan that the House......



N. Kingstown Town Beach closed; 3 others reopened

4:29 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- North Kingstown Town Beach has been closed to swimming because of bacteria counts, but three other beaches have been reopened, based on......



Henderson Bridge traffic pattern to change tonight

4:29 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The traffic pattern on the Henderson Bridge will be altered Thursday night, the state Department of Transportation has announced. The bridge, also......



As House debated budget, R.I. Senate was passing bills

4:15 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- After going more than six months without action on scores of bills, the state Senate moved into high speed Wednesday night with......



Minor accident in East Providence ties up traffic for hour

3:40 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A two-car accident just before noon tied up traffic on Route 114 for about an hour Thursday, East Providence police said.......



RI governor to sign renewable energy bill

3:29 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Alex Kuffner    Email

Governor Carcieri is set to sign key legislation for Rhode Island's emerging renewable energy industry at a green economy roundtable Friday morning. The governor will......



Let the record show: The sun is out / Video

3:08 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- This just in: The sun is out, there's blue sky overhead and photographer returning to the Providence Journal newsroom at 75 Fountain......



House restores most of EDC budget cut

2:38 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Peter Phipps    Email

PROVIDENCE -- The House of Representatives has restored most of a proposed 50 percent cut in funding to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. As......



Narragansetts get access to state police database

Lt Antone Monroe.JPG 2:28 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

Providence Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez Until now, when Narragansett Tribal Police Lt. Antone Monroe stopped a suspect in the woods, he couldn't......



Cranston man, 20, jailed in stabbing at fast-food lot

2:20 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Donita Naylor    Email

CRANSTON, R.I. -- A 17-year-old was stabbed in the arm late Wednesday night during a fight at a Reservoir Avenue McDonald's and the man identified......



Carcieri seeks Senate approval for CRMC members

2:11 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Peter Lord    Email

Gov. Carcieri Wednesday night submitted the names of four incumbent members of the Coastal Resources Management Council to the state Senate for its advice and......



Alert: Derderian gets out of prison early on good behavior

1:53 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Talia Buford    Email

CRANSTON, R.I. -- Michael Derderian, co-owner of The Station nightclub who pleaded no contest in the deaths of 100 people killed in the disastrous fire......



Update: Gianquitti gets 40 years for neighbor's murder

nq_sentenced.jpg 12:55 PM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (27)
By Kate Bramson    Email

Providence Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski Nicholas Gianquitti apologies to the Pagano family at his sentencing Thursday in Superior Court. By Talia Buford Journal......



U.S. trustee sets Twin River creditors' meeting

11:52 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

By Paul Grimaldi Journal staff writer Businesses owed money by the owners of the Twin River slot parlor will gather in Providence on Tuesday to......



New chief justice, new Superior Court judge expected

11:28 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By News staff    Email

Before the work week is over, Rhode Island is expected to have a new chief justice of the Supreme Court and a new Superior Court......



General Assembly to vote on dueling sex-trafficking bills

11:05 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Lynn Arditi    Email

Two versions of bills to strengthen the law against sex-trafficking minors are scheduled for separate votes Thursday in the General Assembly. A bill (H-5661 Sub......



DEM, Coast Guard to crackdown on drunken boaters

10:56 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Environmental police officers will join Coast Guard units Friday through Sunday to enforce a law against operating a boat while intoxicated, the......



Providence teachers OK pact: 3% raise, 15% co-share

providence_-teachers_502.jpg 9:51 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By Amanda Milkovits    Email

Providence Journal / Steve SzydlowskiThe 2,000-member Providence Teachers Union voted 947 to 73 this morning to approve a new contract, the first in five years,......



New Bedford man charged with killing father of 11

8:42 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Jack Perry    Email

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -- A New Bedford man accused of fatally shooting a father of 11 children during a fight at a city VFW......



Convicted Attleboro cult leader gets federal hearing

8:18 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Jack Perry    Email

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (AP) -- A former religious cult leader from Massachusetts convicted of first-degree murder for starving his infant son to death is making a......



Thursday's Providence Journal front page

frontpage_20090625.jpg 7:55 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

Thursday's Providence Journal front page reports on the House budget debate. Thursday's Providence Journal front page reports on the Providence Police Department's roving detail,......



More clouds with a high near 75

7:26 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Expect a mostly cloudy with a high near 75 degrees. Although it's late June, the wind will again blow from the north,......



House passes $7.76-billion budget

6:55 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Comments (31)
By Steve Peoples    Email

By Steve Peoples, Cynthia Needham and Katherine Gregg Journal State House Bureau PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Minutes before 2 a.m., after a debate that spanned nearly......



Today in history: War breaks out in Korea

6:00 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

On the local front: A year ago today: The Charlestown police are investigating the desecration of a grave in Rhode Island Historic Cemetery No. 18......



House passes budget bill after 11-hour debate

2:20 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Steve Peoples    Email

Minutes before 2 a.m., after a debate that spanned nearly 11 hours, the House of Representatives approved a $7.76-billion state spending plan that wiped out......



At Mohegan Sun, No Doubt picks up where it left off

12:12 AM Thu, Jun 25, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Rick Massimo    Email

BY RICK MASSIMO Journal Pop Music Writer UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- It may have seemed as though singer Gwen Stefani didn't need the band No Doubt......



House budget: House approves 2-cent gas tax hike

11:49 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (5)
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House of Representatives voted to raise the state's gasoline tax by 2 cents per gallon, after beating back attempts by lawmakers......



House budget: House passes pension cuts

8:08 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (8)
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Despite threats of lawsuits by teachers unions, the House of Representatives has approved a slate of pension cuts aimed at shaving a......



Police investigate two breaks in North Providence

6:46 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A local woman reported to the police Friday that someone broke into her apartment at 7 Brook St. while she was......



North Providence teens arrested in separate assaults

6:39 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The police on Friday arrested two juveniles in separate cases involving domestic assault. In one, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on......



19-year-old sought in baseball bat attack in N. Providence

6:31 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of a 19-year-old man accused of assaulting another teen with a baseball......



Relay For Life set to go in South County, Burrillville

6:23 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Maria Armental    Email

WESTERLY, R.I. -- In 2001, a year after being diagnosed with cancer, Margaret Russell walked in the survivor lap of the American Cancer Society's Relay......



Fort Adams Beach, 3 others, closed to swimmers

6:19 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Fort Adams State Park in Newport joins the list of areas closed to swimming because of high bacteria counts, the state Department......



Providence teachers to vote Thursday on contract

6:15 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Linda Borg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The membership of the Providence Teachers Union will vote on a new contract, the first one in five years, Thursday morning at......



House budget: Flat-tax option preserved

6:03 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (3)
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- In what some state lawmakers described as one of their toughest votes of the day, the House voted to keep a high-profile......



Obama nominates Rhode Islander for education post

5:37 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau    Email

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Obama has nominated a prominent Rhode Island educator, Brenda Dann-Messier, to be an assistant secretary of education. Dann-Messier, the president of......



Justice quotes Twain in upholding denial of pension

5:19 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Supreme Court has upheld a Superior Court decision denying a former state chemist his "classified employee" status for state retirement......



R.I. to boost staffing at career centers

LH1214_Jobless_Col_2_12-14-.JPG 5:08 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Benjamin N. Gedan    Email

Providence Journal photo / Kathy Borchers Tina Baker searches for a job at the netWORKri career center in Pawtucket in December 2008. PROVIDENCE, R.I.......



Experts: Great white shark sighting off R.I. possible

4:35 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Tom Mooney    Email

Two regional shark experts who have viewed photographs of a reported great white shark pulled from a fish trap off Narragansett two weeks ago believe,......



R.I. attorney general won't appeal ballot-access ruling

4:02 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By John Hill    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch will not appeal a federal judge's ruling that threw out part of the state's laws on how......



Update: Mass. swim coach faces child porn charge

4:00 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS. -- Reacting to the news that a popular swim coach who has coached various sports teams in town for years is facing......



Man charged in Dunkin' Donuts drive-through robbery

3:56 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Amanda Milkovits    Email

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- A Warwick man who has served time for drugs and robbery is accused of being the mysterious biker who held up a......



House budget: Health insurance commissioner's job saved

3:46 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- In the opening minutes of the House budget debate, House Finance Chairman Steven Costantino announced that the leadership had decided to preserve......



Governor seeks winning ideas for wellness awards

3:40 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- If your organization has a creative way of getting people to work and play toward wellness, Governor Carcieri and the Rhode Island......



House budget: Budget debate about to begin

3:28 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Getting under way more than an hour late, the House of Representatives is about to begin debating -- and voting -- on......



R.I. native Hasselbeck: No merit to plagiarism claim

e_hasselbeck.jpg 3:23 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Pamela Reinsel Cotter    Email

BOSTON (AP) -- "The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck says a claim that she plagiarized parts of her best-selling diet book is "without merit." The......



Photo: After the golfers are gone

cvsbleachers.jpg 2:50 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

Providence Journal photo / Bob Thayer Workers take down the bleachers at the 18th hole of the 2009 CVS Caremark Charity Classic, which ended......



West Warwick to vote on 2010 budget -- again

2:42 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (8)
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

Five weeks after residents rejected a $79.7 million budget for West Warwick, voters will be asked to reconsider that decision at a continuation of the......



House budget: Debate to begin on $7.76 billion plan

2:13 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katherine Gregg    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Starting at 2 p.m. today, the House of Representatives will begin debating - and voting - on the proposed $7.76 billion tax-and-spending......



House budget: Free health care for legislators is spared

1:58 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (29)
By News staff    Email

By Katherine Gregg PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It is budget-cutting day at the State House, but not when it comes to the free health care packages......



Federal grants are available to promote R.I. crops

1:40 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Tatiana Pina    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Department of Environmental Management announced that $80,000 in grant money is available to help promote and sell specialty crops grown......



Bill on adoptees' access to birth records to be heard

1:28 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By News staff    Email

By Philip Marcelo Journal staff writer PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Senate Health and Human Services Committee is taking up a bill on Wednesday that......



NC man nabbed in RI on federal weapons charge

12:37 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A man arrested after a high-speed chase in Providence last August has been indicted on a federal charge of being a felon......



Burrillville man police say on way to rob bank charged

12:01 PM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

BURRILLVILLE, R.I. -- The police have charged a man with attempted robbery after intercepting him while he allegedly was on his way to hold up......



Update: Public can buy McCartney Fenway tix Monday

11:50 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Rick Massimo    Email

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Paul McCartney will perform at Fenway Park, in Boston, on Aug. 5 and 6. Tickets are being sold to......



Sen. Whitehouse among panel investigating judge

11:42 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau    Email

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has been named to a bipartisan panel of senators who will investigate a sexual-abuse case against a federal judge from......



N. Smithfield man charged with collecting while working

11:26 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Amanda Milkovits    Email

BOSTON -- A Rhode Island man who worked as a security supervisor in Massachusetts was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges he schemed to collect more......



URI professor: Moisture-loving deer ticks up 54% in RI

tick_2009_map_500.jpg 11:19 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

Map produced by RJD URI Center for Vector-Borne Disease / Data sources RIGIS, USGS, URI Center for Vector-Borne Disease, May 30, 2009 SOUTH KINGSTOWN,......



New England fish-catch plan mulled

11:16 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Jack Perry    Email

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Commercial fishermen in New England would have the option of being regulated by how much fish they catch, not how many......



Power of Play hopes to get children moving, grooving

11:13 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- Every child can be an athlete. That's the message a group of health care and fitness volunteers hope to spread on......



AAA projects fewer travelers this July 4th

9:44 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

AAA says fewer Americans will travel this Fourth of July holiday weekend because people are still uncertain about the strength of the economy. The number......



Globe reaches tentative deal with Newspaper Guild

8:26 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

The Boston Globe and its largest union reached a tentative agreement last night on $10 million in wage and benefit cuts, according to the Globe's......



Troubled boat in Narragansett Bay reaches safety

8:25 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- A boat that hit a buoy in Narragansett Bay early Wednesday morning managed to reach shore safely after putting out a......



Warwick schools bring budget in line with council cuts

7:10 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Barbara Polichetti    Email

WARWICK, R.I. -- With the City Council refusing to increase the local share of school spending for the new fiscal year that begins July 1,......



R.I. bill allows dress code for Woonsocket schools

7:01 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By News staff    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Tuesday night voted 64 to 4 to approve a bill allowing the school committee in......



Wednesday's Providence Journal front page

A1.jpg 7:01 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

Wednesday's Providence Journal front page reports on the bankruptcy filing of Twin River. West Warwick says it can't afford to pay its teachers. Download......



Gloomy again Wednesday, but Thursday looks brighter

7:00 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It looks like we're nearing the end of this stretch of gloomy weather, but we'll have to endure one more day of......



Today in history: Inmates help rebuild fishing pier

6:00 AM Wed, Jun 24, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

On the local front: A year ago today: Stormy weather blows into Rhode Island twice, with cascading quarter-sized hail and flash-flooding, wind gusts that tore......



House panel debates child molester legislation

10:35 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Mike McKinney    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A bill that would make it a felony in Rhode Island for a convicted child molester to knowingly enter a playground,......



RI House passes open records bill

8:04 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Karen Ziner    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House on Tuesday passed an amended version of an open records bill that eliminates what supporters had called "a huge advance"......



Vote expected this week on prostitution, sex-trafficking bills

7:33 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (3)
By Lynn Arditi    Email

The Senate is expected to vote this week on two separate bills, designed to strengthen the laws against prostitution and sex-trafficking. A bill (S-596) introduced......



Update: Senate panel also OKs Suttell as chief justice

6:18 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- House lawmakers overwhelming approved the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Paul A. Suttell to be the court's next chief justice. The vote......



Update: Drivers in Pell Bridge crash are at R.I. Hospital

6:10 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Two drivers are in serious condition Tuesday at Rhode Island Hospital after a collision that closed the Claiborne Pell Bridge for about......



Celona to be released on parole in July

5:52 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By John Hill    Email

CRANSTON - Former state Sen. John Celona, in the Adult Correctional Institutions for corruption, will be released on parole, probably on July 22, the chairman......



Update: Block Island crash victim ID'd; driver charged

4:46 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By Kate Bramson    Email

By Amanda Milkovits Journal Staff Writer NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. -- District Court officials have identified the victim of Tuesday's early morning fatal crash in which......



Twin River 24-7 provision a concern in Lincoln

4:45 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (3)
By Mike McKinney    Email

LINCOLN, R.I. -- If Twin River slot parlor's bankruptcy protection filing does provoke criticism from the host community, it may come over an included......



Deepwater Wind wins turbine leases off N.J., Del. coasts

4:05 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Peter Lord    Email

Deepwater Wind, the energy company selected by Governor Carcieri to develop a major offshore wind energy project south of Block Island, today was awarded two......



United Way awards $11.4 million to 38 programs

4:02 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Paul Davis    Email

Providence, R.I. -- United Way of Rhode Island has awarded more than $11.4 million to 38 social and human service programs. The money, to be......



Carpenter union on strike against contractor group

3:50 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (14)
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Members of the Rhode Island carpenters union Local 94 have stopped showing up at many commercial and industrial work sites after its......



R.I. Health Dept. closes beaches in Bristol, Warwick

3:46 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Due to high bacteria counts, the Rhode Island Department of Health on Tuesday recommended the closure of Bristol Town Beach, and Goddard......



Price and Toms win CVS Caremark Charity Classic

3:00 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

By Paul Kenyon Journal Sports Writer BARRINGTON -- Midway through the first round of the 11th CVS Caremark Charity Classic, Nick Price and David Toms......



Rally supports R.I. health insurance commissioner

2:32 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Richard Salit    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- About 35 people gathered at the State House Tuesday afternoon enthusiastically applauded speakers who called on lawmakers not to eliminate the office......



Update: Twin River bankruptcy hearing concludes

2:26 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Paul Grimaldi    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A federal bankruptcy proceeding on the future of Twin River has concluded for the day; the case will return to court July......



3 finalists vying to head Providence community libraries

1:09 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence Community Library, which will take over the city's nine-branch library system beginning July 1, has lined up three finalists for......



R.I. U.S. Attorney Corrente to join Burns & Levinson

12:46 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Katie Mulvaney    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Outgoing U.S. Attorney Robert Clark Corrente on July 1 will join Burns & Levinson LLP, a Boston-based law firm looking to expand......



Central Falls mayor offers his own money in gun buyback

12:44 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By Tatiana Pina    Email

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- Mayor Charles Moreau of Central Falls is offering $50 cash from personal funds for each real gun, rifle or shotgun turned......



'WaterFire' announces July 4th lighting

SCC.89_06-13-09_F2EMJ7M_1_s.JPG 12:41 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Bill Van Siclen    Email

Providence Journal files / Glenn Osmundson Attention WaterFire fans: The famed floating bonfires will burn brightly over the July 4th weekend, thanks to a coalition......



Providence's mayor to testify on college, hospital taxes

12:28 PM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (9)
By Philip Marcelo    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Mayor David N. Cicilline will testify before the state House and Senate Finance committees on Tuesday afternoon in support of two controversial......



Providence is last stop for Houston fundraising cyclists

11:50 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Tatiana Pina    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- On Wednesday at around 12:17 p.m. at 21 Atwells Ave., a group of 19 Houston police officers and firefighters are expected to finish......



Cranston pays $1,000 for violating public-records act

11:42 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced Tuesday that the city of Cranston has agreed to pay a $1,000 civil fine for violating......



Bail terms limit convicted RI hospital chief to south Fla.

11:39 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (4)
By John Hill    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Robert A. Urciuoli, currently free on bail while he appeals his conviction for fraud and conspiracy, will be at liberty under essentially......



E. Providence school chair unfazed by teachers' vote

11:36 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By Alisha A. Pina    Email

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- After hearing about the teachers no-confidence votes Monday afternoon, School Committee Chairman Anthony A. Carcieri says, "So what's new?" "No union......



Update: Twin River files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

11:34 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (9)
By Jack Perry    Email

By Katherine Gregg Journal State House Bureau PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Overwhelmed by more than a half-billion dollars in debt, Twin River's owners are on the......



Cranston police nab suspected burglar

11:28 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

CRANSTON, R.I. -- Police officers on Monday evening interrupted what they said was a burglary in progress and arrested a Providence man. According to Capt.......



Sex offender arrested for not registering in Woonsocket

10:57 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Tatiana Pina    Email

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- The Woonsocket Police arrested a convicted sex offender Sunday on a warrant from Westerly for failure to register as a sex offender.......



Final round starts on schedule at CVS Charity Classic

golf0623.jpg 10:18 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

Journal photo / Mary Murphy Fans gather around the second green to watch the teams of Dana Quigley and Brett Quigley, and David Toms......



Food Bank seeks donations for hungry Rhode Islanders

8:46 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (6)
By Kate Bramson    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Community Food Bank kicks off its summer food drive on Tuesday, at a time when the number of Rhode......



Fisheries managers to weigh new groundfish rules

8:35 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Jack Perry    Email

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- The New England Fisheries Management Council has begun a four-day meeting in Portland that may bring a new approach to groundfishing......



Cumberland crews fight fire on Mendon Road

7:44 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

CUMBERLAND, R.I. -- Fire crews have brought an early morning fire in a two-story building at 150 Mendon Rd. under control Tuesday, but they remain......



CVS Caremark Charity Classic schedule and outlook

7:32 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic resumes Tuesday at 9 a.m., with conditions possibly better than they were for Monday's first round. It is not expected......



Tuesday's Providence Journal front page

frontpage_20090623.jpg 7:02 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

Tuesday's Providence Journal reports that thousands of Rhode Island college students will receive smaller state scholarships next year because of the state's financial problems.......



Drizzle and showers

7:00 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Tuesday's weather forecast is a repeat of the forecast for most of this month. Expect areas of drizzle before 1 p.m. then......



Today in history: R.I. Senate passes no-smoking bill

6:00 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

On the local front: A year ago today: East Providence is exploring whether a four-day work week for its employees will save taxpayers money. Officials......



Wind surfer rescued in Narragansett Bay

10:44 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- A wind-surfer who ended up clinging to a buoy after the sail detached from his board while he was surfing in......



2 "DPW" workers tried to scam homeowner, police say

10:43 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard C. Dujardin    Email

JOHNSTON -- Two men who allegedly claimed to be town public works employees and laid asphalt on a driveway of a home on Dennison Street......



E. Providence teachers vote no confidence in board

7:10 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (22)
By Alisha A. Pina    Email

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The city's teachers unanimously voted no confidence in the School Committee on Monday afternoon. With one vote cast in dissent, they......



Iranian refugee leads protest at R.I. State House

5:48 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Karen Ziner    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The violent images from Tehran so disturbed Iranian refugee Nader Mahmoudi that on Monday, he did something he could never have done......



Ocean 'dead' zone still has life, URI scientist finds

5:01 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

Most of us think of the oceans as teeming with life. We've never visited the South Pacific Gyre, between South American and Australia. An expedition......



Close encounters with fisher cats in South County / photo

fisher_cat.jpg 4:53 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (12)
By Pamela Reinsel Cotter    Email

Projo.com photo by Pamela Reinsel Cotter A juvenile fisher cat hides in a North Kingstown tree Sunday, part of a litter of 3 with......



Board member at troubled Central Falls jail resigns

4:47 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By W. Zachary Malinowski    Email

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- Eugene Racquier, the longest serving member of the governing board that oversees the troubled Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility resigned on......



Local boy Andrade leads after 1 round at CVS Classic

4:10 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

By Paul Kenyon Journal Sports Writer Billy Andrade, with help from his partner, Helen Alfredsson, has put himself in position to be the first Rhode......



Shakepeare returns this summer to Westerly park

3:58 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Channing Gray    Email

Westerly's Colonial Theatre, which each summer brings live Shakespeare to Wilcox Park, will be staging Two Gentlemen of Verona July 15 through Aug. 2.......



Last of five RI Bickford's closed on Father's Day

3:54 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Kate Bramson    Email

WARWICK, R.I. -- The last of five Bickford's Family Restaurants in Rhode Island closed on the afternoon of Father's Day, nine days before the company's......



R.I. officials say foreclosure rescue scams on the rise

3:52 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Lisa Vernon-Sparks    Email

PROVIDENCE, RI -- In the world of consumer fraud, there's a new face in town: foreclosure rescue counselors, say state and federal officials. They prey......



RI scholarships shrink as college students' needs grow

3:46 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jennifer D. Jordan    Email

The state's financial crisis means that thousands of Rhode Island's college students will receive smaller state scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year, even as the......



Rally set in support of health-insurance chief's post

3:37 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Richard Salit    Email

Business leaders, health-care advocates and consumers will gather at the State House on Tuesday to oppose the elimination of the Rhode Island health insurance commissioner's......



Three indicted in separate Kent County sex-assault cases

2:53 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Talia Buford    Email

WARWICK, R.I. -- Three Kent County residents were indicted June 16 on charges of sexual assault and molestation involving separate incidents, the Attorney General's Office......



Providence Water to seek 8.8-percent rate hike

2:50 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The city agency that is state's largest supplier of water has asked an oversight agency for permission to hike residential water rates......



How dismal, dreary the weather? Let us count the ways

2:45 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (5)
By Donita Naylor    Email

With all the dreary out there, it's time to look on the bright side: Since the official start of summer, we haven't had any snow.......



R.I. jobless rate tied for third highest in nation

2:30 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (7)
By Andy Smith    Email

Rhode island's unemployment rate of 12.1 percent for May puts the state in a tie for the third highest rate in the country. Highest is......



R.I. House judiciary panel OKs Suttell for chief justice

2:15 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Donita Naylor    Email

By Katie Mulvaney Journal staff writer PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House Judiciary Committee has approved Paul A. Suttell to be the next chief justice of......



R.I. house sales up slightly, but prices still down sharply

2:03 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Paul Edward Parker    Email

The number of single-family houses sold in May showed a small increase from the same month a year ago, but prices remained sharply lower, according......



Update: RI state police academy begins

1:56 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (11)
By Amanda Milkovits    Email

FOSTER, R.I. -- For 37 men and women from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, this drizzly morning was the end of their former lives, and, possibly,......



Update: CVS Charity Classic goes on, despite conditions

cvs0622.jpg 1:06 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

Journal photos / Mary Murphy Umbrella-toting golf fans cross the first fairway during a break in the action at the Rhode Island Country Club on......



DEM: Mosquito-borne diseases not detected

1:05 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Department of Environmental Management said Monday that tests on the first mosquitoes trapped this season showed no sign of West......



Gas prices up for 10th straight week

12:42 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (3)
By Jack Perry    Email

By C. Eugene Emery Jr. Journal staff writer PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The gasoline price picture is turning out to be as gloomy as the weather.......



Boater curtails search via e-mail

12:39 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

BOSTON -- A search for a boater believed missing on Sunday while headed for Newport was called off when the man sent an e-mail to......



Sen. Whitehouse to attend anti-smoking bill signing

12:21 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By John E. Mulligan, Washington bureau    Email

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is among the lawmakers planning to attend President Obama's signing Monday of a bill that will increase the federal government's......



'Craigslist murder' suspect arraigned in Boston

12:10 PM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

BOSTON (AP) -- A former Boston medical student accused of killing a masseuse he met through Craigslist has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and......



Whale just won't stay buried at Little Compton beach

11:23 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (2)
By Tom Mooney    Email

It lacks the classic immortality of Moby Dick but this whale is showing some staying power. Workers on Briggs Beach in Little Compton spent Saturday......



Seekonk barn fire that killed animals ruled accidental

11:05 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

SEEKONK, MASS. -- A fire that destroyed a barn and killed six to seven dozen rabbits and fowl inside the large structure on Sunday has......



On-time start for CVS Charity Classic, but rain looms

golfumbrellas.jpg 10:27 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

Providence Journal photo / Mary Murphy Umbrella-toting golf fans cross the first fairway during a break in the action at the Rhode Island Country......



New Bedford man killed in robbery; police seek help

Nbsuspect.jpg 9:07 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (1)
By Kate Bramson    Email

The New Bedford Police Department released this photograph of a suspect wanted in an attempted robbery that resulted in the shooting death of a......



R.I. Bickford's closed; I mourn the Big Apple Pancake

8:15 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Comments (10)
By Alan Rosenberg    Email

Hot out of the restaurant oven, its sweet, dense dough covered with tart slices of baked apple, then topped with a thick better-than-syrup Saigon cinnamon......



Watching the weather for the CVS golf tournament

7:44 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Mike McDermott    Email

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic is scheduled to begin this morning at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. With nasty weather in the forecast,......



Talks to resume between Globe union, management

7:44 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Globe and its largest labor union are scheduled to resume negotiations over how best to achieve $10 million in......



Suspect in 'craigslist' killing due in Boston court

7:13 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Kate Bramson    Email

BOSTON (AP) -- A former medical student accused of killing a 25-year-old masseuse he met through craigslist is being arraigned in Boston for first-degree murder......



Gray, rainy and a north wind too

7:00 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- So far June has been a nice March, and it looks like it will stay that way for a few more days.......



Monday's Providence Journal front page

frontpage_20090622.jpg 7:00 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Jack Perry    Email

Monday's Providence Journal front page reports that Twin River has delayed its decision on filing for bankruptcy. Colleges throughout the state and nation have......



Today in history: Germany invades the Soviet Union

6:00 AM Mon, Jun 22, 2009 | | Write a comment
By Thomas J. Morgan    Email

On the local front: A year ago today: Rhode Island's deteriorating job market is expected to delay its recovery from what a new study describes......



Blaze destroys Seekonk barn

10:18 PM Sun, Jun 21, 2009 | | Write a comment
By News staff    Email

SEEKONK -- Fire, its cause not immediately determined, heavily damaged a barn off Route 44 on Sunday afternoon. No one was inside the building,......