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August 8, 2006

Big Dig ramp to reopen at midnight

BOSTON -- A Big Dig ramp, closed amid safety concerns in the wake of the deadly collapse of a nearby tunnel ceiling, will reopen at midnight tonight, Gov. Mitt Romney said.

The eastbound ramp funnels traffic toward the Ted Williams Tunnel and Boston's Logan International Airport, and is key to easing traffic congestion originating south of the city.

The ramp was closed shortly after an accident July 10 that killed a 39-year-old woman as she and her husband drove through a connector tunnel and their car was crushed by 12 tons of falling ceiling panels.

Since the accident, authorities have zeroed in on the bolt-and-epoxy system that failed to hold suspended ceiling panels in place where Milena Del Valle was killed. Inspections have revealed slippage in dozens of other tunnel locations, and workers have been reinforcing potentially weak connections.

Read the full story.

-- Associated Press

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 6:52 PM | Comment

Party for Corrente kicks off R.I. film fest tonight

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island International Film Festival opens today, a whirlwind event set to air 283 films in the next six days.

Tonight, festival organizers plan to show 10 "amazing short films which will include three noteworthy animations,” starting at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Theater on Broadway.

But first, the festival plans to throw an opening night VIP party at the theater – $100 tickets available to the public -- where it will fete Rhode Island filmmaker Michael Corrente, who will receive the festival's creative vision award this year.

For a full schedule and ticket information check the festival's Web site.

-- projo.com staff writers Kate Bramson and Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 6:14 PM | Comment

Update: Judge denies bid to block casino question

PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge refused to intervene in the state casino debate today, rejecting a bid to block a ballot question planned for November that would amend the state Constitution to allow a casino in West Warwick.

But U.S. District Judge William E. Smith hinted that the proposed amendment may be unconstitutional and left open the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future, even after the election.

"Even if the measure passes in November, it must pass through the judicial gauntlet (this Court and the Court of Appeals) before it becomes a constitutional fixture," he wrote.

In the nine-page opinion released this afternoon, Smith said "that while plaintiffs and the attorney general have raised serious constitutional questions regarding the proposed constitutional amendment, the dispute is simply not yet ripe for adjudication." Interfering with "an election is one of the most drastic powers of equity within the arsenal of the federal district court. While this court clearly has that power, prudence requires enormous discretion in its exercise."

The ballot question asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to allow a casino to be privately built and run by the Narragansett Indians and their partner, Harrah's, in West Warwick. The state Constitution currently allows state-operated gambling facilities.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Today's ruling comes in response to a lawsuit brought by the Town of Johnston and Colorado developer David H. Nunes, who tried to build a casino in Johnston. Joined by the attorney general's office, they argued that the amendment would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The judge today suggested that the proposed casino may indeed be unconstitutional on the very grounds argued by its opponents. But he said that the attorney general's office and others failed to convince the court of the "irreparable harm" that would result in the ballot question going forward.

The judge also pointed out that there's a good chance that voters would reject the question, rendering his intervention unnecessary.

"This court may never be called upon to rule on the constitutionality of the proposed amendment: the electorate may vote it down in November," Smith wrote. "Courts should not wade into constitutionally torrid waters unless doing so is unavoidable."

Posted by Steve Peoples at 5:42 PM | Comment

Police: Hit-run victim was Providence man, 33

PROVIDENCE -- The police have identified the victim of the fatal hit-and-run yesterday on the Union Avenue exit ramp of Route 10 south.

Jose Ruiz, 33, of Providence, was struck by two separate vehicles and killed as he was walking in the area, authorities said today. The drivers fled the scene before rescue crews arrived.

The police are still searching for the vehicles involved, identified as a Honda, color and model unknown, with a missing driver’s side mirror, and a silver Mercedes Benz Coupe SL, possibly a 2003 model, bearing a temporary Rhode Island registration.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the police's Hit and Run Squad at (401) 243-6409.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 3:36 PM | Comment

Immigration protesters get hostile reception in R.I. / Photo

Journal Photo / Andrew Dickerman
Protesters against illegal immigration stand on State House steps as they are watched by counter-demonstrators.

PROVIDENCE -- A motorcycle group’s "Paul Revere Ride" roared into town today to warn Americans against the "disastrous consequences’’ of illegal immigration, from "overpopulation," "crime" and "diseases"’ to "decimation of the middle class" and "breakdown of civilization."

Counter-protesters gave them a hostile reception outside the State House, with bullhorn-amplified shouts of "Get Up! Get Down! Get the Racists Out of Our Town!"

"Oh yeah, this is about the tenth state where we’ve had opposition," said Howard J. Wooldridge of Colorado, ride coordinator and 55-year-old retired police detective from Colorado.

Wooldridge said he advocates an end to illegal immigration, "and then the discussion is, what number (of legal immigrants) to bring in every year."

The group’s 17,000-mile journey to 48 state capitols began in Colorado. It will wrap up Saturday in Washington, D.C., Wooldridge said.

The face-off ended without incident, and the riders roared out at 10:30.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner

Posted by Jack Perry at 1:30 PM | Comment

Ferry carts disaster supplies to Block Island / Photo

Journal photo / John Freidah
Rhode Island National Guard Spc. Luigi Miscuraca, left, and Lt. Russ Donahue direct a truck with emergency supplies today onto the Block Island ferry.

NARRAGANSETT -- State and federal authorities loaded a National Guard truck and a tractor trailer full of supplies onto the 11:45 a.m. ferry to Block Island this morning, the first time the Federal Emergency Management Agency has ever pre-positioned emergency supplies on the small island off the state's southern coast.

Prompted by the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in the South, FEMA officials loaded one truck with enough supplies -- cots, blankets, wheelchairs, and a generator -- for 250 people and stuffed other items -- 3,300 bottles of water and 7,000 military-issued Meals Ready to Eat -- in the tractor trailer.

The trucks were moved onto the regular passenger ferry in Galilee as tourists with beach chairs and duffel bags looked on.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Amanda Milkovits

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:21 PM | Comment

One-two blasts demolish bridge's underwater piers

JAMESTOWN -- Demolition teams successfully blew up two underwater piers on the old Jamestown Bridge this morning -- with a small hitch.

The explosions were supposed to destroy piers 9 and 10 at the same time, but the first blast apparently disconnected the line to the second pier, forcing crew members to reconnect the underwater line, according to Wilfred Hernandez, project engineer for the state Department of Transportation.

The blasts took place at about 10:30 and 11 a.m., respectively. Officials planned to stop traffic on the new bridge for about a half hour after each explosion.

Previous blasts this spring brought down the span's center section and trusses at each end and attracted large crowds to the scene. There are still about two dozen underwater piers that must be cleared from the old bridge. The next set of underwater explosions is planned in about three weeks.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Randal Edgar

Posted by Steve Peoples at 1:16 PM | Comment

Capco Steel worker killed in accident ID'd

PROVIDENCE -- Police today released the identity of the Capco Steel employee killed late last week in an apparent work accident.

John Maki, 60, of Cranston, was working inside the company's 25 Acorn St. facility when he was hit in the head with a piece of steel.

He was pronounced dead at 11 a.m. last Friday "due to a work-related accident," according to an incident report released by the police today.

Maki spent the past 14 years working as a welding supervisor for Capco, which is the largest steel manufacturer in Rhode Island.

Maki's funeral was held this morning, according to his published obituary. He was to be buried in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston.

-- projo.com staff writers Steve Peoples and Kate Bramson

Posted by Steve Peoples at 12:31 PM | Comment

Lieberman pitches voters heading to Connecticut polls

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman, locked in a battle with a political novice fueled by anti-war sentiment, crisscrossed the state in a final attempt keep his Senate seat and reassure voters going to the polls today in Connecticut's primary election.

Lieberman planned stops in Stratford, Shelton, New Haven, Waterbury, Bristol and Hartford today, where polls opened at 6 a.m.

If defeated, Lieberman would be only the fourth incumbent senator since 1980 to lose a primary election. The three-term senator, nationally known for his centrist views, has endured harsh criticism in his home state for supporting the Iraq war and has been labeled by some Democrats as too close to Republicans and President Bush.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:24 PM | Comment

Update: High court rules against Carcieri on ballot issue

PROVIDENCE -- The state Supreme Court ruled today that the governor cannot order the Secretary of State to place two nonbinding ballot questions on the November ballot, reversing part of a recent Superior Court ruling.

The order upholds the General Assembly's arguments, and effectively strips Governor Carcieri of his power to place nonbinding questions on the ballot.

"Now that the time has come for the Secretary [of State] to perform his statutorily prescribed duties, the governor no longer has the authority to compel the secretary to honor that previously issued order," writes the court in its seven-page decision.

Last month, Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato surprised everyone by addressing the constitutionality of nonbinding ballot questions as a whole. While the General Assembly approved a bill stripping the governor of that right, Fortunato ruled that the governor didn't need the Assembly's permission to do so.

The Supreme Court said that Fortunato overstepped his authority in his sweeping ruling.

"In our opinion, the hearing justice should not have reached a perceived constitutional ground that was not raised or argued by the parties. Neither this court nor the Superior Court should decide constitutional issues unless it is absolutely necessary to do so," writes the court.

Carcieri said he was upset with today's ruling.

“I’m very disappointed that the people of Rhode Island will not have an opportunity to voice their opinions on these two important questions. The two questions that I had ordered placed on the ballot – voter initiative and a constitutional cap on government taxes and spending – are tremendously important issues for Rhode Island’s future," he said in a statement. "Rhode Islanders should have had the chance to voice their support or their disapproval for these two critical public policy matters.”

Carcieri said he'd introduce a bill during the next legislative session to "restore the people's right" to vote on non-binding questions in the future. "The people’s right to express themselves on important public policy matters must be restored,” he said.

Read the full decision by the high court.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples at 11:58 AM | Comment

Decision stands, West Warwick candidate stays on the ballot

WEST WARWICK -- The state Supreme Court has declined to hear the case filed by a town resident challenging the legitimacy of a State House candidacy.

The court’s decision, filed today, means the State Board of Elections’ ruling -- to allow Patricia A. Serpa to run for the District 27 House seat – stands.

Resident Alan G. Palazzo had filed his appeal with the state’s highest court of the Board of Elections’ decision to uphold a ruling by the West Warwick Board of Canvassers that allowed Serpa to continue as a candidate.

Read more about this case in the Journal.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:55 AM | Comment

One of state's most wanted criminals nabbed in NYC

One of Rhode Island’s most wanted criminals -- charged with first-degree child molestation -- has been arrested by U.S. marshals and New York City police officers in the Bronx, N.Y.

Maximo Guerrero, 53, of 21 Star St. in Pawtucket is now being held in New York pending an extradition hearing, according to a news release issued today by Pawtucket Police Major John J. Whiting

Guerrero is charged with first-degree child molestation for incidents on Star Street over the past eight years involving a girl who is now 12, according to Whiting and information on the state’s most wanted criminals website.

Guerrero’s arrest was the result of a joint investigation by the Pawtucket and Providence police departments and the Rhode Island Children’s Advocacy Center, a program of Day One, The Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center, according to Whiting.

When the initial complaint against Guerrero was filed, he was believed to have fled the state, according to the Pawtucket police. Investigators later learned that he was hiding in the Bronx.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 10:23 AM | Comment

Pawtucket teen ID'd as victim in fatal ATV crash

PAWTUCKET – The police have identified the teenager who died yesterday in an all-terrain vehicle accident as an 18-year-old Pawtucket man.

Josh S. Lebrun, of 90 Cameron St., sustained a serious head injury and was unresponsive at the accident scene after the ATV he was driving hit a tree in Slater Park, according to a news release just issued by Pawtucket Police Major John J. Whiting. Lebrun, who also hit the tree, was later pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, according to the police.

The police have also identified Lebrun’s passenger, who was thrown from the rear of the ATV, as Samuel Saviano, 19, or 100 West Cole St. in Pawtucket. Saviano narrowly missed striking the tree himself and landed on the ground several feet beyond it, the police said today.

Saviano was treated for his injuries, which the police have not detailed, at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, according to the news release.

Operating ATVs and other motorized vehicles is prohibited in Slater Park, according to the police.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 9:08 AM | Comment

Ruling on casino question expected today

PROVIDENCE – The federal judge charged with deciding the fate of the casino ballot question expects to rule on the issue by the close of business today.

U.S. District Judge William E. Smith said he will focus on whether the Narragansett Indian Tribe would profit from a casino in West Warwick because the tribe is a political entity or because of the ethnic or racial background of its members.

Smith is mulling over whether voters should be allowed to decide if the state Constitution should be amended to allow a casino in West Warwick.

Tomorrow is the Secretary of State Office’s deadline for printing the November ballot.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:41 AM | Comment

Underwater blasts today for old Jamestown Bridge

Motorists and boaters could spend some time idling near the old Jamestown Bridge today as demolition work continues on the bridge.

A series of underwater explosions is planned between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.

Instead of closing the nearby Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge altogether for half-hour periods, as initially planned, state troopers plan to block bridge traffic by "traveling very slowly in all lanes of travel and momentarily clearing traffic from the bridge," the DOT said in a statement.

The Coast Guard plans to set a 3,000-foot safety zone on either side of the bridge during the detonations.

The underwater explosions will involve two detonations on the North Kingstown side of Narragansett Bay. The explosives will remove two piers to the mud line, about 15 feet deep, according to the DOT.

The explosions will not be as spectacular as the above-water detonations earlier in the year , the DOT said.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:08 AM | Comment

Partly cloudy today with a chance of showers later

The National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., forecasts a partly cloudy day with a high near 86 degrees and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m.

Tonight will also be partly cloudy before gradually clearing, the weather service says.

For more weather and regular updates, see projo.com/weather.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment