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June 6, 2007

Traffic slow on Route 95 south due to accident

PROVIDENCE -- Drivers, there's a traffic tie-up on Route 95 south this evening due to an accident in the area of Exit 18, Thurbers Avenue.

The accident was reported by the state Transportation Management Center, which issued an advisory at 6:27 p.m.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 7:04 PM | Comment

Sunny, cooler day gives way to night -- and music

It's that kind of evening, the end of a sunny day when temperatures seem right on, and the promise of more days like this one. Time for some live tunes.

If you're in Providence, The Deftones, Dir En Grey and The Fall of Troy will be playing some variation of rock starting at 8:30 p.m. at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, at 79 Washington St. Call 331-5876, or 272-5876 or go to www.etix.com. Tickets are $30 advance; $35 day of show; $37.50 reserved.

In Newport, Chris Gauthier will rock, too, at One Pelham East, 270 Thames St., starting at 9 p.m. Call 847-9460.

Over the line in Fall River, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irions are slated to play some folk at the Narrows Center for the Arts, at 16 Anawan St. Call (508) 324-1926 or go to www.ncfta.org. That's from 7 p.m. to 9 pm. Tickets are $30. There's also a silent auction from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit the Riverwood Mental Health Services, in Warren.

If jazz is more your thing, Dick Lupino, Dick Johnson and Paul Schmelling will perform at Sardella’s Restaurant, at 30 Memorial Blvd., in Newport. Call 849-6312. It's from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In Pawtucket, Mac Odom and Chill perform rhythm and blues and Motown tunes at LJ’s BBQ, 727 East Ave. Call 305-5255. The playing starts at 9 pm.

For more music around Rhode Island tonight, check today's listings.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment

For Cranston East, summer's right on schedule

CRANSTON -- Blow up the beach balls. Turn up the radio. Summer is coming earlier than expected for the denizens of Cranston High School East.

One month after a mercury spill shut the school for two days, state Education Commissioner Peter McWalters has endorsed plans to close Cranston High East June 20, as scheduled, rather than tack on two make-up days of math, English and wistful gazes out of the window.

Students reacted to the announcement with the special glee of the soon-to-be-free. “I heard waves of yells across the building,” said Jordan Cabral, 16, a junior.

Assistant Schools Supt. Peter Nero said the School Committee requested the two-day dispensation to avoid the estimated $90,000 to $100,000 cost of running a single school after the rest of the system’s schools shut their doors.

“Every school day is a precious school day,” he said, “but we’re under so many financial constraints.”

-- Journal staff writer David Scharfenberg

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:33 PM | Comment

Narragansett police chief RWU's new security head

BRISTOL -- Roger Williams University has a new director of security: Narragansett Police Chief J. David Smith, who succeeds Brendan P. Doherty, now the superintendent of state police.

Smith will begin as security director on or about July 8. Doherty was picked in April by Governor Carcieri to lead the state police.

“Having worked directly with the University of Rhode Island during his time in Narragansett, Chief Smith brings to Roger Williams a solid understanding of higher education policing issues,” Roy J. Nirschel, the Roger Williams University president, said in a news release. “He’ll make an excellent leader for our valued team of Public Safety officers.”

Smith has served as Narragansett police chief since 2002. Before that, he was Westerly police chief after more than 20 years as a Westerly officer.

Smith was co-chairman of the Narragansett/University of Rhode Island Coalition since 2002, and he was an adjunct lecturer at Roger Williams and an advisory board member of the university’s Justice System Training and Research Institute.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:22 PM | Comment

Baby, alleged to be victim of shaking by father, dies

Nine-month-old James Cerce, who authorities allege was violently shaken by his father, died today at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence.

The office of Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter, which announced the death, said it is now investigating the case as a homicide. An autopsy is to be performed tomorrow.

Authorities say the incident happened in the Fall River apartment of the child's father, Christopher J. Cerce, on April 17.

Cerce was indicted by a grand jury last month on two counts of assault and battery of a child-causing substantial injury, and one count each of wanton/reckless child endangerment and possession of marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

"Appropriate new charges will be brought at the appropriate time, once the autopsy and the ongoing investigation is completed," according to today's release form Sutter's office.

Cerce had been ordered held on $100,000 cash bail at his May 31 arraignment in New Bedford Superior Court.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:11 PM | Comment

Trinity Rep associate director lands Dallas job

PROVIDENCE -- Trinity Repertory associate director Kevin Moriarty has been named new artistic director of Dallas Theater Center in Texas, according to a news release and the homepage of the theater center's Web site.

Moriarty has been appointed after an "extensive national search," the release states.

Moriarty's credits included directing Trinity Rep productions of Richard II, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Nickel and Dimed, and A Christmas Carol, according to a biography on the Trinity Rep Web site.

He has also been artistic director of the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y., where's he's directed many productions.

He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Trinity Rep Conservatory.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:11 PM | Comment

Audio: Bakst asks Giuliani if he's willing to deal

PROVIDENCE -- Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst, and avid Red Sox fan, had a special question today for GOP presidential candidate and former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Suffice it to say it had something to do with whether the Yankees fan might willing to swap allegiances to another team, if a certain personage was willing to help him win the election.

Read Bakst's full column tomorrow on projo.com and The Providence Journal, and listen (closely) to this audio clip of his question -- and the answer.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 4:07 PM | Comment

DOT experts to save $500,000 on consolidation

The state Department of Transportation says in a news release today it will save nearly $500,000 per year when its merges two units -- the traffic-jam monitoring Transportation Management Center and the Maintenance Dispatch section -- into one.

They will be consolidated on July 2.

The transportation department "did a cost-benefit analysis as well as a pilot program earlier this year,” said Jerome F. Williams, the DOT director. “Once combined, the Department will save $498,000 by reducing the current 16 positions that perform these services down to 11.”

The Transportation Management Center alerts the media and others to accidents and other situations that have occurred so the public knows areas of various roads to sidestep because of delays.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:47 PM | Comment

U.S. Rep. Langevin warns of tuberculosis threat

WASHINGTON, D.C., -- U.S. Rep. James Langevin, who heads a Homeland Security subcommittee, said today the recent example of a man who took trans-Atlantic flights while infected with drug-resistant tuberculosis "highlights that the federal government is not fully prepared to respond" when someone has a contagious disease.

Langevin, a Democrat, made his comments during a hearing on the "extensively drug resistant tuberculosis incident" and its homeland security implications, according to a news release from Langevin's office.

Before the matter involving Atlanta lawyer Andrew Speaker last week, Langevin "was in the process of coordinating hearings on this same topic" to figure out if the federal government was ready to respond to this kind of incident, his office says.

"We need increased coordination among federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the ability to isolate and quarantine people who may pose a health risk to others, especially when they are uncooperative," Langevin said.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:37 PM | Comment

Giuliani chides Clinton for missing terrorist threat

PROVIDENCE -- Presidential hopeful and former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani wanted to talk today about more than just the abortion debate that has swirled around him since Rhode Island’s Roman Catholic bishop, the Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, criticized Giuliani last week for his views.

But four minutes into his conversation with local reporters, his handler tried to end the session. “That’s it, guys.”

Then Giuliani asked: “Do you have a question on any other subjects?”

A reporter began to ask about citizen opposition to the war in Iraq. “They want us to end the war, you say it’s a good thing …” the reporter began.

“I don’t say that the war is a good thing,” Giuliani jumped in before the question was fully formulated.

“Any war is a horrible thing, and Americans are very much opposed to war. We’ve always been opposed to war. … Americans are peaceful people, but the reality is this isn’t necessarily our war. It’s their war against us. The terrorists are at war against us.”

Audio: Hear a clip of Giuliani answering questions about Bishop Tobin's comments and his remarks on Iraq. (5 mins., 58 secs.)

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Giuliani said the terrorists declared war in the 1990s, but the American government, “during the Clinton administration, didn’t hear it,” he said.

“They were in denial. A lot of people think the first attack on America was on September 11, 2001. It wasn’t. It was back in 1993 while Clinton was the president and we responded to it by treating it as a criminal case, not as an act of war.”

Then, Clinton didn’t respond to a host of attacks, Giuliani said, beginning with the 1996 attack on the Khobar Towers in Saudia Arabia that killed U.S. troops.

“I don’t blame him for that [lack of response] because, you know, hindsight is a powerful weapon, a powerful device. He didn’t have the benefit of hindsight back then,” Giuliani said.

“But now we have the benefit of hindsight. We see that they were at war with us. … We have to be clear. These people are at war against us, we have to evaluate Iraq from that situation, Iran from that situation, the preparations we have to make at home, and I think that’s the defining decision for the American people in 2008.”

Giuliani made his remarks as their subject, former President Bill Clinton, was the guest at a fundraiser across town for his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, a Democratic presidential candidate.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 3:16 PM | Comment

Clinton: If Hillary wins, I'll do what she asks / Photo

Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Former President Bill Clinton arrives at the home of former Providence mayor Joseph Paolino on the East Side this morning for a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. He's greeted by Paolino, next to Clinton, fundraiser Mark Weiner, center, and members of Paolino's family including Lianne, Paolino's wife, far left.

PROVIDENCE -- Former President Bill Clinton, asked what he would do if his wife, Hillary, is elected president, said outside a fundraiser here this morning: "Whatever I'm asked to do."

Clinton arrived at the house of former Providence mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. at about 11:30 a.m. on the city's East Side. A couple hundred guests arrived for the fund-raiser there for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's Democratic presidential campaign.

Among the Rhode Island politicos sighted at the home today were Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, Cranston Mayor Michael Napolitano, former Lt. Gov. Richard Licht, and Suzanne Magaziner, wife of Ira Magaziner -- who heads the former president's global AIDs initiative foundation.

Sandra Whitehouse, wife of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who just endorsed Clinton today, and daughter Molly Whitehouse were also among the guests. Whitehouse himself is in Washington today.

Clinton said he thought his wife had a "good" debate, the one held in New Hampshire. He said he did not watch the most recent Republican presidential debate.

Clinton said troops should be pulled out of Iraq but he brushed away a question about a timetable for doing so, saying it would not happen now because President Bush would veto it anyway.

The fundraiser raised about $200,000.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Your turn: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Hillary Clinton or Rudy Giuliani? Why?

Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:30 PM | Comment

State budget set to be unveiled on Friday

Ending weeks of speculation on Smith Hill, legislative leaders have announced their plan to unveil the 2008 budget.

The release is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in House Finance Committee Room 35 in the State House basement.

The committee posted the meeting at 2 p.m. today, as 48 hours notice is required for all public meetings. If the schedule goes as planned, legislators will review the budget article by article Friday afternoon.

The process can take as little as a couple hours or can run through the night. Once approved by the committee, there is a mandatory seven-day waiting period before the full House can vote on the budget.

House spokesman Larry Berman noted that the plan may change in the coming days and that the committee hearing doesn’t always start on time.

The budget will contain such details as whether young adults raised in state custody will lose state benefits, how many children will lose state-subsidized child care, and how much state aid will go to cities and towns.

-- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau

Posted by Steve Peoples at 2:25 PM | Comment

RI water-supply recommendations will be released

PROVIDENCE -- Two Senate committees this afternoon will release a proposed final report and proposed legislative recommendations to deal with Rhode Island water-supply and distribution issues.

A news conference is slated for 3 p.m. in the State House Senate lounge, and a hearing on the proposals will happen at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release.

The Senate Government Oversight and Senate Environment and Agriculture Committees held hearings on the state’s water supply and distribution system and after that worked on the report and draft bill.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:27 PM | Comment

Pawtucket DMV office can't do licenses, registration

PAWTUCKET -- The large Pawtucket branch of the Division of Motor Vehicles cannot process licenses, registrations and IDs today because of "network issues," according to a message on the department's main information line.

The message says "other transactions" can be done in the Pawtucket office. And people are advised to check back later on the information line about the status of the Pawtucket office. The message does not specify what the issues are affecting the network.

Additional staff members are being sent to the state's other motor vehicle division branch offices.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:38 PM | Comment

Bishop: Reaction to Giuliani remarks a surprise / Audio

PROVIDENCE -- In an interview in his chancery office this morning, the Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin said he was “somewhat surprised” by the national reaction to a column he wrote that sharply criticizes Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani for his views on abortion.

In his column, published last week in the Rhode Island Catholic, the diocesan newspaper, Bishop Tobin compared Giuliani to Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus Christ to death.

The bishop called the reaction “a perfect storm” of circumstances. He said that he has been besieged by requests for interviews by media outlets, including invitations by CNN and MSNBC to appear on programs. He declined those interviews, but has appeared on local talk radio and TV. He also has received dozens of e-mails and telephone calls – most of which, he said, were “positive.”

Giuliani, a Roman Catholic, says he is personally opposed to abortion – but he does not believe that he, or the government, should impose that view on others. In his column, the bishop noted that Pontius Pilate personally found no guilt in Jesus, but nonetheless handed him over to be crucified: “I can just hear Pilate saying: `You know, I’m personally opposed to crucifixion, but I don’t want to impose my belief on others.’ ”

The bishop’s rebuke was the subject of an article yesterday in The New York Times _ and it provided an odd moment of humor at last night’s Republican candidates’ debate in New Hampshire.

The moderator asked Giuliani what he thought of Bishop Tobin’s comments – but when the candidate went to answer, a lightning strike knocked out the sound system, and Giuliani’s response was lost.

Bishop Tobin was watching the debate live on his home TV when the lightning struck.

“I guess it could be interpreted lots of different ways,” he quipped this morning, “but I’m sure it was just a coincidence.”

Audio: Tobin talks today about his remarks on Giuliani's abortion stance, with Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller

-- Journal staff writer G. Wayne Miller

Your turn: Do you support Bishop Tobin’s view on politicians’ stands on abortion?

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:27 PM | Comment

Giuliani questioned about bishop / Photo, Audio

Journal photo / John Freidah
Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani responds to reporters' questions after a fundraiser at Waterplace Restaurant in Providence.

PROVIDENCE -- Republican presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani arrived at a Providence fundraiser shortly after noon today and was promptly grilled by the waiting press about Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's recent criticism of Giuliani's support for abortion rights.

The former New York City mayor laughed and said, "After last night, I'm not going to say anything about that."

He was referring to last night's debate in New Hampshire when lightning struck at the same time that Giuliani was asked about Tobin's criticism, which has attracted national attention.

Among other things, Tobin wrote in the diocese newspaper, "Rudy’s public proclamations on abortion are pathetic and confusing. Even worse, they’re hypocritical."

But Giuliani also said he's been clear in his position, and that voters could use that information to decide whether to support him.

Giuliani, a Roman Catholic, says he is personally opposed to abortion – but he does not believe that he, or the government, should impose that view on others. He noted today that abortions decreased and adoptions increased in New York City while he was the mayor.

Audio: Hear Giuliani speak about Tobin's reaction today

-- With reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Your turn: Do you support Bishop Tobin’s view on politicians’ stands on abortion?

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:23 PM | Comment

2 arrested in Route 95 shooting

Two men have been arrested in connection with a shooting on Route 95 in Providence last Thursday night, the state police announced.

Edward St. Onge, alias “Tito,” age 22, of 53 Airway Road in Warwick, and Juan Salas, alias “Teta,” age 21, of 44 Croyland Road in Providence.

Salas was charged with four counts of assault with intent to commit murder, conspiracy to commit assault with intent to murder, and discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle.

Salas was arraigned yesterday at State Police Headquarters where bail was set at $100,000 cash.

Last Friday, St. Onge was charged with conspiracy to commit assault with intent to murder, felony possession of marijuana (2nd offense), and operating on a suspended license. St. Onge was arraigned and bail was set at $5,000 with surety.

The shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m..State Police Wickford Barracks received a 9-1-1 telephone call from the victim, police said today, who stated that he had just been pursued by an older model white BMW on Route 95 south, and the passenger of that vehicle was leaning out of the window, firing a handgun at him while traveling at a high rate of speed.

Police later found four holes from gunshots in that vehicle.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:54 AM | Comment

Update: Guests awaiting Giuliani at Waterplace

PROVIDENCE -- At least 20 to 30 people have wandered into Waterplace Restaurant as they await the arrival of Republican presidential hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

As of 11:35 a.m. Giuliani had not yet arrived for the11:30 fund-raising lunch. Guests are paying from $500 to $1,500 to attend.

Reporters and cameras are set up outside and several people are milling about on a day that is seeing political luminaries descend on the city to raise campaign funds.

Giuliani hadn't arrived by about 11:30 a.m., but when state Republican Chairman Giovanni Cicione got there, he was swarmed by the media, which grilled him about Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's criticism of Giuliani's support of abortion rights.

Tobin's criticism has attracted national press coverage.

Cicione defended Giuliani, saying the former New York mayor has had a consistent position on the issue. He also characterized some of Tobin's criticism as "a little harsh."

In a May 31 column that ran in the diocese newspaper, Tobin wrote in part, "Rudy’s public proclamations on abortion are pathetic and confusing. Even worse, they’re hypocritical."

Former President Bill Clinton is also expected at a fund-raiser for the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. That event is also being held now, at the home of former Providence mayor Joseph Paolino.

Sitings of Ocean State politicos so far? Former Gov. Lincoln Almond and his wife have arrived as have former Lt. Gov. Bernard Jackvony.

Red, white and blue balloons are affixed to a campaign sign for Giuliani.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson and Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Your turn: If the presidential election were held today, would you vote for Hillary Clinton or Rudy Giuliani? Why?

Posted by Mike McKinney at 11:42 AM | Comment

Sen. Whitehouse endorses Clinton

Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, the Clinton campaign has announced.

Whitehouse has also been named a co-chair of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign.

“All of my colleagues seeking the Democratic nomination are committed to a new direction for our country, and it has been an honor to serve with, and learn from, each of them. Today, I'm proud to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Whitehouse was quoted saying in the Clinton announcement. “Her smart, tough, experienced leadership will be critically important as we work to bring our troops home from Iraq, reform our health care system to cover more American families, and solve the energy challenges of the 21st century.”

Whitehouse joins U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin as a chairman of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign. Langevin announced his endorsement of Clinton June 1.

Langevin's House colleague Patrick J. Kennedy is sticking with his choice of Sen. (and fellow Providence College alum) Christopher Dodd, of Connecticut.

Sen. Jack Reed has not announced an endorsement.

Posted by Jack Perry at 11:27 AM | Comment

Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani to visit Providence today

PROVIDENCE -- A couple of political heavy hitters are scheduled to visit the Ocean State today.

Former president Bill Clinton and Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani are in Providence for campaign fundraising events.

Neither Clinton nor Giuliani has any public events scheduled.

Giuliani, former New York City mayor, is scheduled to speak at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon at Waterplace Restaurant and then head to a 2 p.m. appearance at the Carnegie Abbey Club.

Clinton is raising money for his wife -- New York Senator Hillary Clinton -- who is running for the Democratic nomination for president. The former two-term president will attend a luncheon at the East Side home of former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr.

-- The Associated Press and Journal staff reports

Posted by Jack Perry at 10:47 AM | Comment

Emergency test at the port this morning

PROVIDENCE – Emergency responders are conducting a drill at 9 a.m. today to test how quickly they can evacuate nine businesses at the Port of Providence.

The premise for the evacuation is that a plane has crashed at the port, according to James Taylor, chief of communications for the Providence Fire Department.

The drill gives the Providence Fire Department an opportunity to test its reverse 911 system, Taylor said. The system allows the communications department to record a message and use the reverse 911 calling system to phone the affected businesses and replay that message, telling them they must evacuate the area.

Also, the drill will test how quickly the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority can get buses to the port in order to evacuate the businesses.

Participating businesses include KeySpan, American Equipment Rental, the Narragansett Bay Commission and the Johnson & Wales location at the port.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Kate Bramson at 8:51 AM | Comment

Crash victim's family files claim against Woonsocket

WOONSOCKET -- The family of a man who died in a car crash as he was being pursued by the Woonsocket police is seeking unspecified monetary damages from the city.

The claim filed with the city council by the family of Jason Ayala alleges negligence by the police. It has been referred to the city’s law department.

The police say the 24-year-old Ayala died when the car he was driving crashed in the early morning hours of April 8. Authorities say Ayala was among several people fleeing an illegal street racing event at a city industrial park.

The police say the chase reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

The claim seeks “damages, reimbursement, and/or compensation in a sum not less than the maximum amount recoverable” under state law, The Call of Woonsocket reports today.

The claim could be the first step toward eventual legal action.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:31 AM | Comment

Sunshiny days and cool nights

It’s just 54 degrees out now, but we’re expected to hit a high near 72 on this already sunny day.

We could have a bit of rain, too. But not much. Overnight Friday, we've got a 30 percent chance of thunder showers. Hopefully enough for all the gardens out there -- and while we sleep during the weekend.

Tonight we’ll have a low of 48. Perfect sleeping weather before the heat of the summer takes over.

All you allergy sufferers out there, pollen.com is reporting medium-high pollen levels for today through Friday.

Get the latest conditions and forecasts from projo.com.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 7:10 AM | Comment

Red Sox lose second straight in Oakland, 2-0

Get all the details in Steven Krasner's game story on projo.com's Sox Blog.

Posted by Art Martone at 7:03 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's front page features a story about a bill that would extend Newport Grand’s contract with the state and would hamper the City of Newport’s ability to regulate the gambling facility. There's also a photograph and story about overcrowding at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

Download a copy of today's front page in .pdf format.

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment