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October 3, 2007

Tonight: Music in the clubs, the carrier war at a lecture

Tonight, you can hear a former member of '80s band Journey at a club in Cranston or head to Barrington for a lecture on the carrier war in the Pacific during World War II.

No, those are not your only choices.

Here's who's playing what tonight:

George Leonard, jazz and pop, The Hi-Hat, 3 Davol Square, Providence. Call 453-6500. 8 p.m. to midnight.

Dick Lupino, Shawnn Monteiro and Mac Chrupcala, jazz, Sardella’s Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd., Newport. Call 849-6312. 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Bob Mainelli, jazz, Capriccio, 2 Pine St., Providence. Call 421-1320. 7 to 11 p.m.

2nd Avenue, rock, Pitcher’s Pub, 80 Manville Hill Rd., Cumberland. Call 658-0058. 9 pm.

Jeff Scott Soto (formerly of Journey), Action, ZO2, Louis D’Augusta, Krankenstein and Project Broken, rock, J.R.’s Bourbon Street Rock House, Mardi Gras Multi Club and Johnny Bahama’s Complex, 1500 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston. Call 463-3080. 7 pm. $17 advance; $20 at the door.

State Radio and The Beautiful Girls, rock, Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington St., Providence. Call 331-5876, 272-5876, www.etix.com. 8:30 pm. $15 general; $20 reserved.

Natalia Zukerman, country and jazz, Rhode Island College, Nazarian Center, Sapinsley Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. Call 456-8144. 1 pm. Free.

At Barrington Public Library at 7 the carrier war lecture gets underway with Naval War College professor Douglas Smith. That's at 287 County Rd. Call 247-1920.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 6:55 PM | Comment

Court fires clerk who threw away 'vital' documents

PROVIDENCE -- A clerk in the District Court clerk's office in Providence, accused of putting vital documents into a recycling bin instead of the appropriate court file, has been fired, a state judiciary spokesman said.

State police detectives arrested James F. Patterson, 45, of 2 Homestead Avenue, Warren, yesterday for obstruction of the judicial system and attempted vandalism (obstruction of lawful pursuits), according to the Rhode Island State Police.

At an administrative hearing today, Magistrate Joseph P. Ippolito recommended to Chief Judge Albert E. DeRobbio that Patterson, who had union representation at the hearing, be terminated from his job and Delrobbio concurred, spokesman Craig Berke said.

Placement of the files in the recycling bin "could have resulted in adverse actions against the parties involved," the state police said in a press release today.

Patterson is alleged to have put "several" civil documents related to garnishments in the recycling bin, state police Capt. Stephen J. Lynch explained.

"They're documents vital to the court proceedings," Lynch said.

Patterson was arrested after a one-week investigation, which included video surveillance and was corroborated by witness accounts, the state police said.

He has been suspended with pay pending a disciplinary hearing today, said Craig Berke, a court spokesman.

The obstruction of the judicial system charge is a felony punishable by up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. The attempted vandalism charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Patterson was arraigned yesterday before Judge Michael Higgins and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. A prearraignment conference has been scheduled for Dec. 3 and a Superior Court arraignment has been scheduled for Dec. 10.

-- projo.com staff writers Michael P. McKinney and Jack Perry

Posted by Mike McKinney at 5:07 PM | Comment

Alves calls allegations against him 'utterly baseless'

EAST PROVIDENCE -- State Sen. Stephen Alves says allegations that he blocked legislation to punish a town that didn't do business with him are "utterly baseless.''

Alves, a stockbroker and the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, spoke with reporters before a scheduled radio interview about news reports that he is being investigated by the FBI.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena has said FBI agents questioned him about Alves's decision to kill tax incentive legislation designed to bring a trucking company to the town.

The mayor said FBI agents indicated they were investigating whether Alves blocked the plan because the town didn't invest its pension fund through him.

But Alves told reporters that he never solicited pension work from Johnston or its mayor.

In the wake of the reports, Governor Carcieri yesterday called for Alves to step aside as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:23 PM | Comment

R.I. congressmen blast Bush's health-insurance veto

Rhode Island congressmen tore into President Bush's decision today to veto legislation they said would better help children get access to health insurance.

The delegation of Democrats issued statements asserting the Republican president let politics get in the way of good policy. It is a federal initiative that helps pay for RIteCare in the state and other states' children’s health programs.

“Playing politics with the health care coverage of 10 million children is unacceptable, but that is exactly what President Bush did today when he vetoed H.R. 976, the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, better known as RIte Care in Rhode Island,” Rep. Jim Langevin said.

Langevin called it a "bipartisan plan" that would help more than 30,000 low-income Rhode Island children while not changing eligibility rules.

"I look forward to the opportunity to cast my vote to override this unfortunate and misguided veto," Langevin said.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said the veto “is a stunning rejection of one of America’s most deeply-held convictions: that every family, and every child, must have access to health care they can afford."

Rep. Patrick Kennedy said it is “unconscionable" that Bush would veto something "aimed at providing 10 million children the health care they deserve. The President’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is a slap in the face to families all across America."

The White House sought little attention for Bush's action, with the president casting his veto behind closed doors without any fanfare or news coverage.

He defended it later today during a budget speech in Lancaster, Pa., addressing a welcoming audience organized by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry in GOP-friendly Pennsylvania Dutch country.

"Poor kids first," Bush said. "Secondly, I believe in private medicine, not the federal government running the health care system."

Read a White House transcript of his remarks.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Associated Press reports

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:53 PM | Comment

2 bond rating agencies give Providence an 'A'

PROVIDENCE -- The city is getting all A's -- from two agencies that rate communities' ability to borrow money on the bond market.

Moody’s Investment Services and Standard & Poor’s each gave the city "A" bond ratings, which Mayor David N. Cicilline's office today touted in a news release as a result of "rapidly expanding tax base, strong management practices and progress towards reduced the unfunded pension liability" cited in the agencies' reports.

“We’ve worked hard over the past four-and-a-half years to create a strong business climate for potential investors and to improve the City’s financial health,” Cicilline said in the statement. “Top grades from Wall Street make it easier for the city to borrow money at a lower rate, resulting in significant savings for taxpayers.”

Moody’s gave “A” ratings to two Providence Public Building Authority bonds for Building a Legacy school construction, Series 2007-A ($75 million) and Series 2007-B ($15.6 million). They will finance projects, including renovations to the Hanley Vocational Building and Central High School, building an indoor physical education and sports complex, and to refund outstanding debt.

Moody’s investors reports states “the city’s financial position will continue to benefit from prudent fiscal management and conservative budgeting” and lauded the city’s progress at paying for pensions at 100% of actuarially recommended levels, the mayor's office said, adding that the city won praise for "responsibly maintaining cash reserves for the third consecutive year."

The mayor's office characterized Standard & Poor’s report as praising Providence’s position "as an economic driver for Rhode Island."

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 3:18 PM | Comment

Update: Man in hospital from self-inflicted gun wound

COVENTRY -- A 39-year-old man is at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence following a self-inflicted shot-gun wound to his chest last night, the police said this afternoon.

It was not a suspicious shooting, according to the police, and the man, who is not a Coventry resiudent, is said to be doing OK at the hospital.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 2:00 PM | Comment

State police get grant to pursue Internet predators

The State Police will get a $250,000 federal grant for the effort to crack down on people who prey on children through the Internet.

The money will help provide updated training and equipment to improve upon a state police task force focused on Internet predators, according to a news release today in which U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Governor Carcieri announced the money.

The Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children task force resulted from a 1998 federal law prfoviding money to states to set up the task forces.

"This money will help the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force crack down on online predators and bring them to justice," Reed said in the statement. "It will also help raise public awareness about online threats and help educate students and parents to prevent future cases of child exploitation."

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 1:42 PM | Comment

Artists: 'It was about letting the mall decide' / Audio

PROVIDENCE -- What were those artists thinking about, as they conceived the idea for, then built, a hidden room in the Providence Place mall?

Hear two of them -- Michael Townsend and James Mercer -- talk about the project, in these excerpts from an interview with projo.com staff writer Brandie Jefferson. (MP3 format, total time 5 mins., 25 secs.)

Read the related Journal story (currently the most popular on projo.com's Web site) and take our survey on whether the project is art -- or not -- here.

Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:27 PM | Comment

Coventry police investigate shooting

COVENTRY -- The Coventry police say they are investigating the shooting of a man not far from the police station.

Authorities say the man, whose name was not released, was wounded last night while he was inside a vehicle on Route 117.

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence for treatment. He was alert and conscious at the time.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:10 PM | Comment

State launches business health care campaign

PROVIDENCE -- The state launched a campaign this morning to promote a new health care plan designed to encourage small businesses to cover their employees.

State officials say the plan will reduce premium costs by 20 percent over existing options, savings made possible by commitments from participants to pursue “wellness” initiatives, such as quitting smoking and eating healthier foods.

“There is no single issue that comes up more strongly and consistently than access to affordable health care,” Saul Kaplan, the head of the state Economic Development Corporation, said today. “It is very important that we tackle this issue.”

--Journal Staff Writer Benjamin N. Gedan

Posted by Jack Perry at 12:06 PM | Comment

A Newport Cicilline to run for Crowley's House seat

A former state senator today announced his intention to run in the special election to fill the House District 75 seat left open by the death of longtime Rep. Paul Crowley, who was a Newport Democrat.

J. Clement "Bud" Cicilline, a Newport Democrat and chairman of Newport's Democratic City Committee, issued a news release saying that despite the short time from now to the election, "I do plan to campaign vigorously and to meet as many of the voters in the district as possible."

The special election is set for Dec. 18 in Newport. There is an Oct. 16 deadline for submitting nomination papers, with signatures of at least 50 registered voters from District 75.

Crowley died at 57 last week after a struggle with melanoma. His funeral was Thursday. He had represented Newport in the General Assembly for 27 years, the longest serving Democrat in the legislature and its second-longest serving member.

"Integral to resolving our budgetary problems are such issues of importance as economic development and good paying jobs, an improved system of education, health care and health insurance, adequate service to needy citizens, housing and environmental issues, and public safety and infrastructure planning," Cicilline states. "There is an obvious need for a sound policy and pragmatic program approach to all of these issues."

Cicilline is the uncle of Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney at 12:00 PM | Comment

State announces adult flu clinics

Adults can start getting their flu shots in Rhode Island October 17, according to the state Department of Health.

There are 519 public flu clinics scheduled in Rhode Island this season. Private providers can also give shots.

This flu season marks the first year of the Immunize For Life program after legislation was passed mandating the state Department of Health purchase and distribute adult flu vaccine in Rhode Island, according to the state Department of Health.

State Health Director Dr. David R. Gifford calls it a "more efficient approach to adult influenza immunization."

“We are pleased to be kicking off this new, more efficient approach to adult influenza immunization,” said Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH.

“All adult providers and facilities enrolled in the program will receive a sufficient quantity of vaccine so that they can start their vaccination efforts on October 17,” Gifford said.

The department has ordered 258,000 doses of vaccine for the adult flu program. The first round of deliveries to adult providers and facilities will be made this week.

For information on public clinics, call 1-800-942-7434 or visit www.health.ri.gov.

Posted by Jack Perry at 8:57 AM | Comment

Irish jury rules R.I. climber died by `misadventure'

DUBLIN, Ireland -- An extreme rock-climber known for scaling cliffs without safety equipment died by ``misadventure,'' rather than in a simple accident.

That's the ruling by a jury in Ireland following an inquest into the death of 42-year-old Rhode Island native Michael Reardon, who was swept into the Atlantic Ocean in July. His body was never found.

A coroner testified that Reardon almost certainly drowned after a wave knocked him off of a slippery rock on Valentia Island in July.

The coroner recommended that the jury record a verdict of ``death by misadventure,'' not ``accidental death.'' The distinction means that Reardon's dangerous pastime contributed to his accident. The jurors agreed.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:05 AM | Comment

Caprio to discuss Sudan divestment in Washington

The state's general treasurer is scheduled to testify this morning in Washington, D.C., about Rhode Island's efforts to divest public pension funds from companies that do business with Sudan.

Frank Caprio was the only state treasurer invited to testify in front of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which Sen. Jack Reed sits on.

A measure was passed this summer requiring pension funds be divested from companies doing business in the large, central African country, where, for years, government backed militias have targeted and killed non-Arabs, burning towns and forcing millions to flee.

More than 400,000 people are thought to have been killed since 2004 and nearly 3 million displaced, mostly from the southern region of the country.

A divestment measure died before making it to the floor of either chamber last year, when Paul J. Tavares, the state general treasurer at the time, expressed reservations about it.

But this year, Caprio supported the bill and, in fact, requested that it be introduced. He is scheduled to address the committee at 9:30 a.m.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:02 AM | Comment

Foggy and cloudy with a high near 74

The sun may not make an appearance today. The fog that's out there is expected to stick around until noon, and the rest of the day should be cloudy with a high temperature near 74 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The fog should return tonight, and the low temperature will be in the low 60s.

Another change of pace tomorrow, with morning fog giving way to mostly sunny skies and a high in the mid 80s.

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

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 7:01 AM | Comment

Today's front page

Today's Journal front page features a report that House Speaker William J. Murphy, one of the three most powerful elected officials in state government, says it's time to reconsider pensions for state employees, a move that could eventually end the practice of guaranteed lifetime pensions for new state employees and public school teachers.

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

Posted by Jack Perry at 7:00 AM | Comment