Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

A bail hearing is scheduled today for an 18-year-old accused of stabbing another man to death in Smithfield.

The police say Aaron Menard, of Burrillville, killed 26-year-old Kenneth J. Wanamaker of Smithfield in Aug. 17 in the parking lot of the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center.

Wanamaker tried to get into an apartment on Esmond Street, according to the police, next door to the Neighborhood Center where Menard was staying with Nicole Sherman, Wanamaker's former girlfriend.

The couple woke up when they heard something at the window. Menard and Sherman went to see what was making the noise and they wound Wanamaker outside, the police say.

Wanamaker and Menard argued and, according to the police, Menard stabbed Wanamaker three times, leaving him in a pool of blood behind the Neighborhood Center.

Menard is scheduled for a bail hearing in District Court, Providence.

Coventry police last night spoke to a man whom they believe made a threatening phone call that prompted a police search, the closing of some area streets and the locking down of some area schools.

Yesterday a man identifying himself as William Otte called the police and said he wanted to speak with his mother-in-law's boyfriend, according to Coventry Chief of Police Ronald DaSilva.

The man said he was armed and waiting at a salvage yard on the New London Turnpike. "I don't know what he was thinking when he called," DaSilva said.

The road was shut down and SWAT teams and K-9 units searched the area, but Otte was nowhere to be found.

Now, DaSilva said, the police believe Otte may have been out of town. When he spoke to the police last night, he said he was with his wife, out of state.

DaSilva said the police do not know where Otte is, but that he and his wife are "fine."

The next step, DaSilva said, is waiting to talk to Otte again.

More than $5 million is still available to Rhode Islanders who have not claimed their federal economic stimulus rebates, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

About 17,865 residents -- more than 70 percent of whom are aged 65 and older -- are still eligible for a check. But the deadline to file a tax return is Oct. 15.

Today, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., is joining representatives from the IRS at the Woonsocket Senior Center to answer questions and help seniors file for their rebates.

Veterans, too, are encouraged to file before Oct. 15, as is anyone who does not typically file taxes. A tax filing is required to receive a check.

People living on fixed incomes are eligible for a $300 rebate.

Whitehouse and IRS representatives will be at the senior center, at 84 Social Street, today at 11 a.m.

An accident has a lane closed on Route 146 this morning.

The accident is blocking the left land on the southbound side of roadway a Admiral Street in Providence.

See how the accident is affecting traffic this morning on the Transportation Management Center's Web cameras.

J.J. Barnes comes from a long line of Detroit soul singers. Here he does "Chains of Love."

Here, another band, the Dirtbombs, one of the many rock 'n' roll bands from Detroit, covers the song. If you like what you hear, they're scheduled to play in Providence on Saturday.

It can't be sunny and in the 60s all the time.

Today we've got scattered showers this morning, but as the day goes on, the clouds should clear and we'll end up with sunny skies and temperatures hitting 75 degrees -- not so bad after all.

Skies will remain clear tonight when temperatures drop to about 50 degrees.

Tomorrow looks pretty great, too, with sunny skies and temperatures near 70 degrees.

To take a peek at the weekend forecast, see projo.com's weather page.

Do you? Ray Charles does, and it's nothing a doctor can fix. Here he is singing "I Don't Need No Doctor" followed by "Go On Home."

Another clear, sunny day today with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature of 68 degrees with calm southwest winds.

There is a 30 percent chance of rain late tonight and into tomorrow morning. Clouds should roll in early in the evening and temperatures will drop to a mild 51 degrees with calm south winds.

Tomorrow we've got a 30 percent chance of rain during the day. Clouds will slowly clear and the day will become mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a pleasant 73 degrees. Winds will come from the west between 10 and 15 mph. with gusts as high as 9 mph.

To see how much warmer it will get on projo.com's weather page.

Joe Jutras, of North Scituate, prepares to fit his pumpkin into a gathering strap during the annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Topsfield Fair, Sept. 29, 2007, in Topsfield, Mass. The gourd set a world record, weighing in at the fair at 1,689 pounds.

If you want to see something insane this weekend, take a trip to Warren. The tiny town is hosting the 15th annual Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Championship.

Giant is not an exaggeration. In fact, it may be an understatement. Gigantic, humongous, monstrous -- all of these words are appropriate for pumpkins that grow well beyond the 1,000-pound mark.

This year's contest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11 at Frerichs Farm. Growers will begin unloading their gourds at 10 a.m. The "weigh off" is scheduled for 1 p.m.

In addition to pumpkins, there will be a pumpkin coach to shuttle people around, corn and hay bale mazes to get lost in, and refreshments -- maybe loser pumpkin pie?

The contest is sponsored by Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Agriculture.

A former Jamestown town council member is scheduled for arraignment in the British Virgin Islands today on a charge that he murdered his wife during a 1999 vacation.

Shelley Tyre, 46, died on the last day of the couple's vacation to the British Virgin Island of Tortola. David Swain and his wife were scuba diving when, Swain said, the couple separated. She drowned.

Officials in the British Virgin Islands originally ruled Tyre's death an accident.

But in 2006, Swain, now 52, was found responsible for the death of his wife in a civil trial in Rhode Island.

An extradition request was filed in May 2007, and after a hearing, officials in Tortola decided to charge Swain with murder earlier this year. He is now being held in prison on the island, awaiting his trial.

Best known, probably, for his tune "Duke of Earl," Gene Chandler here sings a pretty uplifting song.

Gene Chandler sings "Nothing Can Stop Me:"

Also, here's some more great footage of an another young Jamaican group. Toots and the Maytals. Toots still tours, but nothing beats this footage. Click "continue reading" below to pick up some new (old) dance moves.

Toots and the Maytals sing "Treat Me Bad" and "Never Let Me Down:"

>> Continue reading: Brandie's wake-up call: Nothing can stop me

A disabled vehicle has a shoulder closed at Routes 95 and 195 this morning.

The vehicle has the right shoulder closed on Route 195 westbound at the Route 95 junction.

To see how traffic is affected, see the Transportation Management Center's Web cameras.

Not much to say today, and that's OK. We'll have clear, sunny skies through the day with wind from the north between 7 and 13 mph. Temperatures should reach about 65 degrees.

Tonight the skies should remain clear as temperatures drop to a chilly 39 degrees.

We'll begin a modest warm-up tomorrow, as temperatures hit about 68 degrees with clear, sunny skies.

See how much warmer it will get in the next few days on projo.com's weather page.

PROVIDENCE -- Today will be the fifth day the jury deliberates in the corruption case of two former Roger Williams Medical Center executives accused of corruptly hiring former North Providence state Sen. John A. Celona to do political favors at the State House beneficial to the medical center and its affiliated nursing homes.

Robert A. Urciuoli, the hospital's former president and chief executive, is charged with one count of conspiracy and 35 counts of honest-services mail fraud.

Frances P. Driscoll, former vice president for marketing, is charged with one count of aiding and abetting the alleged conspiracy.

The jury is scheduled to return to deliberations at 9 a.m. today in federal court in Providence.

Friday afternoon Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary Lisi told jurors, "I understand you would like to go home" and a short time after she dismissed them for the weekend.

Earlier Friday the jury had asked Judge Lisi for clarification on the second count of the indictment, which is the lone count against Driscoll.

They asked the judge to clarify the meaning of "willfully" and "voluntarily" in Count 2 , which charges Driscoll with aiding and abetting her co-defendant Robert A. Urciuoli in a scheme to steal the honest services of Celona.

Lisi said that the first question regarding Count 2 was too broad for her to answer, and for guidance on their second question, the judge referred jurors to her instructions.

At trial, the defense maintained that Celona was legally hired to perform valid work promoting the hospital and its affiliates to senior citizens and that the state Ethics Commission issued a ruling that allowed him to work as a consultant, provided that he did not vote on health-care legislation that directly affected Roger Williams.

This was the second trial for both Urciuoli and Driscoll.

In October 2006, Urciuoli was convicted of one count of conspiracy and 35 counts of theft of honest services -- which is mail fraud -- and sentenced to three years in prison. Driscoll was convicted of one mail fraud charge and sentenced to 8 months in prison.

The two appealed the convictions, their lawyers arguing that Senior U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres gave the jury instructions that allowed them to convict Celona for work he did that was legal.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston overturned the convictions in January 2007. The retrial began in early September.

Both were free on bail pending the retrial.

Read more about the trial and the federal investigation.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick and Journal archival reports

Students are returning to Lincoln High School this morning three days after a school aide died when he drove his car into the school building.

Students say Jay D. Paul, 34, of Cumberland, was called to the school's office Friday afternoon. Paul was described as a "scribe" who took notes for injured students.

Paul was described as fiercely intellectual, reclusive and eccentric.

Minutes after he went to the office, students and parents outside saw a blue station wagon, registered to Paul, drive into the front of the building. It burst into flames and the driver was killed.

The Lincoln police say there was an accelerant in the car, but they have not said what it was. One student reported smelling gasoline.

The police have not yet positively identified the victim as Paul, they are waiting for state Medical Examiners to identify the body.

So while Sam and Dave were doing their thing in the United States, the Blues Busters were building up a discography of original ska music as well as covers of American soul music. Here's great, live footage of the duo singing "I Don't Know"

We may have a few scattered sprinkles late this morning. Otherwise expect cloudy skies through the day, clearing this afternoon. Temperatures should reach about 61 degrees and north winds between 6 and 11 degrees.

Skies should stay clear tonight, when temperatures drop to a chilly 39 degrees.

The sun should return tomorrow, with temperatures hitting about 64 degrees.

Get an early look at the week's forecast on projo.com's weather page.

Robert and Donna Urciuoli leave Federal Court in Providence this afternoon, where jurors failed to reach a verdict after four days deliberating. Journal photo / Bob Thayer

PROVIDENCE -- There was no verdict today -- day four of jury deliberations -- in the corruption case of two former Roger Williams Medical Center executives accused of corruptly hiring former North Providence state Sen. John A. Celona to do political favors at the State House beneficial to the medical center and its affiliated nursing homes.

Robert A. Urciuoli, the hospital's former president and chief executive, is charged with one count of conspiracy and 35 counts of honest-services mail fraud.

Frances P. Driscoll, former vice president for marketing, is charged with one count of aiding and abetting the alleged conspiracy.

The jury is scheduled to return to deliberating at 9 a.m. Monday in federal court in Providence. Shortly after 4:20 p.m. today, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Mary Lisi said "I understand you would like to go home" and a short time after she dismissed them for the weekend.

The jury earlier this afternoon asked Lisi for clarification on the second count of the indictment, which is the lone count against Driscoll.

They asked the judge to clarify the meaning of "willfully" and "voluntarily" in Count 2 , which charges Driscoll, the former hospital vice president with aiding and abetting her co-defendant, Robert A. Urciuoli, in a scheme to steal the honest services of a state senator, John Celona.

Lisi said that the first question regarding Count 2 was too broad for her to answer, and for guidance on their second question, the judge referred jurors to her instructions.

At trial, the defense maintained that Celona was legally hired to perform valid work promoting the hospital and its affiliates to senior citizens and that the state Ethics Commission issued a ruling that allowed him to work as a consultant, provided that he did not vote on health-care legislation that directly affected Roger Williams.

This was the second trial for both Urciuoli and Driscoll.

In October 2006, Urciuoli was convicted of one count of conspiracy and 35 counts of theft of honest services -- which is mail fraud -- and sentenced to three years in prison. Driscoll was convicted of one mail fraud charge and sentenced to 8 months in prison.

The two appealed the convictions, their lawyers arguing that Senior U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres gave the jury instructions that allowed them to convict Celona for work that he did which was legal.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston overturned the convictions in January 2007. The retrial began in early September.

Both were free on bail pending the retrial.

Read more about the trial and the federal investigation.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick and Journal archival reports

BOSTON -- The consortium that operates and maintains the MBTA's commuter rail system has a new chief.

Richard Davey was named the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co.'s general manager Friday. He succeeds James O'Leary who stepped down after two years at the helm. Davey was previously O'Leary's top deputy.

O'Leary took over in Aug. 2006 to deal with a rash of commuter complaints about the nation's fifth-largest commuter rail network. Davey says he also will focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.

O'Leary will continue to serve on the MBCR's board of directors.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter rail system serves 40 million passengers a year.

-- The Associated Press

A bail hearing is scheduled today for a murder suspect after a man who was stabbed Sept. 13 died five days later.

Emilio Gutierrez, 19, was initially charged with felony assault after the police say he stabbed 38-year-old Pedro Baquiax. The police found Baquiax wounded next to his car outside of his apartment in Providence's West End.

Gutierrez, a Guatemalan immigrant whom authorities say may be living in the United States illegally, lived upstairs from Baquiax.

While Gutierrez was being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, Baquiax died from his injuries, on Sept. 18.

The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also filed a detainer with local law-enforcement authorities saying that the accused is in the United States illegally.

Gutierrez is scheduled for a bail hearing today in Superior Court, Providence to face a felony murder charge.

What kind of weekend do you want to have? If it's going to be a nonstop, party time, can't-stop-dancing kind of weekend, this one's for you:

Jr. Walker & the All Stars perform "Shotgun"

If you plan on staying in, sitting back, and relaxing, this one may better get you in the mood.

Siblings Alton and Hortense Ellis sing "Sitting in the Park"

Today's looking not too good, not too bad.

Skies should be cloudy for most of the day, with a 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon. Temperatures should reach about 66 degrees with high winds from the west, reaching 3 mph. at times.

Skies should clear out tonight with temperatures dropping to about 44 degrees with mild west winds.

Tomorrow is looking pretty nice, but brisk with sunny skies and temperatures hitting about 65 degrees.

Tomorrow night, skies will remain clear, and temperatures will drop to about 44 degrees.

Sunday looks sunny too. Temperatures will reach about 62 degrees and mild, south winds. Clouds will roll in Sunday evening when the temperatures drop to about 43 degrees.

Rain may return Monday, after noon. Otherwise it should be cloudy and cool, with temperatures in the upper 50s.

Keep an eye on the weekend forecast on projo.com's weather page.

The Senate just approved a massive bailout plan that calls for spending up to $700 billion to buy bad assets from failing financial institutions. And today, the bill faces the House.

But what happens if it passes? If it fails?

Join Brown University professors Peter Howitt, Ross Levine and David Weil tomorrow afternoon at an economic roundtable.

During the discussion, presented by the Economics Department and the Departmental Undergraduate Group, the three will give their views on the current economic situation.

Audience members are also invited to ask questions; the event is open to the public.

The roundtable is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at Salomon Hall, on the University Green, 101.

Catch up on local and national business news on projo.com's business page.

Journal photo/ Kathy Borchers
Rob "the Drummer" Gottfried, a nationally acclaimed children's motivational educator who uses the drums to deliver an anti-bullying message performs at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

PROVIDENCE -- Rob "the Drummer" doesn't want kids to beat each other up -- he wants them to beat drums.

Robert Gottfried is a motivational educator for children. He uses drums and animation to spread an anti-bullying message.

A few hundred kids from around Rhode Island got into his message today at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

They clapped, and cheered and made some strange noises to beats provided by Rob and his various drums and beat machines.

"If you want to lash out, if you want to hit something, hit this drum," he said.

"Because it lets you express yourself, but in a good way ... it loves to be played hard."

Video: Drumming an anti-bully message

Check out his Web site.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

WEST GREENWICH -- A two-car collision injured two people late this morning.

The accident was on Route 3, near the Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge #25.

An 83-year-old woman and a man whose age was not released were both taken to Rhode Island Hospital, according to police.

No other information was available at this time.

-- Journal staff writer Lisa Vernon-Sparks

An accident that closed the shoulder on Route 95 South near Atwells Avenue has been cleared.

The accident was at Atwells Avenue/Exit 21.

See how the accident -- and the weather -- is affecting traffic on the Transportation Management Center's Web site.

It's a little silly, but it's a good, poppy song, I think. I don't know that I could follow the instructions, though... It sounds complicated. Especially this early in the morning.

Shirley Ellis does "The Clapping Song"

More rain this morning, but things are looking up. Skies should begin to clear around 9 a.m. and the sun may actually make an appearance later in the day. We'll have west winds between 7 and 17 mph. and a high temperature near 67 degrees.

Skies should stay clear tonight, when the temperature drops to about 45 degrees.

Tomorrow looks nice, with sunny skies an temperatures again hitting about 67 degrees and winds from the west.

Will we have a dry weekend? Cross your fingers and check.
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PROVIDENCE -- An alleged crack addict who drove a car onto a sidewalk, killing one young boy and seriously injuring his brother last year, was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison today.

Dennis Cherry fled after the incident in Providence, but later turned himself in at a church parking lot.

Killed in the accident was Ivan Jimenez, 8. His brother, Eric Jimenez, 12, was seriously injured.

The two were walking home to Bellevue Avenue in Providence from a quick trip to a nearby convenience store to buy food, according to the police.

Cherry was charged with leaving the scene of an accident death resulting, and leaving the scene of accident, injury resulting. He had previously pleaded guilty.

Cherry received a 25-year sentence with 14 years to serve.
Gallery: The trail of a fatal hit-and-run
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PROVIDENCE -- A jury today found Hamlet M. Lopez guilty today of first degree murder for the stabbing death of his former girlfriend, 40-year-old Miledis Hilario.

He now faces the possiblity of life in prison without parole.

The jury returned its guilty verdict after deliberating for several hours over the past two days.

Lopez, 53, had worked as a teacher's aide in city schools and has hosted his own Spanish-language radio show.

The police say Lopez stabbed Hilario in her Federal Hill apartment after she tried to end the couple's romance.

On the day of the murder, the police say they found Lopez trying to kill himself with carbon monoxide. He was inside a closed garage with a car running.

After the verdict was announced, Attorney General Patrick Lynch requested that Lopez be sentenced to life in prison.

As a result, the jury had to return to the jury room to decide whether the murder included aggravating factors that would make Lopez eligible for life without parole. They determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder included torture and aggravated battery, and as a result, they recommended that he be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The judge can either accept or overlook their recommendation when he sentences Lopez. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Gregory Smith

Shaded sidewalks, piles of leaves, lower summer temperatures and higher property values -- trees can make a world of difference in a city.

And how about 40,000 trees?

Mayor David N. Cicilline and Groundwork Providence are getting together to announce an initiative to plant 40,000 trees in the city by the year 2020.

Also on hand will be City Forester Douglas Still, Groundwork Providence Executive Director Clint Lank, and community volunteers from around the city.

The group will meet today at 10 a.m. at the second hall of City Hall to announce the new campaign: "Plant a Tree for Providence, See Good Things Grow."

This is for the reporters in South County, especially Randall Edgar, who would like to hear a little more rock 'n' roll in the mornings.

The Yardbirds sing "For Your Love"

An accident on Route 95 South in Warwick has been cleared.

The accident had blocked three lanes at Exit 13/T.F. Green Airport.

Check traffic on the Transportation Management Center's Web cameras.

It feels like the torrential rains of this weekend just ended, and here we are again.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain all day -- we could see scattered showers and thunderstorms all day. Some places may see heavy rainfall. Otherwise, temperatures should reach about 69 degrees with mild, west winds.

We've got about a 50 percent chance of rain tonight, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 50s. Calm winds will come from the west.

There may be more rain tomorrow also, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures hitting 68 degrees. There will be west winds between 7 and 13 mph.

See what's in store for the rest of the week at projo.com's weather page.

BOSTON -- The nation's governors will meet in Massachusetts in 2010.

The National Governors Association announced today that its member governors will gather in Boston from July 9-12, 2010. That would be a re-election year for Gov. Deval Patrick.

The bipartisan, twice-yearly meeting allows governors to discuss mutual issues and share solutions to common problems. Overall, about 1,200 people are expected to attend.

The NGA says it chose Boston for its summer session "for its first-class hotel and meeting facilities, as well as the city's overall appeal." The association's annual winter meetings are held in Washington.

The 2010 meeting will be the fifth held in Boston, with the last in 1994.

-- The Associated Press

An apple dipped in honey to signify a sweet year; the sounding of a ram's horn; prayers on the water -- these are some of the ways Rosh Hashanah is celebrated.

The holiday, which is a celebration of the New Year in the Jewish religion, began yesterday at sundown and is celebrated for two days.

One of the central rituals of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the Shofar; a ram's horn. Over the course of the holiday, the horn is sounded 100 times.

Services also involve blessing others and Taschlich, saying a special prayer near a body of water.

The holiday ends at sunset tomorrow.

Music seems to run in this family. It's Jerry Butler's brother, Billy.

Billy Butler sings "Right Track"

Temperatures are set to reach about 69 degrees today with the National Weather Service forecasting cloudy skies and a mild north wind, becoming south.

There's a 40 percent chance of rain tonight with otherwise cloudy skies and temperatures dropping to about 55 degrees and mild winds from the south.

Tomorrow there's another chance of rain and maybe a thunderstorm later in the morning. Otherwise, we can expect fog and mild south winds with temperatures again reaching about 69 degrees.

To keep an eye on the weather, see projo.com's weather page.

Flooding, ferry cancellations, gale warnings, and maybe a touch of Tropical Storm Kyle -- they're all on tap today as a weekend of tumultuous weather begins.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch this morning. We're expected to get up to 2 inches of rain today -- and nonstop rain until Sunday -- and up to 6 inches by Monday.

A flood watch means there is the potential for flooding, so you should watch drains and small streams for overflow. Be careful driving as some roads may become impassable.

The Block Island Ferry has been canceled today due to "adverse weather conditions," and NWS has issued gale warnings. Winds have been gusting up to 40 knots already this morning.

Saturday night we may feel some of the effects of Tropical Storm Kyle, which is expected to pass close by Nantucket and Cape Cod, bringing gusty winds and heavy rains.

To track Kyle, get five-day forecasts, and more, visit projo.com's Tropical Weather Center.
To keep an eye on the local weather, see projo.com's weather page.

By John E. Mulligan
Journal Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Jack Reed has stepped out of the negotiations over the proposed package to rescue the financial system and plans to fly to Mississippi later today for the presidential debate between Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain.

Chip Unruh, spokesman for R.I. Democrat Reed, said this morning that the Senate Democratic leader, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, last night asked that the financial rescue talks proceed with a smaller cast of negotiators.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut, is therefore representing senators of his party, while such supporting players as Reed moved to the sidelines, Unruh said.

He said, however, that Reed, a Banking Committee member, who has been active in the talks, will still confer through staff or by telephone if necessary.

Reed will join other Democratic colleagues to support Obama at the debate site in Oxford, Miss., even though it is not certain that the event will take place tonight.

"Senator Reed thinks it's vitally important that the debate happen and that John McCain does show up," Unruh said. Reed was invited some days ago to attend the debate, which was originally planned as a forum for foreign policy discussions.

Reed has been a foreign policy adviser to Obama and accompanied the candidate -- along with Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, of Nevada -- on trip to Afghanistan and Iraq in July. But Reed has not played any role in preparation for Obama's role in tonight's debate.

Another head of state is coming to speak at Brown University.

Leonel Antonio Fernandez Reyna, president of the Dominican Republic, is set to deliver the Stephen A. Ogden Jr. '60 Memorial Lecture on International Affairs.

Last week, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf spoke at the university.

After Fernandez's lecture, "Transformation of the Dominican Republic," he will join Ricardo Lagos Escobar, the former president of Chile and a professor at Brown's Watson Institute for International Studies.

The two will sit down for a moderated discussion and take questions from the audience. The event is free and open to the public.

Later in the day, Mayor David N. Cicilline will present Fernandez, and his wife, Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez, with the key to the city. The ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the mayor's office in City Hall.

Fernandez, a former teacher, has written extensively about freedom of the press, history, sociology, communication, and foreign relations.

The third-term president is the founder and honorary president of the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo, a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit, international research-based think tank

He may have a large audience. Rhode Island is home to a large number of people who identify as Dominican -- nearly 18,000 according to the book "Latinos in Rhode Island," written by Andres Torres in 2006.

One member of this community, state Sen. Juan M. Pichardo, is hosting the Fernandezes at his home this evening.

"I look forward to sharing this honor with distinguished members of my community who have worked hard to afford Latinos the opportunity to build upon the success of this great nation, which has welcomed us with open arms," Pichardo said in a statement.

The Brown lecture is set to begin at 2 p.m. in the Salomon Center for Teaching.

What a way to start the weekend. The Marvelettes seem to understand, metaphorically, at least.

The Marvelettes: "Rainy Morning"

If, instead of gloom and doom, you'd like a pick-me-up, keep an eye on the dancers.
The Mighty Hannibal does "Jerkin' the Dog"

The word this weekend: Rain.

Rain today, rain tomorrow, rain Sunday. Morning, afternoon and night. Rain.

It's already begun today, and the rain could get heavy at times. Temperatures should reach about 61 degrees with east winds gusting as high as 24 mph. We could see 1 to 2 inches today alone.

Tonight add thunderstorms to the equation. Temperature should hold at about 61 degrees with east winds gusting up to 20 mph.

More rain and thunderstorms are expected tomorrow when the temperature rises to about 72 degrees with south winds between 5 and 11 mph. We may see another 1 to 2 inches.

Temperatures should drop to about 61 degrees tomorrow night -- another rainy one. We can also expect mild southeast winds.

Sunday, rain in the morning, but it may dry up, staying cloudy with temperatures reaching 75 degrees and calm north winds. Sunday night may bring more rain, though, when the temperature drops to 60 degrees.

Monday the sun returns -- go figure -- with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching about 71 degrees.

To keep an eye on the weekend deluge, see projo.com's weather page.

Calling the results of a state assessment in science "a step forward," Governor Carcieri today announced that two of the state's colleges have been awarded a 5-year, $12.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Carcieri joined the state's education commissioner, various university level scientists and Johnston education officials in a presentation of a program, run by the University of Rhode Island, in conjunction with Rhode Island College, aimed at dramatically upgrading math and science skills across the state. The Rhode Island Technology Enhanced Sciences program is designed to reach all 686 Rhode Island middle and high school teachers and their students.

Earlier this week, Carcieri released the results of the state's first assessment in science for students in grades 4, 8 and 11. Only 24 percent of students scored proficient or better, according to information from the governor's office.

"If you want to improve," Carcieri said, "you have to admit where you are."

-- Journal staff writer Mark Reynolds

It looks like a beautiful day to take out the boat, but the Coast Guard is warning that severe weather is expected to roll in today.

The National Weather Service is predicting 35 to 40 knot winds in the southern waters later this afternoon. A gale warning has been issued.

The Coast Guard recommends boaters do what they need to stay safe, including heading to shelter. Channel 16 VHF/FM will carry updated storm information.

The winds may continue through tomorrow morning and weaken slightly during the afternoon.

"Our main concern is to ensure offshore mariners have current weather information," Petty Officer 1st Class Gerald Welton said in a statement.

"We're ready to respond if needed, and we count on mariners to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe."

Congress may be preoccupied with an epic financial crisis while it fights to close up shop for the remainder of the election year, but that doesn't mean that the flow of routine business gets shut off.

This morning, for example, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline is slated to make one of his periodic visits to Washington -- testifying, in this case, before a congressional committee.

Cicilline is to be among the witnesses before the Joint Economic Committee as it examines the ageless question of how to fight poverty.

More specifically, Cicilline's office said in a news release that he will talk about how his city is helping poor families to improve their lot.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., is set to introduce Cicilline to the Joint Economic Committee shortly.

The hearing will be broadcast live on the Senate Web site.

An 18-year-old Burrillville man accused of stabbing another man to death is scheduled for a bail hearing in Superior Court today.

Aaron Menard was charged with murder after Kenneth J. Wanamaker, 26, of Smithfield, was found lying in a pool of blood in a recreation center parking lot.

The police said on Aug. 17, Wanamaker was trying to get into an apartment where Nicole Sherman and Menard were sleeping, adjacent to the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center.

The two were awakened by something "rustling at the screen," according to Detective Lt. Michael C. Rheaume. The two went outside to see what the noise was when they were confronted by Wanamaker, according to the police.

The two men fought, police say, and "Kenneth was stabbed three times and succumbed," Rheaume said.

Wanamaker and Sherman were the parents of a 2-year-old child whom the father would on occasion pick up for a visit. He said Wanamaker and Sherman were on speaking terms.

There was no indication of bad blood, Rheaume said. "We don't know if it was jealousy."

He said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved. He said a check of Menard's record showed that he had been charged with assault some weeks ago in an unrelated case.

Menard, who is being held at the Adult Correctional Facilities in Cranston, is scheduled for a bail hearing today in Superior Court, Providence.

A lot of old Jamaican songs are covers of American soul songs. Here are a couple to compare:

The Marvels sing "Someday We'll Be Together"

The Supremes: "Someday We'll Be Together"

The Uniques: "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"

The Temptations: "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"

Today should start off like yesterday with temperatures in the 40s, headed toward 68 degrees. But clouds should roll in as the day goes on with east winds between 6 and 14 mph.

The National Weather Service is forecasting rain late tonight when the temperature drops to about 55 mph.

The rain will continue through tomorrow when it will get heavy at times. We'll also expect some patchy fog with east winds between 10 and 14 mph. Temperatures should reach about 60 degrees.

To see how long the rain is set to fall, visit projo.com's weather page.

A disabled vehicle has a lane closed this morning on Route 195.

The vehicle is on the westbound side of the roadway at the Washington Bridge; it's blocking the right lane.

To see how traffic is moving along, see the Transportation Management Center's Web cameras.

Central Falls firefighters are on the scene of a fire at 10 Fales St., just off Broad Street.

More to come ...

WARWICK -- Local politicians and residents from across Kent County heard testimony today from Timothy Brown, general manager of the Kent County Water Authority, about a proposed rate hike.

The Water Authority had initially proposed raising rates by 35 percent. Last week, however, it filed an amended proposal to raise rates by 28.5 percent.

That would translate to a $31.85 quarterly increase for the average customer.

The Water Authority -- which serves 26,360 customers, in West Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich and parts of Cranston, Warwick, Scituate and North Kingstown -- has said the increases will recoup profits lost because of customers who have left.

The additional money will also cover operating costs; equipment maintenance; to repay bonds and to cover for higher utility and gas costs.

Some attendees did not think a one-time rate increase is in order.

"Why can't the increase be spread out over a number of years?" state Sen. Leo Raptakis asked during the public comment section of the hearing.

"We believe we do need the improvements, but we have to be realistic," Raptakis said.

Along with Raptakis, Rep. Patricia Serpa and Councilman Raymond E. Gallucci were on hand at the hearing, which could be continued as late as Friday depending on the amount of testimony.

The final decision must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford

A New Bedford man was killed early this morning when he was ejected from the truck he was driving on Route 195, Dartmouth, Mass., and struck by three other vehicles.

Giancarlo Garcia, 22, had been driving on Route 195 West, but he and his truck ended up on Route 195 East after crossing a wide median.

A section of Route 195 East was closed for an hour after the 5:15 a.m. crash.

The Massachusetts State Police say Garcia's truck, a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, was traveling west on Route 195 in the far right lane when it drifted toward the median. The truck struck the median guardrail between Exit 12/Faunce Corner Road and Exit 13/Route 140, and rolled over before coming to rest in the right lane of Route 195 East.

Garcia was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the truck, landing in the left travel lane of Route 195 East, according to the police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

South Kingstown fire crews are at Matunuck Elementary School, where students and staff have been evacuated.

Fire officials say a fire started in the gym, possibly in a light fixture. It was extinguished quickly.

No one was reported injured. Officials are investigating.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

A federal judge has delayed the closing arguments in the Roger Williams Medical Center corruption trial until next Monday, as a result of a serious injury to one of the defendants, Frances P. Driscoll.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi informed jurors in a brief court session this morning that Driscoll, who shattered her upper left arm in a fall on the courthouse steps after the defense had rested on Monday, had had an "accident" and was "undergoing treatment."

The judge did not elaborate for the jurors, who have been under orders not to follow news accounts of the trial. Instead, she sent them home with instructions to call the court on Friday to find out whether closing arguments would, in fact, happen next Monday, or whether they might have to be further delayed.

"It's difficult in dealing with these kinds of situations to gauge precisely how rapidly or how slowly things may progress," Lisi told the jurors.

Driscoll and Robert A. Urciuoli, both former executives at Roger Williams, are charged with paying former state senator John A. Celona to propose and support legislation that favored the hospital.

-- Journal staff writer Mike Stanton

Closing arguments that had been scheduled for today in the trial of two former Roger Williams Medical Center executives have been postponed as a result of the injury and hospitalization of one of the defendants.

According to the clerk for Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi, jurors have been asked to come to court at 9 a.m. today to receive instructions from the judge about what will happen next in the case.

There was no word on what the judge will say.

Frances P. Driscoll, the hospital's former vice president for public relations and development, was injured Monday when she fell descending the steps of the federal courthouse building in Providence. She is scheduled for surgery on her arm today.

Driscoll and Robert A. Urciuoli, the hospital's former president and chief executive officer, are facing federal corruption charges. The two are charged with paying former state Sen. John Celona to promote the hospital's interests at the State House.

The case in court now is a retrial of the two on the charges, after an appeals court overturned their convictions two years ago.

Local artists, business owners and community leaders are scheduled to meet his morning as the city launches an initiative to strengthen its arts community.

"Creative Providence: A Cultural Plan for the Capital City" is set to explore how the arts and other cultural groups can address education and economic development challenges and to use the arts to strengthen the economy.

Two consulting firms are also being brought into the process; Craig Dreeszen, a cultural planner, and staff members from New Commons, a Providence-based think tank, will work with artists and business leaders.

"Creative Providence" was started after a 2007 economic impact study that showed almost $112 million in activity yearly comes from arts and cultural groups.

Today's meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel.

I just heard this instrumental last week from a friend. No words necessary, it's got such a great groove, it's sure to brighten your morning.

Sound Dimension does "Congo Rock"

This may sound familiar, the National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature near 67 degrees with sunny skies and mild east winds.

Tonight skies should stay clear and temperatures will drop to about 67 degrees and mild east winds.

Clouds should begin to roll in tomorrow with lower temperatures, reaching about 63 degrees and East winds up to 15 mph.

Get an early look at the weekend forecast on projo.com's weather page.

After taking a bad fall on the courthouse steps, Frances Driscoll, a defendant in the Roger Williams Medical Center corruption trial, is in good condition at Rhode Island Hospital, according to spokeswoman Jill Reuter.

Before Driscoll's fall, closing arguments were scheduled for today and Judge Mary M. Lisi was expected to send the jury to deliberate.

Yesterday, Lisi canceled today's session, but told the jury that deliberations were near.

Driscoll and Robert A. Urciuoli, both former executives at Roger Williams, are charged with paying former state senator John A. Celona to propose and support legislation that favored the hospital.

Driscoll fell after court adjourned yesterday as she was walking down the stone steps of the federal courthouse in Providence.

See The Journal's continuing coverage of the trial.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

David C. DePetrillo, director of tourism in Rhode Island, will retire effective September 30, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation announced this morning.

Mark Brodeur, current director of tourism operations, will be promoted to director of tourism.

"David is a nationally recognized leader in the tourism industry and has played an integral role in growing our state's tourism industry and significantly impacting our state's economy over the past three decades," said Saul Kaplan, Executive Director, RIEDC.

In 2007, Rhode Island's tourism industry recorded $4.24 in billion tourism expenditures and visits to the Ocean State grew by 3 percent, the EDC said.

The governor's panel examining how to pay for transportation projects, such as highway and bridge repairs, is scheduled to hold the third of four public hearings tonight.

The blue-ribbon panel's hearing is at 7 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island's Swan Hall Auditorium in Kingston.

The final meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence.

Read more about the panel and related transportation efforts.

Today's front page features a story reporting that a second major credit agency has downgraded the company that owns Twin Rivers greyhound track and slot parlor in Lincoln, citing "the high probability that the company may be forced to seek bankruptcy protection in the near term."

Download a .PDF copy of today's front page.

On this day in 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis from the Pacific Northwest.

Read more about today in history.

Here are two versions of a great tune:

Slim Smith and the Freedom Singers do "Mercy Mercy Mercy"

Here's the original tune, written by Joe Zawinul, and performed by Cannonball Adderley Quintet:

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature near 68 degrees today with clear sunny skies.

Tonight skies stay clear with temperatures dropping to about 44 degrees.

Tomorrow looks a lot like today, with sunny skies and temperatures hitting 68 degrees.

Keep an eye on the week ahead on projo.com's weather page.

As the 2008 summer ozone season comes to an end, the Environmental Protection Agency today confirmed that New Englanders experienced fewer poor air quality days this year, compared to 2007.

The reasons? Cooler days, more rain and fewer polluting emissions.

In Rhode Island, we had six poor air quality days as opposed to 18 in 2007. In New England overall, the number of poor air quality days dropped from 53 to 28. Connecticut had the most, with 22 days,compared to 42 in 2007. Vermont had the least, with 3 days -- but that was an increase from zero the year before.

"When we look back to the air quality conditions a generation ago, we can feel proud of the advances we've made in reducing air pollution in New England," Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office, said today in a statement.

The standard for issuing an alert has been lowered to .075 parts per million over 8 hours. All of the numbers shown in this latest release use this updated standard.

The EPA issues air quality alerts when there is an unhealthy amount of ozone near ground level. Ozone forms near the surface when pollutants -- such as car exhaust and industrial emissions -- react with sunlight and sufficient heat. Ozone can cause a host of respiratory symptoms, including throat irritation, shortness of breath and chest pains.

In addition to a cooler, wetter summer, the cumulative effects of increasingly stringent federal standards for vehicle emissions are limiting the amount of pollution released by cars and trucks on the road.

Find air quality information for Rhode Island at the Department of Environmental Management's Web site. For New England numbers, go here.

A 20-year-old Providence man is in stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital after being shot in the chest early this morning.

Louis Martinez was shot after he left the Elegance Bar, at 424 Manton Ave., at about 1 a.m. according to Providence police. But as far as investigators know now, there was no bar fight, and police do not have a suspect.

"Bar half full of people. Bar empties out. Man shot," Capt. Hugh Clements said this morning. What detectives are trying to get from witness statements and the victim is "what happened in between?"

In March of this year, 26-year-old Anibal Garcia was stabbed in Elegance Bar.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

PROVIDENCE -- After a brief evacuation, people have returned to business as usual at the J. Joseph Garrahy Complex.

The court complex, which houses District and Family Court, is at One Dorrance Plaza in downtown Providence.

The building was evacuated at about 10:40 this morning after an alarm went off.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer John Hill

Seventy percent of registered voters in Rhode Island think the state has gone off in the wrong direction, according to a survey conducted by Brown University.

The survey results, which are based on a random sample of 652 voters in the state, have an error margin of plus or minus 3.8 percent.

Sen. Barack Obama's lead in the presidential race is also down 7 points to a 13-point lead over Sen. John McCain, according to the poll, which was conducted by the Taubman Center for Public Policy on Sept. 15-16.

According to the poll, 47 percent of registered voters would vote for Obama while 34 percent would vote for McCain. About 19 percent of voters are undecided.

But no matter who they vote for, those surveyed say they will go to the polls in large numbers. Ninety-one percent say they are very likely to vote in this year's presidential election while less than 2 percent say they are "not at all likely."

When asked about running mates, 74 percent of respondents said they believed Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden had the experience necessary to become president if necessary.

Thirty-three percent believed Republican candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, had the necessary experience.

Click below to find out what respondents thought about illegal immigration and local politicians.

>> Continue reading: Brown poll: Obama's lead slips; most likely to vote

The Roger Williams Medical Center corruption trial is nearing the end. The defense could finish presenting its case today or tomorrow as the trial enters its third week in federal court before Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi.

Former hospital executives Robert A. Urciuoli and Frances P. Driscoll are accused of stealing the honest services of a state senator, John Celona, by putting him on the payroll as a $700-a-week consultant, ostensibly to do the hospital's State House bidding.

The defense maintains that Celona did legitimate work promoting the hospital's affiliated assisted-living center.

The defense has been calling employees who worked at the Village at Elmhurst to testify to Celona's efforts promoting the facility. It's unclear what witnesses may be called next, or how many.

Lawyers have not said whether or not will Urciuoli testify in his defense?

Read about Friday's testimony.

Read more on the trial and investigation.

-- Journal staff writer Mike Stanton

Here's some serious dancing to invigorate you this dull Monday morning. Gloria Jones is probably better known for her "Tainted Love." Here she is performing "Heartbeat:"

Which way is east? Today is just one of two days when the sun will tell you.

We'll pass through the autumnal equinox today, the place and time when the sun rises due east and sets due west. It's the first day of autumn, and the weather reflects that already.

It's not going to get much warmer than it already is today, so keep a jacket nearby. It's already 58 degrees in Providence, and the National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of just 64 degrees. The clouds are here to stay and we may see a few scattered sprinkles.

The clouds should stick around tonight when the temperature drops to about 49 degrees.

The sun should return tomorrow, bringing the temperature closer to 70 degrees with mild, northeast winds.

To see what the first week of autumn looks like, weather-wise, see projo.com's weather page.

By Mike Stanton
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE -- A veteran producer and advertising executive offered his expert opinion regarding the value of former state Sen. John Celona's television show as the Roger Williams Medical Center corruption trial ended its second week today.

But it will be up to the judge to decide whether the jury gets to hear his testimony.

After this morning's witnesses concluded their testimony, Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi sent them home early and listened to testimony from Robert LaChance, owner of R.J. LaChance and Tin Can Alley in Barrington, companies involved in advertising and television and radio production.

The defense, which argues that Celona provided honest value to Roger Williams by promoting its services on his cable-access television show, is seeking to qualify LaChance as an expert witness. But the prosecution objects. Lisi reserved judgment as court ended for the day.

Celona's cable-access television program often served as an infomercial for his paid consulting clients, including Roger Williams, CVS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and New England Ambulance.

Under questioning from Michael Connolly, one of defendant Robert Urciuoli's lawyers, LaChance testified that he reviewed tapes of Celona's television show at the defense's request and said that he would have charged $10,000 to $15,000 to produce a typical program. He based that figure on a minimum of six people to man the cameras and handle other production aspects, plus a week of preparation to block out the script.

But Asst. U.S. Atty. Dulce Donovan challenged that, noting that Celona's show was produced at the studios of Cox Communications, which under federal broadcasting law provides community access programming free of charge. Lisi also honed in on that point, noting that studio time and personnel are provided for free.

LaChance agreed, but estimated that he would have still spent $6,000 to pay a production person for a 40-hour week to map out and script the show.

Lisi seemed surprised.

"How much is that per hour?'' she asked.

"Almost as much as a lawyer,'' quipped LaChance.

"The next question is, how does one get one of those jobs?'' asked Lisi.

"We're not hiring now, your honor.''

The defense is expected to conclude its case next Monday or Tuesday.

This morning's testimony: Defense tries to show Celona's work was legitimate

Special report: Continuing coverage of this and other corruption trials linked to Operation Dollar Bill in Rhode Island

By Edward Fitzpatrick
Journal staff writer

PROVIDENCE -- This morning, a judge set Jan. 26 as the trial date for Ryan A. Greenberg, a Barrington teenager accused of striking and killing his friend with a boat on the Barrington River in July 2007.

Greenberg, now 18, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, reckless boating with death resulting, underage possession of alcohol and refusal to submit to a chemical test. He has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities say that on July 17, 2007, Greenberg was at the wheel of a motorboat when it struck and killed another Barrington teenager, Patrick Murphy, who had been kneeboarding behind the boat.

Greenberg was 17 at the time, but this past summer, a Family Court judge waived jurisdiction over him, clearing the way for Greenberg to be tried in an adult court.

"My job is to conduct a fair, efficient and orderly trial respecting everyone's rights, on both sides of the case," Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Procaccini said following a status and scheduling conference. "I am setting a tight schedule to allow the things that are required to be done but to keep the case moving along."

Defense lawyers have filed a motion seeking subpoenas so that they can inspect and test five boats, including the 20-1/2-foot-long Sailfish that Greenberg was operating. Procaccini set a hearing for 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, to consider that motion.

"The tests and examinations are clearly relevant to the issues in this case in which an 18-year-old defendant has been charged with an offense which carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment," lead defense lawyer William P. Devereaux wrote in court documents.

Defense lawyers are seeking permission to examine the Sailfish, which is owned by Andrew W. Davis. They also want to examine a 24-1/2-foot-long Mastercraft ski boat owned by John Edmond Lyons Sr.; the Barrington harbormaster's vessel that responded to the scene; a 22-foot-long Cobalt owned by Gary Maclaine of Barrington, and a 23-foot-long Stingray owned by John H. Devaney III of East Providence.

"The main issue in this case is the manner in which the defendant operated the Davis boat and which vessels may have caused Murphy's injuries," Devereaux wrote. "Therefore, the performance characteristics of the Davis boat constitute essential evidence."

Journal photo archives
Downtown Providence was under water during the great Hurricane of 1938, which hit Sept. 21. The area pictured is now known as Kennedy Plaza. At right is the old Union Station. Trolley cars are flooded and abandoned near where the Fleet Skating Center is now located. Multimedia: Journal managing editor for visuals Michael Delaney narrates a look back at the impact of the Hurricane of '38 on our area

PROVIDENCE -- Hurricane season isn't over yet, and according to David Vallee, we'll likely see more storms in the next month and a half. But whether they move up to coast to New England -- "that is really a prediction that you can only make on a day by day to week by week basis," he said.

Vallee is the hydrologist in charge with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Northeast River Forecast Center. And he's spent a good chunk of his career studying hurricanes, one of nature's most impressive creations.

Although we understand how hurricanes form, he said, we're at the mercy of the temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean -- warmer water means hurricanes are more likely -- and the jet stream -- the very same wind system that's responsible for our nasty winter storms is also responsible for our fall hurricanes.

During a press conference today at the Biltmore Hotel in Providence aimed at raising hurricane preparedness awareness, Vallee said he expects two or three more storms to form before the end of the season, which ends Nov. 30, but could extend beyond that date.

As summer comes to an end, he explained, we're about to get our first blast of polar air. But warm, moist air is still coming our way from the tropics.

"That contrast, between the warm tropical heat and the first polar air mass of the fall season, helps to intensify the jet streams," Vallee said.

"If (the air mass) is positioned over the Great Lakes or over the upper Mississippi Valley, it's in a position that could conceivably capture a hurricane that's in the Bahamas and cause it to accelerate rapidly into New England."

And rapid movers they are. While hurricanes in the Gulf region typically move along at 10 to 15 mph, Vallee said, storms that get caught up in the jet stream -- which can have winds traveling 100 to 150 mph -- approach New England at speeds upwards of 60 mph.

That's what happened during the Hurricane of 1938, when a clear, sunny day turned into the most destructive and deadliest disaster in the state's history and water levels surged. At today's press conference, markers indicated that water levels reached higher than 6 feet during the '38 hurricane.

"They're very hard to predict," Vallee said of New England hurricanes. "And they're very rapid movers. And we have little time to prepare."

That's just more incentive to check out these hurricane preparedness resources on the Web:

Rhode Island emergency resources

The National Hurricane Center

Track tropical storms in your backyard and around the world

Federal flood insurance programs

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

A former nursing assistant is scheduled to be arraigned today on sexual-assault charges after being accused of assaulting a mentally disabled patient in his care.

Matthew F. Doyle, 24, of West Greenwich, was arrested July 31 after a nursing home administrator at St. Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich reported the alleged abuse to the police.

The St. Elizabeth Home, which serves 120 residents, is among four nursing-home facilities in Rhode Island run by the St. Elizabeth Community, based in Providence. The nonprofit, nonsectarian organization has been in existence since 1882.

Doyle is accused of assaulting a 69-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer's disease on July 28.

A grand jury yesterday handed up an indictment Sept. 3, charging Doyle with two counts of first-degree sexual assault. He has been held at the Adult Correctional Institutions since his arrest.

He's scheduled to be arraigned today in Kent County Superior Court.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- Two people from Rhode Island have survived a plane crash in a farm field near in Iowa.

The Marshall County sheriff's office says a homemade single-engine plane piloted by 74-year-old Vernon Knott crashed Wednesday about 7 p.m. while attempting to land at the airport.

Officials say Knott and a passenger, 77-year-old Clara Erickson, escaped injury and walked out of the field unharmed.

There was no immediate word on their hometowns in Rhode Island, or where the flight had originated or its destination.

The sheriff's office says the cause of the crash is being investigating by the Federal Aviation Administration.

-- The Associated Press

Navy photo / This photo taken by a Navy photographer after the hurricane of 1938 shows the dock at Goat Island Torpedo Station with a testing barge on the left and a small local tanker. Newport is in the background.

PROVIDENCE -- At the entrance of The Providence Journal building on Fountain Street, a plaque memorializes the high-water mark after the Hurricane of 1938. It hits this reporter -- who stands 5-feet, 4-inches -- just below the shoulder.

The sea surged 15 to 20 feet during the storm, according to Jeff Donnelly, a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. And witnesses reported seeing waves as high as 30 feet along the coast.

Today, two days before the 70th anniversary of the hurricane, Governor Carcieri, representatives of the National Weather Service, and local officials will commemorate the storm by placing ribbons as high-water mark designations on telephone poles and street signs in Kennedy Plaza and across the state.

The group will meet in the lobby of the Biltmore Hotel in Providence at 10 a.m. to talk about the dangers of hurricanes and the importance of preparation, including flood insurance, which only about 4 percent of Rhode Islanders have, according to a statement from the governor's office.

The event is part of Get Hurricane Ready Rhode Island, a campaign launched in July, one month into hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

High-water markers also will be placed in the Island Park section of Portsmouth, at the Towers at Narragansett, and in Jamestown, where one of the more memorable tragedies occurred.

A school bus driving across a causeway at the head of Mackerel Cove was broadsided by a wave -- eight of the students aboard drowned.

More than 300 people were killed in the hurricane of 1938. There are two months left in hurricane season, which, itself is only an approximation. The event aims at ensuring that the next hurricane, no matter how high the water rises, does not do nearly as much damage.

Extra: See photos and hear the stories of the the devastating hurricane

Typically I like any excuse to put Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes and Gladys Knight and the Pipps in the blog, but this comes after bad news.

As pointed out by East Bay editor David Reid, Norman Whitfield, a prolific writer and producer for Motown Records, died earlier this week. He was 68.

Whitfield is credited with writing or producing a handful of the most popular Motown songs, including The Marvelettes "Too Many Fish in the Sea" and the similar sounding "Needle in a Haystack" by the Velvelettes.

He also gets credit for "Heard it Through the Grapevine," performed by Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pipps and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

I couldn't choose just one .. I'll start with The Temptations "(I Know) I'm Losing You"

>> Continue reading: Brandie's wake-up call: A tribute to Norman Whitfield

It may be the first time in a while that you need a jacket all day long. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high temperature of just 63 degrees. But the sun should keep things on the mild side; we'll have clear skies and an east win between 8 and 13 mph.

Clear skies are expected through the night when the temperature drops to about 46 degrees with mild east winds.

Tomorrow looks mostly sunny with temperatures heading back up to 70 degrees. Mild southeast winds are also in the forecast.

Tomorrow night should be mostly sunny with temperatures dropping to about 51 degrees and calm south winds.

Temperatures continue to rise Sunday, settling near 76 degrees with clear, sunny skies. Clouds should roll in Sunday, but no rain and temperatures will drop to about 50 degrees.

Back to Monday, which will look a lot like today with temperatures hitting about 65 degrees and mostly sunny skies.

Things look good for the weekend, hopefully there won't be any major changes to the forecast. If there are, you can find them on projo.com's weather page.

Journal photo / Frieda Squires
Among those honored today were Joshua Zasowski, 11, and his dad, Stephen Zasowski, of Bristol, who helped rescue a drowning man at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown on Aug. 17. Sherry Sherman of Charlestown and DEM lifeguard Albert Dinwoodie, then 20, were also honored for their part in the rescue. Dinwoodie did not attend today.

They braved fire, explosions and water to save lives and now they're being honored for their heroics.

Six Rhode Islanders gathered at the State House today to receive accolades from Governor Carcieri and Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

They were among seven awarded the Lifesaving Medal, a state honor recognizing the heroism of firefighters, police officers and citizens who step in to help in times of crisis.

The State Room saluted the following:

West Greenwich police Officer Donald Farvala: for pulling a woman out of a blazing car moments before it exploded following a July 7 car accident.

Stephen and Joshua Zasowski of Bristol, Sherry Sherman of Charlestown and Albert Dinwoodie of Westerly: for saving a drowning man at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown on Aug. 17.

Rhode Island state Troopers Michael Rosa and Matthew Salisbury: for helping rescue three Cranston families when a blaze tore through their building on May 29.

Navy photo / This photo taken by a Navy photographer after the hurricane of 1938 shows the dock at Goat Island Torpedo Station with a testing barge on the left and a small local tanker. Newport is in the background.

PROVIDENCE -- At the entrance of The Providence Journal building on Fountain Street, a plaque memorializes the high-water mark after the hurricane of 1938. It hits this reporter -- who stands 5-feet, 4-inches -- just below the shoulder.

The sea surged 15 to 20 feet during the storm, according to Jeff Donnelly, a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. And witnesses reported seeing waves as high as 30 feet along the coast.

Tomorrow, two days before the 70th anniversary of the hurricane, Governor Carcieri, representatives of the National Weather Service, and local officials will commemorate the storm by placing ribbons as high-water mark designations on telephone poles and street signs in Kennedy Plaza and across the state.

The group will meet in the lobby of the Biltmore Hotel in Providence at 10 a.m. to talk about the dangers of hurricanes and the importance of preparation, including flood insurance, which only about 4 percent of Rhode Islanders have.

The event is part of Get Hurricane Ready Rhode Island, a campaign launched in July, one month into hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

High-water markers also will be placed in the Island Park section of Portsmouth, at the Towers at Narragansett, and in Jamestown, where one of the more memorable tragedies occurred.

A school bus driving across a causeway at the head of Mackerel Cove was broadsided by a wave -- eight of the students aboard drowned.

In all, more than 300 people were killed in the hurricane of 1938. There are two months left in hurricane season, which, itself is only an approximation. Tomorrow's event aims at ensuring that the next hurricane, no matter how high the water rises, does not do nearly as much damage.

Extra: See photos and hear the stories of the the devastating hurricane

PROVIDENCE -- The government rested this morning in the federal corruption case against two former executives at Roger Williams Medical Center.

Luis Matos, an assistant U.S. attorney, announced at 9:55 a.m. that the prosecution was done presenting witnesses and entering exhibits.

During the first seven days of the trial, Matos and Dulce Donovan, another federal prosecutor, called more than a dozen witnesses and entered scores of documents as exhibits.

The criminal case against Robert A. Urciuoli, the hospital's former president, and Frances P. Driscoll, once the hospital's vice president for external affairs, revolves around the hiring of John A. Celona as a paid consultant. The government contends that Celona, a state senator from North Providence at the time, was hired to influence or draft legislation that was favorable to the financially struggling hospital.

Lawyers for Urciuoli and Driscoll have countered that there was nothing untoward about Celona's hiring. In fact, they have repeatedly pointed out, the state ethics commission told the hospital that it was OK to hire Celona.

The defense presented its first witness this morning. Karen Testa, executive director of the Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center in North Providence. She testified that she had worked there "23 wonderful years," and raved about all the work Celona did for the senior population.

"He attended absolutely every event that included seniors," she said.

Testa also testified that she and a social worker from the center were invited to lunch with Celona at the Village at Elmhurst, the assisted living center affiliated with Roger Williams Medical Center, where Celona worked as a consultant.

After the lunch meeting, Testa said that she referred senior citizens and their families to the Village for care.

Extra: Continuing coverage of the trial and more reports on Operation Dollar Bill

PROVIDENCE -- The prosecution is expected to rest today when the federal corruption case against two former Roger Williams Medical Center executives resumes in U.S. District Court.

Prosecutors yesterday called state police Corporal Shari Russell to the stand to testify about separate interviews she conducted with former hospital president Robert Urciuoli and former hospital vice president Frances Driscoll on Feb. 9, 2004. And Russell is expected to be the last prosecution witness.

After Russell's testimony concluded, Chief U.S. District Judge Mary M. Lisi sent the jury home early and then made rulings on whether prosecutors and defense lawyers will be allowed to introduce a long list of exhibits.

Prosecutors objected to many of the exhibits that defense lawyers wanted to introduce, but the two sides agreed on 31 exhibits that Urciuoli's lawyers sought to introduce.

Urciuoli is charged with one count of conspiracy and 35 counts of honest-services mail fraud. Driscoll is charged with one count of aiding and abetting the alleged conspiracy. Both were convicted by a jury two years ago, but an appeals court in January overturned their convictions based on Senior U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres' instructions to the jury.

Extra: Keep track of the trial via projo.com and Journal reports

-Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick

Acting Charlestown Town Council President James M. Mageau is scheduled to appear in court today on a misdemeanor charge of simple assault.

On July 14, when Mageau, 69, was involved in an altercation with Clifford L. Vanover of the political action group Charlestown Citizens Alliance, at a council meeting. Vanover was videotaping the proceedings.

According to the tape, Vanover was filming in a hallway at Town Hall when Mageau appeared and told him "Get that out of my face."

It appears from the tape that something strikes the camera, but no hit is actually seen.

Mageau, who is represented by Providence lawyer Richard G. Sahagian, has been free on personal recognizance since the incident. He will be prosecuted by Coventry Town Solicitor Patrick Sullivan, who was hired by Charlestown to handle the case.

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance is a political action committee that pursued a recall campaign against Mageau last year.

I'm not sure what's going on in this video, but the ladies are beautiful and the music is sweet. This song hit the Billboard charts in 1969 ... sound familiar?

The Flirtations sing "Nothing but a Heartache"

This one is for my partner in blogging here at projo.com, Mike McKinney who, if you hadn't noticed, really likes Jimi Hendrix:

On this day in 1970, rock'n'roll guitar legend Jimi Hendrix died of a drug overdose. He was 27.

Read about other historic events on this day in history.

Read an article by Lynn Arditi about the current financial crisis and how it affect first-time homeowners in Rhode Island on today's front page.

Journal financial columnist Neil Downing also explains how the current situation is different from the Rhode Island banking crisis of 1991.

Download a .PDF copy of today's front page.

Mostly sunny, mostly cool and mostly beautiful today with the National Weather Service forecasting a high temperature near 72 degrees, mostly sunny skies and a light, north wind.

Skies stay mostly clear tonight when the temperature drops to 44 degrees.

Tomorrow is looking much cooler, with temperatures reaching just the mid 60s. Skies should be sunny, however, with a mild east wind.

Get a sneak peak at the weekend weather on projo.com's weather page.

Students at North Attleboro High School were dismissed early today after the discovery of a written "vague threat" that could have been interpreted as a bomb threat, according to the school district's superintendent.

The threat was found written "on a surface in the school building," according to a statement released by Supt. Richard A. Smith, and students were dismissed at about 11:40 a.m.

Smith said the threat could have been interpreted in several other ways, including "some non-threatening" ways.

The school district notified parents and guardians via e-mail and using its Connect-ED phone system, which sends out pre-recorded phone messages.

Police have brought a canine unit to the school to search for any possible explosives and the building will be under 24-hour surveillance "for the foreseeable future," according to Smith.

School will be open tomorrow, although there will be some changes to "operating procedures," Smith said in his statement. Exactly what those changes are will be shared with parents during another Connect-ED message scheduled for this evening.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

By Tatiana Pina
Journal staff writer

PROVIDENCE -- A bail hearing for a Woonsocket teenager accused of raping his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter has been postponed for the third time, while waiting for a competency report.

John Price is now scheduled to appear tomorrow in Sixth District Court, where he faces a charge of second-degree child abuse and first-degree child molestation. He was waived out of Family Court and will be tried as an adult.

Before the bail hearing takes place, the court will learn of the findings of the competency report that Price's lawyer, Damon D'Ambrosio, requested from the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals.

The bail hearing was previously postponed Aug. 19 and Sept. 3. The hearing was postponed today because MHRH was unable to deliver the report to the court, according to D'Ambrosio.

"The standard is 'does this kid know what's going on? Does he know the rules?' It's a very low standard. Ninety-nine percent are found to have competency. In this particular case I thought it was warranted," D'Ambrosio said.

Price was arrested after his 24-year-old girlfriend left him to watch her 3-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter in her Woonsocket apartment June 29.

When she returned, the girlfriend, who has not been named, said she noticed bruises and marks on her daughter. Her son was not injured. Doctors at Landmark Medical Center and Hasbro Children's Hospital determined that the child had been raped.

If convicted, Price could face a prison sentence of 25 years to life for the molestation charge and 5 to 10 years for child abuse.

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Sera Ford, of Boston, puts the lid on a display case at the the Sierra Madre Mining Co. booth at the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America annual trade show being held in Providence today and tomorrow. Watch the video

Jewelry designers and manufacturers are assembling in Providence today to learn the latest techniques and designing trends at the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America trade show.

Attendees are also offered seminars on a range of topics, including designing with beads, chain making and soldering.

The Providence-based association -- which represents 1,900 jewelry companies around the world -- used to hold trade shows for major jewelry manufacturers and retailers that worked on orders on the scale of tens of thousand.

Manufacturing began to move overseas, however, and there was little need for such a show in Providence. It went into hibernation.

But as large-scale manufacturers left, individual designers and small scale manufacturers moved in to take their place.

So in 2006, the show was revived. Since then, it has been tweaked to suit the needs of the individual jewelry maker. This marks the third year since the Providence trade show has returned.

The trade show begins today and runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Registration is $10 at the door.

Sentencing has been postponed to next Wednesday for a man convicted of murder in what prosecutors say was a drug deal gone wrong. Sentencing had been slated for today but was continued, according to Michael Healey, a spokesman for Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch's office.

In August 2007, David Mello directed Marc Quintal and three other men to Providence to buy drugs. Mello and Sylvester Moses approached the car with guns and attempted to rob Quintal. During the robbery attempt, Quintal, of Fall River, Mass., was shot.

He drove about a half block to a Burger King parking lot. One of his passengers ran inside and asked someone to call 911. Quintal was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mello pleaded guilty to murder and other charges related to the crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced in Providence County Superior Court next Wednesday. Moses is scheduled for sentencing later this month.

By Peter B. Lord
Journal environmental writer

A new, 10-minute documentary film called "Unstoppable Solar Cycles: The Real Story of Greenland" argues persuasively that solar cycles, not human activities, are causing global warming.

But two University of Rhode Island scientists say that the film's conclusions are not supported by science.

Rebecca Robinson, a marine geochemist, and John Merrill, an atmospheric chemist, reviewed several of the major theories posed by the movie and said they were either exaggerated or unsupported by data.

Solar cycles do affect the Earth, they conceded, but the cycles don't come close to causing the warming now being observed.

"It's been very warm for the last few decades," said Robinson. "We are in truly unprecedented times."

The two were speaking as part of an Honors Colloquium called "People and Planet: Global Environmental Change" that is being offered on Tuesday nights this fall at URI. Nearly 800 people attended last night.

Find more information on the honors colloquium, including a schedule of events, online. Next week Nobel Prize winner Michael E. Mann is scheduled to speak.

PROVIDENCE -- After two postponements, a bail hearing for a teenager accused of beating and raping his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter is scheduled for today.

John Price, 17, of Woonsocket, has been waived out of Family Court, and will be tried as an adult. He faces second-degree child abuse and first-degree child molestation. The previous bail hearings had been scheduled for Sept. 3 and Aug. 19 in District Court, Providence.

Price was arrested after his 24-year-old girlfriend left him to watch her 3-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter in her Woonsocket apartment on June 29.

When she returned, the girlfriend -- who has not been named -- said she noticed her daughter had marks and bruises. Her son was not injured. Doctors at Landmark Medical Center and Hasbro Children's Hospital determined the girl had been raped.

If convicted, Price could face a prison sentence of 25 years to life for the molestation charge and 5 to 10 years for child abuse.

The governor's panel examining how to pay for transportation projects, such as highway and bridge repairs, is scheduled to hold the second of four public hearings tonight.

The blue-ribbon panel's hearing is at 7 p.m., at CCRI Newport County, Auditorium No. 134, One John H. Chafee Boulevard, Newport.

The other public hearings are:

* Sept. 23, 7 p.m., University of Rhode Island, Kingston.

* Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence.

Read more about the panel and related transportation efforts.

This song reminds me of fall. I just need a pile of leaves.

Here's Marcia Griffith's "Feel Like Jumping."

WJAR Channel 10 cut out for a few minutes near the end of its morning broadcast after a fire alarm sounded.

According to the Cranston Fire Department, something triggered a false alarm at the building, located at 23 Kennedy Drive. A viewer watching the program at about 6:45 a.m. could hear an alarm before the broadcast stopped.

The staff had to stand outside for about 15 minutes, but everything is back to normal, according to an employee in the building.

The National Weather Service tells us again that we can expect a sunny autumn day. Temperatures are set to reach about 75 degrees with a calm, south wind.

Temperatures drop to 53 degrees tonight with clear skies and calm south winds.

Tomorrow is looking like yesterday with mostly sunny skies and cooler temperatures, set to reach about 71 degrees. We'll also have north winds between 7 and 14 mph.

See what the second half of the week holds on the projo.com weather page.

You don't need me to tell you, but I feel guilty: We don't have "clear, sunny skies."

Instead, the skies over Rhode Island are partly cloudy. But the National Weather Service is still forecasting dry conditions today and tomorrow:

MOISTURE IS LIMITED SO MAIN EFFECT OF UPPER JET WILL BE HIGH CLOUDS

So there's still hope for more sunshine later today and tomorrow when, as of the most recent forecast, we can expect "mostly sunny" skies. Check the forecast here. And in anticipation, here's another "wake-up" call video:

Diana Ross and The Supremes sing "He's My Sunny Boy":

Five more groups of mosquitoes in four Rhode Island communities have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the state Department of Environmental Management.

So far this year, the DEM has found nine groups of mosquitoes that were carrying the virus.

Testing positive were a group trapped Sept. 9 in the Woodlawn section of Pawtucket and another trapped the same day in the Smith Hill area of Providence; two groups trapped Sept. 2 in Central Falls and Pawtucket near the lower end of the Blackstone River; and a group trapped Aug. 29 in Westerly near the airport.

The DEM previously reported that four mosquito pools had tested positive for West Nile Virus - two in Providence's Smith Hill area and two in the Woodlawn section of Pawtucket.

Both mosquitoes that bite birds, as well as those that bite mammals are carrying the virus.

The DEM say its peak season for West Nile Virus and it's urging people to take precautions and protect themselves from the virus, including using DEET bug spray, mosquito nets, and staying indoors from dusk until dawn.

The DEM will set more mosquito traps in areas where mosquitoes that tested positive were found.

By W. Zachary Malinowski
Journal staff writer

PROVIDENCE -- In Nov. 2001, Kimberly O'Connell, general counsel for Roger Williams Medical Center, was summoned to the office of Robert A. Urciuoli, the hospital's president and CEO.

Urciuoli asked her to "update a consulting contract" for John Celona at the Village at Elmhurst, an assisted-living center affiliated with the hospital.

O'Connell knew that Celona was a state senator from North Providence, but testified this morning that she did not know that he had been working for the hospital for three years.

At the time, Celona was being paid $700-a-week in consultation fees and Urciuoli wanted to increased his pay to $892 per week.

Urciuoli asked O'Connell whether the pay increase would have to be approved by the state Ethics Commission; she told him it was not necessary.

O'Connell, a witness for the prosecution, spent more than two hours on the witness stand this morning in the corruption trial of Urciuoli and Frances P. Driscoll, once the hospital's senior vice president for external affairs.

They are accused of hiring Celona in exchange for influence he could have on legislation that could benefit the financially struggling hospital.

Her testimony continues later today, and former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Ron Battista is expected to follow her on the witness stand.

Extra: Read the Journal's continuing coverage of Operation Dollar Bill

HYANNIS PORT, Mass. -- Sen. Edward Kennedy has had his say at the ballot box in this year's Democratic primary.

The senior senator from Massachusetts cast his ballot just after 10 a.m. today at the Town Hall in Hyannis, a section of the town of Barnstable.

Kennedy has been in treatment since being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after he had a seizure in May. He had surgery and a six-week course of chemotherapy.

On his doctors' advice, the senator has been working at home and will likely continue to do so through the fall.

In August, he energized the Democratic National Convention in Denver with a dramatic speech there.

The big race today involves Kennedy's friend, John Kerry, who's facing his first challenger in the Democratic primary since he was elected 24 years ago.

-- The Associated Press

BOSTON -- Primary day carries some uncertainty for John Kerry for the first time in his 24 years in the Senate.

Kerry faces his first challenger in a Democratic primary since he was elected in Tuesday's election.

Gloucester attorney Ed O'Reilly says he took on the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee because he was disgusted with Kerry's vote to authorize military action in Iraq.
Elsewhere in the state, Stockbridge attorney Robert Feuer is challenging U.S. Rep. John Olver in the Democratic primary.

In Lexington, two Democrats are competing to replace state Sen. James Marzilli, who is accused of sexually harassing four women in one day in Lowell. And Boston state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, who has suffered from a series of self-inflicted blunders, has a rematch with Sonia Chang-Diaz.

Secretary of State William Galvin says he expects voter turnout to be low, because there is only one statewide race.

-- The Associated Press

Pawtucket Mayor James E. Doyle has agreed to make an appearance on the Glen Medeiros Show, on Public Access Channel 18, to debate his opponent Donald R. Grebien.

Doyle had initially said he would not appear on the show, saying he wasn't sure Medeiros could be objective. But he changed his mind, citing "the public's right to know."

He also said that by expressing concern about Medeiros's objectivity beforehand, he has immunized himself against the charge of acting like a "crybaby" if Medeiros treats him in a way that Doyle deems unfair.

The debate is scheduled to air on Cox Cable this evening at 7 p.m.

By Katie Mulvaney
Journal staff writer

NEW SHOREHAM -- In the wake of a controversy over a locked isolation room in the basement of the Block Island School, Supt. Leslie A. Ryan last night resigned as the district's special education director.

She will step down once the school committee finds a replacement, but will remain superintendent of schools.

In a statement at a school committee meeting last night, Ryan said the last three months had been painful. "As we know," she said, "it was wrong to put locks on the chill room."

Committee chairman William Padien would not let residents question Ryan on any of the aspects of her resignation.

The committee voted 3-2 in favor of accepting Ryan's resignation. Padien voted against, saying, "I feel that there were things done incorrectly - wrong - but there were a lot of things done correctly."

Padien said he thought Ryan's resignation might be a service to some, but a disservice to others.

In her statement, Ryan said that she did not know about state regulations regarding restraints, and that the controversy was sparked by a one-time decision made in a crisis situation.

She regretted having to step down, saying she'd always advocated for special needs students. But, Ryan said, resigning would create clear accountability by separating the special education director's position from that of superintendent.

News of a "time-out" or "chill room" in the basement of the Block Island School surfaced in June. School officials said the room, with bolt locks on the outside, was used infrequently.

In August, an independent consulting group deemed the room in violation of state education and fire-code regulations.

See video of the room on projo.com.

With headlines like this, I don't know that I had a choice in which song I posted this morning.

Barret Strong sings the same tune that many people have been singing lately, "Money, That's What I Want"

We're in for a lovely, dry day today with clear sunny skies and average temperatures rising to about 70 degrees with mild, south winds.

A few clouds may roll in tonight when temperatures drop to about 51 degrees with calm, south winds.

And tomorrow is looking like today, but a bit warmer, with temperatures reaching the mid 70s and calm, south winds.

See how long the mild weather is supposed to last at projo.com's weather page.

BOSTON -- A man identified as a key player in a ring charged with the largest data-theft case in history has pleaded guilty and agreed to provide authorities with information about others involved.

Damon Patrick Toey, 23, of Miami, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to charges including credit-card fraud, wire fraud and identity theft.

Toey was one of 11 people indicted last month and accused of hacking nine major retailers, including TJX Cos. of Framingham, Mass. The group is charged in the theft and sale of more than 41 million credit and debit card numbers.

The alleged leader of the group, Albert Gonzalez, a former Secret Service informant, pleaded not guilty to similar charges during his initial appearance in Boston yesterday. Prosecutors say Toey helped Gonzalez hack into the computer security of Miami-area retailers.

According to a plea agreement filed in court yesterday, Toey has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and possibly testify against other members of the ring. The agreement says if Toey provides substantial assistance in the investigation, prosecutors can ask the judge to sentence him to a term below federal sentencing guidelines.

Toey's attorney, Syrie Fried, did not immediately return a call seeking comment today.

Authorities said Gonzalez helped the U.S. Secret Service take over a Web site being used to transmit stolen identifiers and stolen credit card numbers, but later began feeding criminals information about ongoing investigations.

Martin Weinberg, Gonzalez's attorney, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Three of those charged in the ring are U.S. citizens while the others are from Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus and China.

The indictment alleges the suspects hacked into the wireless computer networks of retailers, including TJX, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority and others, then set up programs that captured card numbers, passwords and account information.

-- The Associated Press

Beginning this weekend, residents of the upper and lower South Providence and Elmwood neighborhoods can get together with city officials to discuss the future of their neighborhoods.

Providence Tomorrow: Our City, Our Neighborhood, Our Future begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. with an elected officials forum.

"Our Providence Tomorrow neighborhood planning process is one of the most unique, public engagement initiatives anywhere in this country," Mayor David Cicilline said in a statement.

"This week we begin yet another in our series of neighborhood planning sessions and urge residents from South Providence and Elmwood to come in and share their ideas about what they envision for their neighborhood in the years ahead."

Other events include discussions on parks and open spaces, a workshop on commercial areas and one on neighborhood sustainability and land use.

The activities run Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Pearl Street Lofts, 292 Pearl Street. For more information, call 351.4300 extension 509.

Click below for a full schedule of events.

>> Continue reading: Providence today, Providence tomorrow

BOSTON -- A Saugus, Mass., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he sold New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur about 300 Oxycontin pills.

The charges against Daniel Ekasala were based on three transactions between the two men in May that were secretly recorded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Kaczur is not named in court records but has been identified as the cooperating witness by Bernard Grossberg, Ekasala's defense attorney. Grossberg says Kaczur went undercover for the federal agency after he was stopped for speeding in New York and was caught with Oxycontin pills in his vehicle.

The drug charges were put on hold if Kaczur stays out of trouble for six months.

Ekasala, who pleaded guilty yesterday, faces a maximum of nearly five years in prison at sentencing in December.

-- The Associated Press

The Newport Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the woman who was rescued last night from the rocky shoreline about 50 feet below the Cliff Walk.

The woman, who is described as white, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and between the ages of 20 and 30, suffered severe injuries and was taken to Newport Hospital before being transferred to Rhode Island Hospital. The woman is unconscious, but her condition is unknown, police Lt. William Fitzgerald said this morning.

The police aren't sure how the woman ended up in the water in the area of Ochre Court Estate and Forty Steps. Someone walking on the Cliff Walk called for help after spotting the woman at about 7:15 p.m., and two officers descended the steep cliff and pulled her from the water. Firefighters then lifted her from the rocks.

The woman carried no identification. The police don't think she is a Salve Regina University student, Fitzgerald said.

The police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information on the incident should call Newport police Detective Christopher Hayes at 845-5768.

Read an earlier story.

-- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims

Hurricane Ike is on its way to Texas and the National Weather Service is warning coastal residents that if they don't leave, they may die.

In an unusually strongly worded warning, NWS told residents that coastal communities

"WILL BE INUNDATED DURING THE PERIOD OF PEAK STORM TIDE."

And cautions:

"PERSONS NOT HEEDING EVACUATION ORDERS IN SINGLE FAMILY ONE OR TWO STORY HOMES MAY FACE CERTAIN DEATH."

Winds are expected to reach up to 115 mph in some areas and tide is supposed to swell up to 6 feet.

To help in the massive evacuation of coastal areas, the Red Cross has sent volunteers to set up shelters and feed people who have fled their homes.

Four Rhode Island volunteers, already departed to help with the Gustav evacuation, have now been dispatched from Alabama to Fort Worth, Texas, according to Red Cross spokeswoman Marisa Albanese.

The volunteers arrived in Texas yesterday. Two are assigned to "mass care," Albanese said. That means doing whatever is necessary at shelters.

The other two are working "emergency response vehicles," bringing food to people who are not in shelters.

Similar vehicles will be on the streets in Rhode Island where shelters will be open and emergency generators will be running tomorrow in Rhode Island, as well.

It's not that Ike is expected to reach us, it isn't -- tomorrow is just a drill.

The full-scale hurricane exercise will focus on communication between communities, outside agencies, and the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cities and towns are asked to open emergency shelters, crank up the generators and test emergency radios and phones.

Hurricane season doesn't end until Nov. 30.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

A Cumberland woman who was driving a truck that crashed and burned, killing her teenage passenger, faces up to eight years in prison when she is sentenced today.

Kellie Woodbine has been under house arrest in Cumberland since February.

She pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated, death resulting and reckless driving, death resulting after Samantha Marie Beaudette, 16, died from injuries she suffered in the 2005 crash.

Woodbine was 27 at the time of the crash, and Beaudette had agreed to go with her to buy cigarettes. The police say Woodbine's blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit when her car swerved on Route 95 north between Exits 9 and 30 -- the Pawtucket "S-curve."

The truck went into the breakdown lane, struck a jersey barrier and skidded 75 feet before striking a bridge abutment. It was going 95 mph. when it slammed into the abutment, bursting into flames and trapping Beaudette inside.

Woodbine's sentencing is scheduled for Superior Court Providence today.

A bail hearing is scheduled today for a Burrillville man accused of killing a Smithfield man in the parking lot of a recreation center.

Aaron Menard, 18, was initially scheduled for a bail hearing in District Court last week, but it was postponed until today.

Menard is accused of stabbing 26-year-old Kenneth Wanamaker to death on Aug. 15 after, the police say, the two got into an argument.

According to Det. Lt. Michael C. Rheaume, Wanamaker tried to get into an apartment where Mernard and Nicole Sherman, Wanamaker's former girlfriend, were sleeping.

The police say the couple woke up after hearing "something rustling at the screen." The two went outside, the police say, and found Wanamaker, dressed in dark clothes.

The police say the two men began fighting and Menard stabbed Wanamaker three times. He was found in a pool of blood behind the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center neighborhood center, which is located next to the apartment.

Menard is scheduled for a bail hearing today in District Court, Providence.

I felt bad that I kind of dissed Marvin Gaye yesterday when I praised Dusty Springfield's version of "Can I Get A Witness."

So I found this gem -- from the beginning it's a strange, minimal, mod performance. But it's got Marvin Gaye, so, of course, it's pretty great.

Marvin Gaye does "Ain't That Peculiar."

It's Friday, and as far as the morning goes, it's going to be nice, but we could see rain later today and this weekend.

We've got a chance of showers later this afternoon with a high temperature near 69 degrees and winds from the south gusting up to 21 mph.

And more rain tonight, maybe even thunderstorms. Temperatures will drop to about 61 degrees with mild southwest winds.

Saturday -- more rain with temperatures hitting about 78 degrees. Mild south winds with otherwise cloudy skies.

Showers Saturday night also and patchy fog as well. Skies will stay cloudy all night with temperatures dropping to about 66 degrees.

And.... More rain Sunday, when temperatures jump to the mid 80s. There's a chance of thunderstorms with southwest winds gusting up to 26 mph. Rain continues through the night when temperatures drop to about 69 degrees.

Guess what's in store for Monday? Sunny skies with temperatures reaching about 81 degrees.

Of course.

To keep an eye on the wet weekend weather, see projo.com's weather page.