BlogNetNews.com » Rhode Island

hard deadlines: Portsmouth fundraisers: PHS trip, local Dems

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:07:20 -0500

Just a reminder that the fundraiser to support our Portsmouth High School (PHS) kids on their humanitarian trip to New Orleans is next Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6pm at Scampi, here in Island Park. You can connect with the group, Infinity Volunteers on Facebook or contact organizer Kim Cunningham [...]

Providence Daily Dose: Washboard Amps

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:50:16 -0500

Can you plug those things in? And who was the first woman to say “Screw the laundry, I’m rockin’ out.”? Get the weekend started tonight at AS220 with some music. Moaning Creek delves into the sounds of Appalachia and the Delta for [...]

Rhode Island's Future: This Monday - Discuss the Theory of WOMENOMICS

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:37:05 -0500

Please join the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island this Monday from 3-5pm at the Rhode Island Convention Center's West Lobby for a unique and exciting conversation with leading women about Womenomics, a best-selling new book that explores the challenges — and opportunities — in pursuing career aspirations in [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: A tidy pile of leaves...for now

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:23:25 -0500

Landscapers Carlos Rojas, left, and his son Cristian rake a mass of leaves into a tarp on Cole Avenue on Providence's East Side Wednesday. Journal photo / Mary Murphy

The remnants of Hurricane Ida moving north along the coast will interact with a high pressure area drifting [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: RICJ takes health-care stance, plans forum on topic

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:58:00 -0500

PROVIDENCE -- A nonprofit organization fighting bias and racism is sending a message to Rhode Island's congressional delegation:

Health care is a fundamental human right.

"In arguments over specific bills or proposals for reforming the health care system ... we may lose sight of the values that underlie this debate," said Toby [...]

Rhode Island's Future: We still have a long way to go

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:24:53 -0500

As bad as the Guv's veto of the funerary rights bill was, there's news on the LGBTQQ front that should provide hope:

In Alabama, a high school threatened to shut down the prom if a lesbian student attended with her girlfriend. I use the past tense "threatened," because the school backed [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Carcieri open to exploring domestic-partner agreements

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:19:10 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri emerged from a meeting with a delegation from Queer Action of Rhode Island to say he is open to exploring -- and possibly supporting -- legislation to allow "domestic-partnership agreements'' that bestow all of the rights of marriage, without actual marriage.

"Maybe it's something we [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Computer store owner admits to selling counterfeit Viagra

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The owner of a North Providence computer store has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges that he sold illegal generic Viagra and pirated movies in 2008.

U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said Thursday that Ming Yan, 59, of Providence, who operates Automation Systems, 1270 Mineral Spring Ave, [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Federal Reserve moves to restrict overdraft fees

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:07:45 -0500

The Federal Reserve, responding to criticism that it hasn't moved quickly enough to address abusive consumer lending practices, on Thursday issued new rules limiting the instances in which financial institutions can charge overdraft fees on debit-card transactions.

The rules will take effect next summer and come as Congress considers similar' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Update: URI grad John King to take Lou Dobbs' CNN slot

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:01:29 -0500

By DAVID BAUDER
AP Television Writer

NEW YORK -- URI graduate John King is replacing Lou Dobbs on CNN.

Jon Klein, CNN president, said Thursday that veteran reporter King will move into the 7 p.m. EST slot that's been vacated by Lou Dobbs. King will host a show about politics beginning [...]

Rhode Island's Twelfth: Kathleen Parker Demonstrates Her Lack of Shame

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:58:00 -0500

Today's Newport Daily News has its weekly column by Washington Post conservative columnist Kathleen "K-Pax" Parker. Today K-Pax chooses to highlight Red China's repressive policy of forcing women to have abortions. K-Pax is very careful to point out that "On this much, both sides of the abortion issue can" [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: R.I. demolition company owner gets 2 years' probation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:43:35 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The owner of a demolition company, who pleaded guilty to offering union officials gifts and payments, was sentenced Thursday to two years' probation.

Gerald Diodati, 60, is banned from working for any labor organizations throughout the two years and must perform 200 hours of community service each year' [...]

GC:PVD | Greater City: Providence: Cool retail signage

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:33:57 -0500

Photo by Jef Nickerson

I really like this retail signage at the new Webster Bank location at 100 Westminster Street.

[...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Twin River slot parlor looks to hire gaming exec

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:09:55 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Twin River slot parlor has asked a federal bankruptcy judge for permission to hire the former president of an Indiana casino company to oversee operations at the Lincoln gambling venue.

John J. McLaughlin would advise financially troubled Twin River on how to improve its operations in [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: E. Greenwich gets new vehicle-noise ordinance

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:04:26 -0500

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. - After scaling back the fines and broadening its scope, the Town Council has passed a motor vehicle noise ordinance designed to stop disruptions by loud motorcycles, thumping car-stereo subwoofers and defective exhaust systems if their operators travel through town.

The new rules, now in effect, say anything [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: U.S. trustee objects to deal with Twin River dog owners

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:25 -0500

By Paul Grimaldi
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A U.S. trustee is objecting to the settlement agreement between the holding company that operates the Twin River slot parlor and the greyhound owners association that provides dogs for racing in Lincoln.

The agreement announced in October ends Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association's' [...]

Anchor Rising: Mayor McKee on an Educational Funding Policy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500

In this week's Valley Breeze, Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee lays the groundwork for an educational "funding formula" proposal that looks to be substantially different from the other proposals that have been recently considered for Rhode Island. The key passage in... [...]

Rhode Island's Future: Unapologetically pro-union

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:57:15 -0500

Mike Elk has a great essay up on Truthout called Ivy League Liberal Elitism Will Make Sarah Palin President - How Only Union Organizing Can Prevent It. Here is a snipet, but I heartily recomend the whole thing.Many liberal political operatives in DC dismiss the Employee Free Choice Act [...]

Providence Daily Dose: Toddler’s Wheelchair Stolen, Insurance Won’t Cover Replacement

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:41:07 -0500

Number of comments: 2

In “Oh my God this world is going to hell in a handbasket” news, some rassafrassing so-and-so has stolen the wheelchair belonging to a special needs three-year old on the south side.

The ProJo reports that on Monday morning, the boy’s brother brought the chair out [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Update: Candidates slam Carcieri for burial rights veto

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:26:24 -0500

By Kathy Gregg
Journal State House Bureau

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- In the days since Governor Carcieri vetoed a bill that would have given "domestic partners'' the right to make funeral decisions for each other, potential gubernatorial candidates are lining up in opposition to his stand.

Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch was" [...]

Rhode Island's Future: The Ten Year War Continues.

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:08:34 -0500

While the world observed Armistice Day this week, this week also marks the tenth anniversary of another war: The war on the Working Class, and there is no end in sight.

[...]

Rhode Island's Future: New Report Shows Pollution Up 24% in Rhode Island since 1990

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:52:05 -0500

A new report released today by Environment Rhode Island shows that the state’s global warming pollution increased by 24% percent since 1990.

“More pollution than ever before is not the record we want to set,” said Caitlin Seeley, Federal Field Organizer for Environment Rhode Island. “It’s time [...]

Anchor Rising: The Moderate Loophole Is Moral... If Only Block Would Admit It

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:46:00 -0500

As it happens, I spent more than a few moments pondering the statutory language in which Moderate Party founder Ken Block found a campaign financing loophole: 17-25-10.1 Political contributions – Limitations. – (a) No person, other than the candidate to... [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Update: Nurse testifies Woods reported anxiety attacks

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:32:00 -0500

By John Hill
Journal staff writer

WARWICK, R.I. -- Michael J. Woods was sweating profusely and told a nurse he suffered from anxiety attacks, the nurse testified in Superior Court just before Thursday's lunch break.

Woods died of a blocked coronary artery in the emergency room on July 26, 2006. His' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Carcieri, gay-rights group to meet on burial rights veto

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:28:00 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri and six gay-rights advocates began a closed-door meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday to talk about the governor's veto of a bill giving "domestic partners" the right to make funeral decisions for each other.

Carcieri, who vetoed the bill Tuesday, had earlier agreed to meet with members' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Japan drops case vs. former RI man in custody dispute

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:07:20 -0500

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A spokesman for a Tennessee father arrested in Japan when he snatched his children from his ex-wife says authorities are dropping the case.

Christopher Savoie was arrested Sept. 30 in Fukoka, Japan, as he tried to enter the U.S. Consulate with his 9-year-old son and 7-year-old [...]

I Dreamed I Saw Grace P. Last Night: Rhode Islander, John McDaid, Celebrates Birthday at Blogging Conference

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:02:00 -0500

Number of comments: 0
Belated Happy Birthday to Portsmouth's John McDaid!

Yesterday was his birthday, and he went to an event in New York...

Did they sing Happy Birthday to him?

His blog:
hard deadlines
localblogging Portsmouth

is just a wonderful place to visit whether or not you [...]

Anchor Rising: A Mayoral Academy for the West Bay?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500

According to the Cranston Herald's Meg Fraser, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is interested in bringing the "Mayoral Academy" model of education reform, currently being spearheaded by Cumberland Mayor Daniel McKee, to Cranston and, if we assume that it would follow... [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Ex-justice Williams denies improper relations with driver

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:20 -0500

By Tom Mooney and W. Zachary Malinowski
Journal Staff Writers

Frank J. Williams, the retired chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, launched a media blitz Thursday to squash rumors of impropriety with his former driver and explain in his words his role in the driver's family and how he' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Ex-R.I. labor organizer Tillinghast sentenced to probation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:20:51 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a former organizer with the Laborers' International Union of North America to two years' probation for his role in a kickback scheme.

U.S. District Judge William E. Smith also banned Harold L. Tillinghast Jr. from seeking or holding any positions [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Ex-R.I. labor organizer Tillinghast sentenced to probation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:20:51 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a former organizer with the Laborers' International Union of North America to two years' probation for his role in a kickback scheme.

U.S. District Judge William E. Smith also banned Harold L. Tillinghast Jr. from seeking or holding any positions [...]

Anchor Rising: What Sort of Hope Are We Talking About?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:13:00 -0500

The person who emailed me Ted Nesi's Providence Business News article about the Pew research study that Andrew mentioned this morning began his email, "Hope you're well. Off..." At first glance, I misread that as, "Hope you're well off." That... [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Union official gets probation in federal conspiracy case

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:40:04 -0500

By Katie Mulvaney
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A former director of the Laborers' New England Region Organizing Fund who pleaded guilty to an unlawful payment scheme was sentenced Thursday to three years probation barring him from holding any position within or affiliated with a labor organization.

Nicholas Manocchio, 55,' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Union official gets probation in federal conspiracy case

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:40:04 -0500

By Katie Mulvaney
Journal Staff Writer

Nicholas Manocchio, 55,' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: FBI: Alleged scheme by lawyer Rothstein could top $1B

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:20:36 -0500

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Florida (AP) -- The suspected pyramid scheme run by a high-profile South Florida lawyer is likely to exceed $1 billion, and involved thousands of investors in the U.S. and abroad, a top FBI official said Thursday.

John Gillies, special agent in charge of the FBI's Miami field office,' [...]

Anchor Rising: Trillo Almost Officially Out, But Not Yet Backing Smith

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500

Russell J. Moore's story in Tuesday's Warwick Beacon about State Representative Joseph Trillo's almost final departure from the Governor's race contains a number of interesting details.Asked if he was endorsing not-yet-official Republican candidate Rory Smith…Trillo said he wasn’t prepared to... [...]

Rhode Island's Future: Another $200 million in the hole

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:58:15 -0500

With the news that the semi-annual Revenue Estimating Conference is projecting a total shortfall of about $200 million, one has to question where that money will come from and what the General Assembly and the Governor will try to do to rectify it. When we see a number like that [...]

Not for Nothing: Bishops' Influence on Health Care

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:52:00 -0500

The clash between Patrick Kennedy and Bishop Thomas J. Tobin is but the most public flare-up in a broader effort by the church to build abortion restrictions into health care reform. The Associated Press has a good overview:

WASHINGTON — The call came in from Rome, just as House Speaker [...]

Not for Nothing: Bishops' Influence on Health Care

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:52:00 -0500

WASHINGTON — The call came in from Rome, just as House Speaker [...]

Providence Daily Dose: Ocean State Action Fundraiser — Stepping Out

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:42:31 -0500

Shake your booty, open your wallet. Peter Asen of Ocean State Action invites extroverts, uninhibited dancers, and orthodox thinkers to the Fifth Annual Rock the Boat for Justice Dance Party. The party starts at 7pm at Rosinha’s Restaurant in the Hope Artiste [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Lawyer seeks class action for credit card rates lawsuit

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:33:10 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Rhode Island woman is suing Citibank, claiming the financial giant is trying to squeeze money out of its credit-card customers in advance of changes in federal law due to take place in February 2010.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court earlier this week by Providence lawyer [...]

Rhode Island's Future: Wilhite Running for Sierra Club Executive Committee

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:04:59 -0500

Who actually runs an organization like the Sierra Club? Believe it or not, its members do. This is probably not so alien to members of unions out there. But it is fairly unique among environmental organizations.

The Club was founded during the 19th Century, along with the NAACP and the League [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: R.I. Gov. Carcieri issues more vetoes Thursday

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:58:42 -0500

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri announced Thursday that he has vetoed more legislation among the scores of bills passed by lawmakers in their two-day special session at the end of October.

On Tuesday, the governor vetoed more than two dozen bills, including a bill giving domestic partners the right [...]

Anchor Rising: The California of New England, but Not in a Good Way

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:30:00 -0500

Here is the Christian Science Monitor's bleak summary of the results of a rapidly-circulating Pew Center on the States report, which says that 9 other states are facing California-like fiscal disaster in the near term… The “great recession” may be... [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: As water warms, cod, other fish moving offshore

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:26:00 -0500

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Fishermen have known for years that they've had to steam farther and farther from shore to find the cod, haddock and winter flounder that typically fill dinner plates in New England.

A new federal study documenting the warming waters of the North Atlantic confirms that they're right [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Report: 10 states, including RI, face budget disasters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:09:02 -0500

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- In Arizona, the budget has grown so gloomy that lawmakers are considering mortgaging Capitol buildings. In Michigan, state officials dealing with the nation's highest unemployment rate are slashing spending on schools and health care.

Drastic financial remedies are no longer limited to California, where a historic budget [...]

Kmareka.com: Have Some Respect. Block, But do not Strike Clergy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:02:12 -0500

I’m agnostic most of the time, and atheist a couple of times a month, but I retain some old Catholic School training. If a nun should attack me now, I would block her, but not counter-punch. I think that’s more than fair. I’ll protect myself, but assaulting religious people seems [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Providence boy's wheelchair stolen

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:50:46 -0500

D'Mauri Bonds
Photo courtesy of Latarcia Bonds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - - It was around 6:30 a.m. Monday when D'Andre Bonds, 17, brought his baby brother's wheelchair to the sidewalk and went back upstairs to help his mother get his brother downstairs and ready for the school bus that takes [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: R.I.'s early video artists reel in the years Thursday night

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:37:44 -0500

Trailer for the Video Art Exhibition at Gallery Z on Atwells Avenue, launching Thursday night and running through Nov. 28.

As the Electron Movers, Rhode Island's earliest video artists, launch a retrospective of their work and that of the next generation on 13 video screens at Gallery [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: What's Big Today: Woods trial to resume

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:35:00 -0500

This is a story The Providence Journal is watching today

WARWICK, R.I. -- Testimony was scheduled to resume this morning in the actor James Woods' Superior Court lawsuit claiming his brother Michael died in July 2006 because of negligence on the part of Kent Hospital.

Michael J. Woods, 49, local businessman, two-time' [...]

Rhode Island's Future: Lou Dobbs to leave CNN

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:09:41 -0500

See ya later Lou.

CNN's Lou Dobbs stepped down from his controversial role as an advocacy anchor at the network at the end of his show Wednesday night after announcing plans to seek a more activist role.

I’m not sure what happened to him. I remember a time when he [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Thursday's Providence Journal front page

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:04:44 -0500

Thursday's Providence Journal front page reports that pediatricians are reporting a deluge of patients brought by parents worried about swine flu.

Six candidates have been interviewed to fill a position on the state Supreme Judicial Court.

The city of Central Falls is banking on $1.2' [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Cloudy and 54 Thursday, rain possible Friday

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:36 -0500

Live local radar

More weather...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- That stretch of summery weather we enjoyed Sunday into the early part of this week is gone, replaced by a more typical stretch of November weather Thursday and then rain is in the forecast Friday and over the weekend.

We [...]

Rhode Island's Future: TONIGHT: Support State Rep. Joe Almeida

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:17:00 -0500

State Representative Joe Almeida has consistently been one of the most progressive legislators in the House over the last decade (excepting the disappointment over his flat tax vote).

For example, Rep. Almeida has been at the forefront of supporting legislation to address the problem of racial profiling, [...]

Projo 7 to 7 News Blog: Today in history: Sen. Reed visits Iraq

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:05:00 -0500

On the local front:

A year ago today:
A person is found dead in Little Compton's Sakonnet Harbor this morning. The police said the body was found floating next to a partially submerged vehicle. The police said the investigation is in early stages and that the identity of the body is [...]

Projo Subterranean Homepage News: Early R.I. video artists revisit 'Private Parts,' show new work tonight

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:20:20 -0500

Trailer for the Video Art Exhibition at Gallery Z on Atwells Avenue, launching Thursday night and running through Nov. 28.

Laurie McDonald, Private Parts, courtesy Philip Palombo

May, 1978: Journal arts writer Channing Gray after police raid the Private Parts art exhibit.

As the Electron Movers, Rhode Island's' [...]

The Ocean State Republican: Rhode Island Republican Assembly November Meeting | Thursday

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:00:27 -0500

Rhode Island’s largest conservative organization (and sponsor of this blog), the RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY, will hold its next general meeting on Thursday, November 12th, 2009.

The meeting will be held in the lower-level of the Tri-City Elk’s Lodge No. 14, at 1915 West Shore Road, [...]

Providence Daily Dose: We’ll Always Have The Memories

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:22:10 -0500

As we accrue more evidence of this joke-of-a-governor’s detest for civil liberties, I’m reminded to wonder: How did he ever manage to live down his mini Patriot Act of 2004?

The 18-page bill included language from ill-considered laws dating back to World War I — a time [...]

Rhode Island's Future: We'll Always Have The Memories

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:20:46 -0500

As we accrue more evidence of this joke-of-a-governor's detest for civil liberties, I'm reminded to wonder: How did he ever manage to live down his mini Patriot Act of 2004?

The 18-page bill included language from ill-considered laws dating back to World War I -- a time of public hysteria, [...]

hard deadlines: CUNY conference connects hyperlocal journalists

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:59:38 -0500

Jeff Jarvis speaks with participants.

More than 150 localbloggers, journalists, media execs, and academics gathered at the City University of New York (CUNY) grad school of journalism today for the third annual conference on new models for news, this year focusing on local news blogging.

"What we're seeing happening'" [...]