In the news… for April 2, 2023

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY

Amazon’s Johnston facility should be opened by the end of the summer, according to officials

Providence student that had an administrator raising money to pay off their immigration coyote has been reported as safe – Commissioner Green said once a child is in their system, they are ours and we teach them – the administrator who was trying to raise the money is still on paid leave.

Amid growing concern about work on major construction projects stalling, Joe Paolino, the largest developer in downtown Providence said his company would not be proceeding with construction projects for awhile while this is happening.

Joe Powers, new head of RI Republican party

As of April 1, 2023, Pawtucket will provide disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and sanitary pads, will be available in city-owned buildings at no cost. Any person in need of such products will be able to obtain them for free in public restrooms at Pawtucket City Hall, Pawtucket Police, and Fire Stations, Leon Mathieu Senior Center, Department of Public Works, Pawtucket Public Library, and Pawtucket Public Parks. 

$920,280 grant for Accessibility Improvements at Warwick Public Library’s Apponaug and Norwood Branches.

Johnston’s Town Hall Lanes closes after 60 years

Bill Belichick gives $10K to the Providence Gay Flag Football League

Mayor Picozzi of Warwick says he is not running for Congress nor is he accepting a state position, as reported by some media

East Matunuck Beach parking area closed for repairs for summer

Speidel opening a flagship store in Wayland Sq., Providence

Tolman & Shea HS have combined their baseball teams due to low interest – they will now be known as Pawtucket Baseball

2 people died in a boarding house fire in New Bedford

RITBA bonds rating have been raised to “A”

Breeze Airlines had their ceremony noting TF Green as headquarters this week

Unions are suing Cardi Corporation for lack of payments into the pension system totaling ½ million at this point.

Tidewater will open in 2024, but may not play in Pawt property until 2025

Gov. McKee said he will write a letter to the US Fed Chairman to lower interest rates because “pain is coming”

RI mandates life jackets on all paddle boats such as canoes, kayaks

The Boston Globe has expanded into a New Hampshire edition – similar to the Rhode Island edition

Outdoor dining regs extended in RI until February of 2024

Women & Infants union votes “no confidence” in hospital management

4 million in grant funding aimed to expand access to extended learning opportunities to improve student outcomes across Rhode Island.

City of Pawtucket is looking for nominations for Hall of Fame recognition – must be received by July – Patricia S. Zacks, chair at 401-273-5367 or [email protected]

The Hospital Association of Rhode Island has welcomed four new members to its board of trustees. The four newly elected members are: Ana Fulton, Edward McGookin, Amanda Oberlies and Patricia Poitevien.

Developers involved with Superman building may “want to call it quits” because of interest rates and developer costs. Former Mayor Paolino suggests moving tax credits from the Fane building to get the Superman bldg. done.  Sen. Sam Bell says he “hopes the project fails”.

12 RI schools received false shooter calls in one day this week

RIPTA will enhance Providence Police overtime by transferring the money they spent on private security over to PPD – Mayor Smiley made the announcement noting Gov. McKee’s cooperation in having that happen.

ATVs in Providence – new Prov. Police chief will make an announcement next week regarding ATVs in Providence with use of a dedicated team and all the tools in the toolbox

1^st congressional election primary 9-5-2023 and general election 11-7-2023

9 died in dual helicopter crash while on a training assignment in US

Outdoor dining will be extended to February 2014

PC basketball player, Alyn Breed, suspended from athletics after arrest for incidents regarding a gun, as well as B&E was made by Providence Police in an off-campus incident

More than 80 whales are podding off the coast of Cape Cod

Lithium deposits have been found in Maine and environmental concerns stand in the way of mining – but efforts are continuing to produce this valuable resource, now imported to the US, mainly from China, as lithium batteries

The area around the Fukushima contaminated area of Japan are now open for people to return to.

1/5 of Massachusetts nurses said they will leave their jobs in 2 years, according to a nurses survey

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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

COVID vaccines are not needed for Healthy kids and teens, says World Health Organization

America’s Test Kitchen lays off 23 – closes ATK Kids

Hilary Clinton teaching Foreign Policy class at Columbia

Russia says it will place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus soon

Hundreds of tech leaders, including Elon Musk have called for a pause in AI out of concern for “Science and humanity”

NPR lays off 10% of staff and halts production of 4 podcasts

At least 26 killed in Mississippi tornados that leveled some cities

7  killed in explosion at Pennsylvania chocolate factory

First Citizens Bank will acquire Silicon Valley Bank

Alibaba will split into 6 companies

McKinsey will eliminate 1,400 jobs

The nominee to head the FAA, Phillip Washington, withdrew his name from consideration – this follows his inability to answer technical questions about aviation before a Senate committee

The FDA has approved over the counter Narcan

Many tornadoes have torn through the midwest in the past few days causing extreme destruction

Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital and is expected to participate in Holy Week events

Former President Donald Trump will present in court on Tuesday at approx. 2pm for his indictment – if a trial happens it will be expected to play out in over a year, with motions and actions in between