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« December 2005 | Today | February 2006 » January 31, 2006Slushy evening commute predicted / Photo
PROVIDENCE - Rain and sleet will change to snow during the evening commute across greater Providence, including Warwick, West Greenwich and Taunton, Mass., making untreated roads slippery, according to the National Weather Service. An inch or less of slushy accumulation is possible, the weather service says. A wind advisory is also in effect for much of southeastern Massachusetts and southern Rhode Island. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:43 PM Political commentators Carville, Carlson coming to RICPROVIDENCE -- Democratic Party consultant and talk-show host James Carville and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson will face off at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Rhode Island College. Channel 10 news anchor Frank Coletta will moderate. The event is free, but tickets are required; call (401) 456-8090 or (401) 456-8022. RIC students, call (401) 456-8547. Posted by at 04:41 PM Biechele to plead guilty to 100 manslaughter countsPROVIDENCE - The band manager who shot off the fireworks that started The Station nightclub fire has agreed to plead guilty to 100 of the 200 counts of manslaughter filed against him, the judge handling the case announced this afternoon. In exchange for a guilty plea, Daniel Biechele, would be sentenced to no more than 10 years in prison, Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. said in a brief hearing today. Biechele, who was not in court today, is scheduled to enter his plea a week from today. The court will accept it, the judge said. No date was set for sentencing. -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry Biechele was charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in December 2003 and was scheduled to go on trial May 1. Club co-owners Jeffrey A. and Michael A. Derderian were also each charged in December 2003 with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter. All three defendants were charged under two separate legal theories for each of the 100 people who died from the fire at the West Warwick club. Biechele agreed to plead guilty to charges brought under a theory of manslaughter as a result of a misdemeanor, but not manslaughter as the result of gross negligence. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:32 PM | Comment R.I.'s senators vote against Alito's confirmationWASHINGTON, D.C. - Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. became the nation's newest Supreme Court justice today even without the support of Rhode Island's two senators. Alone among the Senate's 55 Republicans, Rhode Island's Lincoln D. Chafee voted not to seat Alito, underlining Chafee's status as the GOP senator who votes most frequently with the Democrats. Chafee announced yesterday that he would not support Alito's nomination. Rhode Island's Jack Reed was part of the large majority of Democrats who voted against confirming Alito's nomination. The last Republican to make known her choice, Sen. Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, joined other GOP moderates, such as Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, in voting to confirm Alito's nomination. -- John E. Mulligan, Journal Washington Bureau Posted by Jack Perry at 11:48 AM Station fire defendant Biechele reaches plea agreementPROVIDENCE - Daniel Biechele, one of the three defendants in the Station fire criminal case, has reached a plea agreement with the state, according to a spokesman for the Superior Court. Spokesman Craig Berke said the details of the agreement would be announced at 2 p.m. today before Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. at the Providence Superior Court building on Benefit Street. Biechele will not be present in court. Biechele was the Great White band manager who shot off fireworks that started the Feb. 20, 2003, fire, that killed 100 people. Biechele faces 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter. He had been scheduled to go to trial May 1. The other defendants are Michael A. Derderian and Jeffrey A. Derderian, brothers who were co-owners of the West Warwick nightclub. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:29 AM | Comment Weather Service: Rain should change to snow later todayPROVIDENCE - Light rain and drizzle should intensify this morning before the rain changes to snow later today with cold air working in from the north, according to the National Weather Service. A winter weather advisory is in effect for areas northwest of the Route 95 corridor with freezing rain causing slippery walking and driving conditions, the weather service says. After the rain and freezing rain turn to snow, accumulation should range from a coating to two inches in southern New England, the weather service says. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 30, 2006Rain, snow, flooding: Forecast has it allPROVIDENCE - Rain, snow and coastal flooding are in the forecast for tomorrow, according the National Weather Service. The weather service is predicting periods of rain before noon tomorrow in Providence, rain and snow between noon and 3 p.m., then snow after 3 p.m. High seas and a storm surge should also combine to cause coastal flooding tomorrow, the weather service says. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:53 PM Photo: Charles Street back on track
A section of Charles Street in Providence between Orms and Smith Streets reopened today after being closed for about about 1 1/2 years due to construction of the Narragansett Bay Commission's Combined Sewer Overflow tunnel, a $318-million project to prevent sewage and water runoff from overflowing into Narragansett Bay after rainstorms. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:47 PM Carcieri extends prescription drug coveragePROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri said today he is extending the state's coverage of prescription drug costs for senior citizens and adults with disabilities who were transferred from the federal Medicaid program to the new federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Earlier this month, Carcieri signed an executive order directing that Rhode Island’s system for paying the costs of these prescriptions through the Medicaid program, which had been terminated on Jan. 1, be re-instituted. Today, Carcieri said he will sign another order directing that state coverage be continue for another month or until the federal government resolves its problems with implemeting the Medicare D program. The governor also said that the federal government has promised to reimburse Rhode Island for its expenses in covering the cost of the drugs. Carcieri also directed Jane Hayward, secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Corinne Russo, director of the Department of Elderly Affairs, to hold public meetings aimed at finding out what problems or concerns the state's seniors may have about the new drug program. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:15 PM Dominatrix acquitted of manslaughterDEDHAM, Mass. -- A dominatrix was acquitted of manslaughter today in the death of a man who prosecutors say suffered a fatal heart attack while strapped to a replica of a medieval torture device. The jury in Norfolk Superior Court deliberated for eight hours over two days before finding Barbara Asher, 56, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter and dismemberment. During his closing argument, prosecutor Robert Nelson had re-enacted the bondage session that allegedly killed Michael Lord, 53, of North Hampton, N.H., in July 2000. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:32 PM Retired businessman kicks off run for lieutenant governor
PROVIDENCE -- Kernan "Kerry" King, a retired businessman who has not voted in Rhode Island since the 1960s, announced today that he's running to become the state's next lieutenant governor. King, 61, said that he supports fellow Republican Governor Carcieri and hopes to work with him as a team. The current officeholder, Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty, is a Democrat. King, who grew up in Rhode Island, said he moved back from Florida to run for the job. He now lives in Narragansett, where he registered to vote last Nov. 9. King retired two years ago after holding executive positions in the financial services industry. -- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz In an interview after his announcement at the Providence Marriott, he said if people don’t vote for Carcieri, don’t bother voting for him. "I’m running for lieutenant governor because I believe in Don Carcieri and because I believe that there is only one thing that will define the future of Rhode Island in the 21st century -- jobs,’’ King said. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:24 PM | Comment Compromised state Web site accounts ID'dThe company that runs Rhode Island's state Web site announced today that, when hackers stole credit numbers from the Web site last month, it affected people who did business at the state's Web site between Dec. 31, 2004, and March 8, 2005. The company said it will notify people whose accounts had been compromised. It also established an e-mail address for people who have questions about the Dec. 28, 2005, security breach: rihelp@neinetwork.com The announcement was posted on the state's homepage: http://www.ri.gov. It was among the steps called for by lawyers for the state after learning last week that the company's security had been breached by hackers. -- Journal staff writer Paul Edward Parker Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:09 PM Gas prices in R.I. up a cent for 3rd week in rowPROVIDENCE - Gasoline prices in Rhode Island climbed for the eighth consecutive week, although the price ticked up by just one cent, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon or regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.41 at the self-service pump this week, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has increased an average of 36 cents over the past eight weeks, although the price has risen only a penny per week over the last three weeks, AAA said. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:19 AM Chafee will vote against AlitoPROVIDENCE -- U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee announced this morning that he will vote against the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court. In a statement issued at a press conference this morning, the Rhode Island Republican said he was "greatly concerned" about some of Alito's philosophies. Chafee described himself as a "pro-choice, pro-Bill of Rights" Republican, in explaining his decision against Alito. -- Journal staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:01 AM | Comment Elderly tenants return to Providence high-rise after check for fumesPROVIDENCE - Residents of an elderly housing apartment who were evacuated because of noxious fumes last night were able to return to their rooms early this morning, according to the Providence Housing Authority. Tenants were evacuated from their rooms at Parenti Villa around 9 p.m. after residents on different floors, including the 4th, 9th and 17th "smelled something," according to Domenic Schiano, deputy director of the Providence Housing Authority. With tenants waiting in a community room, firefighters checked out the entire building, opening windows and airing it out, before deciding the tenants could return after midnight, Schiano said. Several people reported trouble breathing, but only one was taken to the hospital. Firefighters last night suspected that somebody had used pepper spray in the building, but that hasn't been confirmed, according to Schiano. "It was some sort of an odor that was affecting people, and we just don't know what it is at this time," Schiano said. About 200 people live at the 16-story building. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:06 AM Chafee to announce Alito vote this morningPROVIDENCE – U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee has scheduled a press conference this morning to announce how he will vote on the nomination of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the United States Supreme Court. The Republican senator plans to announce his decision at 10 a.m. in his office on Westminster Street. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM | Comment January 27, 2006Dean, at CCRI, blasts Bush administrationWARWICK - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, speaking at a rally in Rhode Island today, blasted Bush administration policies on Iraq, the economy and the response to Hurricane Katrina. Addressing a gathering of 250 to 300 mostly college-age students at the Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus, Dean called on Rhode Island Democrats to elect Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty to replace Governor Carcieri and to work hard to defeat U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee and put a Democrat in his seat. Dean also called on the Republican Chafee to vote against Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito Jr. -- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay Posted by Jack Perry at 05:40 PM Sources: Phillies/Cleveland deal could send Coco to SoxThe Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians reached agreement today on a deal that could trigger a bigger swap involving the Red Sox, according to two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. If the Indians complete the deal sending reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Phillies for outfielder Jason Michaels, the Indians could turn around and send center fielder Coco Crisp to the Red Sox to fill the gap left when free agent Johnny Damon left for the New York Yankees. Boston had been trying to send third base prospect Andy Marte and reliever Guillermo Mota to Cleveland, but a deal involving the three teams hit a hitch earlier this week. Crisp was a spark plug and fan favorite for Cleveland, hitting .300 with 16 home runs, 69 RBIs, and stealing 15 bases. - The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 05:09 PM Pats' Brady will sit out Pro BowlTom Brady RSVP'd "no" to the people at the Pro Bowl this week, begging out to rest a collection of injuries that dogged him through his most productive and painful NFL season. Bothered by a tender right shoulder, an injured calf and a nagging lower abdominal injury for much of the season, the New England Patriots quarterback was advised to sit out the Feb. 12 all-star game in Honolulu. He'll be replaced by Kansas City's Trent Green. Brady hasn't undergone any surgeries during this offseason. None of the injuries is expected to affect his off-season work. -- Journal sports writer Tom Curran Posted by Jack Perry at 05:06 PM Prosecutor acts out in Mass. dominatrix case / Photo
DEDHAM, Mass. -- A prosecutor, wearing a leather mask while re-enacting an allegedly fatal bondage session, told jurors today that a dominatrix on trial for manslaughter "did nothing" to help her client when he suffered a heart attack. During closing arguments, prosecutor Robert Nelson said Quincy dominatrix Barbara Asher was indifferent to the suffering and death of Michael Lord, of North Hampton, N.H., who disappeared in July 2000. His body has never been found. Halfway through his animated closing, in which he pointed and hollered at Asher, Nelson donned a leather mask and spoke through the mask's zippered mouth. With both hands, he reached back and clutched the top of a blackboard to simulate Lord being strapped to a replica of a medieval torture device in Asher's condominium. "After a gasp, his head went forward and she did nothing, nothing for five minutes," Nelson said, his voice muffled through the mask. Defense attorney Stephanie Page objected. Norfolk Superior Court Judge Charles Grabau agreed. "That's enough Mr. Nelson," the judge said. "Thank you for your demonstration." More from the Associated Press... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:51 PM Police missed bodies in first search of Boston homeBOSTON -- Police searched the suburban Boston home where a mother and her infant daughter were found shot to death a day before their bodies were discovered, but did not see anything wrong, authorities revealed today. The new details were released as police questioned Neil Entwistle, a British man who is the husband and father of the victims, at the U.S. Embassy in London. Police said they drove Entwistle, 27, to the embassy, but he was not under arrest. More from the Associated Press... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:35 PM R.I. official: Up to 4,000 credit card numbers may have been hackedUp to 4,000 credit card numbers may have been taken from the state's Web site by hackers, a state official said today. The private company that runs the Web site, New England Interactive, first told the state last month that there had been a security breach at RI.gov, Department of Administration Director Beverly Najarian said. This week, the company said up to 4,000 credit card numbers may have been taken. All online transactions were suspended until any possible security holes could be closed, Najarian said. It wasn't immediately clear when the online transaction were suspended. Najarian said she was unsure when the hacking happened or how often the perpetrators penetrated the site's security. The Journal reported today that hackers posting on a Russian Web site claimed to have gained access to credit card information for up to 53,000 transactions. Thomas Viall, general manager of RI.gov, said in an interview with The Journal yesterday that the number was "grossly exaggerated," without providing a number. Also today, Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty said in a statement, "It is outrageous that people surfing the Web in Moscow knew about this crime and how it was conducted weeks before state officials and the victims (knew) of the crime." - The Associated Press and Journal reports The company's Web site said this morning that it also does business for state governments in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Erin Hutchins, who manages the Maine government's site, said there have been no reports of hacking. New Hampshire Fish and Game Department spokeswoman Liza Poinier said New England Interactive hasn't handled the transactions on its Web site for about 18 months. Officials at Vermont's Department of Information and Innovation did not immediately return a call for comment. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:28 PM 2 waves of wintry weather on the wayThe National Weather Service is keeping an eye on two storms that could affect southern New England this weekend and early next week. The weather service issued a special weather statement today, saying wintry precipitation is possible across the interior on Sunday, followed by the potential for a strong coastal storm late Monday night into Wednesday. The second storm should bring the potential for heavy snow accumulation, but forecasters aren't sure where the rain-snow line will set up. Posted by Jack Perry at 02:26 PM Mass. man being questioned in London in wife's, child's deathsLONDON -- A British man whose American wife and daughter were found shot to death in their Massachusetts home was being quizzed by detectives at the U.S. Embassy in London today. Police said they drove Neil Entwistle, 27, to the embassy, but he was not under arrest. "Neil Entwistle has agreed to voluntarily attend the U.S. Embassy in London to speak to American authorities in connection with the deaths of his wife and daughter," Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman Rebecca Tomlinson said. -- Associated Press The embassy said Entwistle was speaking to U.S. and British law-enforcement officials, but would not indicate how long the questioning would last. More from today's Journal / Get the latest from the Associated Press ... -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:24 PM Roger Williams Medical Center reaches deal on corruption chargesPROVIDENCE -- Three weeks after being indicted on federal corruption charges, Roger Williams Medical Center has agreed to a deal with prosecutors to resolve the case. Under a deferred prosecution agreement filed today in federal court, Roger Williams acknowledges that the government has sufficient evidence to prove that hospital executives Robert A. Urciuoli and Frances P. Driscoll broke the law in hiring a former state senator, John A. Celona, as a consultant. The hospital also agreed to cooperate with the government in its continuing case against Urciuoli and Driscoll, who are charged along with business partner Peter Sangermano with conspiracy and mail fraud. The hospital has also agreed to provide $4 million in free health care to the community, above what it currently provides, strengthen corporate ethics, train employees in ethics and hire an executive ethics officer. If Roger Williams complies with the conditions of the agreement, the federal government will file a motion to dismiss the charges in two years. If at any time the government is not satisfied with the hospital’s compliance, prosecutors can either extend the time period or reinstate the criminal charges contained in a 38-count indictment alleging the theft of Celona’s honest services. The prosecutors also agreed to recommend to the federal government that Roger Williams not be disbarred from federal health-care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. The deal was announced late this morning by U.S. Atty. Robert Clark Corrente. -- Journal staff writer Mike Stanton Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:50 AM U.S. Attorney to announce news on Roger Williams Medical CenterPROVIDENCE - The U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence has called an 11:30 a.m. news briefing regarding Roger Williams Medical Center. The medical center, its now-former president and two others were charged Jan. 5 in a 38-count federal indictment, alleging that the hospital and its representatives put former state Sen. John A. Celona on the payroll to do the medical center's bidding at the State House. The hospital, if convicted, could be fined up to $500,000 per count and receive five years' probation. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:46 AM Providence to host its own mini-OlympicsPROVIDENCE - The city will host its own unique version of the Winter Olympics at the Bank of America City Center skating rink, Mayor David N. Cicilline announced. The Down City Olympic Winter Fest will start with a torch-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Feb. 10, the same day the Winter Olympics begin in Italy. The Providence events, running through Feb. 26, will include speed skating, figure skating demonstrations and even a biathlon that requires skating through a slalom course and target practice with tennis balls, footballs and a hockey puck. Teams and individuals can register by Feb. 3 at the skating rink's Web site. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:18 AM SBA loan office to open todayPROVIDENCE - The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a temporary disaster-loan assistance center in its district office today to help businesses and residents who suffered losses from flooding last October, according to U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee. Low-interest loans are available to businesses, homeowners and renters in Kent, Providence, Bristol and Washington Counties, according to the Rhode Island Republican. The loan assistance center opens at noon today at 380 Westminster St., Room 511, and will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until further notice, according to Chafee. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 26, 2006Hatch lands in Plymouth prisonSurvivor star Richard Hatch spent his first full day behind bars today, but contrary to initial reports, he did so in a Massachusetts jail. One of Hatch's attorneys, John MacDonald, said yesterday afternoon following Hatch's conviction on tax-evasion counts that he would be taken to the federal Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls. But he ended up at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Plymouth, an official there confirmed today. The southeastern Massachusetts facility is used to hold state, county and federal prisoners. The sentencing date for Hatch has also been moved up three days, to April 25, according to MacDonald. U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres had ordered Hatch held pending sentencing because he considers Hatch a flight risk. Hatch was convicted yesterday of two counts of tax evasion and one count of filing a false tax return for failing to report his $1 million in Survivor winnings and other income. He faces a likely sentence of 33 to 41 months in prison under federal guidelines. - Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 05:30 PM Photo: Getting under the hood at car show
Eugene Karol, of Providence, looks over a Corvette at Northeast International Auto Show, which opened today at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The show continues through Sunday. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:59 PM Car driver killed in Smithfield accidentSMITHFIELD - The driver of a car was killed and a passenger injured when the car collided with a construction truck today on Douglas Pike, according to the police. The accident happened at about 3 p.m. in front of the Fidelity Investments campus. No more information was available. -- Journal staff writer Thomas Morgan Posted by Jack Perry at 04:32 PM DNC chairman Dean to visit R.I. tomorrowPROVIDENCE - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will visit Rhode Island tomorrow for a rally and fundraiser supporting the Democratic party. Dean, a former presidential candidate and former Vermont governor, will join Democrats at a rally at the Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus at 3:30 p.m., and attend a 5 p.m. fundraiser at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:24 PM A musical finale to the State of the StatePROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri's State of the State address last night wasn't all pomp and prepared remarks. At the end, the governor and First Lady Sue Carcieri led the gathered General Assembly in a rousing rendition of "God Bless America." You can watch the speech -- and hear them all sing -- by viewing a video clip of the event. Or download an MP3 audio file, for sound alone. If you just want to listen to the music -- fast forward on either file. Wondering who has that booming male voice? It's Aaron Guckian, standing at Mrs. Carcieri's right, who works as an advance man for the governor. Come back tomorrow to projo.com and The Providence Journal for more on the State of the State address and, this Sunday, read political columnist M. Charles Bakst's column.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:45 PM SBA opening office to help with Oct. flood lossesPROVIDENCE - The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a temporary disaster-loan assistance center in its district office here to help businesses and residents who suffered losses from flooding last October, according to U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee. Low-interest loans are available to businesses, homeowners and renters in Kent, Providence, Bristol and Washington Counties, according to the Rhode Island Republican. The loan assistance center opens at noon tomorrow at 380 Westminster St., Room 511, and will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until further notice, according to Chafee. Posted by Jack Perry at 03:33 PM Premier of Newfoundland, Labrador talks business with Carcieri
PROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri met with Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, today to discuss trade and regional energy concerns. Carcieri and Williams met before the New England-Canada Business Council luncheon today at the Providence Biltmore. Williams is leading a trade mission of Newfoundland and Labrador companies to New England. Posted by Jack Perry at 02:29 PM Updated: R.I. joins appeal over LNG site in Fall RiverFALL RIVER, Mass. - As promised, officials from two states and the Conservation Law Foundation today filed appeals in federal court seeking to overturn the The opponents of the plan filed a petition today, asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First District in Boston to review the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision to let Weaver's Cove Energy build an LNG terminal in Fall River and Mill River Pipeline construct pipelines to connect the terminal to interstate pipelines. If a judge does not overturn the decision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Fall River Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr. said even a decision to force a rehearing would probably kill the project because it would expose FERC's willingness to put LNG ``We have great confidence'' that an impartial court will conclude that Fall River was was denied due process by FERC during its review of the project, Lambert said at press conference, where he was joined by the attorneys general from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Critics have complained that a major accident or terrorist attack on the LNG's storage tank or one of the supertankers transporting fueld up Narragansett Bay would spark a devastating fire. Last week, FERC rejected a request to reconsider its decision. - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Jack Perry at 01:55 PM In surprise move, defense rests in lead-paint trialPROVIDENCE - In a surprise move, lawyers for the four defendant companies in the state's landmark lead-paint trial rested their cases this morning without presenting witnesses. The move came immediately after the state rested its case in the three-month trial of a public nuisance lawsuit against four companies that made and sold lead-based paints two generations ago that the state alleges still poison young children today. Judge Michael A. Silverstein will next hear arguments for dismissal from defense attorneys without the jury present. He told the jury to return to court Feb. 6. The defendants are NL Industries, Millennium Inorganic Inc., Sherwin Williams Co. and Atlantic Richfield Co. The trial, the state's second against the paint companies, began in the middle of October. The first trial ended in a mistrial. -- Journal environmental writer Peter B. Lord Posted by Jack Perry at 12:12 PM Probe of Mass. double slaying goes internationalBOSTON -- Massachusetts detectives flew to England to investigate the fatal shooting of a mother and her 9-month-old daughter at their home in suburban Boston. Neil Entwistle, 27, the British-born father and husband of the victims, has been labeled a "person of interest" in the case. Middlesex District Attorney Martha Coakley said he left the country late Friday or early Saturday and has been in contact with police, but she has declined to say where he went. "It is a puzzle and we have a bunch of missing pieces," she said in an interview yesterday. Four Massachusetts state police detectives were photographed last night boarding a plane for England. When asked whether Neil Entwistle knew they were heading to England, one said, "He does now." Get the latest on this story from the Associated Press. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:07 PM Police talk down man from Providence Biltmore's roofPROVIDENCE - A man who threatened to jump from the roof of the Providence Biltmore hotel was talked down by police and taken into custody this morning. The unidentified man intermittently drew the attention of pedestrians and motorists around 10:30 in front of the 18-floor hotel, a downtown landmark. Groups of people stopped briefly on the sidewalks in front of and on the side of the Biltmore to look up at the man, who paced around a corner of the roof and periodically looked over the edge of the building. Police officials could not confirm what charge the man might face. -- Journal staff writer Karen Davis Posted by Jack Perry at 11:32 AM Fall River LNG opponents head to court todayFALL RIVER, Mass. - Opponents of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal here plan to go to federal court today to appeal a decision by regulators giving a green light to the controversial project. Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch and his Massachusetts counterpart, Thomas F. Reilly, have scheduled at 12:30 p.m. press conference to discuss the appeal. Last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected a request to - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:28 AM Auto show starts today at convention centerPROVIDENCE - The Northeast International Auto Show begins at noon today at the Rhode Island Convention Center and continues through Sunday. Hot-rod designer Boyd Coddington will be at the show from 5 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and SpongeBob SquareParents will be there from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday for kids day. Regular admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children between 7 and 12, except for Sunday, when children accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Children 6 and under are free at all times. A coupon is available for adult weekday admission at the show's Web site. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:24 AM State Police to test Amber AlertThe Rhode Island State Police will test the Amber Alert Emergency Notification System at 1 p.m. today. Law enforcement issues an Amber Alert message when a child is reported missing or abducted, and the message encourages the public to look for the missing child or suspect. Broadcasters interrupt programming, and the alert is transmitted on radio, television, and highway signs. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM | Comment January 25, 2006Sen. Reed will vote against Alito's confirmationWASHINGTON - Calling his view of the constitution "very narrow and constricted" and his apparent leanings on abortion "very disconcerting," U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said today that he will vote not to seat Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. on the Supreme Court. The Rhode Islander thus joins an overwhelming majority of fellow Senate Democrats who have declared against Alito - perhaps in vain, since vote counters on both sides of the aisle expect the federal appeals court judge to win confirmation on Republican votes alone. Rhode Island's Republican senator, Lincoln D. Chafee, has not yet said how he will vote. -- Journal Washington bureau chief John E. Mulligan Posted by Jack Perry at 04:40 PM Inmate convicted of pedophile priest's murder tells jury: 'Good job'WORCESTER, Mass. -- A jury rejected an insanity defense and found prison inmate Joseph Druce guilty of first-degree murder today in the strangulation of pedophile priest John Geoghan, a central figure in Boston's clergy sex abuse scandal. After the verdict was read, Druce looked at the jury and said, "It's all right. Good job." As the jury was filing out of the courtroom, he said: "No hard feelings. Have a good night." Druce admitted sneaking into Geoghan's cell in August 2003. He jammed the door shut with a book, then beat and strangled the 68-year-old Geoghan before the guards could stop him. The defense had argued that Druce was mentally ill and under the delusion that God had chosen him to kill Geoghan and send a message to pedophiles around the world. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:30 PM Hatch found guilty on tax-evasion countsPROVIDENCE -- Reality television star Richard Hatch was convicted today on three of the 10 counts he faced in a federal indictment that alleged he failed to pay taxes on the more than $1 million he won on the popular TV series, as well as income from a radio program, rental income and charitable donations he allegedly used for himself. After deliberating about six hours over two days, the jury returned its verdict early this afternoon. It found Hatch guilty of the two counts of tax evasion he faced, as well as guilty of filing a false tax return. Hatch now faces the reality of a potential prison term and thousands of dollars in fines on his convictions, but a lesser sentence and fine than if he had been convicted of all charges. He will be sentenced on April 28 at 9:30 a.m. More to come on projo.com ... -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:51 PM | Comment Prison inmate guilty in pedophile priest's murderWORCESTER, Mass. -- A jury today found prison inmate Joseph Druce guilty of first-degree murder in the strangulation of pedophile priest John Geoghan, a central figure in Boston's clergy sex-abuse scandal. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:31 PM Hatch jury has reached a verdictPROVIDENCE -- The jury has apparently reached a verdict in Survivor Richard Hatch's federal tax-fraud case. They are expected to announce it publicly soon. More to come on projo.com.... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 01:15 PM Jury deliberating in pedophile priest's murder caseWORCESTER, Mass. -- Jury deliberations resumed today in the murder trial of a prison inmate accused of killing pedophile priest John Geoghan, while the defendant arrived in court with a black eye and a welt on his face that his lawyer said resulted from a jailhouse beating. The jurors are trying to determine if Joseph Druce was insane when he beat and strangled Geoghan in his cell, or if he was "calculating" murderer, as prosecutors allege. John LaChance, the lawyer for Druce, said his client returned to the state prison in Walpole following yesterday's court proceedings and was visited in his cell by a man he did not recognize who was wearing Department of Correction uniform pants and a nondescript T-shirt. The man hit Druce in the side of head and punched him in the eye, according to LaChance, who told reporters he asked Judge Francis Fecteau to investigate the alleged beating. "This appears to be directly related to the testimony he gave in regard to his treatment by the DOC," LaChance said. "He doesn't believe he did anything to provoke an attack like that." Druce has repeatedly claimed he was harassed and abused by prison guards both before and after he strangled Geoghan in his cell in August 2003. Diane Wiffin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Correction, did not immediately comment on the claims. The jury of five women and seven men deliberated for three hours yesterday and resumed the process this morning. Druce admits sneaking into Geoghan's cell at the Souza-Baranowski prison in Shirley in August 2003. He jammed the door shut with a book, then beat and strangled the 68-year-old Geoghan before the guards could stop him. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:10 PM Hatch jury raises question, sends out for lunchPROVIDENCE - Jurors in the Richard Hatch tax-fraud trial are having their lunches brought into the courthouse and continuing their deliberations today after asking a question of U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres. Torres brought the jury into the courtroom after it sent him a note, informing the judge that one of its members had gone onto the Internet to research the definition of gross negligence. Torres decided that the juror's research wasn't information that would affect the jury's ability to render a decision, but he cautioned the jury once again to stick to the evidence at trial and his explanation of the law. He also provided an explanation of the difference between gross negligence and willfullness. More on Hatch's trial from today's Journal ... - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 12:04 PM EB to begin layoffs, while parent company posts profitsGROTON, Conn. - Union leaders at Electric Boat have been told 169 workers are being laid off next week. Marine Draftsmen's Association President John Worobey confirmed yesterday the union has been notified of the layoffs. EB President John Casey said last month as many as 1,900 to 2,400 workers could be laid off this year The submarine maker also has a facility at Quonset Point in Rhode Island. Today, EB's parent company, General Dynamics Corp., reported a 21 percent increase in fourth quarter earnings, thanks to revenue growth in all segments of its business. The Virginia-based defense conglomerate reported earnings of $406 million, or $2.00 per share, in the final three months of 2005, compared to $336 million, or $1.66 per share, in the year-ago quarter. - Associated Press The initial wave of layoffs is slightly larger than Casey indicated at the Dec. 8 meeting when he identified 140 MDA employees and 10 salaried employees who would be laid off this quarter. Monday, Casey said future layoffs projected for this year could change if the company is successful in obtaining two new Navy contracts for repairs and maintenance work on the USS Miami and USS Toledo. EB employs about 8,500 people at its Groton shipyard and an additional 2,000 at its shipyard at Quonset in North Kingstown, R.I. The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 11:53 AM | Comment Red Cross helping victims of Woonsocket fireWOONSOCKET - The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping six people left homeless after a fire early this morning on Park Ave., the Red Cross said. The Red Cross is providing them with food, clothing and shelter at a local hotel. Five families were reportedly affected by the fire, and the Red Cross says it anticipates helping more people. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:01 AM Hatch jurors to continue deliberating this morningPROVIDENCE - Jurors in the Richard Hatch tax-fraud trial were scheduled to resume their deliberations at 9 a.m. today in U.S. District Court. The jury is trying to decide whether Hatch deliberately filed a 2000 tax return that didn't include his $1 million Survivor winnings, failed to report other income and spent charitable donations on himself. Jurors deliberated for about two hours yesterday afternoon without reaching a verdict on the 10 counts against the Newport man. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 24, 2006Epstein to return as Sox general manager -- againBOSTON -- Theo Epstein's new job is the same as his old one: general manager of the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox announced this evening that Epstein would resume his old duties, with the same titles and authority he had when he left on Halloween. Epstein also returns as an executive vice president. The Sox had announced last Thursday night that Epstein would come back to the team, but would not say in what role. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 06:06 PM Hatch jury ends first round of deliberationsPROVIDENCE - The jury in Survivor winner Richard Hatch's tax-fraud trial deliberated for almost two hours before concluding for the day without reaching a verdict. They began their deliberations this afternoon, and will return to the task at 9 a.m. tomorrow in U.S. District Court. While the jury considers his fate, Hatch seems to be trying to project an image of calm. He could be heard whistling a tune -- as he has almost every day since the trial began two weeks ago -- as he passed through the gauntlet of photographers and reporters while leaving the courthouse. More from today's court action ... - Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 04:59 PM Inmate's funeral unexpectedly draws relatives / Photo
Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson was behind Tilton’s burial, which is being paid for by the state, a rare occasion. The sheriff’s staff believed he had no survivors and was a pauper. But a half-dozen out of 12 siblings showed up at the funeral, after reading news reports of his death. -- Journal staff writer Alisha Pina Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:44 PM Jury begins to deliberate Hatch's fatePROVIDENCE - Survivor Richard Hatch managed to sway his fellow contestants to award him a $1-million prize during the first season of the hit CBS reality show. This afternoon, jurors in Hatch's federal tax fraud trial began their own deliberations on whether Hatch willfully failed to pay taxes on that prize money. Hatch is charged with 10 counts, including bank, mail and wire fraud and tax evasion, and faces a maximum 73 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines if convicted of all of them. He is also accused of failing to pay taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars of other income, and of using donations meant for a now-defunct charity on personal expenses. - Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 04:19 PM Chita Rivera to get Trinity's Pell AwardTwo-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera will be honored at The 2006 Pell Awards for Excellence in the Arts,Trinity Repertory Company announced today. Rivera, famous for her role as Anita in "West Side Story," is now on Broadway in the musical "Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life." The annual black-tie Pell celebration features dinner, dancing, and the awards program. The event takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Monday, May 22. Tickets to the event are $250; proceeds benefit artistic programming at Trinity Rep and fund grants to the Pell Award winners. For information and reservations contact Tree Callanan at Trinity Rep, (401) 521-1100, x235. Posted by at 02:28 PM Hatch jury offered two choices: Greed or mistake?PROVIDENCE - A prosecutor argued today that reality TV star Richard Hatch didn't report his Survivor winnings to the IRS simply because he's greedy, while Hatch's lawyer portrayed his client as an honest man who made mistakes. As the Newport resident's tax-fraud trial winds down in U.S. District Court, a prosecutor and attorneys for Hatch spent about two hours today presenting their closing arguments to the jury. After a lunch break, Chief U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres will instruct the jury on the law, and the jurors should begin their deliberations this afternoon. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Hatch, 44, was charged in a 10-count indictment, claiming that he didn't report more than $1 million in prize money for winning the popular reality show's first season, among other income, and also directed money to himself from a charity he established. "There's one reason he filed that return", said Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Reich, without reporting that income. "Greed. He didn't want to pay the taxes he owed." Christopher Minns, a lawyer for Hatch, claimed that Hatch's tax troubles resulted from mistakes by Hatch and others. "Honest people do the best they can, and they make mistakes every day," Minns said. John MacDonald, another lawyer for Hatch, argued that Hatch had good intentions in setting up Horizon Bound, an outdoor adventure program for children. He said it didn't make any sense for a man who had just won $1 million and had a lot of other income opportunities to go to the trouble of setting up a charity so he could defraud it for $35,000. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 12:54 PM | Comment Sox' Schilling speaks: I ''feel right again''Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, one of the heroes of the team's run to the 2004 World Series championship -- and whose inability to recover fully from offseason ankle surgery contributed to the Sox losing that title in 2005 -- says he's finally healthy again and he'll head to spring training next month ''in as a good a shape as I was at the beginning of the 2004 season.'' Schilling spoke publicly this morning for the first time this offseason, appearing on WEEI Radio's ''Dennis and Callahan Show''. Schilling is regular contributor to the show during the baseball season, with the station making payments to Schilling's fund for the treatment and cure of ALS in return. ''About 14-17 days ago, I woke up and my foot was normal,'' said Schilling. ''It feels normal for the first time in a long, long time.'' -- Journal sports editor Art Martone Schilling touched on a number of topics during the interview, including the front-office turmoil in Boston this offseason, how he thinks the 2006 Red Sox will perform, what he thinks of the players the Red Sox acquired and the players they lost, on the strength of the team's pitching staff, and why he thinks Johnny Damon signed with the Yankees. Read highlights of the interview here, on projo.com's Red Sox blog.
Posted by Art at 10:35 AM Free health-careers job fair today in WarwickWARWICK - More than 20 health-care companies are expected at the Crowne Plaza Hotel today looking for employees in the nursing and allied health fields. This free career fair, sponsored by The Providence Journal, is open noon to 5 p.m. Attendees can bring a hard copy of their resumes for free distribution to all participating companies and for immediate posting on projo.com’s Resume Center. For a full list of exhibitors, go to http://www.projo.com/cgi-bin/include.pl/careers/20060124preview.html. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:40 AM Senate panel to consider drunk-driving billsPROVIDENCE - The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet this afternoon to consider three bills that would toughen drunken-driving laws. Two of the bills would increase penalties for drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test when the police suspect them of drunken driving. The third would increase penalties for people caught driving on a suspended license after refusing a chemical test. The bills are: 2006-S 2098, 2006-S 2099, and 2006-S 2100. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:34 AM Hatch jury could begin deliberations todayPROVIDENCE - Closing arguments are scheduled for this morning in the tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch, a Newport resident accused of not paying taxes on his $1 million in winnings from the first Survivor series and other income. The jury could begin its deliberations this afternoon. For more background, read today's Journal story on Hatch's testimony yesterday. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 23, 2006Jury to begin deliberations tomorrow in Hatch casePROVIDENCE - Jurors are expected to begin their deliberations tomorrow in the government's tax-fraud case against reality television star Richard Hatch. Hatch completed his testimony today, as a prosecution lawyer asked him to explain why the Newport resident had not paid taxes on his $1-million-plus Survivor winnings. The jury also heard from an accountant testifying for the defense, as well as government rebuttal witnesses testifying about a check written to Hatch's charity but deposited into his personal account. Hatch's replies varied, from not having looked on his tax form at the amount of taxes he owed to reimbursing himself for money he had already spent on the charity, Horizon Bound. The prosecution and defense are scheduled to make their closing arguments tomorrow morning with jury instructions by U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres to follow. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 05:03 PM Governor, Narragansett chief spar again over casino plansPROVIDENCE - The Carcieri administration and Narragansett Indian Tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas sparred again today over the tribe's efforts to develop a casino. Thomas complained in a press release this morning that Carcieri has opposed efforts to let Rhode Islanders vote on a Narragansett casino proposal while his administration has "negotiated the largest expansion of gaming in the state's history" at Lincoln Park and Newport Grand facilities. Carcieri's office fired back in a press release this afternoon, saying, “Unfortunately, the Chief Sachem’s latest attack on Governor Carcieri is riddled with omissions and inaccuracies designed to further their effort to promote the building of a casino owned and operated by Harrah’s Entertainment.” Posted by Jack Perry at 04:49 PM Panel: R.I. should turn to science, technology for business venturesPROVIDENCE - To stay competitive, Rhode Island needs more research in science and technology and more people turning that knowledge into business ventures, according to a report released today by a panel appointed by Governor Carcieri. The Governor's Science and Technology Advisory Council looked at ways to attract and develop businesses that will provide better paying jobs for Rhode Islanders. The council suggests creating tax incentives plan for people who start businesses in science and technology and investing $500,000 to expand the state's broadband wireless network, among other recommendations. -- Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 04:35 PM Updated: Johnston police probing gas-station thefts on Plainfield / Photo
Around 12:05 a.m. today, a man believed to be between 30 and 45 parked a newer model four-door black car outside the door of the Mobil gas station at 1900 Plainfield St., Bubar said. He carried a handgun in his left hand and demanded the clerk give him the money from the register. He left with an undetermined amount of cash and drove west on Plainfield. -- Journal staff writer Kate Bramson He was described as about 5’11’’ and weighing about 175 to 180 pounds and looking "very skinny." He wore a black, hooded sweatshirt with a zipper down the front and blue jeans, and a light-colored scarf covering part of his face. Bubar said police have a good video surveillance tape and audio recording of the suspect. A man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and carring a gun in his left hand robbed the Mobil station at 1401 Plainfield St. last Thursday. -- Journal staff writer Kate Bramson Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:29 PM R.I. consumers get $3M out of Ameriquest settlementPROVIDENCE - A group of Rhode Island consumers should receive more than $3 million as part of a $295 million settlement between Ameriquest Mortgage Co. and 49 states, according to state Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch. In the agreement, Ameriquest denies the states' allegations of predatory lending practices, but also agrees to adopt new standards to prevent what the states allege were unfair and deceptive practices, according to Lynch. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:21 PM Weather service drops winter weather alertsPROVIDENCE - The National Weather Service has cancelled all of its winter weather warnings and advisories for the region today. Some rain and snow will continue this afternoon, but accumulation will be less than 1 inch, the weather service says. Posted by Jack Perry at 03:40 PM IRS looks to fill jobs in Warwick, elsewhereThe Internal Revenue Service says it's looking to fill "hundreds of new jobs'' nationwide and will be hiring over the next several months. "We are expecting openings in Warwick,'' as well as other locations, IRS spokeswoman Peggy Riley said. Overall, the IRS seeks qualified candidates to work as revenue agents, revenue officers and tax compliance officers. Starting salaries typically run from $33,071 to $58,903 a year. More information is available online. : Posted by Neil Downing at 01:38 PM Prosecution asks Hatch why he didn't report Survivor incomePROVIDENCE - The tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch continued today in U.S. District Court with prosecutor Lee Vilker, an assistant U.S. attorney, completing his cross examination of Hatch. Vilker pressed Hatch to explain why his tax returns didn't show the income from Survivor and more than $300,000 for co-hosting a Boston radio program. He also questioned Hatch about why donations to his charity, Horizon Bound, were spent on personal expenses. Hatch's attorney, Christopher Minns, plans to call one final witness this afternoon before concluding his defense. -- Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 01:10 PM Snow turning to slush, but more could fall later todayPROVIDENCE - Snow has changed to rain for much of Rhode Island, leaving behind slush and puddles. But the precipitation could change to snow again later today as the wind shifts to the north and colder air seeps back into the region, according to the National Weather Service. Rain could change back to snow by mid- to late afternoon in some areas. Additional snowfall should not exceed 1 to 3 inches, the weather service says. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:53 PM R.I. gas prices up another centPROVIDENCE - Rhode Island gasoline prices experienced another slight increase this week, rising a penny, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline was $2.40 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. This is the seventh consecutive week prices have risen, according to AAA. Gasoline was 35 cents per gallon cheaper in early December. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:59 AM Updated: Providence man arraigned in woman's strangulation / Photo
Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Victor Cortes, 38, was charged with one count of murder in the strangulation death of Yodit Kaleab, 25, of 140 Ruggles St., in Smith Hill. Kaleab had been found dead in a borrowed minivan on Gaspee Street between the State House and Providence Station on Oct. 5. Little was said about the circumstances of the crime during the brief arraignment, but prosecutor Paul Daly told Chief District Court Judge Albert DeRobbio that the police have "physical and biological evidence which links this defendant to the death of Yodit Kaleab." -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith DeRobbio ordered Cortes held without bail. Cortes was already being held at the Adult Correctional Institution on armed robbery charges when he was brought to court for his arraignment this morning. Cortes did not enter a plea in District Court since pleas are accepted in felonies only at the Superior Court level. DeRobbio said the case would go before a grand jury. According to the police, Cortes uses several aliases. He has also spelled his name Cortez. The police believe Cortes is the proper spelling. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Jack Perry at 11:55 AM | Comment Hatch to return to stand in tax-fraud trialPROVIDENCE - Reality TV star Richard Hatch apparently will have to survive at least another couple of hours of vigorous cross examination as he returns to the witness stand in his tax-fraud trial. Hatch, who's accused of not paying taxes on his $1 million jackpot from the first Survivor, spent all day Friday on the witness stand, including about an hour of aggressive questioning by prosecutor Lee Vilker at day's end. Vilker told U.S. District Court Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres Friday that he would likely need a "couple more hours" before he's done with his cross examination. Hatch, of Newport, was expected to be back on the stand this morning. For more background, read Saturday's Journal story. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:38 AM Updated: Morning snow making for tough driving / Photo
PROVIDENCE - The National Weather Service says snow will continue to fall heavily at times in the Route 95 corridor through 10 a.m., creating dangerous driving conditions. The rain-snow line had reached the southern coast by 7:45 a.m. and should expand north into Providence and Boston's South Shore between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., the weather service says. Several area schools were closed or their start delayed, motorists were late to work and accidents apparently due to slippery conditions were observed around the metro area. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:26 AM Arraignment in strangulation deathVictor Cortez, of Providence, is scheduled to be arraigned this morning in Providence District Court in the death of a 25-year-old Providence woman. The woman's body was found in a minivan near the Providence train station and the State house last October. Posted by at 08:59 AM January 20, 2006Updated: Convicted sex-offender gets 30 years to serveSOUTH KINGSTOWN -- Washington County Superior Court Judge Edward C. Clifton today sentenced convicted sex offender Eugene C. Texter to serve 30 years in prison for grabbing a 14-year-old Narragansett girl as she walked to school in September 2003. In November, a jury found Texter guilty of two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of simple assault. Special Assistant Attorney General Craig Montecalvo had sought the maximum sentence of 31 years in prison. "This man represents a nightmare to the community," Montecalvo said, adding, "The court has a duty to protect the community from such an individual.'' Public defender John Lovoy argued for a lesser term. He claimed the Narragansett Police Department went to great lengths to try to keep Texter, a two-time convicted rapist, behind bars. "The desire of this community to not have Mr.Texter living in the community ... All point to a reason to get him off the street,'' Lovoy said. Texter, a beefy man wearing a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled above the elbows, also delivered a rambling statement detailing what he considered a conspiracy and abuse by Westerly and Narragansett police. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney CORRECTION: The quote "nightmare to the community" was incorrect in an earlier version of this item. Clifton sentenced Texter to serve two consecutive 15-year terms at the Adult Correctional Institutions for the sexual assault charges. He received one year for simple assault to be served concurrently. "This court is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a person who poses a risk to others, particularly females,'' Clifton said. -- Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:03 PM Hatch will be back on stand MondayPROVIDENCE - Reality television star Richard Hatch will return to the witness stand Monday morning after testifying all day today in his federal tax-fraud trial. Prosecutor Lee Vilker was about an hour into his cross-examination of Hatch when U.S. Chief District Judge Ernest C. Torres concluded the trial for the day at 4:30 p.m. Vilker, who took an aggressive tone with Hatch from the start, told Torres that he needs a "couple more hours" before he's through with his cross-examination. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:49 PM Photo: A day designed for the outdoors
Journal photo / Kris Craig Get the latest observations and forecasts here ... CORRECTION: An earlier version of this item had the wrong temperature for the record high. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:27 PM B.B. King to stop at PPAC on farewell tourEighty-year-old blues legend B.B. King will come to the Providence Performing Arts Center April 20 on what is being billed as his final world tour, the venue announced. The tour starts Feb. 16 in Chicago. Tickets to the Providence show, $40 to $60, go on sale at 10 a.m. on Feb. 11 at the box office, by calling (401) 421-2787 or at www.ppacri.org. Posted by at 03:58 PM Hatch: I tried to find out what taxes I owedPROVIDENCE -- Richard Hatch testified today that he tried many times to find out how much he owed in taxes on his Survivor winnings -- but that no one he asked could either tell him or would get back to him. That included the reality TV show's producer, CBS and Viacom, as well as the IRS, he said. He also alleged on the stand that about $350,000 he had set aside with an investment firm to pay possible taxes was "stolen" and "embezzled." The Newport resident began testifying this morning in his own defense in his federal tax-fraud trial. When asked by his lawyer, Michael Minns, if it were ever his intention to violate federal tax laws, Hatch replied, "It has not." Minns wrapped up questioning this afternoon, and cross-examination was to start after a break. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres said the trial would continue into next week. -- Journal staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:45 PM J&W to host talk by NAACP's Julian BondPROVIDENCE -- Johnson & Wales University will host an evening with Julian Bond, chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, on Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., at the Westin Hotel’s Narragansett Ballroom. Bond’s lecture is titled, “From the Klan to Katrina: The Legacy of Race.” Tickets cost $7 and must be purchased in person at the university’s Office of Student Activities, 232 Weybosset St., between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets will not be available at the door. For questions regarding tickets, please call (401) 598-1195. Posted by at 03:37 PM Hatch takes to the spotlight as he testifies in tax trialPROVIDENCE -- Richard Hatch was once again the star of the show, as he took the stand today in his federal tax-fraud trial. Looking relaxed and casual in a light-blue, button-down shirt and saying he preferred to be called "Rich," the Survivor winner appeared eager to tell his story. Hatch looked directly at the jury as he spoke, frequently gestured with his hands, and at times elaborated beyond his lawyer's questions in his answers. U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres tried reining him in, prompting Hatch to say: "I've been waiting three years, your honor," in an apparent reference to the dispute over his failure to pay taxes on his $1-million plus winnings from the popular reality TV show's first season. Hatch was on the stand for more than an hour, talking mostly about his growing up on Aquidneck Island, job history, and how he became a contender on the show, before the judge declared a break. He was the only witness so far today, and his testimony will continue. For more background, read today's Journal story. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:50 AM Providence police seek women, minorities as new recruitsPROVIDENCE - The Providence Police Department is starting a new recruitment drive and is urging more women and minorities to consider a career in law enforcement. Mayor David N. Cicilline and Police Chief Dean Esserman will announce details of the drive at 1 p.m. today at the Providence Public Safety Complex. Representatives of the NAACP, the Urban League of Rhode Island and other community groups will join them. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM Warm temps should near record todayPROVIDENCE - The mild winter weather continues in Rhode Island today with the temperature expected to approach a record, climbing nearly 20 degrees above the normal high, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature should reach 55 degrees, just 4 degrees lower than the record high of 59 for the day set in 1947, according to the National Weather Service. The normal high for this time of year is 37 degrees. The weather service says the skies will be partly cloudy with southwest winds between 11 and 17 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 19, 2006N. Kingstown man gets probation, fine for geese-stomping incidentATTLEBORO, Mass. - A North Kingstown man who stomped five baby geese to death and injured an adult goose received two years of probation, 200 hours of community service and was assessed $1,500 in court costs today, avoiding potential prison time in a decision that weighed his years of varied volunteer work. John Sanders, 34, admitted in District Court today that a jury could have found him guilty if the case had gone to trial, but he did not plead guilty. And he will not be convicted as long as he adheres to his probation. Sanders had faced six felony counts of animal cruelty, which each carried a maximum prison sentence of 2.5 years. A misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge was dismissed. -- Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney The police have said that, on May 7, Sanders, who was an employee of Olsten The case initially drew widespread media attention. But Sanders’ lawyer, former Rhode Island Attorney General James E. O’Neil, sought to show that what happened was out of character. The court file included several letters of support attesting to Sanders’ volunteer work years before the incident. “Throughout my life, I have endeavored to take personal responsibility for my actions,” Sanders told Judge Daniel O’Shea. What happened on May 7, Sanders added, was “very difficult” because he “acted in a manner completely contrary” to who he is. Sanders apologized to the court, to the community “and to those who love animals, as I do.” The prosecution and defense did not reach a plea agreement, but came before Judge O’Shea with what is known as an “unagreed-upon recommendation." Christopher Markey, a prosecutor with the Office of Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr., sought a guilty finding and two years of probation, while O'Neil, sought one year’s time without a finding. Ultimately, Judge O’Shea decided for the longer probation but without the guilty finding. - Journal staff writer Michael P. McKinney Posted by Jack Perry at 05:03 PM | Comment Suspect in doughnut shop robberies arrestedA foul-mouthed West Warwick woman faces charges in a string of robberies of stores and doughnut shops in West Warwick, Coventry, East Providence, Pawtucket, and Johnston, between Sunday morning and Tuesday evening, the police said. In each case, a blonde woman threatened store clerks with a weapon and shouted obscenities at them, the West Warwick police said in an affidavit. A break in the case came when a West Warwick police officer recognized the woman from surveillance footage taken during the robbery of a Subway sandwich shop in Johnston on Tuesday evening, the police said. The police arrested Gail V. Deaett, 26, of 56 Maple Ave., last night. She was ordered held without bail during an appearance today in District Court, Warwick. - Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider Posted by Jack Perry at 04:32 PM Updated: Prosecution completes its case in Hatch trial / Photo
PROVIDENCE - The prosecution this afternoon rested its case in the Richard Hatch tax-fraud trial. The defense then asked U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres to acquit the reality television star, but Torres denied the motion, saying the government had provided enough evidence on all 10 counts for a jury to consider the case. The defense is expected to begin presenting witnesses this afternoon. Hatch could testify tomorrow. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 03:01 PM PC president prohibits 'Vagina Monologues' on campusPROVIDENCE - The president of Providence College has prohibited a campus production of "The Vagina Monologues," a popular and controversial play that tells the story of women who have been the victims of sexual abuse. The Rev. Brian J. Shanley, who has led the Catholic college for six months, objects to the play's depiction of female sexuality and says it is at odds with teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. He takes particular offense to a section of the story where a 24-year-old woman seduces a 16-year-old girl while under the influence of alcohol. "Precisely because its depiction of female sexuality is so deeply at odds with the true meaning and morality that the Catholic Church's teaching celebrates, 'The Vagina Monologues' is not an appropriate play to be performed on our campus. Therefore the college will prohibit the production of 'The Vagina Monologues,' " Shanley said in a letter announcing and explaining his decision. The letter was sent out yesterday, according to a school spokeswoman. Some members of the school's community were considering a Valentine's Day production of the play in an effort to prevent violence against women, according to Shanley's letter. Instead, Shanley said, the best way for the school to combat violence is to strengthen its commitment to Project S.A.V.E. (Sexual Assault and Violence Education), a collaborative effort of student groups to educate the campus about how to prevent violence against women. -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry The week-long effort will begin with a Mass on April 23 to pray for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence, according to Shanley, and it will conclude with the annual Take Back The Night vigil and walk. PC students have staged performances of "The Vagina Monologues" over the past four years, although it apparently made the previous administration uneasy. Administrators wouldn't let students advertise the play for the past two years, and it was produced without any financial support from the school. Before making his decision, Shanley said he "carefully read and studied the play." He also met with leaders of Women's Will, the main sponsoring group, considered what other Catholic schools have done and prayed to God for guidance. More to come on projo.com and in tomorrow's Journal .. -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Jack Perry at 03:00 PM | Comment Fidelity signs lease on old AmEx buildingFidelity Investments' real estate arm signed a lease agreement today for a three-story office building in downtown Providence. Fidelity will pay $2.04 million a year to the Rhode Island pension fund to lease the former American Express building until the end of 2008. The pension fund acquired the building out of bankruptcy court last year, and has been negotiating with Fidelity on the lease for months. Posted by Andrea Stape at 02:37 PM Slain officer's mother appeals rejection of lawsuitPROVIDENCE -- The mother of a black police officer accidentally killed by two white colleagues is appealing a jury's rejection of her $20 million lawsuit against the Providence Police Department. Sgt. Cornel Young Jr. was off duty and in plainclothes when he pulled his gun and ran from a diner on Jan. 28, 2000, to break up a fight in the parking lot. Two uniformed police officers mistook Young for a suspect and shot him dead. Young, 29, was the son of the department's highest-ranking black officer at the time. When he died, Providence police were required to carry a gun off duty and take action any time they saw an immediate threat to life or property. His mother, Leisa Young, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, claiming it didn't properly train police officers about how to identify their off-duty and plainclothes counterparts. A jury last month rejected her claim, and Young's lawyers appealed that ruling yesterday to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. They say the jury should have been told that Providence Police dropped the so-called "always armed" policy 18 months after Young died. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:32 PM Contractor testifies about work on Hatch's homesPROVIDENCE - A contractor testified today in the Richard Hatch tax-fraud trial that he made $339,120 in improvements to Hatch's two properties on Aquidneck Island. Hatch is on trial for failing to pay the taxes on his more than $1 million in winnings from the first Survivor and other income. He is also accused of diverting money for personal use from a charity he purportedly established to help teens. The prosecution is trying to show that Hatch used the money for improvements to homes he owns on Annandale Road, Newport, and Green End Avenue, Middletown. The improvements included a new bathroom, siding, a new garage and home office. Also today, an IRS agent testified that, given the evidence presented by the prosecution, Hatch should have owed $375,000 in 2000 and $99,000 in 2001. Instead, he received refunds both years. More about the trial from today's Journal ... - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 01:39 PM FERC won't revisit 2 area LNG decisionsWASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today refused to revisit its decision last year to approve a $250-million liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River, Mass. The FERC also refused to reconsider another action last July that rejected an application for a $100-million expansion of an LNG terminal in Providence. The FERC voted 2-1 against reconsidering the Weaver's Cove Project in Fall River. Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert said the city would appeal in federal court. "The project is incredibly unsafe," Lambert said. He suggested that the FERC paid lip service to safety concerns. "I can't believe safety is a prime consideration," in the minds of the FERC, he said. The commission voted 3-0 against reconsidering the Providence expansion request. The proponent, Keyspan Energy, can also appeal in federal court. -- With reports from Journal Washington bureau chief John E. Mulligan and Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:39 AM Just about all power restored in R.I. after yesterday's stormAll but four of National Grid's customers in Rhode Island had power this morning after high winds knocked out power to about 9,000 customers at the peak of yesterday's storm, a spokesman said. Repair crews worked through the night, and crews are now being shift to other parts of New England that were hard hit. For example, there were 3,400 customers without service on the South Shore of Massachusetts this morning, according to David Graves, a National Grid spokesman. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:15 AM FERC hearing appeals on LNG proposalsWASHINGTON – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is scheduled today to bring up appeals related to two proposals for LNG facilities in the Narragansett Bay region. FERC is expected to vote on whether to reconsider its approval of the Weaver's Cove project for Fall River, Mass. It is also expected to decide whether to reconsider its rejection of a plan to convert the KeySpan LNG facility in Providence into a major terminal. Both proposals have been hotly opposed by area officials, as well as environmentalists concerned about the transport of LNG tankers up the Bay. But in a blow to opponents of a planned LNG terminal in Fall River, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport has withdrawn its objections to bringing liquefied natural gas tankers through Narragansett Bay. The meeting is being Webcast live, starting at 10 a.m. Its full agenda available here. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:38 AM Search resumes this morning for Richmond womanRICHMOND -- The search is continuing this morning for a 42-year-old woman who went for a walk Monday afternoon in Shannock village and never came back. Annette L. Wright, who lives on Railroad Street in the village, was described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, 240 pounds, with long blonde-brown hair and blue eyes. She was wearing black slacks and a purple jacket. Friends and relatives have joined the state and local police in searching for her. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:32 AM Fogarty to propose health-care legislationPROVIDENCE - Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty, Sen. Elizabeth Roberts, D-Cranston, and small-business leaders plan to announce new legislation today to provide health care to more small businesses and Rhode Islanders. Under the bill, insurers would treat small businesses and individuals as a pool of purchasers. The proponents plan to announce the new bill at 2 p.m. in room 313 of the State House. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:01 AM Abortion opponents plan State House rally todayPROVIDENCE - Opponents of abortion plan a rally at 2:30 p.m. today at the State House. Organizers say several hundred to a few thousand are expected. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 18, 2006Search on for Richmond woman missing since MondayRICHMOND -- The police are searching for a 42-year-old woman who has been missing since taking her daily walk on Monday. The police were using dogs and all-terrain vehicles to find for Annette L. Wright, a 5-foot 3-inch, 240-pound woman with long blonde-brown hair and blue eyes who was wearing black slacks and a purple jacket when she was last seen. Wright routinely walked to the end of the street where she lives, Railroad Street in the village of Shannock, and took a right onto another road before returning. - Journal staff writer Randal Edgar Posted by Jack Perry at 05:07 PM Skies clear, but some remain without powerThe rain stopped and the sun broke out late this afternoon in Providence, but some 2,500 National Grid electric customers were still without power as of 4:30 p.m., a National Grid spokesman said. The National Weather Service says the threat of widespread damaging winds has ended, but it will remain windy tonight along the coast and at higher elevations. The high wind wreaked havoc today in southern New England, knocking down trees, branches and wires. At about noon, some 9,000 National Grid customers were without power in the Ocean State. Cumberland appeared to be the hardest hit. About 1,300 customers were still without power there at 4:30 p.m., down from about 3,000 at 1:30 p.m. "We've cut into (the power outages) through the day. We're going to be out there through the night," with repair crews, said David Graves, a National Grid spokesman. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:46 PM Disorderly-conduct charge against PC legend Barnes droppedA prosecutor today dropped a disorderly-conduct charge against Providence College basketball legend Marvin J. Barnes. Barnes, 53, was arrested Dec. 22 at his Warwick condominium after the police said they saw him struggling with his girlfriend on a balcony. In District Court today, Warwick city prosecutor Robert J. Sgroi dropped the charge, citing a lack of cooperation from the girlfriend, Pamela Crittenden of Boston. Crittenden has refused to testify in the case. -- Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:59 PM Cumberland day school closes due to power outageCUMBERLAND - A power outage at Mercymount Country Day School in Cumberland forced school officials to close the school early this afternoon. Parents who could be reached by phone were asked to pick up their children at approximately 1:45 p.m. For parents who could not be located, school officials promised to keep students until the regular 3 p.m. dismissal time. Cumberland is experiencing wide spread power outages in the wake of high winds, though police reported that Mercymount is the only school to dismiss early.
Posted by Jack Perry at 02:36 PM Pawtucket man gets 60 years for killing adversaryPROVIDENCE - A Pawtucket man who shot and killed a long-time adversary at a city housing project in 2003 was sentenced this morning to 60 years in prison. Carlos Ocasio, now 25, pleaded no contest last year to second-degree murder and several lesser counts in the death of Victor L. Oliveira, a 22-year-old father of three. The men grew up together in the Galego Court housing project and were visiting their mothers when Ocasio shot Oliveira during an altercation in a courtyard. Superior Court Judge William A. Dimitri Jr. stopped short of handing down the maximum sentence of life in prison, but said it was clear Ocasio "was fully prepared to take the life of Mr. Oliveira." Dimitri sentenced him to 60 years in prison with 45 years to serve and an additional 20 years on lesser gun charges, to run concurrently. - Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham The victim's family, including his 4-year-old son Victor, crowded on the courtroom benches, watching. Oliveira's cousin, Aideliz Lopez, spoke briefly on the family's behalf: "You're not the one that has to look into his son's eyes and explain why he doesn't have a father," she said, tearful. Ocasio then offered his own statement. "I can't bring him back, but I'm sorry for what I did," he said. - Journal staff writer Cynthia Needham Posted by Jack Perry at 02:35 PM Detective didn't record advising Carpio of his rightsPROVIDENCE - A Providence police detective testified today that he recorded an interview with the suspect in the slaying of a fellow police detective but neglected to record himself advising the defendant of his rights against self-incrimination. Det. John Finegan testified yesterday that he told Esteban Carpio of his right to remain silent before he started asking him questions at Rhode Island Hospital. Finegan said he used a digital tape recorder to record the interview. But under questioning today by one of Carpio's lawyers, Robert Sheketoff, Finegan acknowledged that he did not record himself advising Carpio of his rights against self-incrimination. However, Finegan said that Det. Sgt. Michael Sweeney witnessed him advising Carpio of his Miranda rights. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Carpio was brought to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment after he was arrested on Washington Street in the shooting death of Providence Det. Sgt. James Allen at police headquarters last April. Carpio, who was being questioned by Allen, jumped out of a third-floor window and was captured after a struggle. Finegan has been testifying at a status conference to determine whether a jury can hear statements Carpio made to the police. Carpio's lawyers are claiming that he wasn't given his Miranda warning before the interview, or if he was, he wasn't capable of waiving his rights. They want to prevent the prosecution from introducing the statements at trial. -- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Jack Perry at 02:29 PM Several thousand in R.I. lose power due to high winds / Photo
As of 1:30 p.m., some 6,200 customers were still without power, including about 3,000 customers in Cumberland, said spokesman David Graves. Other affected communities include Cranston, Johnston, Lincoln, Coventry, Middletown, North Kingstown, Richmond, West Warwick and West Greenwich. "We do have about 50 (repair) crews in Rhode Island and about 150 in New England," Graves said. The National Weather Service, calling for gusts of 60 and even 70 mph in some areas, has issued a high wind warning for much of southern New England through 4 p.m., but says the wind should ease from west to east as the afternoon passes. "There have been reports of downed trees and power lines throughout southern New England as well as power outages," the weather service says. The high winds are causing problems for National Grid customers throughout New England, where some 51,000 customers were without power this afternoon, including about 43,000 in Massachusetts, Graves said. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is keeping a close watch on the Pell Bridge in Newport and the Mount Hope Bridge in Bristol, according to Kenneth Bianchi, executive director. It closes the bridges when sustained winds get too strong. In Pawtucket, officials have closed off Roosevelt Avenue because they fear that the wind could knock down scaffolding set around the exterior of City Hall. Posted by Jack Perry at 01:56 PM Accountant testifies in 'Survivor' winner's tax fraud trialPROVIDENCE - An accountant for "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch warned the reality TV star not to file a tax return omitting the $1 million prize he won from the hit CBS show, she testified today during Hatch's federal tax fraud trial. Hatch is accused of failing to pay taxes on his prize and also using for himself donations made to a charity he created. Accountant Jodi Rodrigues Wallis said she prepared a 2000 tax return for Hatch that showed he owed the Internal Revenue Service about $234,000. At Hatch's request, Wallis said she prepared a second return calculating how much he would have owed had he not won the prize. - The Associated Press During opening statements, Hatch's lawyer, Michael Minns, said Hatch wanted the return prepared without the prize money for comparison purposes. The accountant showed Hatch the second return on March 19, 2002, and made him sign a statement warning the analysis was "not meant to be filed," she said. According to prosecutors, Hatch left the accountant's Middletown office that same day and mailed the IRS the incorrect return. Wallis said she was shocked when she later learned Hatch had filed her second analysis. Her testimony came a day after accountant Richard Plotkin told jurors that he prepared an income tax return for Hatch in 2000. He said he advised Hatch to pay income tax on his prize, and that Hatch never objected. Hatch has said he thought CBS was responsible for paying the taxes on his winnings, though CBS has said Hatch was aware he had to pay. - The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 12:59 PM AAA: Teen drivers endanger othersPROVIDENCE - AAA Southern New England is calling for tighter restrictions on teen drivers after a study showing that the majority of people killed in teen driver crashes are people other than the teens themselves. Young drivers comprise slightly more than one third of all fatalities nationally in crashes in which they are involved, while nearly two thirds of those killed are the users of other vehicles or pedestrians, according to an analysis by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In Rhode Island, 58 lives were lost in crashes involving young novice drivers from 1995-2004, according to AAA. Of those who died, 20 were drivers 15 to 17 years old, 24 were their passengers, 9 were occupants of vehicles operated by drivers at least 18 years of age, and 5 were non-motorists, according to AAA. Robert P. Murray, senior vice president of corporate affairs for AAA Southern New England, calls the analysis a "wakeup call" and urges Rhode Islanders to contact their legislators to strengthen graduated driver licensing laws. He also says parents should place tigher restrictions on their teens. “Many laws contain passenger restrictions, but there are too many loopholes," Murray said. "Teens don’t have the experience to safely transport any passengers during their first year of driving." In Rhode Island, teens can get their learner's permit at 16, then take the road test once they've had the learner's permit for six months, according to AAA. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:27 AM Providence detective to be back on stand in Carpio hearingPROVIDENCE - A Providence police detective was scheduled to continue his testimony in Superior Court this morning in a hearing to determine whether a jury can hear statements made by the suspect in the slaying of a police officer last spring. Det. John Finegan testified that he gave Esteban Carpio a standard Miranda warning against self-incrimination before interrogating him and that Carpio spoke to him voluntarily. He also said Carpio, charged with murdering Det. Sgt. James Allen in April, was alert during the interview. Carpio's lawyers are claiming that he wasn't given his Miranda warning before the interview, or if he was, he wasn't capable of waiving his rights. They want to prevent the prosecution from introducing the statements at trial. For more background, read today's Journal story. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:07 AM S&P puts Roger Williams hospital on CreditwatchStandard & Poor's has placed its "BBB-" rating on $17.5 million of debt issued for Roger Williams General Hospital on CreditWatch with negative implications in the wake of a federal indictment against the hospital's parent. The debt was issued by the Rhode Island Health and Education Building Corporation, Standard & Poor's said. The ratings agency cited the recent federal indictments of Roger Williams Medical Center, the hospital's parent, its former president Robert Urciuoli, and two others in an alleged influence-peddling scheme at the State House. "If the allegations in the indictments are true, there could be financial penalties assessed against Roger Williams Medical Center. The extent and timing of these penalties, if any, are unknown at this time,'' S&P said. Standard & Poor's said will it evaluate its rating in February once fiscal year 2005 results are available, any fines are assessed and any expected board changes transpire. "The 2005 year-end audit is expected to be available by the end of January, with break-even results anticipated for the hospital alone,'' the New York-based ratings agency said. -- Journal business editor John Kostrzewa Posted by Jack Perry at 10:50 AM Country singer Gretchen Wilson coming to The DunkCountry star Gretechen Wilson brings her Redneck Revolution Tour to the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence on March 11, The Dunk announced yesterday. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the box office, through Ticketmaster or by phone at (401) 331-2211 or (617) 931-2000. Posted by at 10:25 AM 4 to be inducted into Providence's King Hall of FamePROVIDENCE - Four members of the Providence community will be inducted tonight into the city's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame, according to Mayor David N. Cicilline. Cicilline will induct retired police officer Horace Craig and his pastor wife, Rev. E. Naomi Craig; newspaper publisher Frank Graham, and the late Frederick Lippitt, a noted philanthropist, during a 7:30 p.m. ceremony at the rotunda of the Rhode Island Convention Center. The four were chosen for their efforts to carry on King's legacy by making substantial contributions to acceptance, social justice, civil rights and equality, according to Cicilline's office. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:31 AM Weather service: High wind could knock out powerThe National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., has issued a high wind warning for Rhode Island and other parts of southern New England. Southeast winds will increase to 30 to 40 miles per hour later this morning and early afternoon with gusts as high as 60 miles per hour and the potential to knock out power, according to the weather service. The strongest winds could occur in heavy showers or isolated thunderstorms that will move through the region, the service says. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 17, 2006Town of Bristol buys Pastime Theatre at foreclosure sale / Photo
BRISTOL - After the Town of Bristol made the only bid on the Pastime Theater at a foreclosure sale this morning, it took possession of the downtown movie house for $353,531.34. The sale put an end to the Bristol Pastime Theater Foundation's $2 million plan to rehabilitate the 72-year-old cinema and transform it into a performing arts center where community groups could stage plays, host concerts and screen independent movies. The town plans to hand over the property to the Bristol Warren Regional School District for classrooms. For a time, the townspeople who formed the foundation had the support of town officials. The Town Council voted unanimously in July 2003 to loan them $350,000 interest-free to purchase the building. They were awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grants and set about raising the rest of the money they needed for the project. But circumstances changed late last year. After several plans to add classrooms to the public school system failed to win support, council members said the Pastime was the only alternative. In November, they voted to recall the loan, take the theater and hand it over to the Bristol Warren Regional School District. - Journal staff writer Alexander Kuffner Posted by Jack Perry at 04:41 PM Updated: Walker at announcement about bill that bears her name / Photo
PROVIDENCE -- Murmuring "all right" and "um, hum," Madeline Walker quietly signaled her approval today of a bill named after her that would prevent homeowners from unknowingly losing their properties to tax lien sales. The 81-year-old woman attended an announcement by Governor Carcieri on the bill, which he is filing in the wake of Walker's eviction from her Providence home last month over an unpaid sewer bill The bill -- named "The Madeline Walker Act of 2006" -- is designed to protect Rhode Islanders from losing their homes due to relatively small debts, the governor's office said in a press release. As speakers talked about the efforts to prevent such losses, Walker responded from her seat in the audience. She is now back in her home after her plight gained widespread attention. More to come in tomorrow's Journal and on projo.com ... -- With reports from Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:00 PM Updated: Nurse: Officer advised Carpio of his rights / Photo
PROVIDENCE - The suspect in the slaying of a Providence police detective was given his Miranda rights by a Providence police officer while he was being treated at Rhode Island Hospital, a nurse testified today. Hearing the police officer tell Esteban Carpio "you have the right to remain silent," nurse Ellen Deveney recalled thinking, "It's just like on T.V." Deveney testified today at a hearing to decide whether Superior Court Judge William A. Dimitri will let a jury hear about statements Carpio made to the police after his arrest in the April killing of Providence police Det. Sgt. James Allen. Carpio's lawyers are trying to exclude the statements from trial, arguing that Carpio was not read his Miranda rights, or if he was, he was not capable of waiving his rights. The hearing continues this afternoon. Deveney testified that she overheard a detective talking to Carpio after a uniformed officer read him his rights. She also testified that a painkiller and antiobotic given to Carpio to treat his injuries did not affect his alertness. The police say Carpio, 27, jumped out of a third-story window at police headquarters after shooting Allen and was arrested after a struggle in downtown Providence. Carpio was in court today for the status conference. Posted by Jack Perry at 03:43 PM Hasbro combines units, promotes GoldnerPAWTUCKET -- Toymaker Hasbro Inc. will realign its U.S. operations, the company said today, combining its toys and games units as it promotes Brian Goldner to chief operating officer. In his new role, the 42-year-old Goldner will run the company’s North American unit and become Hasbro’s No. 2 executive, placing him in line to succeed Alfred J. Verrecchia, its president and chief executive officer, at some point. Posted by Dealhawk at 02:01 PM Prosecutors continue to focus on Hatch charityPROVIDENCE - The tax-fraud trial of reality TV star Richard Hatch continued in U.S. District Court today with the prosecution focusing on donations that Hatch received for Horizon Bound, a charity he purportedly started to help teens. The prosecution alleges that Hatch neglected to pay taxes on the more than $1 million he won on the first Survivor reality show. It also claims that Hatch failed to pay taxes on other income and that he diverted to his own use donations made to Horizon Bound, an outdoor adventure program to benefit teens. One NBC producer said today that a $10,000 payment was made to Horizon Bound for Hatch's appearance on a TV game show called The Weakest Link after network accountants had attempted to verify that Horizon Bound was indeed a nonprofit. One of the documents NBC examined had a signature of a former live-in boyfriend of Hatch, Ralph W. Magee of Philadelphia. Magee testified today that he did not sign those documents. In fact, Magee testified that when he first saw his name on a Horizon Bound document while visiting Hatch after their break up, he told Hatch that he didn't want anything to do with Horizon Bound. It wasn't until IRS agents questioned him about the documents he found out that his hame was signed on Horizon Bound documents, Magee testified. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 01:54 PM Belcourt Castle owner's body found off Ledge RoadNEWPORT - The body of Belcourt Castle owner Donald Tinney, 71, has been found on rocks off Ledge Road, about a half mile from his home on Bellevue Avenue, the Newport police said. Tinney's body was discovered by a family friend at about 8:10 a.m. at the waterline in an area where he had frequently gone for walks, according to Newport Police Lt. Michael Brennan. Tinney's body was wet, but the police do not yet have a cause of death. They say it is not suspicious. Tinney was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, according to family members. He was reported missing at about 7:15 p.m. yesterday, and authorities started an extensive search. -- Journal staff writer Steve Peoples Posted by Jack Perry at 01:23 PM Indicted hospital president Urciuoli firedRobert A. Urciuoli is out as president of Roger Williams Medical Center. Eleven days after he was indicted on federal corruption charges of buying off a state senator, Urciuoli was fired from his $400,000 job last night by the hospital's trustees. The move comes after intense criticism of the board for not acting sooner to fire Urciuoli and for failing to accept a deal with federal prosecutors to prevent the corporation's indictment with Urciuoli two weeks ago. -- Journal staff writer Mike Stanton Trustees acted about a week after Governor Carcieri and Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch summoned them to the State House to voice their concerns about the medical center's indictment and question Urciouli’s status. Following his arraignment last Thursday, Urciuoli said through his lawyer that he had no intention of resigning his position, from which he had been placed on paid leave in early December. But on Saturday, the three-person board of the corporation, which controls the hospital, met and removed Urciuoli from the board. Urciuoli, who was outnumbered 2-1, agreed to vote himself off the board – but that was not a paid position. Yesterday, the parent corporation's board and the hospital's board met and voted to fire Urciuoli from his job as president – a position he had held since 1988. Urciuoli's place on the board was taken by Kenneth H. Belcher, a former executive at Boston Medical Center who has been interim president at Roger Williams since last December. There was no immediate word from Urciuoli or the hospital about whether he will contest his firing, or if he has negotiated a severance package with the board as part of his dismissal.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:00 PM Press allowed to report on Carpio hearingPROVIDENCE -- The press is being allowed to report on a status conference for the suspect in the killing of a Providence detective, after the judge initially announced that he would not let them to do so. Superior Court Judge William A. Dimitri first said this morning that he would let members of the press sit in on the hearing with Esteban Carpio, but they could not write or broadcast what happened. Citing judicial guidelines, Dimitri indicated he was concerned that publicity from the conference might influence potential jurors. But after meeting in chambers with lawyer Kristin Rodgers representing The Providence Journal, Dimitri returned to open court and said the reporters could cover the hearing as usual. Rodgers had argued that the trial itself was not immediate, which appeared to be the turning point. Carpio was brought in for the conference, escorted by several sheriffs and shackled at hands and ankles. He was sitting between his lawyers at a table before the judge. The hearing got under way after that but took a break about 11:40 a.m. Dimitri was hearing a defense motion to exclude from trial statements that Carpio made to the police at Rhode Island Hospital, where he was brought for treatment after being captured. Carpio is accused of killing Det. Sgt. James Allen at Providence Police headquarters in April, then jumping out a third-floor window. His lawyers said Carpio wasn't given a Miranda warning, or, if he was, he wasn't capable of waiving his rights. Assistant District Attorney Paul Daly was questioning a Rhode Island Hospital nurse about Carpio's treatment after he had been arrested. She said he was escorted in by about six officers and in cuffs. -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:55 AM Police searching for owner of Newport's Belcourt CastleNEWPORT -- Police were searching this morning for Donald Tinney, the 71-year-old owner of Bellevue Avenue's Belcourt Castle. Authorities conducted an extensive search, including using a Coast Guard helicopter, of the estate near Newport's shore until midnight before stopping for the night. -- Journal staff writer Steve Peoples Posted by Andrea Panciera at 11:31 AM Governor to air bill to help prevent tax-sale lossesPROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri plans this morning to announce legislation that would help prevent homeowners from losing their property to tax lien sales. The Madeline Walker Act of 2006 would enable the establishment of nonprofit agencies that could work with Rhode Island Housing to help the homeowners. Walker, 81, lost her Providence home after the Narragansett Bay Commission sold a lien on the house in late 2003. Walker was allowed to return to her house earlier this month while an attorney works through Superior Court to restore ownership to Walker. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:51 AM Judge to consider excluding statements in Carpio casePROVIDENCE - A Superior Court judge this morning is scheduled to hear a defense motion to exclude from trial statements the accused killer of a Providence detective made to the police at Rhode Island Hospital. The defense attorneys for Esteban Carpio are trying to keep a jury from hearing statements Carpio made shortly after Det. Sgt. James Allen was killed at Providence Police headquarters in April, because, they claim, Carpio wasn't given a Miranda warning, or, if he was, he wasn't capable of waiving his rights. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 16, 2006Brown senior's body recovered off southern MexicoThe body of a Brown University senior was recovered today after he apparently drowned Thursday in waters off southern Mexico, according to his family and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Luis Pagan's body is to be returned to Rhode Island tomorrow, according to his sister-in-law, Carol Pagan, of Providence. Pagan, 22, had been swimming in shallow water in Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, when he was apparently swept out to sea. He was also known for his contributions to the community, as a Youth in Action member. For more background, read today's Journal story. -- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner Posted by Jack Perry at 05:06 PM Providence Place fall victim was due to serve overseasPROVIDENCE -- The New Hampshire man who died in a fall at Providence Place Mall Thursday was in the military and about to depart for duty overseas. Jeffrey Englert, 21, of Derry, served with the Army and was set to ship out soon for Qatar, according to a relative in Derry. Englert was visiting friends in Rhode Island and was at the mall with two friends when he fell shortly after 11 p.m., according to the police.
A friend of Englert told the police that Englert had been traveling down an escalator on the second level when he grabbed the outside railing of the adjacent escalator and held onto the railing, with his body over the side, as he was pulled up to the third floor. On reaching the third level, the police said, he lost his grip and fell onto the second-floor escalator landing He is the third person to die in a fall from the upper heights of the mall since it opened in 1999. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney Posted by Jack Perry at 03:35 PM | Comment Suspect held after Fall River teen found murderedFALL RIVER, Mass. - Maryland State Police today identified Christopher Banville, of Detective Sgt. Charles Pertain said Banville will be in Howard County District The Fall River phone directory lists a David Banville as being at that address. The victim was a student at Joseph Case High School in Swansea. The office of Bristol County District Attorney Paul Walsh has not released the -- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by at 03:02 PM Day off? Set aside some time for tax prepHome for the holiday? Why not set aside some time for taxes? You probably haven't received your Form W-2 wage statement or Form 1099 interest statements. Still, there's a lot you can do now to prepare, especially if you itemize. For example, to begin compiling a list of items you may be deducting: * Go through your check register and credit card statements to find records of charitable contributions. * Dig out local tax bills and receipts to confirm how much in property tax and motor vehicle excise tax you paid last year. * Look through your bank or credit union statements to see how much in mortgage interest you paid. * Look through your pay stubs to see how much you paid in Rhode Island's Temporary Disability Insurance tax (it's deductible if you itemize). Also check out these government Web sites for current forms and helpful booklets:
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:03 PM Youth group seeks to raise funds for member's funeralPROVIDENCE - A Providence youth organization is trying to raise money to pay for the funeral of a member who apparently drowned in Mexico last week. Luis Pagan, a senior at Brown University and an active member of Youth in Action, apparently was swept out to sea Thursday while swimming at a beach in southern Mexico. He has not been found, and his family has said they presume he is dead. Pagan, 22, was an active member the organization, which was founded in 1997 by teens trying to improve their urban neighborhoods. He worked on initiatives to stop youth violence, encourage public service and raise AIDS/HIV awareness. Karen Feldman, executive director of Youth in Action, says the organization is now trying to raise money to help Pagan's family with funeral costs. People interested in donating can make the checks payable to Youth in Action and write Luis Pagan Memorial Fund in the check's memo section. Checks should be sent to Youth in Action, 672 Broad St., Providence, R.I. 02907. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:16 PM R.I. gas prices up again, but by a pennyGasoline prices have increased for the sixth consecutive week in Rhode Island, but, this time, they are up by just one cent, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.39 at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has increased 34 cents per gallon since early December. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:25 AM Updated: Bundle up, it's cold out there / Photo
Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski Steve Polce, of Providence, tries to stay warm while waiting for a bus in Providence this morning. Don't let the sunshine fool you. Baby, it's cold outside. The thermometer was reading just 12 degrees at 9:15 this morning in Providence, but northwest winds made it feel like 5 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature should climb into the 20s and could hit 30 degrees today but cold winds should continue, according to the weather service. Warmer temperatures and mixed precipitation are on the way later tomorrow. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:07 AM R.I. hosts many events honoring Martin Luther King Jr."A Call For Excellence" is the theme of this morning's Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Ministers' Alliance of Rhode Island at Rhodes-on-the Pawtuxet, Cranston. At 6 p.m., Donnie Evans, superintendent of Providence schools, will be the keynote speaker at the 19th annual Martin Luther King Holiday Tribute at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Providence. Click here to learn more about these and other events today in honor of the civil rights leader. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 13, 2006Rain, then snow in weekend forecastPROVIDENCE -- If you've stepped outside in the past few minutes, you already know that the weather has shifted from mild and sunny to damp and dreary. It's just the beginning, as we head into a weekend that's a three-day break for many. The National Weather Service says that a storm approaching from the Ohio Valley will bring rain and snow to southern New England over the weekend. Occasionally-heavy rain will move into the region late tonight and continue through tomorrow. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain are expected by the time the rain ends tomorrow night. While it may create some "ponding," general flooding is not expected. As the storm passes,. it will draw much colder air across New England, changing the rain to snow toward Sunday morning in the Providence and Boston areas. Snow will taper off during the day. An inch or less is expected in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts. But the strong winds drawing in the cold air will also cause blowing snow late Saturday night and Sunday morning, reducing visibility, the weather service warns. Special note for Patriots' fans: The weather forecast for Saturday night in Denver, home to the playoff game against the Broncos, calls for partly cloudy skies with a low temperature of about 30 degrees and southwest winds between 7 and 10 mph. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:57 PM Conn. high court upholds Kennedy kin's murder convictionSTAMFORD, Conn. -- The Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously upheld Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel's murder conviction today, more than 30 years after a killing that sparked decades of intrigue. Skakel, a nephew of Ethel Kennedy, was convicted in 2002 of bludgeoning his neighbor, Martha Moxley, to death with a golf club in 1975 in wealthy Greenwich. Skakel, who along with the victim was 15 at the time, is serving 20 years to life in prison. He appealed his conviction to the Connecticut Supreme Court last year, arguing among other things that the statute of limitations had expired when he was charged in 2000. -- Associated Press "We're of course very pleased," said Bridgeport State's Attorney Jonathan Benedict. "We felt it was a very clean trial. It's just a great relief to have this behind us." "Michael Skakel is innocent and he will fight his wrongful conviction and incarceration," Seeley said in a statement. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:33 PM Updated: U.S. health secretary: Everyone needs a plan for a flu pandemic / Photo
Journal photo / Kris Craig
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt speaks to the crowd in Warwick today.
WARWICK -- If a flu pandemic strikes, local communities will be on their own, the U.S. secretary of health and human services said during a visit to Rhode Island today. "Every community will have to rely on its own resources,'' Michael O. Leavitt told an overflow crowd of hundreds of Rhode Island officials at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Unlike with natural disasters, a flu pandemic will affect the entire nation, and the federal government will not be able to marshal help from other parts of the country, he said. "Every state needs a plan. Every tribe needs a plan. Every school, every business, every church, every family needs a plan,'' Leavitt said. Leavitt's visit to Rhode Island was one of the first in a tour he plans to make of every state, to push for action on pandemic-flu planning. All states are preparing action plans in the event of a pandemic. Scientists have been worried about the possibility of a flu pandemic because in Asia, and most recently in Turkey, a lethal strain of bird flu has passed from birds to people, killing about half the people who have become infected. Experts worry that this flu virus may eventually mutate into one that is easily transmissable from person to person, sparking a worldwide pandemic of a virus against which people have no immunity. -- Journal medical writer Felice J. Freyer Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:32 PM | Comment Hatch testimony centers on check for charity venturePROVIDENCE - Testimony this morning in the tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch centered on a check made out to a charity Hatch purportedly established to provide outdoor adventures for teens. Along with neglecting to report his more than $1 million in winnings from the first Eight witnesses appeared this morning, most of them testifying about a $25,000 check another television show, For Goodness Sakes, wrote to Horizon Bound in exchange for Hatch's appearance on its pilot. Also aired in court today was a video clip from the show, which showed Hatch receiving a ceremonial check for that amount -- from a supposedly-naked man. Hatch had gained notoriety as "the fat, naked guy" on Survivor, which was set on a tropical island. Today, he continued his casual approach to dressing in court, wearing an open-necked, blue button-down shirt and gray khakis. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney The indictment against Hatch alleges he didn't pay taxes on the Survivor winnings or on $326,540 he was paid for cohosting a Boston radio program. Hatch is also accused of accepting donations totaling $36,500 to Horizon Bound, a charity he purportedly established to provide outdoor adventures for teens. The donations came in exchange for appearances Hatch made in person and on TV programs. But the money went toward personal expenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Posted by Jack Perry at 01:35 PM Providence man found guilty of strangling wifePROVIDENCE - A Providence man was convicted today of second-degree murder in the strangling death of his wife, whose body was found by a cleaning crew two months after her death. James "Clyde" Gillespie, 43, was accused of strangling his wife, Betty Sue, 40, in 1998, wrapping and bundling her corpse and stowing it in a crawlspace in their West End apartment behind a padlocked closet. He lived with the decomposing corpse for about two months before he moved out of the house and a cleaning crew discovered it. The Superior Court jury, which began deliberating late yesterday, took about two hours to return the verdict. Gillepsie faces 10 years to life on the murder charge at sentencing, scheduled for March 31. The jury had also had the option of convicting him of first-degree murder. According to state law, second-degree murder is an unlawful killing with malice. Premeditation and deliberation are elements of first-degree murder. Gillespie was also convicted of one count of failure to report a death with the intent to conceal a crime, according to Michael Healey, a spokesman for Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. Posted by Jack Perry at 01:32 PM N.H. man, 21, dies in fall from Providence Place escalatorPROVIDENCE - City police are investigating the death of a 21-year-old New Hampshire man who fell from an escalator last night at Providence Place mall. The victim, who was at the mall with two friends when he fell shortly after 9 p.m., is the third person to die in a fall from the upper heights of the mall since it opened in 1999. The police have asked that his name be withheld until they are sure family members have been notified. A friend of the victim told the police that the victim had been traveling down an escalator on the second level when he grabbed the outside railing of the adjacent escalator, going up. On reaching the third level, police said, he lost his grip and fell onto the second-floor escalator landing. The victim struck his head on the side of the escalator and was unconscious when the Providence Fire Department got there, according to a police report. He was taken to Rhode island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In May 2004, Jennifer Canelli, a 23-year-old Norfolk, Mass., woman died at the mall after slipping off an escalator bannister and falling 40 feet. The woman and her boyfriend had just celebrated his birthday at a mall restaurant and were heading home early on the morning of Sunday, May 2, when she fell. The couple and friends got onto the escalator from the upper level of the mall when Canelli leaped to sit on the bannister, the police said. She lost her balance and fell to the ground level of the mall, the police said. Two years before that, 62-year-old Augustine Silvia of Providence fell to his death from the top floor to the ground level. General Growth Properties, owners of the mall, released a written statement this morning, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man's family and friends. This is understandably a terrible loss for them. "It appears this young man died as a result of a tragic accident," the statement said. The mall has had several different owners since its opening. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:55 AM | Comment Reed finalizes deal to get discounted heating oilWARWICK - U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced today that he has finalized an agreement with CITGO oil company to provide 3.3 million gallons of discounted home heating oil this winter to Rhode Island low-income families, homeless shelters and community clinics. Under the agreement negotiated between the R.I. Democrat's office and CITGO, CITGO will work with the Rhode Island Community Action Association Network and Citizens Energy, both nonprofit organizations, to implement the program. Citizens Energy will purchase up to 3.3 million gallons of heating oil at a 40 percent discount from CITGO. RICAAN, which represents the state's community action agencies, will be responsible for identifying low-income families and individuals using the same criteria used for the distribution of federal heating assistance benefits. RICAAN will distribute the discounted heating oil with the help of the Rhode Island heating oil dealers. For more details, read Tuesday's Journal story. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:37 AM U.S. Health Secretary in R.I. to discuss pandemic fluWARWICK - U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt is in Rhode Island today discussing pandemic flu and how the nation's effort to plan an emergency response will affect the state's business and health care community. Leavitt is scheduled to speak at the Crowne Plaza Warwick. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 12, 2006Updated: Defendants in hospital fraud case can go south this winter / Photo
Robert Urciuoli, center, flanked by lawyers, heads to court today for his arraignment. PROVIDENCE - Defendants in the Roger Williams Medical Center case may visit Florida this winter while conspiracy and fraud charges are pending against them in U.S. District Court. After the defendants entered not-guilty pleas during their arraignments this afternoon, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lovegreen decided they could travel south, as requested, as long as they inform the court's pre-trial services department of their plans. Robert A. Urciuoli, the center's president; Frances P. Driscoll, a former vice president; and Peter J. Sangermano Jr., the former president of The Village at Elmhurst assisted-living center, were named in a 38-count indictment a week ago, charging that they put former state Sen. John Celona on the medical center's payroll to do their bidding at the State House. In an unusual move, the medical center itself, a nonprofit institution, was also charged in the indictment. Attorney William Devereaux entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the hospital, after assuring Lovegreen that its board of trustees had reviewed the charges and authorized him to enter the plea. Lovegreen released Urciouli, Driscoll and Sangermano on $10,000 unsecured bond after the government asked him to set bail at $50,000 unsecured bond "because of the seriousness of the charges." Lovegreen noted that he doesn't consider the defendants flight risks or a danger to the community. For the most part, Lovegreen also restricted their travel, but he granted requests from defense attorneys to allow their clients to follow through on travel plans. Urciuoli has a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., while Sangermano is building a home in Jupiter. Driscoll's lawyer told Lovegreen that she had planned trips this winter, including a visit to Disneyworld, with her children and grandchildren. Posted by Jack Perry at 05:13 PM Narragansett chief calls for constitutional vote on casino questionPROVIDENCE - Narragansett Indian Tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas says Rhode Islanders should be able to vote on a constitutional amendment that would enable the tribe to develop a casino with Harrah's. In a press conference at the State House today, Thomas called for a November vote, saying, "Let the people decide." But Governor Carcieri continues to oppose "the creation of a Harrah's casino in Rhode Island," according to his press secretary, Jeff Neal. "As the governor has explained many times, a casino will undercut state revenues, hurt local businesses, and increase the potential for crime and corruption," Neal said. Promoters of a proposed Harrah's-Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick have indicated they will push this year to remove from the state Constitution words that have twice been interpreted by the state Supreme Court to ban the opening of any new, privately operated gambling establishment in Rhode Island. The opinions halted efforts to hold a casino-related vote. Jan Jones, a Harrah's senior vice president, and Patrick Conley, described in a media alert as a constitutional scholar, joined Thomas for the 1 p.m. press conference in the State House rotunda. Conley is a Providence developer and president of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Thomas said he was grateful to General Assembly members who have supported the casino effort. He called on the Assembly to "approve legislation that will place the constitutional amendment before the state's voters in November." Thomas characterized the casino project as one of the largest private economic development efforts ever proposed in Rhode Island. But Neal said, "Governor Carcieri is particularly concerned about any effort to alter the state Constitution to allow an out-of-state gambling company to operate a casino in Rhode Island. The governor doesn’t understand why we should change our constitution to help Harrah’s make money. He wants to know why we should send Rhode Island dollars to gambling moguls in Las Vegas. Governor Carcieri believes that our Constitution should not be for sale.” Posted by Jack Perry at 04:57 PM | Comment Photo: Beach day
Journal photo / Kathy Borchers Jane Thompson of Warwick sits on the rocks at Oakland Beach in Warwick, with her dog Jake, a Bichon-poodle mix, and enjoys the unusually warm January weather at noon today. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:20 PM Photo: Navigating the boat show in Providence
Journal photo / Bill Murphy Ron Martin of Chelmsford, Mass., left, and Ray Denkewicz of East Greenwich were some of the first people at the Rhode Island Convention Center this morning to check out the annual Providence Boat Show, which opened today. The show, which spreads out into the neighboring Dunkin' Donuts Center, runs through the weekend. For more information, visit www.providenceboatshow.com. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:47 PM Rte. 95 ramp re-opened after tractor-trailer accidentWEST WARWICK - A ramp at Exit 8 on Route 95 South has re-opened after a tractor-trailer jacknifed The tractor-trailer had been traveling south on Route 95 before turning onto the exit, according to State Police Capt. James Swanberg. It was the only vehicle involved, and nobody was injured, but a fuel tank was punctured, prompting officials to call an environmental crew to clean up a diesel fuel spill, according to Swanberg. The truck, driven by Mark Vanliew, 32, of New Jersey, was pulling a flatbed trailer with crates on it, Swanberg said. The accident is still under investigation. Posted by Jack Perry at 02:33 PM Hatch will testify in his tax-fraud trial, lawyer saysPROVIDENCE - Reality TV star Richard Hatch will testify during his tax-fraud trial in U.S. District Court, his lawyer said during his opening statement today. "I'm going to tell you right now so everyone will know, you will hear directly from Richard Hatch. He will take the witness stand," Michael Minns said. "None of you have gotten to meet the real Richard Hatch. You will meet the real Richard Hatch, and he is a very good man," Minns said of the Newport resident who won more than $1 million on the first Survivor. Hatch is charged with two counts of tax evasion, one count of filing a false income tax return, two counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and one count of bank fraud. Minns attributed Hatch's legal problems to bad bookkeeping. "He is the world's worst bookkeeper," Minns said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Reich revealed the government's interpretation during his opening statement today. "The evidence will show the defendant failed to report substantial amounts of money that he knew he was supposed to ... and he intentionally decided not to," Reich said. The trial broke for lunch at about 12:45, and the first witnesses are expected to testify this afternoon. Selection of the jury had been completed this morning. - Journal staff writer Richard Salit The grand jury alleges that Hatch failed to report about $1,037,000 from Survivor in 2000 and 2001, including a Pontiac Aztec valued at $27,074 that was given to him as part of his prize. It also alleges that Hatch failed to report $326,540 that Entercom, Boston, LLC, paid him in 2001 for appearances on The Wilde Show, a radio program on WQSX-FM; $28,104 in rental income in 2000 and 2001 from his property at 21 Annandale Rd., Newport; and $36,500 in charitable donations to Horizon Bound. - Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 01:30 PM Carcieri announces plans to address energy costsPROVIDENCE - Gov. Don Carcieri, moving to address soaring energy costs and high home heating bills, announced a five-point energy plan today that includes calls for reforming the electricity market and increasing the supply of natural gas. The governor also signed an executive order appointing the state's first chief energy adviser, Andrew Dzykewicz, who will oversee the energy policy and take over the state Energy Office. -- Associated Press Carcieri said he wants to increase the supply of natural gas by supporting the construction of liquefied natural gas terminals that can feed Rhode Island and the rest of the region. Carcieri opposes efforts to site a terminal along Narragansett Bay in Providence, saying the region is too densely populated, but has said a good alternative would be terminals in eastern Canada. Carcieri also said he wants to work with federal regulators to reform the electricity market so that Rhode Islanders do not pay inflated prices. Another element of the government's plan calls for using more renewable energy. Carcieri said he hoped a wind power project being developed by the State Energy Office and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation will ultimately satisfy 15 percent of the state's energy needs. Carcieri has asked for an audit of state energy use to help come up with strategies for decreasing energy consumption. Carcieri's plan comes as Rhode Island grapples with steeply rising energy prices. Northeast lawmakers have complained that a federal program aimed at providing heating assistance to low-income families is underfunded, and the U.S. Energy Secretary has warned that oil and natural gas production from the Gulf Coast will probably not recover from hurricane damage until this summer. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:08 PM Hatch jury complete; opening arguments nextPROVIDENCE - Selection of a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates was completed this morning to hear the federal tax fraud trial of Survivor winner Richard Hatch. Hatch, of Newport, is accused of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million prize from the CBS reality television program, and other income. Lawyers were expected to make opening statements later today. More about jury selection and the case from today's Journal ... - The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 11:31 AM Members of Guard airlift unit returning tomorrowPROVIDENCE - Twenty-three members of the Rhode Island National Guard's 143rd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return to Rhode Island tomorrow afternoon, the Guard has announced. The Guard members have been using C-130 transport aircraft to carry equipment and people throughout southwest Asia since deploying in October. They are scheduled to arrive at 12:15 p.m. at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:26 AM Navy to pay $1.4M to settle damage to N. Kingstown sitesThe U.S. Navy has agreed to pay the state more than $1.4 million for damage it caused to wetlands, groundwater and shellfishing areas in North Kingstown by dumping hazardous materials, state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced today. The payment of $1.415 million settles two lawsuits filed by the state in 2003 for irreversible damage caused by dumping at the 15-acre Allen Harbor Landfill and the 189-acre Calf Pasture Point, both former Navy-owned sites located at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, according to the attorney general's office. The Navy's past dumping of substances such as demolition debris, preservatives, paint thinners, asbestos and waste fuel oil at the Allen Habor site has contaminated the groundwater so that it won't ever be safe to drink and has forced the closing of Allen Habor to shellfishing since 1984, the state claims. The damage at Calf Pasture Point was considered less extensive, the state Department of Environmental Management said previously. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:10 AM Narragansett chief to hold press conference today on casino proposalPROVIDENCE -Narragansett Indian Tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas has scheduled a press conference this afternoon to discuss the proposed Narragansett Indian casino. Patrick Conley, described in a media alert as a constitutional scholar, will join Thomas for the 1 p.m. press conference in the State House rotunda. Conley is a Providence developer and president of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Promoters of a proposed Harrah's-Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick had indicated they will push this year to remove from the state Constitution words that have twice been interpreted by the state Supreme Court to ban the opening of any new, privately operated gambling establishment in Rhode Island. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:58 AM Tractor-trailer accident closes Exit 8 ramp on Rte. 95SWEST WARWICK - The state Department of Transportation has posted a traffic alert for a jacknifed tractor-trailer at Exit 8 on Route 95 south. The tractor-trailer jacknifed on the ramp, and the ramp is closed, according to the DOT.
Posted by Jack Perry at 09:13 AM Temperature today could approach a recordPROVIDENCE - Has spring already sprung? The temperature in Providence today is expected to reach 55 degrees, approaching the record for the date of 59 degrees set in 1975. The normal high for today is 37 degrees, so enjoy it. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 11, 2006Jury chosen in Hatch case; opening statements expected tomorrowPROVIDENCE - Twelve jurors have been selected in the tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch, and opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow. The six alternates are expected to be seated early tomorrow. With jury selection over the past two days, several jurors from a pool of more than 80 have been excused because of economic hardship or because they indicated that they could not sit impartially on the case. Hatch, of Newport, gained fame as the "fat, naked guy" who won the first Survivor challenge and its $1 million prize. He has been in court both days this week. - Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 05:21 PM ACLU files on behalf of prison preacherPROVIDENCE - The American Civil Liberties Union has filed an appeal in federal court on behalf of a convicted murderer who has been barred from preaching during Christian religious services at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Wesley Spratt had been preaching at ACI services for seven years before he was stopped in 2003 for what the ACLU calls "vague and generalized" security concerns, according to a news release from the Rhode Island affiliate of the ACLU. Spratt filed a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections in federal court, but a clerk magistrate ruled in favor of Corrections. Spratt was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction in March 1996 of first-degree murder for shooting a downtown parking lot attendant in a 1995 robbery. The Department of Corrections declined comment today because it hasn't had a chance to review the ACLU filing. Posted by Jack Perry at 05:00 PM R.I. to launch emergency backup to Medicare drug programStarting tomorrow, the state will launch an emergency program to help poor and disabled people who are having trouble getting their medications under the new Medicare Part D drug benefit. Pharmacists have been instructed to bill the state when the Medicare system fails to recognize a beneficiary, rejects a medication or charges an excessive co-pay, for patients who used to get their drugs through the state Medicaid health plan for the poor. "People who are either elderly or persons with disabilities cannot afford to be without medication," said Jane Hayward, director of Governor Carcieri's Office of Health and Human Services. "That's why the governor perceives this to be critical issue that has to be addressed." In setting up this system, Rhode Island joins several other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire, that have provided emergency back-up after hearing reports of needy patients leaving pharmacies without their medications. Effective tomorrow morning, the state is reactivating the Medicaid prescription drug coverage for the 27,000 Rhode Islanders who are covered by both Medicaid and Medicare. On Jan. 1, these people were required to obtain their medications through Medicare's new system of private drug plans. But computer glitches and tied-up phone lines have caused problems. Many of these people are very frail, extremely poor, or suffering from cognitive impairments, making it difficult for them to navigate the change. Find out more about Medicaid Part D and its changes ... -- Journal medical writer Felice J. Freyer Posted by Jack Perry at 04:40 PM PC bequeathed $5.2M for scholarshipsPROVIDENCE -- A Providence College graduate who made a fortune in biotechnology has bequeathed $5.2 million to the school for scholarships -- the largest single gift so designated in the school's history. Philip J. Whitcome, Ph.D., a member of the Class of 1970, died last December. His donation is aimed at needy and deserving students in the natural sciences, mathematics or computer science, PC said in a press release. A molecular biologist, Whitcome earned a bachelor of science in physics from PC. He attended the college as a member of the Experimental Honors Research Training Program supported by the National Institutes of Health. He later earned a master of business administration degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and received his doctorate in molecular biology from the University of California at Los Angeles. Whitcome most recently served as a director and chairman of the board of Avigen, a San Francisco-based company that develops gene-based therapeutic products for the treatment of inherited and acquired diseases. Prior to that, Whitcome served as director of strategic planning and in several other roles at Amgen Inc., a leading human therapeutics company in the biotechnology industry. He also served as manager of corporate development for medical products at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., a pharmaceutical and health care products company, and held research and marketing management positions with the Diagnostics Division of Abbott Laboratories, a pharmaceutical and medical products company. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Whitcome previously established the Whitcome Family Scholarship Fund for Providence College students pursuing a major in the natural sciences. He also sponsored a stained glass window in the sanctuary of St. Dominic Chapel in honor of his late wife, Carla Witson Whitcome. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:58 PM Lynch: Ruling on lead-case witnesses 'minor setback'PROVIDENCE - A judge's ruling that prevents two state witnesses from testifying is a "minor setback" in the state's case against former makers of lead paint, state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch said this afternoon. "Although we're disappointed by it and will consider our options about addressing it, it won't stop us from reaching our goal," Lynch said in a statement. "Our case has always been about, and our case will always be about ensuring that children in Rhode Island are permanently safe from lead from paint. "The overarching issue - the state of Rhode Island's request that this public nuisance be abated, an abatement that could cost billions of dollars - is still very much at stake," Lynch said. Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein ruled this morning that one current and one former state employee could not testify about the money spent on services related to lead-based paint abatement and poisoning due to lead-based paint. The witnesses prevented from testifying are state Budget Officer Rosemary Booth Gallogly and the former finance administrator in the Division of Health Care Quality and Purchasing at the Department of Health and Human Services, James FitzGerald. Silverstein said the defense would not be able to effectively question the witnesses about money spent because the documents the witnesses provided did not differentiate between lead poisonings due to lead-based paint, and lead poisonings from other sources such as tainted water or soil. If the witnesses were allowed to testify based on total lead poisonings, Silverstein said, "Any jury verdict with respect to monetary damages, of necessity, would have to arise from speculation and conjecture." -- With reports from Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Jack Perry at 03:08 PM Potential juror dismissed after he calls Hatch 'immoral'PROVIDENCE - A potential juror in the tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch was sent home today because he said he considers Hatch "immoral." With jury selection into its second day, several other jurors from a pool of more than 80 have been excused because of economic hardship or because they indicated that they could not sit impartially on the case. Twelve jurors and six alternates are needed. Hatch, of Newport man, gained fame as the "fat, naked guy" who won the first Survivor challenge and its $1 million prize. He was in court again today and conferred with his attorney during the proceeding. U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres called a one-hour break at about 12:45 p.m. More about the case from today's Journal. - Journal staff writer Richard Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 12:52 PM Arraignments tomorrow for Roger Williams defendantsPROVIDENCE - Roger Williams Medical Center, its president and two others are scheduled for arraignment tomorrow on charges that the hospital and its representatives stole the "honest services" of a Rhode Island senator. The nonprofit institution, its president, Robert A. Urciuoli, and two others were charged in a 38-count federal indictment Thursday with putting former senator John A. Celona on the payroll to do their bidding at the State House. Also charged were Peter J. Sangermano Jr., the former president of The Village at Elmhurst assisted-living center; and Frances P. Driscoll, a former Roger Williams vice president. The arraignment is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lovegreen on the second floor of the Post Office building, Providence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:29 PM GTECH, Lottomatica stock prices slip / Photo
Bloomberg photo Customers get their Lottomatica lottery slips in a tobacconist's shop in central Rome, Italy, today. Shares in Lottomatica SpA fell the most in 21 months after the Italian company said it would sell shares and bonds to finance its $4.6 billion deal to buy GTECH Holdings Corp., to become the world's biggest lottery manager. Stock in Lottomatica was down 53 cents from yesterday's close of $30.07 at noon Eastern time. Stock in Rhode Island-based GTECH was also down, 18 cents from yesterday's close of $33.05. For more on the sale, read the stories from today's Journal.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:16 PM Study: R.I. ranks 9th for support of emergency medical careA study by the American College of Emergency Physicians ranked Rhode Island ninth in the country for its support of the state's emergency medical care system, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. The study, released in report card format yesterday, gave Rhode Island a B- when the nation's average score was C-, noted Dr. David R. Gifford, state health director. "Overall, we are very pleased with the results of this report. In the crucial areas of access to emergency care and quality and patient safety we got an A and a B+. Unfortunately, the area of medical liability environment dragged us down with an F," Gifford said. Some of the areas in which Rhode Island also lost points are related to injury prevention measures. Gifford said improved scores in these areas would require much broader statewide efforts. Gifford says the report card also shows that Rhode Island and the Department of Health have spent spent public health dollars for emergency preparedness "wisely." Posted by Jack Perry at 12:01 PM Judge: Witnesses can't testify about lead-poisoning financial damagesPROVIDENCE - Two state's witnesses who were expected to testify about financial damages the state incurred because of children poisoned by lead-based paint will not be allowed to testify, a judge ruled today. State Budget Officer Rosemary Booth Gallogly and the former finance administrator in the Division of Health Care Quality and Purchasing at the Department of Health and Human Services, James FitzGerald, will not testify about the money spent on services related to lead-based paint abatement and poisoning due to lead-based paint. In his decision, Superior Court Judge Michael A. Silverstein said the defense would not be able to effectively question the witnesses about money spent because the documents the witnesses provided did not differentiate between lead poisonings due to lead-based paint, and lead poisonings from other sources such as tainted water or soil. If the witnesses were allowed to testify based on total lead poisonings, Silverstein said, "Any jury verdict with respect to monetary damages, of necessity, would have to arise from speculation and conjecture." - Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson In a landmark case now in its second trial, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office has accused four paint companies of creating a nuisance when they sold lead-based paints that continue to poison children in Rhode Island. The state is seeking money from the defendants for an abatement program. Gallogly and FitzGerald were the state's two witnesses scheduled to testify about how much money the state spent related to the hazards of lead-based paint. The judge called a recess after this morning's rulings and the parties are due back in court at 2 p.m. without the jury. - Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Jack Perry at 11:34 AM Legislators to propose changes to sex-offender release lawPROVIDENCE - State representatives are planning a news conference this afternoon to announce the introduction of a sexual predator bill. The bill will propose changes to state law regarding the release from prison of sexual offenders, the sponsors say. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, a Democrat who represents Warwick and Cranston. Co-sponsors are Rep. Edwin R. Pacheco, a Democrat who represents Burrillville and Glocester, and Rep. J. Patrick O'Neill, a Democrat who represents Pawtucket. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:28 AM Driver pleads innocent in November crash that killed Swansea officerNEW BEDFORD - A former Swansea volunteer firefighter accused of drunken driving in a crash that killed a Swansea police officer in November pleaded innocent to charges this morning in Bristol County Superior Court. Wayne R. Smith, 49, was indicted Dec. 29 on charges of motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol. The charges stem from the death of Sgt. Robert Cabral, 52, who was killed Nov 5. Smith was driving his pickup truck along Route 6 in Swansea, when he crossed the center line and hit Cabral's police SUV head-on, the police said. Relatives of Cabral declined comment at the courthouse. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Feb. 6. Smith remains free on the $10,000 cash bail set after his District Court arraignment. - Journal staff writer Michael McKinney Posted by Jack Perry at 10:56 AM Hatch dressing down for Day 2 of tax-fraud trialPROVIDENCE -- For Day Two of his tax-fraud trial, Richard Hatch was even more dressed down than yesterday. Once again, he was seen crossing a downtown street on the way to federal court. This time, he wore dark khaki-colored pants and a matching sweater with broad khaki-colored and camel stripes, carrying a laptop-style case slung over his shoulder. It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that Survivor champion Hatch is taking a casual approach to his court apparel. After all, he's the man who proudly paraded around that island as "the fat, naked guy." For more on his trial, read today's Journal story. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 09:08 AM Lynch to honor 10 with justice awardsPROVIDENCE - Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch will honor 10 people with Justice Awards during a ceremony at 6 p.m. tomorrow in his office. Eight of the awards, given in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to justice exhibited by members of the community, are named in honor of the eight living former Attorneys General, according to Lynch's office. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 10, 2006Governor accepts reform proposals for assisted-living facilitiesPROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri has accepted 23 recommendations for reforming assisted-living facilities in Rhode Island in the wake of a June murder and sexual assault at the Beechwood Assisted Living Residence in Central Falls. The recommendations announced today were included in a report from Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Jane Hayward, whom Carcieri asked to review the system following the events at Beechwood. The report found that the assisted-living system is appropriate and safe for most people, particularly the elderly, but it also found that the system is not meeting the needs of its younger adult residents with physical or behavioral disabilities, according to Carcieri's office. Ronald Leddy, 44, was charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend Johnna Orzechowski, 35, and repeatedly raping a housekeeper June 10 in Beechwood, where he and Orzechowski lived. The report recommends, among other things, a new level of licensure for the under-65 population, to ensure that minimum service and care needs are met and to ensure the qualifications of these particular providers, according to Carcieri's office. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:46 PM Updated: Cranston man accused of killing teacher's aide ordered heldWARWICK -- A judge today denied bail to the landscaper accused of murdering his boss’s wife in Warwick last November. "He does not deserve to walk the streets of any state, let alone the state of Rhode Island, so he will be held without bail,’’ District Court Judge Elaine T. Bucci declared of the defendant, James S. Richardson. The evidence against Richardson in "this heinous and sick crime’’ is strong enough to keep him jailed until trial, Bucci said. "Hopefully, he will never see the light of day, if he is convicted by a jury.’’ Bucci had heard testimony from 12 witnesses over three days. Margaret R. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, a special-education assistant and mother of one, was found stabbed to death on Nov. 18 in her home, on Blackmore Street in Warwick. A safe in the basement office of her husband’s landscaping company was opened and emptied. - Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider During the hearing, state prosecutors presented evidence that Richardson, 38, of Cranston, knew about the location of the safe, said to contain more than $10,000 in cash. Witnesses also testified that Richardson needed cash to visit his pregnant wife in the Philippines. An analyst testified that DNA under one of the victim’s fingernails matched a sample taken from Richardson under court order. - Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider Posted by Jack Perry at 03:53 PM Carcieri, Lynch meet with Roger Williams board membersPROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri met today with members of the board at Roger Williams Medical Center to discuss last week's indictment of the hospital, its top executive and others on federal corruption charges. Speaking to reporters after the closed-door meeting at the State House, Carcieri called the indictment of the nonprofit hospital a "very, very serious matter" and that he wanted to ensure the hospital would continue offering the same medical services. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch also attended the meeting. For more background, read today's Journal story. - The Associated Press The medical center, chief executive Robert A. Urciuoli; Frances P. Driscoll, a former senior vice president; and Peter J. Sangermano Jr., the former head of an assisted-living facility that was affiliated with the hospital, are each charged with mail fraud and conspiracy. A 38-count federal indictment accuses the hospital and executives of conspiring to pay former state Sen. John Celona to promote the medical center's interests in the General Assembly. Carcieri stressed that the purpose of the meeting was not to seek the resignation of Urciuoli, who was placed on paid administrative leave last month, or of individual board members. "He is no longer there, he is on paid leave," Carcieri said, adding that the hospital had an interim president, Kenneth Belcher, who was overseeing operations. Celona pleaded guilty last year, admitting he did political favors for the medical center - including supporting or opposing legislation on its behalf - after being hired as a paid consultant. Celona has been cooperating in the investigation and is due to be sentenced in the spring. Federal prosecutors say that between February 1998 and January 2004, Celona earned more than $260,000 for work he did for Roger Williams and the Village at Elmhurst, an affiliated-living facility. He was a member of the Senate Corporations Committee and later became its chairman. After the indictment was announced last Thursday, the hospital issued a news release saying it was shocked and disappointed. "They don't take it lightly at all," Carcieri told reporters. The indictment alleges that Roger Williams and the executives deceived the state Ethics Commission about their relationship with Celona. The executives reported that Celona was being hired as a consultant for the assisted-living home when he was actually performing duties for the medical center, according to federal prosecutors. Celona resigned from the Legislature in 2004. He has admitted receiving money from several companies with an interest in General Assembly legislation. Ed Hjerpe, chairman of the Board of Trustees, declined repeatedly to discuss personnel matters after emerging from the meeting. Asked by a reporter how he thought the hospital's indictment looked to Rhode Islanders, Hjerpe replied, "I'm sure it doesn't look great." - The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 02:52 PM Hatch jury pool filled with many Survivor watchersPROVIDENCE - Most of the potential jurors in reality television star Richard Hatch's tax evasion trial said they had seen the reality television show Survivor when questioned today in U.S. District Court. Most of the more than 80 potential jurors also indicated that they had seen publicity about Hatch's legal problems. Federal prosecutors claim that Hatch did not report the more than $1 million he won on the first Survivor, and also neglected to report other income. Jury selection began today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ernest Torres, and the trial is scheduled to begin Thursday. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 02:19 PM Jim Rice fails to make baseball's Hall of FameJim Rice, the slugger who embodied the Boston Red Sox teams of the late 1970s, has failed again to make baseball's Hall of Fame. Relief pitcher Bruce Sutter was the only inductee in this year's election, results of which were announced at 2 p.m. this afternoon. To be elected, a player must be named on 75 percent of the ballots in voting by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Rice was named on 64 percent. Rice will be on the writers' ballot for 15 years; this was his 11th year of eligibility. -- Art Martone
Posted by Art at 02:04 PM Judge: Lead law exemption unconstitutionalAn exemption in the state Lead Hazard Mitigation Law violates landlords’ rights to equal protection guaranteed under the state constitution, according to Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr. In a decision issued today, Fortunato wrote "there is no rational basis for allowing the children who live in these two- and three- unit owner-occupied buildings to be at risk while children living in other units enjoy the protection" of the law. The law, which went into effect Nov. 1, 2005, requires landlords to take a 3-hour lead awareness class and keep their buildings certified lead-safe by doing yearly inspections and keeping all painted surfaces intact. If the landlord lives in a two- or three-unit building and also has tenants, that building is exempted from the law. Housing designated for seniors, temporary housing and housing already certified as lead-safe or lead-free is also exempted from the new law. Fortunato will not stop the state from enforcing the law, but, he wrote, "It is the hope of the court that the legislators will promptly revisit the legislation and remedy the statute's constitutional defects discussed." -- Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Andrea Panciera at 02:03 PM In surprise move, duo plead guilty to conspiracy to murderWARWICK -- In a surprise move, the two defendants pleaded guilty today in the case of a Coventry man accused of hiring a hit man to kill his wife. Both defendants entered their pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, just before jury selection was scheduled to start this morning in Kent County Superior Court. Thomas J. Lewis, whose wife survived, and the accused hitman, Thomas M. Kenna of Arizona, had previously pleaded innocent to the charges. But when Kenna was brought into court today, he declared he wanted to plead guilty and after a discussion with his lawyer, he did so, without any plea agreement. He was then followed by Lewis, who also decided to change his plea after consulting with his lawyer and negotiating a plea agreement. Kenna faces a maximum of life plus 10 years. Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 35 years to serve. Police said Lewis had hired Kenna to kill his wife, Kris Sao Bento, 37. She was attacked at the doorstep of her Gadoury Avenue home on July 19, 2004, but managed to fend him off before neighbors ran to her aid. Sentencing is set for the two on different dates this March. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:58 PM Jury selection starts in case of Coventry man accused of conspiring to kill wifeWARWICK - Jury selection began today in the conspiracy to commit murder trial of a Coventry man accused of hiring an Arizona hit man to kill his wife. Thomas J. Lewis, whose wife survived, has pleaded innocent to charges of conspiracy to commit murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He allegedly hired Thomas M. Kenna of Arizona to murder his wife. Kenna has also pleaded innocent to the same charges. The Coventry police say Kenna attacked Kris Sao Bento, 37, at the doorstep of her Gadoury Avenue home on July 19, 2004. She fended off serious blows to the head and face before several neighbors ran to her aid and managed to wrestle Kenna to the ground, holding him until officers arrived, the police said. The trial is in Kent County Superior Court before Lewis before Judge Melanie W. Thunberg. -- With reports from Journal staff writer Zachary R. Mider Posted by Jack Perry at 11:38 AM Updated: Hatch arrives for start of tax-fraud trial / Photo
Journal photo / Mary Murphy Richard Hatch, right, of Newport, arrives at U.S. District Court this morning with one of his lawyers. PROVIDENCE -- Survivor's Richard Hatch was spotted walking briskly through downtown this morning, presumably on his way to the start of his federal tax-fraud trial. Wearing a dark sports jacket, with a light beard and close-cropped hair, Hatch carried a briefcase and was accompanied by a woman. Jury selection begins today in the high-profile trial, which is being held in U.S. District Court in the courthouse on Kennedy Plaza. For more background, read today's Journal story. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:46 AM Italian lottery company buying GTECH for $4.8BGTECH Holdings Corp. agreed today to be purchased by Lottomatica S.p.A., operator of the Italian lottery, for $4.8 billion. GTECH's board of directors voted this morning to sell the publicly-traded West Greenwich company in an all-cash transaction for $35 a share. Lottomatica will acquire all the outstanding shares of GTECH's stock, which will then be delisted. Yesterday, GTECH's stock closed at $33.50 a share. GTECH will operate as a business unit within Lottomatica, according to a statement released this morning. The deal is expected to close in the middle of this year. The Lottomatica group will be headquartered in Rome, but the GTECH business unit will be based in Rhode Island. The company is expected to maintain its facility in West Greenwich and the new unit being built in downtown Providence. More to come on projo.com ... -- Journal staff writer Andrea Stape Posted by Andrea Panciera at 09:42 AM Cicilline to help open job training centerPROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline is scheduled to join representatives from Providence/Cranston Workforce Solutions and local business leaders for the grand opening of The Providence Skills Center at 9:30 this morning at Providence Place Mall. The skills center, the only one of its kind in New England, is part of a nationwide program to help candidates get jobs in the retail and service industries, according to the mayor's office. It was created in partnership with the city, NRF Foundation, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Rhode Island Retail Federation, General Growth Properties, Inc., and Comprehensive Community Action Program, according to the mayor's office. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 09, 2006Cleanup under way at Cranston ice rink / Photo
City officials said today it will be at least several weeks before the rink can reopen, leaving several youth and adult leagues and high school hockey teams displaced, and having to find ice time elsewhere in state. Read today's Journal story about the fire for more background.
Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:05 PM Carcieri, Lynch to meet with Roger Williams hospital directorsPROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri and Atty. Gen. Patrick C. Lynch have requested a meeting with directors of Roger Williams Medical Center in the wake of the hospital's indictment last Thursday on federal corruption charges. Hospital directors are scheduled to meet with the governor and the attorney general tomorrow at 11 a.m., in the governor's State Room at the State House. "Governor Carcieri has some serious concerns about the impact of recent events on Roger Williams," said the governor's spokesman, Jeff Neal. "Roger Williams is obviously an important asset to the community, and a number of questions have been raised about the hospital's operation and governance. The governor wants an opportunity to speak to the board about his concerns." - Journal staff writer Mike Stanton It has been a stormy beginning to 2006 for the Providence hospital. On New Year's Day, The Journal reported that the board of directors had voted to keep its president, Robert Urciuoli, after an internal review concluded that Urciuoli had improperly spent thousands of dollars on personal expenses – family dinners at expensive restaurants, golf trips and stays in luxurious hotels like the Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. That story has prompted Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty and legislators to call for a new law imposing a strict code of ethics on directors of Rhode Island hospitals. On Thursday, the hospital and Urciuoli, who is on paid leave, were charged with conspiracy and mail fraud for allegedly stealing the honest services of a state senator, John A. Celona. Also indicted were a former hospital vice president, Frances Driscoll, and Peter Sangermano, a former partner with Roger Williams in the Village at Elmhurst, a Providence assisted-living center. Neal declined today to say more about tomorrow's meeting, but said that he expects the governor will have more to say afterward. Lynch and officials from Roger Williams were not immediately available for comment. - Journal staff writer Mike Stanton Posted by Jack Perry at 04:32 PM Jury selection begins tomorrow in Survivor Hatch's tax trialPROVIDENCE - Jury selection is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning in the tax evasion and fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch of Newport. The trial, in U.S. District Court, Providence, won't begin until Thursday at the earliest, even if a jury is selected before then, according to a spokesman in the clerk's office. Hatch, who won $1 million on the first Survivor, is charged with two counts of tax evasion, one count of filing a false income tax return, two counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and one count of bank fraud. The grand jury alleges that Hatch failed to report about $1,037,000 from Survivor in 2000 and 2001, including a Pontiac Aztec valued at $27,074 that was given to him as part of his prize. It also alleges that Hatch failed to report $326,540 that Entercom, Boston, LLC, paid him in 2001 for appearances on The Wilde Show, a radio program on WQSX-FM; $28,104 in rental income in 2000 and 2001 from his property at 21 Annandale Rd., Newport; and $36,500 in charitable donations to Horizon Bound. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:27 PM Former Cianci aide seeks record expungementPROVIDENCE - The chief of staff for former Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci has asked to have his record expunged, four years after a federal jury found him innocent of taking a bribe that was allegedly intended for his boss. In papers filed in federal court last month, Artin Coloian, who was acquitted in June 2002, argues that he "still lives with the pronounced stigma of his case" despite being found innocent. "His former position in local government and the public eye magnify the effects of his case so much that they can only be characterized as unusual and extreme," according to a court filing by his attorney and law partner, Steven DiLibero. - The Associated Press The document adds that Coloian's record "impedes his ability to practice law and conduct business." The U.S. Attorney's office opposes the request, and a federal judge has scheduled arguments for next month. DiLibero declined to comment today, saying he was still working on the details of the request. Coloian did not return a call for comment. Coloian was one of several city officials caught up in a massive federal investigation into corruption at City Hall, dubbed "Operation Plunder Dome." Cianci, who was convicted in a separate trial of a single count of racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison. - The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 04:03 PM RI ACLU challenges drunken driving studyPROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union challenged claims today about Rhode Island's high rate of drunken driving deaths, which has been cited by politicians and others calling for tougher drunken driving laws. Recent studies have used alcohol-related vehicle fatalities as a percentage of total vehicle deaths to show that Rhode Island has one of the worst drunken driving fatality rates in the nation. But an analysis by the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union concludes the method is misleading because the state's overall traffic fatality rate is low compared to the national average. - The Associated Press A better calculation is to use alcohol-related fatalities per total vehicle miles driven, the ACLU said. Using that formula, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows alcohol-related driving deaths in Rhode Island exceeded the national average just once between 1982 and 2002. The statistics also show there were 42 fatal alcohol-related crashes in Rhode Island in 2004, down 21 percent from the previous year and the lowest total since 2000, according to the ACLU report. Steven Brown, the ACLU's executive director, said the analysis was not meant to downplay the seriousness of drunken driving, but to question whether more laws are necessary, such as a legislative proposal to toughen penalties for suspected drunken drivers who refuse to take a breath test. The Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 03:36 PM WJAR up for saleWJAR, the ratings leader in Rhode Island television, has been put up for sale by its owner, NBC Universal. An NBC spokeswoman in New York today confirmed the network-owned affiliate has been put on the market, but she declined to address any other questions about the possible sale of Rhode Island's oldest television station. The trade magazine Broadcasting & Cable, however, reported earlier today that Channel 10 is one of four NBC-owned local stations that the network is looking to sell in the hope of raising more than $600 million. The four stations up for sale are in NBC's four smallest local TV markets: Providence, Raleigh, N.C., Columbus, Ohio, and Birmingham, Ala. NBC Universal is a division of General Electric. Posted by at 03:27 PM Warwick contractor sentenced for stealing from client, 84WARWICK - The Warwick contractor who stole more than $50,000 from an 84-year-old client has been given a 10-year sentence, with eight years suspended, and ordered to repay Carmel I. Cenami the money he stole. Also today, Judge Vincent A. Ragosta issued a no-contact order and prohibited 34-year-old Michael J. McAteer, of 58 Gilbert Stuart Drive, from ever working again as a contractor in Rhode Island. Ragosta imposed the sentence after McAteer pleaded no contest to 18 felony counts of forgery. Cenami faced McAteer in court to deliver a victim's statement, in which she said the thefts had imperiled the "very thing I cherish most, the security of my home and being financially able to stay there." - Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 02:17 PM R.I. gas prices spike again, by 12 centsPROVIDENCE - Gasoline prices jumped 12 cents in Rhode Island this week, the fifth consecutive week of increasing prices, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.38 per gallon at the self-service pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. Analysts blame the jump on crude oil prices increasing $4 to $5 in November and December to $64 per barrel.
Posted by Jack Perry at 12:54 PM Swarovski cutting 178 jobs at Cranston HQCRANSTON - Swarovski North America, a leading maker and seller of cut crystal, plans to eliminate 178 jobs at its Cranston headquarters by May as it shifts its focus away from manufacturing and product development, the company announced today. Other Swarovski-owned or partner facilities in Europe and Asia will assume most of the manufacturing duties, although Swarovski North America says it is developing alliances with several local manufacturers to handle some product manufacturing and assembly in Rhode Island. The company estimates that about 50 employees from the manufacturing area will remain in jobs related to those alliances. After the layoffs, Swarovski will employ about 310 people in Rhode Island. Cranston will remain corporate headquarters for the United States., Canada and markets in Latin and South America. Daniel J. Cohen, president of the Swarovski US Holding Limited Partnership, said, "We recognize the difficulties this decision causes our employees and the local community. It is important to note that this shift in focus at SNA, combined with other strategic changes we've undertaken in recent years, will better enable us to attract more consumers to the Swarovski brand through an improved network of retail and independent stores, and a wider variety of products in all of the markets we serve." "The opportunities for Swarovski to build its North America business are tremendous, and this new approach will allow SNA to significantly improve its contributions to the Swarovski Group. In so doing, we will sustain SNA's position as an integral part of the group's long-term future," Cohen said. Swarovski North America says its new business model will enable the company to grow more aggressively and efficiently. The company's focus on sales, brand development, retail development and distribution should create job opportunities in areas such as market services, wholesale and retail selling, the company said. A total of 198 jobs North America will be lost, including the 178 in Cranston. After the realignment, SNA will continue to employ 1,000 people and operate in 30 states. All of the affected employees are being offered severance packages which include outplacement assistance, the company says. The Swarovski Group was founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski and is privately owned. The group employs 16,000 people and operates sales companies in 34 countries and manufacturing facilities in 16. Swarovski established its North America presence in 1957, in Providence, and moved to Cranston in 1978. The company had sales of more than 2 billion euros in 2005, with about 20 percent coming from North America. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:31 PM Texas Instruments to sell Attleboro-based unitTexas Instruments Inc. announced this morning an agreement to sell its sensors and controls business to Bain Capital LLC, a Boston-based private equity firm, for $3 billion. Headquartered in Attleboro, Mass., the business sells engineered sensors and controls for appliances, aircraft, lighting, industrial uses and climate control equipment. Once a major employer in Attleboro, the sensors and controls operation has scaled back manufacturing opertions there in recent years and moved it overseas. Thomas Wroe Jr., president of the sensors and controls business, will continue to lead the operation under Bain Capital. "We are eager to start this new chapter in our history," Wroe said in a statement announcing the deal. "We have made tremendous strides improving profitability while growing the business." Posted by at 11:59 AM Fire displaces residents of Newport apartment houseNEWPORT - A fire in an apartment house last night displaced the occupants, according to the Police Department. None of the residents was injured in the 9:30 p.m. fire at 319 Broadway, according to the Police Department. The fire started on a second-floor porch. The building has three apartments, two of which were occupied. Volunteers from the Rhode Island chapter of the American Red Cross were at the fire last night and are helping the displaced residents, according to a Red Cross spokeswoman. - Journal staff writer Rich Salit Posted by Jack Perry at 11:56 AM ACLU report to challenge R.I. drunk-driving fatality ratePROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union plans a 10 a.m. press conference today to release a report that it says "challenges recent, highly-publicized claims about Rhode Island's high alcohol fatality accident rate and the accompanying push for punitive drunk-driving legislation." After a study showed that Rhode Island had the highest proportion of alcohol-related fatalities in the country for the fourth year in a row, House leaders in the General Assembly in November publicly pledged to back tougher laws to punish those who refuse a drunk-driving test breath test. The news conference will be at the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island, 260 West Exchange St., Suite 301, in Providence. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:55 AM MadHouse Cafe opens tonight in PawtucketPAWTUCKET -- The MadHouse Cafe, an offshoot of Narragansett's Crazy Burger Cafe and Juice Bar, has its grand opening from 5 to 8 tonight in the former Newport Creamery in Pawtucket's Apex Building, 100 Main St. The interior is the work of Morris Nathanson Design, which helped create restaurants for the Capital Grille, Bugaboo Creek Steak House, Papa-Razzi and Legal Sea Foods chains. For more information, call (401) 724-0056. Posted by Journal Staff at 09:53 AM Carcieri, Chafee to help re-open Redwood LibraryNEWPORT - Governor Carcieri and U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee are among the dignitaries expected to be on hand at 11:30 a.m. today for the Redwood Library and Athenaeum's re-opening celebration after its restoration. In 2001, Chafee helped secure a $250,000 Save America's Treasure Grant for Redwood, which is the oldest circulating library in the United States. The National Endowment for the Humanities also granted more than $500,000 toward the restoration, according to Chafee's office. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 06, 2006Carcieri pitches compromise minimum-wage hikePROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri announced today that he's working on compromise legislation that would boost the state's minimum wage, but by less than a bill pending in the General Assembly. Carcieri's legislation would provide a one-step increase in the minimum wage, from $6.75 to about $7.10 per hour, he said in a statement released today. House leaders this week introduced a bill they said they planned to "fast track" that would raise Rhode Island's minimum wage to $7.10 an hour as of March 1, and then boost it to $7.40 per hour on Jan. 1, 2007. Carcieri, who vetoed an increase in the minimum wage last year, has said that he hoped to reach an agreement on an increase that would help Rhode Island’s most vulnerable citizens and families, while also protecting Rhode Island jobs. The governor believes that the two increases proposed in the House bill could hurt Rhode Island's ability to attract new businesses and undercut his efforts to increase jobs. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:43 PM Judging tomorrow for annual R.I. Scholastic Art AwardsPROVIDENCE -- Scores of local middle school and high school art educators are expected to converge on the Art Center at Rhode Island College tomorrow, as they register hundreds of works for judging in the annual 2006 Rhode Island Scholastic Art Awards contest. Judging will be held through 11:30 a.m. Winning artwork will be displayed Feb. 3-16 at Alperts Furniture Showplace, Route 6, in Seekonk, Mass. The annual statewide scholastic art competition is sponsored by The Providence Journal in cooperation with the Rhode Island Art Education Association and community partner Alperts Furniture. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:16 PM Hearing set on suppressing Carpio's statements to policePROVIDENCE - A Superior Court judge today scheduled a Jan. 17 hearing so lawyers for the man accused of killing a Providence police detective can argue why a jury should not be able to hear their client's statements to the police. The lawyers for Esteban Carpio, 27, charged with killing Detective Sgt. James Allen at police headquarters in April, are trying to suppress statements Carpio made to the police after his arrest. Defense lawyers Robert L. Sheketoff and Kirsten M. Wenge said in their court filing that Carpio was lying in a hospital bed and not made aware of his Miranda rights when the police were interrogating him. During a status conference today, Judge William Dimitri scheduled the suppression hearing. - Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Jack Perry at 03:35 PM Report: First baseman Snow to sign with SoxVeteran first baseman J.T. Snow plans to sign with the Red Sox, according to an MLB.com report posted on the Red Sox Web site. The story reports that Snow is having a physical in Boston today and will sign a one-year, $2-million contract with the Sox if he passes. Snow, who turns 38 next month and has six Gold Gloves, spent the last nine seasons with the San Francisco Giants, the report says. He has played 1,677 career games, hitting .268 with 189 homers and 873 RBIs. Posted by Jack Perry at 03:16 PM Walker back home after eviction last monthPROVIDENCE - The 81-year-old Providence woman who lost her house at public auction because of an unpaid sewer bill returned home this afternoon. Madeline Walker seemed surprised by the press and cameras that greeted her arrival at 122 Chester Ave. She sat patiently as reporters and photographers walked through the house conducting interviews. Walker's eviction from the house last month caused a public uproar and caught the attention of Governor Carcieri. At Carcieri's request, Providence lawyer Joseph Rodio looked into the issue, filed suit, and a Superior Court judge ruled last month that Walker could return home while questions over ownership are worked out. Walker's return was delayed while the heating system was replaced. - Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Jack Perry at 02:52 PM Attack on Fall River child fabricatedFALL RIVER - Police have called off their search for a man with two teeth who allegedly attacked a 10-year girl who was walking to Westall School after the child admitted that she made up the story. The department flooded the area of North Main and Odd Streets with detectives Thursday morning as children walked to the school, looking for the 60-year-old man with a paint-stained brown T-shirt and baggy pants who supposedly tapped the girl on the shoulder, asked for the time, and then grabbed her inappropriately after she tried to walk away. "We were all over it, and we're happy to report that it simply didn't happen, said Chief John M. Souza. - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Souza said he got the word after the detectives interviewed the girl for a second time last night, focusing on some inconsistencies in her account. "The girl, with a little bit of sensitive interrogation, was able to break down and tell the real story," the chief said. No charges will be filed against the child for filing a false police report, which is usually a crime, said Souza, but he said he hopes the youngster "will receive some attention through family or counseling." More to come in projo.com and tomorrow's Journal. - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Jack Perry at 02:33 PM Photo: Searching for weapons at E. Greenwich middle school
Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski East Greenwich police Officers Mat Cipriano, left, and Alan Marcella check under the stage in the cafeteria at Cole Middle School in East Greenwich today. Police and staff were searching for weapons in the wake of a threat written on a bathroom wall that led to the closing of school today. Read today's Journal story for more background. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:22 PM Updated / Johnston man, 18, stabbed in downtown Providence fightPROVIDENCE - City police are investigating the stabbing of an 18-year-old Johnston man during a fight involving several people early this morning. At about 1:29 a.m., the police were called for a reported stabbing and found the victim, Michael Glenn Morrison, of 38 Argonne St., lying in a pool of blood in a downtown parking lot, according to a police report. Morrison was bleeding heavily from the neck, according to the report, and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition this afternoon. Four men and a woman with Morrison, all ages 18 or 19, told the police they had been involved in an altercation with three or four males and that one of the males stabbed Morrison in the neck with a broken beer bottle. Morrison's friends said they had visited nearby Club Diesel on Washington Street, and they began arguing with the other group when they went to their vehicle, which was parked a private lot owned by The Providence Journal on Fountain Street. The police report noted that the lot is monitored by a security camera mounted to The Journal building. The police also noted that an ID was found on Morrison at Rhode Island Hospital that idenfitied him as Robert Lewis, age 26. His friends told the police that he used the identification to enter Club Diesel. A detective this morning said nobody had been arrested. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 12:04 PM Evicted Providence woman, 81, due to return home todayPROVIDENCE - The 81-year-old Providence woman who lost her house last month because of an unpaid sewer bill is scheduled to return this afternoon, according to the Urban League of Rhode Island. After Madeline Walker was evicted from her home at 122 Chester Ave., supporters went to court to help her get it back, and a Superior Court judge ruled last month that she could return while the legal questions over the ownership continue. Walker was set to return earlier, but that was delayed because the house's furnace was inoperable and its piping cut. The Urban League, which has been helping Walker, said the furnace was being repaired this week. - Journal staff writer Mark Arsenault Posted by Jack Perry at 11:57 AM EMC cutting 1,000 jobs, but adding more laterHOPKINTON, Mass. -- EMC Corp., which makes computer disks used for data storage, said today it is cutting 1,000 jobs and that a series of charges would eat into its expected net income for the fourth quarter. EMC spokesman Greg Eden, however, said the company is adding other positions and by the end of 2006 its work force will be larger than it is now. At the end of the third quarter, EMC had 25,000 employees. The charges are expected to shave some 11 cents per share off fourth-quarter net earnings, bringing quarterly profit to 6 cents per share. Excluding these items, EMC expects earnings to be at the high end of its earlier forecast of 16 to 17 cents a share. Stock price was done 28 cents from yesterday's close, to $13.70 per share, this morning. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:57 AM End of Big Dig repair to open tunnels round the clockBOSTON -- Major leak repairs and sealing of the Big Dig tunnels will be completed by next week, ending nearly three years of late-night lane closings and confusing detours, officials said. The completion of the work will allow officials to open the Interstate 93 tunnels under Boston around the clock for the first time, The Boston Globe reported. Repair and construction crews have blocked overnight traffic on most weeknights since shortly after the northbound tunnel opened in 2003, said project manager Michael Lewis. -- Associated Press Posted by Andrea Panciera at 10:48 AM Grant awarded to help remove old Jamestown BridgeThe federal government has awarded a $581,000 grant to help with removal of the old Jamestown Bridge, U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee has announced. Chafee said the funding was the last portion of the $5 million he has secured in fiscal 2005 for the project as part of the Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The old Jamestown Bridge, replaced by the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge in 1992, must be removed for safety and aesthetic reasons, Chafee said. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:44 AM Twelve police recruits to graduate from Providence academyPROVIDENCE - Twelve police recruits are scheduled to graduate at noon today from the 63rd Providence Police Training Academy after 20 weeks of instruction. Mayor David N. Cicilline and Police Chief Dean M. Esserman will preside over the graduation ceremony at Rhode Island College's Sapinsley Hall. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 05, 2006Threatening graffiti closes E. Greenwich middle school tomorrowEAST GREENWICH - The Archie Cole Middle School will be closed tomorrow after threatening graffiti was discovered on the wall in one of the girls' bathrooms, school officials announced today. Supt. Charles Meyers said that the decision was made to be cautious and to ensure "the health and safety of all members of the Cole community.'' He said that police officers will comb the building tomorrow looking for any weapons or any other dangerous materials. Meyers said he could not be specific about the threat because the matter is under police investigation. He said that if caught, the culprits will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law.'' He said that the lost instructional time will have to be made up. - Journal staff writer Barbara Polichetti Posted by Jack Perry at 05:21 PM Teen gets 25 years for murder of 14-year-old friendPROVIDENCE -- An 18-year-old man was sentenced to 25 years to serve today for the April 2003 murder of a 14-year-old friend from Pawtucket. James "Smoke" Poston, formerly of 33 Dartmouth Ave., received a sentence of 50 years, with 25 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institutions and 25 years suspended with probation, for the murder of Alejandro "Honda" Brown-Wallace of Pawtucket, according to the state attorney general's office. Brown-Wallace was with Poston on Pine Street, when he was shot on April 27, 2003. The two had been firing at a car carrying men linked to the Lassiters of the West End and Mount Hope, part of a generations-long feud between them and Alejandro's family, the Browns of South Providence. Poston pleaded nolo contendere before Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. in Superior Court this afternoon to one count of second-degree murder, three counts of assault with the intent to commit murder, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. Rodgers also sentenced Poston to a concurrent term of 20 years, with 10 years to serve at The state agreed to drop one charge of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence in exchange for the plea to second-degree murder. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 05:02 PM R.I. to get more federal heating aidPresident Bush this afternoon released $100 million in emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, of which Rhode Island will receive $844,046. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said he was "disappointed" that the president didn't release the entire $201.5 million in emergency heating aid authorized by Congress. Funding for LIHEAP, even with today's release, still stands at about the same level as last year, even though heating costs are significantly higher. Posted by Tim Barmann at 04:59 PM Seekonk administrator rejects request for reportSEEKONK, Mass. - Town Administrator Thorn Mead has rejected a freedom of information request seeking a copy of the controversial report that served as the basis for disciplinary action against police Capt. Gary Jones. The action comes even though the report was the basis for a public hearing over three days by the Board of Selectmen, Jones himself had asked that the hearing be open to the public, and the document was discussed in open session. But Mead, rejecting the request from The Providence Journal, wrote, "I do not agree that these personnel records are public information.'' State law requires public officials to give an explanation for a rejection. Mead offered none. Instead, he complained that The Journal doesn't cover good news in town.
Posted by Jack Perry at 04:51 PM Appeals court: Torres erred in rejecting drug-sentencing guidelinesBOSTON -- In a groundbreaking decision, the federal appeals court ruled today that Rhode Island's chief federal judge was wrong to reject sentencing guidelines that treat 1 gram of crack as the equivalent of 100 grams of powder cocaine. Judge Bruce M. Selya, the only Rhode Islander on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, wrote the decision, saying Chief U.S. District Judge Ernest C. Torres erred by substituting a 20-to-1 crack-to-powder ratio in sentencing a pair of Rhode Island drug offenders. "While we share the district court’s concern about the fairness of maintaining the across-the-board sentencing gap associated with the 100-to-1 crack-to-powder ratio, the proper place to assuage that concern is in the halls of Congress, not in federal courtrooms," Selya wrote. "In the final analysis, it is Congress, not the courts, that possesses the institutional capacity to address the problem in a coherent and uniform fashion." -- Journal staff writer Edward Fitzpatrick Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:43 PM Barry Cowsill dead, family's Web site saysBarry Cowsill, a member of the Newport-based '60s rock band The Cowsills, is dead, the family Web site says. Cowsill, 50, had moved to New Orleans last summer, just before Hurricane Katrina hit, and hadn't been seen since. The Cowsills are best known for their songs "Hair" and "The Rain, The Park and Other Things," and were the inspiration for the TV sitcom The Partridge Family. Posted by Journal Staff at 04:06 PM Bruschi shares 'comeback player' awardNEW YORK -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who returned to the field after a stroke last winter, will share The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award with Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith, who missed most of last year with a broken leg. Bruschi, 32, returned to the field Oct. 30 after suffering a mild stroke in February and has played nine games, shoring up the Patriots defense as the team heads into the playoffs. Bruschi, who had surgery to repair a small hole in his heart after the stroke, was initially expected to miss the entire season. "I'm a football player by trade. That's what I do," Bruschi said. "So I did everything I could to make myself a football player again." -- Associated Press After missing all but last year's season opener, Smith has had a stellar season this year, tying for the most receptions in the league with 103 and leading all receivers with 1,563 yards. He scored 13 touchdowns, and also ranked third in the NFC in punt return average (10.6 yards). Each player earned 18 votes each from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. -- Associated Press Posted by Jack Perry at 04:02 PM American Airlines cuts T.F. Green serviceAmerican Airlines said today it is eliminating regular airline flights from T.F. Green Airport and will replace it with scaled-back service on its American Eagle regional airline. Currently the sixth-busiest carrier at the Warwick airport, American Airlines said it is cutting service in several locations in order to boost flights out of Dallas. The cutback will mean the elimination of direct flights from T.F. Green to Dallas, and the announcement comes the same day another carrier, Independence Air, shut down its operations. American Airlines currently has four daily flights from T.F. Green to Dallas and Chicago. They will be replaced with three daily flights to Chicago on the much smaller American Eagle jets. Read more details in tomorrow's Providence Journal. Posted by at 04:00 PM Roger Williams Medical Center, 3 others indicted in corruption casePROVIDENCE - A federal grand jury today indicted Roger Williams Medical Center, its president, former vice president and the head of an assisted-living facility in the wake of a federal influence-peddling investigation into Roger Williams' hiring of then-state Sen. John A. Celona as a consultant. Besides the medical center, those indicted are: Robert A. Urciuoli, president and CEO of the medical center since 1988, who was placed on leave earlier this month. Former Vice President Frances P. Driscoll, who was in charge of public affairs. Peter Sangermano, of the Village At Elmhurst, an assisted-living facility affiliated with Roger Williams. All are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, which involved depriving the public of honest services of a public official, Celona. Other charges have also been brought in the 38-count indictment. More to come on projo.com.... Posted by Andrea Panciera at 03:30 PM State police display haul from gambling-ring bust / Photo
After tapping telephones for 70 days and monitoring thousands of conversations, the police executed 14 search warrants and 21 arrest warrants last night in breaking up the illegal sports betting ring that operated in the greater Providence area and had links to organized crime in Boston, according to the police. Twenty-one people were arrested as a result of the investigation, and the police are looking for one more suspect. Three more people not associated with the investigation were arrested as the police executed their search warrants. The police released the names and charges against those arrested in a press release. - Journal staff writer W. Zachary Malinowski Posted by Jack Perry at 01:14 PM Fairhaven police seek maker of ball "bomb"FAIRHAVEN, Mass. - A bomb disguised as a ball detonated during a street hockey game on Monday, and police are looking for the person who created the device out of match heads, firecrackers and gunpowder. No one was injured when a 13-year-old boy from John Street whacked the tennis ball, wrapped in blue tape, and it exploded. He and his nine friends, age 7 to 14, had found it in a parking lot off David Drown Boulevard that afternoon when they were on their way to a sporting goods store to buy hockey sticks. Police Chief Gary Souza said the ball had apparently been left in the lot so children could find it. "Although no one was hurt in this incident, a child could have been seriously hurt if they had been holding the ball when it detonated," he said. John Street resident Kerry Dompierre, 40, who was watching the children play, said the blast made a loud bang, with sparks and tape and pieces flying from the ball. - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:35 AM Bail hearing resumes for suspect in teacher's aide murderWARWICK -- A bail hearing resumes at 2 this afternoon for James S. Richardson, the Cranston man accused of murdering a teacher's aide in Warwick in November. Expected to testify for the state during the District Court hearing are a Warwick police detective, a DNA analyst from the state Health Department, and an assistant medical examiner. Margaret R. Duffy-Stephenson, 37, was found stabbed to death in her Blackmore Street home on Nov. 18. The first day of the hearing, on Dec. 22, featured testimony from the slain woman's father, her husband, and a co-worker. For more background, read The Journal story from the first day of the bail hearing. - Journal staff writer Zachary Mider Posted by Jack Perry at 09:59 AM State police to discuss betting ring bust this morningSCITUATE - The Rhode Island State Police have scheduled an 11 a.m. press conference at their Scituate headquarters to provide more details on an investigation into a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring. The police arrested 22 people yesterday, including several alleged organized crime figures and their associates, For more background, read today's Journal story. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 04, 2006Flutie's kick scores AFC weekly player awardPatriots backup quarterback, and sometimes drop kicker Doug Flutie, was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the NFL announced today. In Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, the former Boston College star successfully executed the NFL's first drop kick since the 1941 NFL Championship Game when he booted an extra point in the fourth quarter of a 28-26 loss to the Dolphins, according to the NFL. This is Flutie's fifth Player of the Week award and his first for his special teams play. Posted by Jack Perry at 05:10 PM Photo: A fulfilling way to start the day
Elizabeth Marie Cesse, left, a kindergarten student at Bernon Heights School in Woonsocket, and Alyssa McBride, a second grader, take part this morning in the launch of a Universal Free Breakfast pilot program at two city schools. The program had been due to start yesterday, but was postponed due to a snow day. Posted by Andrea Panciera at 04:59 PM Light snow to drift over the areaThe National Weather Service says light snow will move into the region tonight, possibly causing slippery roads but little accumulation. Light rain is also expected to mix with rain tomorrow before tapering off tomorrow afternoon. Get the latest forecast and conditions for the area.
Posted by Jack Perry at 04:47 PM Fall River police seek man who approached studentFALL RIVER, Mass. - Police are looking for an older man with very few teeth who reportedly grabbed a 10-year-old girl as she walked to Westall School early this morning. Near the corner of North Main and Odd Streets, the man allegedly tapped the girl on the shoulder and asked for the time. When she said she didn't talk to strangers and began to walk away, the man "then became upset and grabbed the student in an inappropriate manner," according to police. He fled to a Jeep-style vehicle. The girl told police he was about 60 years old, 5'8" tall and 160 pounds. She said he seemed to only have two teeth and wore a paint-stained brown T-shirt and baggy pants. Police Chief John M. Souza said the investigation of the incident will be a priority because "we want to asssure parents that their children are safe while walking to and from school. We vow that we will dedicate significant resources to learn the identity of this individual." Anyone with information should contact the department's Major Crimes Detectives at 508-324-2796. - Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:17 PM Rescuer could hear Cranston fire victim coughing / Photo
Driving past this apartment house at 168 Richard St. in Cranston early this morning, passerby Jay Johansen saw flames and charged up a smoke-filled staircase to rescue a tenant on the third floor. "I could hear her coughing. She said she couldn't walk," Johansen said of the fire victim. "I just figured I'd stay as long as I could to somehow get a hold of her." Five people made it out of the house safely. The fire apparently started when an electrical short circuit in Christmas lights ignited a tree on the first floor, according to a preliminary investigation. Johansen, 35, a guard at the state Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, will be recognized for his actions by the state Department of Corrections in an upcoming ceremony. - Journal staff writer Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry at 03:35 PM Alzheimer's center seeking patients for drug trialPROVIDENCE - The Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital is recruiting patients for participation in a national research project to test a drug that may be helpful in slowing Alzheimer's disease. The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, will test whether the anti-convulsant drug Valproate is effective in delaying, weakening or preventing difficult behaviors in people with early stage Alzheimer's. Previous research has shown that Valproate may be helpful in slowing Alzheimer's and some of its symptoms. Participants will be assigned at random to receive Valproate or a placebo and will be regularly monitored by physicians during the 26-month study. For more information, call Esther Oden at 401-444-7691. Posted by Jack Perry at 03:13 PM Blackstone health center gets aid for low-income residentsWASHINGTON, D.C. - The Blackstone Community Health Center of Pawtucket will receive $805,542 from the federal government to help low-income Rhode Islanders receive primary health-care services, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., announced today. The nonprofit health center serves 11,000 people in the lower Blackstone Valley, including Pawtucket and Central Falls. The grant is funded through the federal Department of Health and Human Service's Health Resources and Services Administration Health Center program. Posted by Jack Perry at 02:43 PM Independence Air ceasing service tomorrow nightIndependence Air, which has offered service from T.F. Green Airport in Warwick to Washington, D.C., since August 2004, will shut down tomorrow night, the company has announced. The airline, a unit of FLYi Inc., filed for bankruptcy last month and also cut jobs and service to several cities last month, but apparently that wasn't enough to save the airline. "The financial pressures in the industry have prevailed. We have run out of time," the company said in an announcement on its Web site. The airline said it will honor reservations for trips between now and tomorrow night and that it is seeking permission from bankruptcy court to refund customers holding reservations on flights after it shuts down. Posted by Jack Perry at 12:51 PM W. Greenwich man accused of assaulting infant sonWARWICK - A West Greenwich man is to appear in District Court this afternoon on charges of assaulting his infant son, who is hospitalized in critical condition. The West Greenwich police allege that Peter Sweet, 25, assaulted the child on New Year's Day. Sweet was arrested last night. The police are calling it a case of shaken baby syndrome, though Sweet denies the charge, said defense lawyer Priscilla DiMaio. "His most important thoughts are with the baby,'' she said. While en route to District Court this morning, Sweet suffered a seizure in a police cruiser and was himself briefly hospitalized. He is expected to appear in court at 2 p.m. - Journal staff writer Zachary Mider Posted by Jack Perry at 11:49 AM Group to protest Alito's nomination to high courtPROVIDENCE - A representative of the Sierra Club and the president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO plan to join Rhode Islanders for a Fair Judiciary at 1 p.m. today at the Old State House to speak out against Judge Samuel Alito's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. David Bookbinder, senior attorney for the Sierra Club in Washington, D.C., and Frank Montanaro, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, plan to urge U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island to oppose Alito's confirmation to protect the environment and worker's rights, according to Rhode Islanders for a Fair Judiciary. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:30 AM Feds trying to block Survivor Hatch's accountant from testifyingPROVIDENCE - Federal prosecutors are trying to prevent Survivor winner Richard Hatch's personal accountant from testifying as an expert witness at Hatch's tax-fraud trial, scheduled to begin next week. In a hearing scheduled for this morning before U.S. District Chief Judge Ernest C. Torres, the government plans to argue that the proposed testimony of Daniel Urso, a certified public accountant, is irrelevant, outside the scope of his expertise and wouldn't comply with rules for expert testimony. The defense notified the court on Dec. 21 that it planned to have Urso testify that Hatch has below normal accounting and bookkeeping abilities; that it's common to have tax problems after trauma or an unusual change in business income, and that Hatch has been continuously trying to resolve his tax problems by filing amended returns in 2000 and 2001. Posted by Jack Perry at 10:53 AM Cicilline to swear in new school board membersPROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline is scheduled to swear in four new members of the Providence School Board at 1 p.m. today in his office. The new members, appointed by Cicilline, are Rosanna Castro, Jill W. Holloway, Katherine F. McKenzie and Ronnie M. Young. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM January 03, 2006Carcieri: Still opposed to medical marijuana legislationPROVIDENCE - Governor Carcieri still opposes a medical marijuana bill -- voted into law today -- for the same reasons he cited last June when he vetoed it, according to his press secretary. Carcieri's office issued a statement on the governor's position after the House this afternoon overrode Carcieri's veto, making Rhode Island the 11th state to decriminalize the use of medical marijuana. The Senate had overidden the veto in June. Carcieri's press secretary, Jeff Neal, issued a statement saying Carcieri still opposes the bill in part because "the definition of which medical conditions qualify one for use of marijuana is so broad that it would allow nearly any Rhode Islander to be a user.” The statement also complains that the bill appears to violate federal law and offers few safeguards for the community since it places no restrictions on where the marijuana will be cultivated and stored. "Marijuana operations would be permitted in any neighborhood in the state," the statement says. Posted by Jack Perry at 04:29 PM House overrides Carcieri veto on medical marijuana billPROVIDENCE - The state House of Representatives voted to override Governor Carcieri's veto of a bill last year that decriminalizes the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The 59-13 vote, with three legislators not voting, makes Rhode Island the 11th state to shield such users from criminal prosecution. The vote came as the House reconvened this afternoon for its 2006 session. The House and Senate approved a medical marijuana bill last June, but Governor Carcieri vetoed it. The Senate voted to override Carcieri's veto before recessing last summer, but House leaders did not call their members back for an override session. - Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz The bill would protect patients from arrest under state law for using marijuana to treat pain from certain serious and chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and cancer. Patients whose doctors recommended the treatment would receive registration cards from the state to allow them, or their caregivers, to possess up to 12 plants, or 2.5 ounces of marijuana. In vetoing it last year, Carcieri called marijuana an "addictive narcotic" and said the bill would increase abuse of the drug. - Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz Posted by Jack Perry at 03:16 PM Providence man accused of April murder ordered heldPROVIDENCE -- A Providence man was ordered held without bail today during his arraignment for a murder last April in the city. Tracey Barros, 26, of 29 Higgins Ave., was arrested Thursday by Providence police on an unrelated gun charge and charged Friday with killing Deivy Jose Felipe, whose body was found in April behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer on Althea Street. Barros did not enter a plea during today's arraignment because the murder charge is a felony, and pleas are not accepted in District Court on felonies. He was also charged with possession of a firearm without a license, also a felony. District Court Chief Justice Albert E. DeRobbio ordered Barros held without bail on the murder charge, and he set $50,000 cash bail on the gun charge. DeRobbio also ordered Barros held without bail, pending a hearing, on charges that he violated terms of suspended sentences previously imposed in District and Superior Courts. - Journal staff writer Gregory Smith Posted by Jack Perry at 12:56 PM IRS Kicks Off Filing Season; Expects 500,000 R.I. ReturnsThe Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the start of the new tax-filing season, saying it expects to receive about 506,000 federal income-tax returns from individuals in Rhode Island, up from 504,000 last year. There are a few twists this time around: * If you live in Rhode Island, and normally file your return to the IRS center in Atlanta, your deadline will be Monday, April 17. That's because the usual April 15 filing deadline falls on a Saturday this year. * If you live in Massachusetts and normally file your return to the IRS center in Andover, Mass., your filing deadline this year will be April 18. That's because April 17 is a holiday in Massachusetts. * If you want to skip the April deadline, you can get an automatic six-month extension, pushing your deadline back to mid-October. This is streamlined compared with last year, when you had to obtain an extension in two steps: a four-month extension, then a two-month extension. (An extension gives you extra time to file, but you still must pay what you owe on time.) * Taxpayers won't be able to file their federal income-tax returns by phone this season. That's because the IRS scrapped its TeleFile system. The IRS is hoping that many taxpayers who formerly used TeleFile will qualify for and use the Free File system, which generally provides online tax preparation and electronic filing at no charge. * You'll generally be eligible for Free File only if your adjusted gross income is less than $50,000. (Last year, Free File was open to all filers regardless of income.) * The IRS has also redesigned and streamlined its Web site for the new season: Posted by Neil Downing at 12:27 PM Updated: Snow-burdened lines lead to power outages in northwest R.I. / Photo
Journal photo / Mary Murphy Heavy, wet snow, which began falling late last night, left nearly 2,000 homes in the northwest corner of the state without power by 10 this morning. About 60 repair crews were out in Coventry, Scituate, Foster and Burrillville, by 11 a.m. today, trying to restore power to neighborhoods and individual homes, according to National Grid spokesman David Graves. Graves said the heavy snow had caused branches to sag, pushing down on the power lines, leading to the outages. Graves said the number of customers without power had been fluctuating all morning, and National Grid expected more outages as the storm continues. He said the largest number of outages were in Scituate, where nearly 1,000 people had lost power. As of 2:45 p.m., just 33 customers were without power, according to Graves. Police throughout the area reported scattered minor accidents during the morning rush hour, but said there had been no major car accidents. - Journal staff writer Arthur Kimball-Stanley Posted by Jack Perry at 12:20 PM Judge's health issue postpones lead-paint trialPROVIDENCE - The state's trial against four paint companies accused of creating a public nuisance when they sold lead based paint has been postponed. Superior Court Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. told a packed courtroom that Judge Michael A. Silverstein, who had been presiding over the lead paint trial, drove himself to Miriam Hospital this morning because of undisclosed health problems. Silverstein was in court last Friday, Rodgers said, and was "anxious to return to the trial today," which had been in recess since Dec. 16. Rodgers dismissed the jury and told lawyers that they should meet tomorrow morning at 9:30, either to resume the trial if Silverstein came in, or to work out a new schedule. - Journal staff writer Brandie Jefferson Posted by Jack Perry at 11:16 AM Gas prices in R.I. up again, by 4 centsPROVIDENCE - Gasoline prices in Rhode Island climbed another 4 cents this week, marking the fourth consecutive week of increases, according to AAA Southern New England. The average price for regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.26 per gallon at the self-serve pump, according to AAA's weekly survey. The price has increased 21 cents per gallon in the past month, and drivers are paying 42 cents more per gallon than they were at this time last year, AAA said. Posted by Jack Perry at 11:13 AM Mass. Leads, R.I. Lags, on Peace Corps Volunteers Massachusetts has more residents volunteering in the Peace Corps than any other New England state; Rhode Island has the fewest, a government report shows. Posted by Neil Downing at 11:02 AM House to take up medical marijuana vetoPROVIDENCE - As the General Assembly returns to the State House today, House members are expected to vote whether to override Governor Carcieri's veto last year of legislation that would have decriminalized medical marijuana. The House and Senate approved a medical marijuana bill last June, but Governor Carcieri vetoed it. The Senate voted to override Carcieri's veto before recessing last summer, but House leaders did not call their members back for an override session. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:41 AM Providence man to be arraigned for April murderPROVIDENCE -- An arraignment is scheduled this morning in Providence District Court for a man charged Friday with killing a man whose body was found in April behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer on Althea Street, Providence. Tracey Barros, 26, of 29 Higgins Ave., was arrested Thursday by Providence police on an unrelated gun charge and charged Friday with the killing Deivy Jose Felipe. Barros was charged with murder, as well as possessing a firearm without a license and with possessing a firearm after conviction on a crime of violence. Posted by Jack Perry at 09:00 AM |
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