State Representatives Optimistic for Bipartisan Gun Control Legislation

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline said today that the recent Sandy Hook school shooting is a definite tipping point in the gun control debate. The Democrats have long supported stronger gun laws. They say banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines could prevent further massacres while [...]

Google Settlement Helps Out Providence Police Pensions

After helping a federal investigation of search engine giant Google, North Providence and East Providence have been awarded 70 million dollars to fix their police pension shortfalls. The police departments of both communities helped investigate the company’s distribution of ads for illegal prescription drug sales. Each community got a 60 million dollar share when Google [...]

Gay Marriage Sparks Debate Between Chafee and Catholic Diocese

Bishop Thomas Tobin released a statement today calling Governor Lincoln Chafee’s threat to veto legislation that would put gay marriage to a popular vote  “undemocratic”.  The leader of the state’s Roman Catholic Diocese says it should be up to citizens to decide whether Rhode Island joins the rest of New England in allowing gay marriage. [...]

Brothers Plead Not Guilty to Used Cooking Oil Scheme

Two brothers from Cranston have pleaded not guilty in an alleged scheme to steal 430,000 dollars worth of used cooking oil from hundreds of restaurants in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Andrew and Bruce Jeremiah pleaded not guilty during an arraignment today in federal court to charges of conspiracy to transport stolen goods and interstate transportation [...]

Flu ‘Widespread’ in Rhode Island

The flu is officially categorized as ‘widespread’ here in Rhode Island too. The Health Department reports that over 4000 people have contracted the flu since Dec 10th, and officials are urging everyone to make sure they get their vaccination shot. Flu shots are generally offered at your health care provider’s office, community clinics, and local [...]

Deadline for Superstorm Sandy Assistance Approaches

If you were affected by Superstorm or — as some called it, Frankenstorm — Sandy, you’ve got just a few more  days to apply for grants or loans.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency says the deadline to register is  midnight Monday. Those affected by the storm can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA. The [...]

Teachers, workers at child care centers, school bus drivers and others could soon be required to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks in Massachusetts. Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he would likely sign the legislation detailing the updated procedures. The fingerprint background checks would also apply to everyone seeking to adopt children or become [...]

Cleaning Lady Cleans Out Jewelry Boxes

A string of jewelry thefts in Barrington have been connected to East Providence cleaning lady Maria Gagnon. According to WPRI, detectives claim the jewel thief has stolen thousands of dollars worth of jewelry. Gagnon exchanged the jewelry at various pawnshops throughout the state and is now charged with grand larceny of 1500 dollars. The detectives [...]

Cyber Security Foundations Committee Will Announce Winners Today

US Representative Jim Langevin is set to announce the winners of the state’s third annual cyber security contest this morning. The Cyber Foundations Competition tests skills in networking, operating systems and system administration and is aimed at sparking interest among students in the field of cyber-security. Over 100 students from eight schools took part in [...]

Ciresi Convicted for Conspiracy, Extortion, and Bribery

Lawyer Robert Ciresi was found guilty for conspiracy, extortion, and bribery yesterday. Ciresi, now 77 years old, was accused of facilitating a bribe in 2009 to three former North Providence Councilmen and helping to set up another in early 2010. The bribe in 2009 involved a supermarket developer paying $25,000 to the council men in [...]