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Police arrest Thomas Alejo, prime suspect in Wednesday night's double shooting in Cranston

May 30, 2013, 6:28 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

CRANSTON, R.I. -- Thomas Alejo, the man suspected of shooting his estranged wife and her male friend outside a pizza shop on Park Avenue on Wednesday has been taken into custody, police report.

Police Chief Marco Palombo Jr. said Alejo, who had been the subject of a massive search after fleeing the shooting scene in front of Agostini's Martial Arts and Pizza Fair in his black pickup truck around 6 p.m. Wednesday, was apprehended nearly 24 hours later at a relative's house in Warwick. Palombo said the arrest was through the combined efforts of the Warwick and Cranston police, the state police and the Violent Fugitive Task Force.

It is alleged that Alejo shot his two victims with a pistol as they sat in the parking lot of the martial arts studio and pizza shop at 685 Park Ave. The victims were treated at Rhode Island Hospital and, according to police, are expected to make a full recovery.

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The next #eWave: Digital badges display marks of success online

May 31, 2013, 12:45 pm
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By Paul Edward Parker

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Armed with a MacArthur grant, the Providence After School Alliance is pioneering online badges to show how much high school students have learned in extracurricular classes on topics as varied as dance and aeronautical engineering, photography and debate skills.

Online badges, which students can display on Facebook, Twitter and personal webpages, are a growing way for schools and colleges and other organizations to offer rewards that help people show off their skills to friends, family members and even potential employers.

A similar system has taken root at the University of Rhode Island.

On Sunday, The Providence Journal's #eWave: The Digital Revolution explores this trend.

eModule: See an overview of digital badges and the two reward systems noted above.

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Video: Law enforcement run Special Olympics 'Flame of Hope' through Providence

May 31, 2013, 1:30 pm
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By Daryl Ann West


Providence Journal video by Steve Szydlowski

The 2013 Torch Run for Special Olympics Rhode Island State Summer Games left the State House on its way to Meade Stadium at URI. More than 300 police, firefighters and law enforcement officials from over 40 state agencies took part in the run, carrying the "Flame of Hope" throughout Rhode Island to the SORI State Summer Games opening ceremonies, Friday night. The games will run throughout the weekend at URI.

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New Providence busing plan to save more than $2 million

May 31, 2013, 1:44 pm
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By Linda Borg

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence Supt. Susan Lusi, in conjunction with the Providence Teachers Union, has a new plan for school start and dismissal times that will save an estimated $2.3 to $2.5 million in busing costs.

Savings will come from tiered bus runs, allowing an hour between the start times of elementary and middle schools.

The bell time schedule allows for early dismissal (or late arrival at some high schools) one day per week across all grade levels, allowing time for teachers to plan together while maintaining instructional time through four slightly longer school days.

Common planning time is used for coordination within and across subject areas, monitoring student progress and looking at data.

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Heatwave means no boats for WaterFire

May 31, 2013, 2:18 pm
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By News staff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The heat wave is forcing WaterFire to wade into new territory.

Organizers of the popular public art display, featuring small bonfires on rivers in downtown Providence, say Friday night's partial WaterFire lighting in the Waterplace Park Basin will be done by volunteers in waders. Typically, boaters keep the flames lit, and Friday's plans called for the city's hurricane barrier to be closed to ensure sufficiently high water levels.

But with high temperatures forecast this weekend, a power plant on the river bank may need to run at full capacity. So the hurricane barrier must be opened to ensure a constant flow of coolant water.

Organizers say they could have cancelled Friday's WaterFire but decided to improvise.

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Narragansett drunken driving charge dismissed against former Langevin challenger

May 31, 2013, 2:31 pm
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By Donita Naylor
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RILEY


SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- Misdemeanor charges against former congressional candidate Michael G. Riley were dismissed Tuesday in District Court.

Riley, 57, of Narragansett, was arrested April 3, on charges of drunk driving and resisting arrest.

Riley, became belligerent, police said, refused to identify himself, accused the officer of harassing him and threatened that responding officers would lose their jobs over his arrest.

Riley unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. James Langevin for his District 2 Congress seat.

"I wish to publicly and sincerely apologize for my actions of April 3," Riley wrote in a letter to the South County Independent that was posted online on May 23. "I realize now, with 20/20 hindsight, that members of the Narragansett Police Department were doing their job."

This entry was first posted at 3:37 p.m.


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Time Lapse: Dapper gents and a downtown sidewalk sale

May 31, 2013, 2:50 pm
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Video: Interior Secretary Sally Jewell kayaks on RI's Blackstone

May 31, 2013, 3:27 pm
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By Mike McKinney


Providence Journal video by Sandor Bodo

LINCOLN -- Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell made easy work of kayaking a stretch of the historic Blackstone River Friday as three of Rhode Island's Democratic congressmen paddled close behind.

But with financing and staffing cuts reported this year at national parks around the country -- one result of a federal budget standoff -- the question is whether designating a Blackstone national historic park in northern Rhode Island and Massachusetts will prove a tough row through rough rapids.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed struck a confident tone at a riverfront news conference after he and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline kayaked with Jewell and others Friday morning. Reed said the legislation has cleared a Senate committee, and he sounded hopeful it will get Senate and House approval. Reed cast the process as "two separate paths" and said that it will be about looking for the right moment and right legislative vehicle to get the bill passed.

"The first step is to get it legally authorized," Reed said, referring to an act of Congress required to designate the park. Then, he said, he would sit down with Jewell to figure out how to make staffing and other issues work.

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Providence City Council approves $662M budget that freezes commercial rate

May 31, 2013, 3:33 pm
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By Alisha A. Pina

PROVIDENCE, R. I. -- In a 9-to-6 vote, the City Council approved a $662 million spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

It's a slightly reduced version of Mayor Angel Taveras' $663 million proposal, but keeps his recommendation to freeze the commercial, tangible and motor vehicle tax rates. The administration and supporting council members say the freeze is one step of several to help spur economic growth in Providence.

"It's important that we send the message that we are open for business," Council President Michael Solomon said.

He voted in favor with Council members Michael Correia, Terrence Hassett, John Igliozzi, Wilbur Jennings, Nicholas Narducci, Bryan Principe, David Salvatore and Seth Yurdin.

The residential rate will increase, but not as much as Taveras initially suggested for those living in their homes. The council and administration cut $954,000 in expenses to bring that rate down from $19.50 to $19.25 per thousand of assessed value.

The current rate for these homeowners is $15.95, but the administration contends the recent revaluation softens the blow because many saw their house values decrease.

The residential rate for most landlords will increase from $27.11 to $33.75 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Council members not in favor of the budget said the residential increases will hurt the city's most vulnerable residents: renters and those on fixed incomes.

"The housing market in our city is just as fragile as the commercial," Councilman Luis Aponte said. "I can't in good conscience add to that burden."

He and council members Carmen Castillo, Kevin Jackson, Sabina Matos, Davian Sanchez and Sam Zurrier voted against it.

A second and final vote is planned for 5 p.m. Monday in City Hall.


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Portsmouth tries to block Sakonnet River Bridge toll-installation project

May 31, 2013, 3:42 pm
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By Bruce Landis

The Town of Portsmouth issued a stop-work order against the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority, which is building a toll collection "gantry" over Route 24 at the Sakonnet River Bridge, because the authority didn't get a building permit.

"They've got to get a building permit from someone," Town Solicitor Kevin Gavin said.

But David Darlington, the authority's chairman, said that because the project is on state property, the authority doesn't need a permit.

The authority told its contractors to go back to work, Darlington said.

The town, and its neighbors, are fighting against the state government's decision to collect tolls on the new bridge.

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RI health officials: Water at 2 Warwick beaches unsuitable for swimming

May 31, 2013, 4:59 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

WARWICK, R.I. -- Health officials say they have determined that the water quality at City Park Beach and Conimicut Point Beach is unsuitable for swimming because of high bacteria counts.

In a bulletin issued Friday, the Department of Health noted that the two beaches have yet to open for the season.

Beach status can change on a daily basis and the latest information can be obtained by calling (401) 222-2751 or by using the department's interactive beach map at health.ri.gov/beaches

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Museum of Work & Culture asks for public's help in expanding Catholic school archives

May 31, 2013, 6:32 pm
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By Richard C. Dujardin

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- The Museum of Work & Culture at 42 South Main St. is asking for the public's help in expanding its archives on Catholic schools.

For years, the museum has had a life-size replica of a Catholic school classroom with a talking nun. Now it's encouraging people who attended Catholic school anywhere in the world to donate class or group snapshots, as well as any other photos with nuns, brothers and school buildings.

Baptismal, first communion and confirmation pictures are also welcome, as well as one-page essays about going to Catholic school, or other pictures from the past.

Archivists are also looking for help in completing its collection of school yearbooks from three of the city's high schools.

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Today in RI history: Fiscal problems shrink Providence police force

June 1, 2013, 4:05 am
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By Thomas J. Morgan

A year ago today:
Rhode Island's largest police force has shrunk by 12.3 percent because of the city's fiscal problems. But Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré vows that a smaller force will be sufficient to fight crime.

5 years ago today:
The state Department of Transportation says that it will permanently close Exit 20 on Route 95 north, which has for decades carried traffic from the south to Route 195 east, toward Cape Cod.

25 years ago today:
Employees of Spencer Plating Co., who witnessed a purse snatching on Bellevue Avenue near the plant in the West End, chase the robber into a nearby house, then surround the building until police arrive and arrest the man.

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Saturday's weather: Warm, sunny, humid

June 1, 2013, 5:52 am
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By News staff

Saturday will continue to be warm with mostly sunny and humid conditions. High temperatures wil be in the upper 80's to around 90 inland, and upper 70's to 80 at the coast. Winds will be out of the south-southwest at 5-15mph with gusts around 20 mph in the afternoon.

Expect another warm and humid evening with partly cloudy skies. Low temperatures will be in the mid 60's. Once again fog forming near coast.

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Providence Police investigate stabbing at Eddy St. pub

June 1, 2013, 6:11 am
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By News staff

Providence, R.I. (WPRI) -- Police responded to the scene of a reported stabbing at Olivia's Pub on Eddy Street around 2 a.m. Saturday.

The victim was driven to the hospital before officers arrived.

There's no word on that person's condition, or any arrests.

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Four injured in head-on collision in Providence

June 1, 2013, 6:13 am
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By News staff

Providence, R.I. (WPRI) -- At least four people were injured following a serious head-on crash in Providence.

A taxi and another car collided around 2:30 Saturday on Lockwood Street.

One of the cars split a utility pole in two, knocking power out in the area.

An eyewitness said she saw one of the vehicles speeding right before the crash.

There's no word on the conditions of any of those victims.

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Johnston man arrested after stabbing outside Providence Pub

June 1, 2013, 7:28 am
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By Philip Marcelo

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A 22-year-old Johnston resident was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon early Saturday morning after a stabbing outside Olivia's Pub on Eddy Street, according to police.

The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. when the victim, Unique Carter, 19, of Providence, apparently had an argument with another man outside the bar and was stabbed.

He suffered several stab wounds to the chest and stomach and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, police said.

Witnesses said the suspect fled on foot, but police later found a subject fitting witness descriptions near the intersection of Broad and Calla streets.

Fernando Joseph was sweating, out of breath and had blood on his hands and shirt and a knife in his possession. He was eventually taken into custody and charged in the incident.

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Injuries reported after car, taxi collide head-on in Providence

June 1, 2013, 7:30 am
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By Philip Marcelo

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A car crashed into a utility pole on Lockwood Street in South Providence early Saturday morning, knocking out power in the area and injuring an unknown number of people, according to police.

The accident happened at around 2:30 a.m. in the areas of 256 Lockwood St., near Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Police said the report on the accident was incomplete Saturday morning, but WPRI-Channel 12 reported at least four people were injured in the incident.

The station also reported that the accident happened after a taxi and another car collided head-on, forcing one of the cars into the utility pole

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RISD graduates more than 650 students Saturday

June 1, 2013, 11:25 am
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By Philip Marcelo

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Providence Journal photo / Frieda Squires

RISD graduates receive their diplomas as fellow graduates beneath colorful mortar boards watch

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island School of Design graduated 659 students Saturday during a ceremony lasting more than two hours at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

As could be expected for one of the nation's top design and art schools, many students ditched the traditional black cap-and-gown, marching across the platform to receive their diplomas wearing everything from elaborate robot-like costumes and medieval attire to summer dresses and plain old T-shirt and jeans.

Maira Kalman, who has written and illustrated children's books and is a frequent cover artist and contributor to The New Yorker, delivered the keynote address.

She shared with the 197 graduate and 462 undergraduate students some of pearls of wisdom.

"The least unknown can bring profound joy," Kalman said. "To care passionately about your work will keep you happy," she said later.

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline, a Brown University graduate, encouraged students to remain in Rhode Island and contribute to its thriving arts scene.

And Providence Mayor Angel Taveras quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

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AG declines to release death report of ACI inmate

June 1, 2013, 1:15 pm
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By Tracy Breton

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The attorney general's office has decided that the sister of a man who hanged himself in the Adult Correctional Institutions doesn't have the right to see a Rhode Island State Police narrative relating to the investigation of his death.

The attorney general says that public release of the narrative "could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of [her family's] personal privacy rights."

Under the state's Access to Public Records Act, wrote Special Assistant Attorney General Lisa Pinsonneault, incident reports that do not result in an arrest are not subject to disclosure.

Holly A. Radtke filed the request for the police narrative because she wanted to know more about the circumstances surrounding the death of her 36-year-old brother, Todd D. Radtke, an electrician who hanged himself last summer in the ACI's Intake Service Center while awaiting trial on forgery, larceny and possession of heroin charges. He died a week later, on Aug. 5, in Kent Hospital.

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