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In the News… recap of news of the week – March 21, 2026
A quick synopsis of news items of the week for Rhode Island and the region, national and international and passings of note:
RHODE ISLAND & REGION
Curtis Corner Middle School in NK to be torn down for new athletic field for high school
Ørsted’s Rhode Island-based offshore wind farm, Revolution Wind is now delivering power to New England’s electric grid and is expected to supply enough electricity to power more than 350,000 homes and businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut – once it’s fully operational.
Rep. Bob Hooper, D-Burlington, VT, to resign from the VT House of Representatives “in response to a violation” of the chamber’s sexual harassment rules
A huge data center planned for the Smithfield area is up for discussion – could possibly be for Meta, Google, Apple, Amazon – connecting data fiber pathways in Boston and Virginia and NY
Scam locally telling people by text that they owe parking or moving violation tickets to their local police department
Spectrum India on Thayer St. closing after over 60 years
Governor picked William Tsonos to chair the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, the group tasked with promoting biotech in state. Tsonos, president of Beacon Bank and a member of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board of Directors
Waterfire: 1st Waterfire set for May 30th to recognize Waterfire’s 500th lighting. Other key dates: July 4th for nation’s 250th. October 3rd, partial lighting for Gloria Gemma, Dec. 11th, Holiday lighting
Private Croft School misled families and staff about the institution’s financial condition for years, its directors told families they are at least $13 million in debt, overspending its budget, and keeping two sets of records. 3 schools, 1 in RI, with 94 students locally – tuition is $13,000/yr
Mayor Smiley proposing a rental assistance program using funds from the sale of two pieces of Providence property
Rhode Island Coalition of Housing Providers urging policymakers to focus on solutions that will help residents not policies that create new bureaucracy while doing nothing to lower rents.
PC commencement speaker Matthew Slater, from New England Patriots and Slater Family Foundation
During March 10-16, 55 reports of people receiving care at emergency departments for suspected drug overdoses. In 2026, Rhode Island has had an average of 41 non-fatal overdoses a week.
The RI State House will have teal lighting for Miriam Hospital’s 100th anniversary
Finals of Championship Hockey goes to BV team– after 4th overtime
Speaker Shekarchi takes on a private legal case involving RICO charges against CVS
Rhode Island Senate Chamber named in memory of the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.
Rhode Island Commerce launched the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program – a statewide grant program to help small businesses reduce their energy costs. The program is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering, and the RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4). It reimburses eligible small businesses up to $20,000 for energy efficiency measures implemented as the result of an energy assessment or audit.
22-year-old Rhode Island police officer Michael DiPaolo will run the Boston Marathon on April 20. A lifelong Coventry resident, Michael has dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and as a passionate community advocate. An experienced athlete who recently completed the Chicago Marathon and Boston’s 2025 Hyrox competition, Michael is running this event for Team HOPe (House of Possibilities). Driven by a mission to help others become the best versions of themselves, he has committed to a $10,000 fundraising goal, all in support of HOPe’s disability services and neurodiverse community.
Brown’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management apprehended three masked individuals for breaking and entering incidents on campus.
Former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey appointed a district court judge in RI
Glou bar on Wickenden St. closed
Phed Phed, Thai restaurant, opens downtown Providence
FIFA World Cup contract/license signed in Foxboro
Antisemitic graffiti found at 3 East Greenwich schools
$7.9M grants to 4 nonprofits for critical dental care for Providence children – comes from Route 6/10 settlement negotiated by RI AG Neronha – money granted out by RI Foundation
The state of RI is owed millions in Medicaid which it has not billed for due to the glitch in the medical payment system.
Sail Newport did not put a proposal in to host Ocean Race stopover
Janet Coit, a former state and federal official, and with RI DEM will become the new executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island
In MA there were 49,450 abortions in 2024, up from 24,355 in 2023 – an increase of 103%. TeleHealth abortions accounted for 39,000 cases,, or 62%, an increase of 5,745 cases. Medication abortions, prescribed, are now more than 60%. In 2024, there were 11,000 patients – jumping to 25,000 in 2025. 3 to 3,500 are expected monthly now (BosGlobe)
Former Senate President Joseph Montalbano, Superior Court Judge, nominated to Chief Judge, replacing Alice Gibney who retired in 2025
RI Supreme Court nomination yet to be made
PC Hockey Coach named Coach of the Year in New England
1 man arrested in Woonsocket for setting up voyeurism in men’s showers at URI
6,000 tickets sent out in Middletown by new traffic cams – some people getting multiple tickets for same incident
Brown is encouraging students to pre-register for every course due to capping of all classes
URI Women’s Basketball plays in the NCAA playoffs TODAY 2:30pm against Alabama Crimson Tide
COSTCO CEO says the price of the hot dog and soda for $1.50 will not change – been that price for 40 years
Newport Hospital Birthing Center’s future may be tenuous and Brown Health posts $18M loss for 1st quarter
T.F. Green’s main runway to undergo $30M in repairs
Pinnacle Discount is closing
Hunting in Massachusetts would be allowed on Sundays, under a bill Gov. Maura Healey plans to file. The bill would also loosen rules for crossbow hunting
In MA, the Cannabis Control Commission wants to deploy “secret shoppers” at marijuana dispensaries as a way to make sure customers are getting carded
Bridgewell and Brockton-based BAMSI, two of Massachusetts’ largest human services nonprofits, will merge
RI AnchorHome helped 40+ Rhode Island Families buy first homes, program will expand to $80M
Sojourner House is advocating for ½ Million dollars for safe housing for those needing to exit abusive and dangerous situations
Pawtucket, Shea HS – a 15 and 16-year-old girl suffered facial lacerations with a stabbing by another student who was taken into custody
Boston bus station – 2 officers and 4 others injured when attacked by a man with a butcher knife – the officers had rushed the assailant to protect others as well as stabbing tires on a bus
Central Falls Senior Club is forming for activities and programs for seniors in the city
Northeast Transportation Services will leave its Pawtucket operations in May – they employ drivers for DHL Express – and will lay off at least 52 people
US News & World Report names 3 RI surgical centers in “2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers” ranking. Candescent Eye Surgicenter and Orthopedics Rhode Island Surgery Centerand University Orthopedics East Bay Surgery Center
Easter Egg Hunt 2026 is today in Westerly – March 21st at 11 am at Wilcox Park
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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Sen. Mullin closer to confirmation as head of HHS
Pussy Cat Dolls announce new global reunion tour, new song
Conan O’Brien hosted the Academy Awards
Coffee and Court with Julie Grant off the air as Court TV changed format. Her show moves to social media until she finds a new gig
2 EOs on home affordability signed
Trump Kennedy Center will transition from President-appointed Richard Grenell to Matt Floca, VP, supported by the President
El Nino weather system expected – could be tougher hurricane season
Research on addressing toxic Red Tide being done in Florida
The Cuban government is expected to announce as early as next week economic reforms to allow Cuban Americans living in South Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. and around the world to invest and own private businesses on the island
U.S. flag is flying again at the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela after seven years.
20 members of the Democratic Socialists of America are joining the Nuestra America Convoy on March 21st to bring “material aid, volunteer our labor in solidarity, and show the world that Cuba is under siege, but they are not alone.”
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi selects the United States as her primary supplier of oil and energy. They have just signed agreements for 56 billion dollars in Tokyo.
President’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, diagnosed w/early stage Breast Cancer. She will work from home & get treatment immediately. Excellent prognosis. At a luncheon, President had a place setting added next to him & Wiles joined the group.
Cuba’s electrical grid failed on Monday
50,000 barrels of American oil, a day, released and pipeline running again in California from offshore platforms shut down since a 2015 spill.
Joseph Duggar – Duggar family fame – charged with child molestation
Ruth’s Chris and The Olive Garden institute dress codes
Venezuela beat Team USA in the World Baseball Classic held in Miami
Meteor estimated to weigh over 7 tons hits earth in daylight in Cleveland
Scotland rejects “right to die” bill that would have made assisted death possible for those with 6 mos or less to live
NY bill would force residents to turn off their outdoor lights by 11pm or face fines of $250-$500 each time.
Greg Bovino, controversial border chief announces his retirement
Pope says he will not attend the nation’s 250th, but will spend time with migrants on an island off the coast of Italy
UN – United Nations – on the verge of bankruptcy as member nations refuse to pay
Fed still holding interest rates steady
Student from Alabama missing in Spain found dead in 12 foot body of water after leaving a bar with an American girl – his phone found on another person with criminal history – his wallet found in water – Spanish official doing autopsy
Tesla releases its first semi-tractor trailer
Andrew Yang noting that AI is now producing the legal work usually done by 1st and 2nd year law students – this as law school applications are up 44% – as Yang notes, “for a profession AI is working to eliminate”.
San Francisco budget to address homelessness amounts to approx. $141,852 per homeless person
Cesar Chavez accused of abusing multiple girls for years – many schools and iconic locations in US bear his name. One woman who is still alive admitted she had 2 children with Chavez and had them raised by other families – she kept secret for 60 years
Costa Rica’s outgoing president says the hemisphere needs to be ‘cleansed’ of Communists, closes embassy in Cuba, citing Havana’s ‘lack of legitimacy’.
Japan’s prime minister flew to Washington with 250 cherry trees for America’s 250th birthday.
BV Hockey wins first state championship – in 4th OT – with Dorgan at the lead, following the Lynch Arena shooting by his father
ABC has canceled the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing a newly released video from 2023
US Arts Commission approves Trump gold coin
“The world is not the same as it was 10 years ago”, warning given by Jay Armes III, international private investigator speaking about spring break and other travel for Americans
The Potomac River issue has been repaired – work now turns to remediating the area
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pleading with wealthy people who have left the state for Florida to return – in 2022 she pleaded with Republican wealthy people in NY to leave and move to Florida
FIFA World Cup told they must have a female coach on teams
Treasury Dept. takes over student loan management, officially
$3.3 Billion will be bet in March Madness – $30 Billion will be bet each year in NFL football
Barron Trump turned 20 on March 20, 2026
Only 54% of people say they drink at all – spurring bars and restaurants to offer mocktails and other beverages
CBS News lays off 6% of staff and announces CBS News Radio is shutting down after nearly 100 years on air
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant by their management. “Allowing her to stay risked being perceived as a lack of support for the community that makes up the majority of our team, as well as their families and friends,” the statement said. “Ultimately, we made the decision to support our employees and guests who expressed they were uncomfortable.”
Returning military who left under COVID vaccine rules can now return for a 2-year active duty status, reducing it from 4 years
Army-Navy Game reserved for the 2nd Saturday in December by Executive Order
Caitlin Clark set to make $530,000 in 2026 under new CBA provision called “EPIC” (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) that will fast-track high-performing players to max and supermax deals
Cruise News: Royal Caribbean cancels 20 cruises on Freedom of the Seas – days after Carnival cancels 12 – both lines attribute “itinerary planning”
USPS lost $1.3B so far this year – expectations are for a stamp and postage increase
Chicago student shot and killed while walking with others
CBS News is laying off around 700 people and closing down their radio operations.
300-700 cats and dogs seized in Los Angeles and rescued – mostly kept in cages, many in bad shape – said to be the largest seizure in US
The Bison is now the official national mammal of the US – 2 bronze statues have been installed outside of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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IRANIAN CONFLICT
The number of Islamic regime officials and supporters, including Shia clerics, defecting to Canada has increased. – Canada has long been a safe haven
US Embassy in Venezuela raised the US flag for the first time in 7 years
Warning for American companies that Iran is trying to hack retail – and infrastructure – companies – focusing on data destruction
Director of National Terrorism resigns over disagreements with Iran war process
Bombing on Kharg Island’s military targets – not oil areas. Iran retaliated by bombing the US Embassy in Baghdad, hitting the helipad
UAE evacuating from port areas
Iranian footballers (soccer) decide to return home (most out of concern for their families) from asylum in Australia
UK sending thousands of interceptor drones to mideast
Michigan synagogue terrorist’s family were “members of Hezbollah’s rocket unit.” The same rocket unit that has been indiscriminately firing rockets at residential homes in Israel for 3 years.
FCC chair has warned news stations about fake anti-war news where lives are at stake
Baghdad’s El Rashid Hotel hit at the top level with a missile from Iran
Iran launched missiles to hit Riyadh precisely when the first emergency summit between Arab foreign ministers on regional security was beginning. Saudi Arabia say it now “reserves the right to take military action.
French Bulldog #1 Breed this year – next is Labrador Retrievers, then Golden Retrievers, and then German Shepherd, and finally Dachshund
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced today that Mexico seeks to resume fuel shipments to Cuba despite Trump’s threats
US and Japan announce $40 billion nuclear power project
Ships USS Boxer, Comstock and Portland on their way with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit – approx. 4,400 Marines converging on the Middle East
Saudi Arabia releases video of military force saying trust with Iran is broken and warns of military intervention
Iran publicly hanged 19-year-old champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi after forcing a confession tied to protest
Treasury now in charge of student loans
Sen. Mullin closer to confirmation as head of HHS
Nationwide recall on child ibuprofen
Hotels in Dubai are at 6% occupancy – children doing remote learning – city is “very quiet”
Iran tortured and hung a national teenage athlete – World Champion Wrestler
Iran warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide will not be safe for Tehran’s enemies.
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PASSINGS
John Alford, 54, actor, found dead in prison where he was serving time for assaulting 2 girls
Nicholas Brendon, 54, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Star, of natural causes
Chuck Norris, 86, actor, best known for Walker Texas Ranger, after being hospitalized for several days
Kiki Shepherd, 74, from nights at the Apollo