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In the News… recap for the week ending Nov. 30, 2024
A quick recap for our busy lives on some happenings of the week locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally and passings of note.
RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
Cranston City Council heard testimony on homeless encampments, potential to fine them, and moved the issue to committee for consideration.
Cranston wanting to hire snow plow vendors – paying up to $190/hr
2 hr. parking on street outside Providence City Hall and in local shopping areas – starts Saturday – ends Jan. 1st
Prov. Mayor Smiley looking for variance from 7% cap on tax increases for 1 year to regain funds mandated to be paid to Prov. Schools this year – over $15M
RI and MA warning people about EZ Pass “smishing” schemes
Independent Man going back on top of the RI State House in December
The Ground Round, long ago restaurant in the area, will reopen 1 location in Shrewsbury, MA
Jessica Eagles appointed CEO of the RI Free Clinic
RI Food Bank says nearly 39% of Rhode Islanders are food insecure
Today is Small Business Shop Saturday
UNFI to lay off 121 employees who report to the Lincoln, RI office – of these, 50 live and work in RI, while others work remotely. Most in accts payable, billing and HR. Layoffs to begin late January for phase 1 and late June for phase 2.
RI Rep. Seth Magaziner had a bomb threat at his home.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said he was also the target of a bomb threat Thursday
Media outlets report massive traffic jams in downtown Providence around the Providence Place Mall, PPAC, etc.
From Kurt the Cyber Guy: Never lose your parked car again. On iPhones, open Maps, locate your position, select the blue dot representing your location, then tap “Drop Pin” or “Mark My Location” to drop a pin. For Android users, open Google Maps, tap the blue dot showing your location, and choose “Save your parking.” Bonus tip: Snap a photo of nearby signs or landmarks for added backup. You’ll always know where to go, no matter how tricky the lot
The Newport Skatepark is now open
Those insured by Tufts Health Direct in MA will not have their insurance honored at UMass or Children’s Hospital, effective January 1st
Anti-Israel demonstrations outside Copley Place on Black Friday
Big Papi becomes part owner of Boston Red Sox
MA one of 19 states in cucumber salmonella illness
Women & Infants union authorizes strike on December 12th
UNAP calling on state for more safety regs after attack on nurse at Zambarano Hospital
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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Gibson guitars: 3,000 fakes confiscated in CA, worth over $18M
3 Americans held for many years in China, released
Portugal launched a woman-only tax service
P. Diddy refused bail by court
Another recall of bagged, mixed vegetables sold at Walmart
Court cases on Jan. 6th and documents against incoming Pres. Trump ended
Ozempic and other weight loss injectables may be covered by Medicare, which would be wildly expensive – Pres. Trump would probably reverse this.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is holding – Lebanese forces moving into the southern part of their country and Israelis get prepared to return to northern homes
Pres. of Mexico promises incoming Pres. Trump she will work to stop people going over the border (no fencing), and will stop the flow of drugs
Texas can put razor wire back on the border wall, per appeals court
Kaitlan Collins, CNN, was named the network’s White House correspondent
Several Cabinet picks have had bomb threats in recent days – 1 person arrested while officials believe more were involved and coordinated with each other
Keith Kellogg picked as special envoy to Ukraine – retired Lt. Gen, has worked in Trump administration before
Australia has passed a law banning anyone under 16 from using social media.
68% of Native Americans voted for Trump, per exit polls
NYC Dem Councilman is now calling on the city to repeal its Sanctuary designation to the President can clean the city of illegals occupying the hotels, sleeping on the streets, and waiting trials
In Europe, the right to end one’s life has received initial approval in Britain – would apply to those with less than 6 mos to live.
Rumors that AOC may run for President in 4 years
Bill Clinton writes in his memoir that he ‘couldn’t sleep for two years,’ and was prone to ‘outbursts of rage’ after Hillary lost to Trump.
Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen on December 7th
Anti-Israel demonstrators protested in the streets in NYC on Black Friday, chanting “We Don’t want no Christmas Tree!” and “Intifada Intifada!” as they march by the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Georgia Supreme Court said to be preparing to dismiss Fani Willis’ case against Trump
Snowstorm in NY puts traffic on Black Friday night in gridlock – some stuck on I-80
Car blows up in a container at Miami’s port, causing large fire (developing)
Consumer confidence measures rises – especially among under-35s
Vito, a Pug, winner of the National Dog Show
Cucumber salmonella threat extends to 19 states
President of Mexico now says there will be no need for tariff threats, but did not elaborate
5 leading chefs selected Kerrygold Irish Butter as their preferred baking/cooking butter
USPS – International mail acceptance suspended to Canada due to the national strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
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PASSINGS
Peggy Caserta, 84, partner of Janis Joplin
Joan Rather, 89, wife of Dan Rather