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In the News… quick recap of news of the week ending July 3, 2026
A quick recap of news events of the week – Catch up on local, regional, national and beyond – with deaths of note.
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RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY
Duck Boat in Cambridge tipped over – 11 injured – more than 30 on board
Block Island police have warned parents, particularly mainland parents, that they will be called to the island to get their children if the young people misbehavior over the holiday
Twelve 21 bar closed after a huge brawl that needed police to break it up – bar was at over-capacity
RI passes legislation to allow telemedicine visits for veterinarians – 10th state to do so
North Shore beaches closed after millions of gallons of sewage flow into Merrimack River
Car recovered in Pawtucket with mother (45), daughter (19) and granddaughter (2), after going off the pier into water – there were no wheel guards in that area – Pawtucket tragedy investigation grows as a sonar expert said he might have located the vehicle much faster if allowed to assist in the search for the car that went off a “pier” area on Taft St., killing 3. After searching up and down the river, the car was found right where it went in. Issues of lack of fencing or barrier, rescue coordination and equipment available are also in question.There were also five vehicles were within one 50-yard-wide search area, found
30 y.o. homeless woman on Atwells Ave. hit by a car while she was sleeping outdoors
Boston closes their FanFest area for the World Cup – Providence stays open
Superior Court Judge Richard Licht will hear Speaker Shekarchi’s case about judgeship appointment
Fair Price Grocery Agenda legislation in RI now prevents supermarket chains from binding real estate with restrictive covenants – prohibiting the sale of fresh food and other groceries on key pieces of real estate in communities from Woonsocket to Westerly for terms of up to 30 years.
Scott Given, the leader of the shuttered Croft School, used the institution’s funds for lavish family vacation and personal expenses while lying to investors and families – per media reports
Taylor Swift donates $26M to US charities, including $1M to the RI Food Bank and an amount to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which includes participation at the MLK Center in Newport
Bear seen again in the Spice District area of Johnston, RI
Strike in Boston by tugboat workers just prior to Tall Ships parade
Budlong Pool in Cranston opens 7/8 and will now be known as the Budlong Aquatics Center and include a splash pad with toy features, a cookout area, locker and changing rooms. 400 people can be in the pool with 150 outside max. There is an ADA entrance area. Hours for now are noon to 5, Monday through Saturday
Rabid raccoon found in the Oakland Beach area of Warwick
MassHealth, Medicaid cut coverage for GLP-1 weight loss meds
Dartmouth Mall has new restrictions that those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Church/Priest abuse cases – Now that the statue of limitations has been removed there have been many legal cases filed against the church for abuse
Billy Donovan, PC fame, going to The Spurrs in Texas
Cumberland Farms is going to go public with an IPO
Boston considering mandating A/C units for all apartments put up for rent
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NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Prince Harry denied security request for the family’s visit to UK
Scotland’s soccer team coach resigns
Bad Bunny playing in England – 50K sold out crowds for 2 nights
Zillow reported home improvements with the best ROI are:
- Replacing your garage door (349% ROI)
- Replacing your entry door (216% ROI)
- Adding a manufactured stone veneer (208% ROI)
- Installing fiber-cement siding (114% ROI)
- Minor kitchen remodel (113% ROI)
Renovations like swimming pools, marble countertops, and koi ponds may actually drive some buyers away.
Mel Brooks turns 100. Blazing Saddles named funniest movie of all time
1st dinosaur bone found in a drawer in Antarctica
Katherine, Princess of Wales, climbed 3 peaks to raise money for cancer treatments
Lionel Richie pausing concert schedule after taking ill
Scott Pelley, fired from 60 Minutes said to be signing for a new gig
UK will announce their new defense plan and spending plan today
NFL’s Chris Johnston announced he has ALS and now uses a computer to speak
NPR reports Justice Solito retiring, but he is not
Lebron James leaving the Lakers but not retiring
Federal authorities announced the seizure of hundreds of domains allegedly used to illegally stream World Cup matches
Alibaba Group and AUS Merchant Services Agree to Pay $600 Million to Resolve Allegations that they failed to prevent illegal sales of Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Equipment, and Other Illegal Products
Target letting ULTA beauty partnership go and putting in their own
16 children rescued from decrepit home – some close to death – family members charged with neglect and child endangerment
In NYC, the rent stabilization rules will only help 350,000 people – the rest of the renters in NYC are on government subsidies
It will be law in 2030 that all NYC landlords must provide AC to their tenants – 600 die each year due to heat related issues
Reflecting Pool damage results in arrest of an Olympic canoeist as he was indicted by a Grand Jury – and 5 others at this time
A giant flag was mowed into the lawn at Utah State Univ. for the nation’s 250th
Lyft is offering up to $18 free rides for new users this weekend
Saying they are “extremely proud to be an American” are 70% Republican – 28% Independent – and 14% of Democrats
Venezuelan earthquake – a 43 year old man was recovered 8 days after who was stuck in a security booth which provided air and a small hole for water and food
Germany says days off by calling in will end and you now need a doctor’s note for absences – new policy due to increasing lack of people working
Mitch McConnell Suffered Cardiac Arrest at Home on June 14
Washington Monument features a nightly Projection Light Show
BBC reports that “almost every official” has been killed in the Venezuelan earthquake area
Danny Glover discloses he has Alzheimers
Iran has week long funeral services for their leader Khamenei – Iran also sent a message to US for its 250th,
NYC Mayor Mamdani gave a speech for July 4th, focusing on immigration, contrasting patriotic ideals with inequality, deportations, corporate power. Widely criticized by patriotic Americans — and even unsettled some Democrats — who saw his attacks on capitalism, ICE, “oligarchs,” and American “supremacy” as a step too far for a national birthday address.
Pres. Trump spoke at Mt. Rushmore on July 3rd – noting the rising threat of Communism while heralding the patriotism and history and future of the United States.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden under cloaked secrecy – Adam Sandler officiated – no bridesmaids or groomsmen – each of their brother’s stood up for them – many guests are said to have left earlier than the 2am official end – signs outside MGM were lit up with “married” notifications
Many parades and events around US canceled or rescheduled due to nationwide dangerous heat wave.
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PASSINGS
Yanina Maranella, Aarón and Ainhoa, wife and children of Lucas Trejo, star soccer player, in Venezuelan earthquake
Victor Willis, 74, founding member of the Village People and lead singer of Y.M.C.A