Subscribe!
In the News… recap of news of the week, ending April 10, 2026
Here is a quick recap of the news of the week – to keep you better informed. Local, regional, national, international – and passings of note:
RHODE ISLAND & REGION
Sect of RI EOHHS, Richard Charest, announces retirement, effective July 3, 2006
Workforce Innovation Center established at CCRI’s Knight Campus in Warwick, a regional hub for career and technical education, designed to address critical workforce shortages, support local industry, and provide high-quality, hands-on training in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction trades, healthcare, information technology, and other emerging industries.
Another round of corrected tax forms going out for RI state employees in some departments
Interim chief Hugh Clements named DPS chief of police, VP for public safety and emergency management at Brown University – settlement reached for termination of prior person holding this position
Foster Forward once again was the top fundraising organization in the 401 Gives campaign
Rhode Islanders can now call 511 to report potholes, 24/7. Reports go into RIDOT’s work order system. The pothole interactive dashboard at www.ridot.net/potholes, provides tracking of reported and repaired potholes on state roads, with updates every three hours.
RI Ethics Commission exonerates former RI state administrator, James Thorsen, of allegations on inappropriate behavior on a business trip
Patriots Hall of Fame finalists leads with Ron Gronkowski
FIFA – Framingham, MA chooses not to host any World Cup events, and did not apply for any of the $10M in funds available to do so out of safety and crowd concerns. Framingham has one of the largest immigrant populations in MA.
$1M federal funds for Bristol’s 250th celebration granted
Motor Club co-owned by AAA Northeast, expanding locally with at least 370 new full-time jobs by 2030 and an office in Lincoln at the former A.T. Cross building. They will receive $6.8 million in state tax incentives
Raffles Boston Hotel will offer World Cup packages for 3-4 nights and helicopter rides for guests to World Cup at Gillette for $75K
NEIT commencement speakers – Ashley Judd and Vincent Rossi III (Rossi Electric)
America’s Jubilee set for June 5 in Newport – 24 mile race of 250 Tall Ships, Twelves, and World-Class Sailboats – entry $250
African American Museum opened in Providence
Nantucket painter sues Bill Belichick for $300K for an injury while working on his island property.
2 East Bay Bike Path bridges reopened, costing $24M
Plan to add bikeways and walkways along the Henderson Bridge corridor will not happen as federal programs similar to this are no longer funded – $25M was to be used
In 2025, RI legislators and supporters banned the sale of certain firearms – being sure to say ‘we are not coming for your guns’. This year, the bill includes ‘possession’.
Tickets for World Cup games MBTA transportation from Providence are $80 and only for game ticket holders – Providence Mayor looking for alternatives
Brockton Hospital reverts to a paper system after cyberattack – recovery said to take weeks
Route 4 blasting taking place until further notice
Cape Cod Community College President John Cox was put on leave before abruptly retiring earlier this spring.
$60 Million RI Investment to Launch CCRI Workforce Innovation Center
52 new units of affordable living in Olneyville will be constructed
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and NYT’s NFL reporter, Dianna Russini, both married to others, seen together at Sedona resort.
A new East Providence Community Center will open in October
At Brown University, for each day employees worked during the weekend of the Brown shooting, they will receive an extra day off.
Aspen Aerogels explosion and fire was “accidental due to an accumulation of ethanol vapors in a drying oven used in the manufacturing process, and all victims that were transported to area hospitals have been treated and released.” – per RI State Fire Marshal. Later, questions about proper licensing have been raised.
Taylor Swift wedding may now be held in July in NYC, per rumors that put Westerly locale in question
2nd mural of Iryna Zarutska completed on the side of Opa restaurant on Federal Hill – owner of building paid artist $1 per request, and the funding for the original mural was not involved in decision to paint an alternative
Federal judge halted RI’s cannabis retailer lottery after out-of-state plaintiffs challenged residency requirements, stalling opening new shops
Median price of a RI home this week: $512,000
Cranston is facing a growing budget deficit, now estimated to be near $10 million.
The 76th Annual Rhode Island Home Show is currently being held at the AMP in Providence
Trout Season begins today at 6am with 60K trout stocking approx. 100 waterways – Anglers aged 15 and older must have a 2026 freshwater fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp to keep their catch. Maximum catch is 5 at least 8 inches in length
Small electronics company in East Greenwich, Dewetron, provided sensors critical to Artemis II mission
___
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
One survey says AI has replaced 20% of the adult workforce
The Associated Press to cut under 5% of global news staff
SCOTUS vacated charges against ex-Trump advisor Steve Bannon for contempt-of-Congress
Germany is preparing to ban fighting-age men from leaving the country as they edge toward compulsory military service.
France is launching national military service.
250 foot Triumphal Arch approved for DC’s 250th
A new Reuters Institute report shows that young adults, aged 18-24, want more news that makes them laugh and feel good about the world.
Oracle rehires 27% of 30,000 terminated employees – as independent contractors – new salaries, no benefits, reapply for clearances, same desks and buildings – as soon as AI can replace them, it will.
Board of Peace in Middle East gives Gaza until end of week to demilitarize
A lake in California is said to have more lithium in it than anywhere else in the world
President calls crew of Artemis II as they emerged from the dark side of the moon
Shelly Kittleson, American journalist, released by Iraq on provision she leave country immediately
Kanye West concert canceled as he was denied entry to the UK for history of anti-Semitic remarks
Kim Jong Un’s 13 year old daughter seen driving a tank
Cassidy Hutchinson, the White House staffer who testified against the President on January 6th is now under investigation
Apple’s foldable iPhone will debut in September
Artemis and Space Station called each other on the “phone”
Mental health-related sick days have continued to rise year over year. Unlike traditional sick leave, these absences are longer, more complex, and more disruptive to operations.
Man charged with murder of Iryna Zarutska found mentally incapable of standing trial. #RememberIryna
NYC Mayor Mamdani now says buses will not be free
Olympic events in LA going for approx. $1,000
Pam Bondi will not testify before Congress on Epstein files
Pink to host 2026 Tony Awards June 7th
USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of “cash crisis”
First Lady Melania Trump addresses public, live, to dispel rumors relating her to Epstein, says women who want to tell their story should be given their time to do so under oath, etc. Also mentioned that attorneys have been bringing suit against those who have slandered
USPS temporarily halts contributions to pension plan after warning of “cash crisis”
RFK Jr. starting a podcast – “The Secretary Kennedy Podcast” to help people understand about healthy food choices and changes being made
Greece bans social media for children under 15
California AG announces a major hospice fraud “bust” in Los Angeles County, a scheme defrauded Medi-Cal of $267 million.
After extensive legal battles, a final order of removal has been issued for Mahmoud Khalil after he lost his appeal in court and he should be deported soon. To Algeria.
Artemis II had a textbook landing off the coast of San Diego – other than a malfunctioning toilet the voyage was near perfect. Seen as first step toward building a station on the moon – and from there, Mars.
As many as 4 women, some former staffers of Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, say they were violently raped and might have been drugged by Swalwell.
Intelligence reports say that China may be preparing to re-supply Iran with weapons – including low flying planes and shoulder held weapons, using 3rd party countries to ship – China was key in negotiating the 2 week ceasefire and this time could now be seen as a time to replenish weapons.
Savannah Guthrie goes back on the air on NBC’s TODAY show
Michael J. Fox incorrectly reported by CNN as having died
Gavin Newsom’s high speed rail said to go down as the biggest money laundering scheme in American history
Under L.A. mayor’s $300-million homeless program, 40% have returned to the street
___
IRAN
Visas revoked for niece, grand-niece of slain Iranian Gen. Soleimani living lavishly in US – arrested and set to be deported
2nd US downed in Iran found, rescued – “safe and sound”
No. Korea said to be distancing from longtime partner, Iran, while keeping its options open with the US, facing intense economic pressure from the Middle East conflict
IRGC intelligence chief Major General Majid Khademi was killed overnight – #2 in Iran’s forces
FBI and our partners have arrested a former SOCOM employee, who supported our top-level military warfighters, for allegedly transmitting classified information to a member of the media.
MSM continue to report an Iranian 10 point plan – even though the US has said it is “absurd”
Israel will enter into talks with Lebanon
X demonetized Dom Lucre for 90 days, an account with over 1.6 million followers, as they begin to crack down on the posting on fake, AI-generated war footage
Peace talks begin today between US and Iran after a shaky ceasefire holds
___
PASSINGS
Joseph Abbate, 74, longtime Magistrate of RI Traffic Tribunal, after 9 year battle with cancer
Davey Lopes, 80, former LA Dodgers, from RI, complications of Parkinson’s
Michael Patrick, 35, Game of Thrones actor, motor neurone disease
Kathy Quick, 59, art professor at URI, death said to have been unexpected