This Just In: RI joins regional climate initiative; circus acrobats reach settlement

Plus, why Rhode Island in December is not like New York in April. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Monday, December 21 [Route146 north in North Smithfield approaching the intersection with Sayles Hill Road. The $150-million overhaul will include a new grade-separated interchange at the intersection to reduce traffic backups.]( [This Just In: RI joins regional climate initiative]( Plus, why Rhode Island in December is not like New York in April. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. Welcome to winter in New England. Not only was today the day of the winter solstice, it's the first day after the three-week "pause" ordered by Gov. Gina Raimondo. If you need a refresher on what you can and can't do in this latest phase, [here it is]( Rhode Island and its neighbors, Massachusetts and Connecticut, today announced [a sweeping commitment]( to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. The three states, plus the District of Columbia, have agreed to be part of the Transportation Climate Change Initiative, which will require suppliers of gasoline and diesel to participate in a cap-and-trade program. The proceeds would go toward mass transit, electric vehicle charging, and other "clean" transportation options. And yes, it means the cost of fuel at the pump is likely to go up. But it will be a couple years before the program gets off the ground. Rhode Island has set [a single-day record]( for deaths due to coronavirus. According to the latest data update, 25 COVID-positive Rhode Islanders died on Dec. 13, breaking the record of 24 that had been set April 30 and tied May 2. However, as the state emerges from the "pause," the seven-day new case average declined to its lowest point in more than a month. Dr. Whit Fisher has a special perspective on the second wave of the virus in Rhode Island. A practicing emergency physician in Rhode Island, the native New Yorker volunteered to work at a hospital in Queens during the height of the early-spring surge there. And he says that while Rhode Island is in a tough spot today, it is [nothing like the "apocalyptic" situation]( he observed there. Eight former acrobats with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus, who were injured in a horrific accident at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in 2014, [have reached a $52.5-million settlement]( with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority and the Pennsylvania company that manages the facility. The lead lawyer representing the acrobats says all of them suffered "catastrophic" injuries after falling 20 feet when rigging failed that had been suspending the women from the arena ceiling by their hair. A little more than a year after the state takeover of the Providence Public Schools, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green says she is done "[nibbling around the edges]( and is looking for significant changes in the teachers' contract. Meanwhile, [there is new life]( for the Henry Barnard School. Finally, we now know for sure: [the Patriots won't be going to the playoffs]( for the first time in 12 years. Our football writer, Mark Daniels, says [the time is now]( to find out what Jarrett Stidham has to offer. Have a great day. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, [please encourage a friend to sign up]( [Discover more with our newsletters: Get the latest headlines, things to do and more in your inbox. Sign up here.]( [click here]( Problem viewing email? [View in browser]( [Unsubscribe]( • [Manage Newsletters]( • [Terms of Service]( • [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( • [Privacy Notice]( • [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy]( • [Feedback]( © 2020 75 Fountain St. , Providence, RI 02902