This Just In: McKee's first day is all vaccine, all the time

Also, a champion beard right here in Rhode Island. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Wednesday, March 3 [Providence, RI, March 3, 2021 - Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee talks with media after his visit to the John Hope Settlement House. Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee visits South Providence neighborhoods today starting with the John Hope Settlement House where vaccines are being administered and then to businesses along Broad Street. [The Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach]]( [This Just In: McKee's first day is all vaccine, all the time]( Also, a champion beard right here in Rhode Island. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. Any past attempts I have made to grow a beard have been embarrassing. But at least I can say I live in the same state as [the Texas national beard and mustache champion]( Dan McKee is focusing on the coronavirus vaccination effort [on a busy first full day]( as governor of Rhode Island. McKee visited a vaccination site in Providence and signed an executive order "to engage communities in state vaccination efforts" and "reduce vaccine hesitancy." Earlier in the day, he addressed the Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Subcommittee, [which later approved]( use of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Rhode Island. CVS [is allowing K-12 teachers]( in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to make vaccine appointments online. Unsurprisingly, the first appointments filled up very fast. The state Health Department [reported nine coronavirus-related deaths and 436 additional cases](. The number of hospitalized patients continued to decline. The seven-day new-case average fell slightly for the second consecutive day. Tonight, former Gov. Gina Raimondo has her special moment, [as she'll be sworn in]( as U.S. commerce secretary by Vice President Kamala Harris. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Supporters of seven bonding questions are celebrating today after [all seven questions were approved]( by strong majorities of voters. A new drug, funded in part with proceeds from the Ice Bucket Challenge, [is providing hope]( to ALS patients like Nancy Poon, a Wakefield resident who was diagnosed with the currently incurable disease in 2018. The eagerly awaited Bubbie's Market and Deli opens today at 727 Hope St. in Providence — not in full, but [as a Passover "pop-up market."]( Ultimately the market will be full of freshly prepared foods and a deli counter. The selection will include some favorites from the recently closed Davis Dairy Products. Who's going to play quarterback for the Patriots next season? [We take you through the likely options]( Finally, March Madness is just about upon us, but [it's going to be an uphill climb]( for your URI Rams to make any noise. Have a great night. 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]( © 2021 75 Fountain St. , Providence, RI 02902