This Just In: A courtroom stunner, and a closer look at the governor's schedule

Also, a recurring nightmare for the Jets. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Monday, September 20 [Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II, enters John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse, on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.He was with his wife Jen Fernandes.]( [A courtroom stunner, and a closer look at the governor's schedule]( Also, a recurring nightmare for the Jets. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. I used to get recurring dreams, and they were often unpleasant. But nothing like what New York Jets fans must go through twice a year, when their team faces the Patriots. Yesterday, every time the Jets seemed on the verge of making it an interesting game, their rookie quarterback [would throw the ball into the Pats' hands]( again. Predictable. There was nothing predictable, however, about what happened this afternoon at the federal courthouse in Boston. Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia was there to be sentenced after his conviction by a jury on 21 counts of wire fraud, extortion conspiracy and extortion. Instead U.S. District Court Judge Dennis P. Woodlock [acquitted Correia on eight of the 21 counts]( agreeing with the defense that prosecutors had failed to produce evidence adequate for conviction. Woodlock, however, said there would be no acquittal on the extortion counts related to Correia shaking down marijuana vendors looking to do business in the city, and he refused to grant a new trial. Sentencing is now expected to take place tomorrow. Dan McKee has been governor for a little more than half a year, since taking over for the departed Gina Raimondo. While McKee has certainly made plenty of public appearances during that time, full details of his schedule have not been made public. Until now. In response to an inquiry from Political Scene, McKee's office turned over information that shows in much greater detail [how he spends his days](. McKee's 2022 Democratic challengers, Treasurer Seth Magaziner and Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, made similar disclosures. The schedule information is of particular interest at a time when three of the state's five general officers are also rivals in its highest-profile political contest. The Rhode Island Department of Health reported three coronavirus-related deaths over the last three days and 901 additional cases of COVID-19, to go along with 41,868 negative tests, for a 2.1% positive rate. There were 119 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 117 reported three days ago, with 18 in intensive care. What percentage of Rhode Island state troopers are vaccinated for COVID-19? The state Department of Public Safety says it can't answer, because [it is not tracking the vaccination status]( of its employees, who also include the capitol police and sheriffs who transport suspects between the ACI and the state's courthouses. A Cranston family [is blaming the city's rat problem]( for an illness that nearly killed their dog, and for the thousands of dollars they spent at the veterinarian. They want the city to pay them back. A report by state Health and Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones [has found gaps in state services]( for people living with mental illness or substance abuse issues. If you cross the Pell Bridge and don't yet have E-ZPass, now's probably the time. Starting at the end of next month, [cash will no longer be an option](  Finally, back to the Patriots. It may be early, but Mac Jones [has been the best rookie quarterback in the NFL this year]( 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