This Just In: A Monday Night to get excited about

Also, more details on a fatal crash involving the state's medical transportation provider. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Monday, December 6 [New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, top left, on the line during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) ORG XMIT: OTK]( [A Monday Night to get excited about]( Also, more details on a fatal crash involving the state's medical transportation provider. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. There might be a lot of bloodshot eyes around the office tomorrow (or on your Zoom calls), because for the first time in a long time, we have a Monday Night Football game that's worth getting excited about in New England. But more on that later. We're getting more details today on a fatal crash involving the state's nonemergency medical transportation service. A driver for a subcontractor of Medical Transportation Management, a company whose record in Rhode Island had been [heavily criticized]( before the COVID pandemic, [is charged with DUI and driving without a license]( in connection with a crash that killed a 77-year-old woman who was returning from a dialysis appointment. The latest news has some raising the possibility of canceling the state's contract with MTM. The latest on the state's COVID surge: The Rhode Island Department of Health reported seven more coronavirus-related deaths and 2,091 additional cases of COVID-19 over the last three days, along with 36,045 negative tests, for a 5.5% positive rate. There were 184 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 162 reported Friday. Rhode Island has reported an average of 853 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 73% from a week ago and up 80% from two weeks ago. Meanwhile, General Treasurer and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Seth Magaziner called for the state to reimpose an indoor mask mandate, something that incumbent Gov. Dan McKee has so far resisted doing. McKee and the leaders of the House and the Senate [announced a deal]( to clear the way for quick passage of McKee's plan to begin spending the state's $1.1-billion share of aid from the American Rescue Plan Act. Rhode Island has not yet identified its first case of the omicron COVID variant (although it's probably just a matter of time), but for the first time in eight years, someone in the state has tested positive for something called [Jamestown Canyon Virus]( In The Journal's weekly Political Scene column, Patrick Anderson took a closer look at the early redistricting maps that are emerging as a result of the 2020 census results to see [which incumbents might find themselves in greater danger]( next election cycle. Ferenc Karoly is set to take the helm of the Providence External Review Authority, the civilian oversight board for the Providence Police Department. So what's his first order of business? As Amy Russo learned, [the answer is simple and straightforward]( Here's a headline that shouldn't surprise anyone, unless you still think there's only one: [There's a Santa shortage this year](. In other seasonal news, we might get [our first substantial snow of the season]( on Wednesday. And now, about that game. First place in the AFC East will be on the line tonight when the 8-4 Patriots visit the 7-4 Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York. It'll also be [the first of what could be many matchups]( between Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, the front-runner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; and the Bills fourth-year star, Josh Allen . The game starts at 8:15 on ESPN, or you can catch the Manning brothers' analysis on ESPN2. 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