This Just In: How real friars are cheering on the PC Friars

Also, a teacher from Rhode Island describes her flight from Ukraine. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Wednesday, March 16 [In 2017 - Students walk pass a Providence College Friars sport logo that separates Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium from the parking garage Monday afternoon. [The Providence Journal / Kris Craig] ]( [How real friars are cheering on the PC Friars]( Also, a teacher from Rhode Island describes her flight from Ukraine. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. I filled out my bracket last night and while I didn't pick PC to do very well, maybe this will just give the team [extra motivation]( When the Friars do take the floor against South Dakota State at 12:40 tomorrow afternoon, some of the loudest cheers will come from – friars, of the Dominican variety. Columnist Mark Patinkin [met with some of the men in white robes]( on the Providence College campus and found dedicated fans of the team who are not shy about praying for victory, or mixing basketball, blessings and beer. The Bryant Bulldogs take the floor tonight at 6:40 [to face Wright State]( in Dayton, Ohio, so now would be a good time to figure out [what channel is TruTV](. (And write it down, because PC plays on that same channel tomorrow.) How do the Bulldogs feel headed into tonight's play-in game? As always, [they're a confident bunch]( The Rhode Island Department of Health reported four coronavirus-related deaths and 208 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 8,042 negative tests, for a 2.5% positive rate. There were 77 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 76 reported yesterday, with six in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 171 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 19% from a week ago and down 16% from two weeks ago. A federal judge has ruled that a Rhode Island law prohibiting private ownership of stun guns or Tasers [is unconstitutional]( in a victory for Second Amendment advocates. Cox Communications' announcement of plans to invest $120 million over the next three years on broadband connections [follows years of complaints]( about slow internet in Jamestown and Aquidneck Island, where Cox is the only game in town. Pamela Throop, a 66-year-old Rhode Island native, traveled 700 miles to flee Ukraine, where she had been a teacher since August. She was helped along the way by the kindness of strangers from multiple countries, an experience that drove home for her that ["the world does care."]( Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and City Council President John Igliozzi appeared before the House Finance Committee to advocate for a pension obligation bond of up to $515 million. [They faced a lot of questions]( Rhode Island appears closer than ever to legalizing recreational marijuana, but the arcane issue of separation of powers [might prove to be a speedbump]( A Neftlix movie that premieres tomorrow tells the story of Rhode Island State Police rescue dog Ruby, a shelter dog who was nearly euthanized before becoming a hero. How much of the movie version is true to real-life events? [Donita Naylor breaks it down]( The prom. Marriage. Two big moments in life that came together at PPAC last weekend when a lead actor in the musical "The Prom" [proposed to his longtime partner]( And finally, we all love croissants in my house. If you're the same, you've got to [check out Providence's Butterbang]( – but as food editor Gail Ciampa explains, it will take some planning. 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]( © 2022 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902