This Just In: A triumphant second act; National Grid sale clears court obstacle

Also, a COVID-triggered population decline. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Tuesday, March 29 [Rebecca Gibel]( [A triumphant second act; National Grid sale clears court obstacle]( Also, a COVID-triggered population decline. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal, and I'm ready for spring to come back. Please. On March 29, 2020, the main news story on our front page was about Gov. Gina Raimondo issuing a "stay at home order" as the state reported its first two COVID deaths. There was a feature story on that front page about the shuttered local arts scene, featuring actress Rebecca Gibel , who spoke about the uncertain days ahead. The headline for that story was "Second act." Today, exactly two years later, Gibel is on the front page again: this time for her role in an Oscar-winning movie. Second act indeed. "CODA," the winner of best picture, [features Gibel and fellow Rhode Islander Marilyn Busch in key roles]( and has other local ties as well. The proposed sale of National Grid's Rhode Island business to a Pennsylvania corporation is one big step closer to reality. The Massachusetts attorney general [has blocked her objection]( to the sale after the company agreed not to pass along increased costs to its Bay State customers. The Rhode Island Department of Health today reported seven coronavirus-related deaths and 165 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 5,181 negative tests, for a 3.1% positive rate. The seven deaths all occurred prior to this past weekend but had not previously been disclosed. There were 51 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, the same number reported yesterday, with four in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 164 new cases a day over the last seven days, down 3% from a week ago and down 1% from two weeks ago. From July 2020 through June 2021, Rhode Island experienced 2,250 more deaths than births, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. It was the first time in at least a decade that the state had seen [a "natural decline" in population]( – a population decline before accounting for people moving into or out of the state. But the impact of COVID went beyond a larger-than-usual number of deaths during those 12 months. As Paul Edward Parker reports, the pandemic also appears to have depressed the birth rate. A first-term progressive senator from Warwick has decided not to run for reelection, [and is endorsing]( Harrison Tuttle, executive director of the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee, to fill her seat. A federal judge [has dismissed]( the Narragansett Tribe's $30-million lawsuit against the Federal Highway Administration and the State of Rhode Island stemming from the discovery of remains of an ancient Native American village underneath Route 95 in downtown Providence. The Audubon Society [has turned on its live stream atop the Superman Building]( where a pair of peregrine falcons are taking care of three eggs. If your timing is right, you might even get to see the chicks hatch. The URI men's basketball team is seeing [an exodus of players]( since the firing of former head coach David Cox. But the women's basketball coach, Tammi Reiss, appears to be [here for the long haul]( And finally, you'll want to check back tomorrow on [providencejournal.com]( as our food editor Gail Ciampa takes a special look at the [most memorable and missed restaurants]( from Rhode Island's past, as nominated by Journal readers. Have a great night. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, [please encourage 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