This Just In: Calls for action in RI after Texas tragedy; what you need to know about legal pot

Also, Bishop Tobin vs. Allie's Donuts. [providencejournal.com]( This Just In Wednesday, May 25 [MaryAnn Garza, 37, completes a sign showing community support in Uvalde, Texas, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, outside the Sno-Ink restaurant she owns with her husband.]( [Calls for action in RI after Texas tragedy; what you need to know...]( Also, Bishop Tobin vs. Allie's Donuts. Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. I usually try to start this newsletter with a light-hearted remark or observation, but since understandably no one is much in a mood for that today, I'll get right to the news. Bills that would ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Rhode Island appeared to be stalled in the General Assembly once again this year, but there are [renewed calls for action]( following yesterday's horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. And here's [the latest news out of Texas]( from our partners in the USA TODAY Network. A day after lawmakers voted to legalize recreational marijuana in Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee signed it into law. That means some things have changed today and some things haven't yet. [Here's what the average Rhode Islander should know]( about legalization. The Rhode Island Department of Health reported three coronavirus-related deaths and 596 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 7,445 negative tests, for a 7.4% positive rate. There were 91 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 87 reported yesterday, with six in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 678 new cases a day over the last seven days, down 17% from a week ago and down 9% from two weeks ago. Narragansett Electric is no more. In its first order of business after taking over National Grid's electric and gas operations in Rhode Island, the Pennsylvania-based PPL Corp. changed the local company's name and logo. Other changes are coming too – some of which are likely to include local jobs – the new president of Rhode Island Energy [told The Journal's Alex Kuffner]( Dr. Timothy Babineau said he did a lot of "soul-searching" after the proposed merger of Lifespan and Care New England fell through earlier this year, and that process eventually led to his decision to retire as Lifespan's leader. But he said it wasn't the only factor. He spoke about some of the challenges facing the state's largest health-care system in [an interview with The Journal's G. Wayne Miller]( The Town of New Shoreham still hasn't shored up state police help for the coming tourist season, and now the police chief on the island [has announced that he is leaving]( to lead the force in South Kingstown. The state's chief public defender appeared before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today in her bid to become a federal appeals court judge. Lara Montecalvo received praise from Rhode Island officials [but also some pointed questions]( from a Tennessee Republican. Providence Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin took to Twitter to urge the faithful [not to go to Allie's Donuts]( but that's not going to work for some. I like most things that Gail Ciampa likes, so maybe that means I should check out ["Top Gun: Maverick."Â]( And finally, the Celtics are back in Miami tonight to play [Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals](. The question of who will play and who won't play remains up in the air just a few hours before tip time, which is a bit after 8:30. You can catch the game on ESPN. Good 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