Daily Briefing: Would you eat a free lunch?

ALSO: Is tipping culture tipping you over the edge? Advertisement [eNewspaper]( | [Crosswords]( | [Horoscopes]( [Read in browser]( [Read in browser]( The Daily Briefing YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP Wed May 17 2023 Will Richmond | Managing Editor Communities & R.I. [@Will_Richmond]( Good morning, I'm Will Richmond at The Providence Journal and this is the Daily Briefing. It seems that almost annually there's a story about school lunch debt making the rounds. The Journal's Jack Perry recently wrote about [Stanley Tree Service delivering a check for $1,347]( to the Smithfield School Department to cover the unpaid balances of 204 children from 175 families. That's just one small example. Of course, the issue of school debt wasn't prominent in recent years as federal funds allowed school districts to offer free meals to everyone during the COVID-19 years. With those funds no longer available, stories such as that in Smithfield are back in the news. But that could all change. [How Lunch Shaming Is Facing Scrutiny Around Us] Could R.I. become the next state to approve a universal school lunch program? Morgan Lee, AP The Journal's Patrick Anderson has coverage of last night's Senate vote on a bill that would provide free lunches for all Rhode Island students. The benefits of free meals — free breakfasts are also included in the bill — have been made for years, but there's also a price associated with such a measure. Which argument may sway the Senate and what's happening on the House side? [Check out Patrick's story for all the latest information.]( This free newsletter is possible thanks to our subscribers. [Support local journalism with a subscription to The Providence Journal.]( WORTH A READ 💰 Are you tired of [constantly being asked for tips?]( 🌲 So far no Christmas Tree Shops in R.I. are planned for closure. But on Cape Cod, where the store originated, [the loss of two locations is being felt by locals.]( 🚑 ICYMI: [The Cranston Street Armory generated hundreds of EMS calls while open](. Did it put a strain on rescue resources? [Today's Weather]( ☀️ Mostly sunny, breezy and cooler; dry and breezy conditions can lead to an elevated fire risk. Highs in the mid-60s. TOP STORIES [Abortion coverage for RI state workers, Medicaid wins Senate committee approval by one vote]( [David Tikoian and John Burke listen with other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as the vote of 7-to-6 is read and the "Equality in Abortion Coverage Act" was sent out of Senate Judiciary Committee to a full Senate vote on Tuesday afternoon. Ruggerio's vote proved to be the deciding vote.]( The deciding vote was cast by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. [READ MORE]( Advertisement [Frontline caregivers at Charlesgate Nursing Center, along with community supporters and elected officials gather today.]( [Why Charlesgate workers are pushing the state to save nursing home]( "100% of the people who live in this nursing home are poor," vice president Martin said. "It is wrong to shut down this nursing home for the sake of profit." [READ MORE]( [This rendering shows what the lane split on Route 195 West over the Washington Street Bridge will look like starting on May 19.]( [I-195W lane split moves to the right starting May 19. What to know]( The new lane split taking effect May 19 in East Providence will last until fall amid ongoing work to ease traffic congestion. [READ MORE]( ["Coasty" the rescued seal headed back to the ocean this morning.]( [Rehabilitated seal released in Charlestown amid funding push]( Since 2018, Rhode Island has seen a 47% increase in annual marine mammal stranding reports, which includes whales, dolphins, turtles and seals. [READ MORE]( [The Pilgrim Patriots travel to Prout for Lacrosse action against the Crusaders on May 15, 2023. ]( [Pilgrim boys lacrosse holds off Prout's surge]( The Patriots were the Division III champs last season, and now have won 5 straight as they head toward the playoffs. [READ MORE]( Advertisement Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don’t miss out! We’re always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. [SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔]( [SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔]( SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Reporting. Your Stories. Full access to subscriber-only content on all devices. Share bonus subscription with a family member or friend. The universal eNewspaper, the digital version of our print paper, plus bonus monthly magazines and hundreds of local papers. Original reporting of our hometown teams, from high school sports to the pros. [SUBSCRIBE TODAY]( [SUBSCRIBE TODAY]( Follow Us 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](