Daily Briefing: Rhode Islanders, it's a day to celebrate

ALSO: All the top headlines to start your day. Advertisement [eNewspaper]( | [Crosswords]( | [Horoscopes]( [Read in browser]( [Read in browser]( The Daily Briefing YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP Thu Oct 5 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. Happy National Rhode Island Day. Yes, that's right – Oct. 5 is National Rhode Island Day. And it's certainly worth celebrating. We all know Rhode Island is a unique state, but in my mind, one of the greatest things about the Ocean State is how we pull for each other. Our size creates an atmosphere that makes it easy to root for Rhode Islanders regardless of where you're from and where they're from. I think of the Smithfield Little League team as a recent example. Sure Smithfield may not be a popular Rhode Island destination, but when you live in this state there's a decent chance you know someone from there, have spent some time there or possibly even related to someone. [R I Calamari S Scene Stealing At Dnc Garners Laurels Barbs] In this image from video, Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman and state Rep. Joseph McNamara speaks during the state roll-call vote on second night of the Democratic National Convention. At right is John Bordieri, executive chef at Iggy’s Boardwalk on Oakland Beach in Warwick, with a big order of calamari. Associated Press We root for teams like Smithfield or celebrate those appearing on reality TV shows like we know them. Because somehow we have a connection to that person in some way. I've just always imagined it wasn't like that in larger states, especially those where it could take as long to drive to a supermarket as it does to drive across the state here. As we celebrate Rhode Island, The Journal's Mark Patinkin examines some of the state's highs and lows, as he [himself was surprised to learn there's a day honoring the place we call home.]( And that's not all. In recognition of the day, The Journal's Katie Landeck has compiled[a guide to the state's official symbols.]( Think birds, appetizers, drinks, rocks and so much more. It's an interesting look into the sometimes obvious and sometimes seemingly bizarre choices and how they earned their status. Get out today and have the most Rhode Island day ever. Grab a plate of calamari and wash it down with some coffee milk while looking over Narragansett Bay to celebrate. After all National Rhode Island Day only comes once a year. Celebrate National Rhode Island Day with a subscription to The Providence Journal, America's oldest daily newspaper in continuous publication. [Find our latest offer here.]( WORTH A READ 🚨 [Conspiracy theories spread]( online about FEMA's alert test. 🐋 Want to be a reader at [New Bedford's annual Moby Dick Marathon]( Here's how you can apply. 📰 After failing to do required inspections, [fire marshal will be 'more vigilant' on Block Island]( [Today's Weather]( 🌤️ Partly sunny and not as warm; a nice day for outdoor activities. Highs in the mid-70s. TOP STORIES [How the state fire marshal plans to be 'more vigilant' after Block Island fire]( [Flames break through the roof of the Harborside Inn on Block Island as fire crews battle the blaze.]( Multiple island businesses have had their kitchens shut down — but officials don't know how widespread the problem might be. [READ MORE]( Advertisement [Dr. Josiah D. "Jody" Rich helped pioneer medication-assisted treatment at the Adult Correctional Institutions to ease the agony of opiate withdrawal, which he describes as “about the most god-awful feeling you can imagine.”]( [This RI opioid research center won millions in grant money to study addiction]( 'It's here to stay,' said Traci Green, co-director of the center. 'We need to think how we can reduce harm.' [READ MORE]( [U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Jack Reed (left) get a closer look under one of the turbines. ]( [RI, Mass., Conn. join forces in pursuit of less expensive wind power]( Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut want larger offshore wind projects that can supply more than one state and drive down energy prices. [READ MORE]( [Construction is under way on a new Topgolf facility in Cranston on June 21, 2023.]( [Topgolf Rhode Island to open Friday in Cranston]( Topgolf will open its first New England entertainment complex on Oct. 6, 2023, in Cranston. See how much it will cost, hours. [READ MORE]( [Kate Maloney, North Kingstown girls tennis]( [La Salle girls tennis beats NK in match that was closer than it looked]( La Salle did what La Salle does, but on Tuesday, North Kingstown did something most opponents don't do as the girls tennis title chase just got interesting. [READ MORE]( Advertisement You Asked. We Listened. The eNewspaper is now available in the breaking news app. [DOWNLOAD THE APP]( [DOWNLOAD THE APP]( 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. [Unlock news for $1]( [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](