German U-boat; RI assault weapons ban; truck tolls: Top stories this week

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07-06-2025

Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of June 1, supported by your subscriptions.
The state's tourism economy has boomed over the last four years, reaping the benefits of Americans' strong urge to get out of the house post-pandemic. But the forecast for summer 2025 is much less rosy, as the urge for "revenge travel" bumps up against consumer jitters over the economy, federal policies affecting the supply chain and the availability of foreign workers, and canceled visits by Canadian tourists. Savana Dunning looks at the possible impacts on Rhode Island tourism.
The Ocean State is famous for its beaches, but one feature of the South County shoreline just might be the sweetest spot you've never visited. Mark Reynolds explores as part of The Journal's 2025 Summer Guide.
Food editor Gail Ciampa whets your appetite for Bristol's newest dining spot: The Franklin, a new bistro and patisserie set to open June 11.
For stories about the 2025 Providence Journal Winter All-State teams, as well as the latest and sports news and updates on the Patriots, go to .
Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com:
Columnist Mark Patinkin says he's long been explored by divers in Rhode Island waters. But he had not realized that it that was a sign that World War II naval battles had happened close to America.
The U-853, which lies 121 feet deep and 8 miles east of Block Island, was one of many German U-boats that brought a mostly faraway war to the coastal United States. Patinkin's research revealed something that might be breaking news 80 years later ... at least speculative breaking news.
Read this week's What and Why RI to learn more about U-853 and the naval engagement that led to its sinking, which has an undeniably local name.
Mark Patinkin: A German U-boat brought WWII to RI's doorstep. Now it lies on the ocean floor
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island House of Representatives on June 5 approved an after more than four hours of heated debate over the constitutionality − and wisdom – of the long-sought ban.
Passed on a 43-28 vote, the legislation now goes to an uncertain fate in the Senate.
Heading into the House debate, Republican Michael Chippendale, the House minority leader, called the proposed ban "misguided, legally vulnerable, economically harmful and publicly unpopular." Rep. Charlene Lima, a Democrat, told proponents of the bill: "The criminals thank you." Other Democrats who opposed the legislation called it "unconstitutional," "Intolerable" and "overreaching."
But as the debate wound to a close, the lead sponsor, Rep. Jason Knight, told colleagues that he could rebut every argument raised against it, but "here's my speech: Me and the vast majority of Rhode Islanders are sick of it. We're sick of the death. We're sick of the killing. We're sick of dead children on TV."
Read on for the full account of the vigorous debate that preceded the vote, as well as a radio spot that asserted: "This is an all weapons ban. Don't be misled and don't let your legislators turn you into a felon."
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will provide the first high-profile test of new 's political mettle.
And even before the ultimate fate of the assault weapons ban is decided, these Rhode Island towns are already gearing up to oppose it.
Politics: RI House has approved a controversial 'assault weapons' ban. Here's what happened.
For seven years, Rhode Island and the trucking industry slugged it out in federal court over the constitutionality of tractor trailer tolls.
And even now, months after a was handed down, the two sides still can't agree who came out on top.
The American Trucking Associations, which sued the state to stop the tolls back in 2018, did not appeal the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to the Supreme Court within the 90-day deadline, leaving Gov. Dan McKee's administration free to relaunch the 20-location toll network in a way that complies with the December ruling, safe from any fear of another round of appeals.
The biggest winners from years of toll-related legal jousting and maneuvering are the lawyers who tried the case. And a battle over who will pay those legal expenses has emerged as the $21 million question for the State of Rhode Island.
Political Scene: Who really won the truck toll wars? Here's why it's the $21M question.
From mansions to lighthouses, bridges to the Rhode Island State House, Rhode Island is full of just begging to be photographed.
What better excuse for a summer day trip than to visit these sights and capture a perfect picture?
We've compiled a list of some of the most picturesque edifices in the Ocean State, with some tips on how to photograph them, including some insider secrets to find the best vantage point to capture the view.
Summer Guide: Iconic Rhode Island: 12 stunning spots to photograph this summer
Providence's all-time leading scorer will return to the men's basketball program this season in a new role.
Ryan Gomes will join head coach Kim English's staff as an assistant, the school announced June 2. His most recent coaching stop was in player development with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent two seasons from 2023-25. Gomes is expected to replace Tim Fuller, who reportedly has been hired away to serve as the general manager at Missouri.
Read on for the story of how one of the most productive players in Friars history found his way back to earn a position behind the bench, and what special skills he brings as the program seeks to rebound from a disappointing showing last season.
College basketball: Former Friar great rejoins the program as an assistant. Who is it?
To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: German U-boat; RI assault weapons ban; truck tolls battle: Top stories