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3 days ago
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German U-boat; RI assault weapons ban; truck tolls: Top stories this week
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 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 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
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17-05-2025
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'Real Housewives' worries; beach makeover; Culpo's restaurant picks: Top stories this week
Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of May 11, supported by your subscriptions. Rhode Island's affordable-housing crisis has generated plenty of headlines since the pandemic. This week, The Journal explores one facet of the complex dynamics at play: the influx of out-of-state buyers, particularly from the greater Boston area. What makes the Ocean State so attractive? And how is it both a boon to the state's economy and another obstacle for local buyers? Rhode Island FC's new home, Centreville Bank Stadium, is not just a state-of-the-art soccer venue. It's also designed to host rugby matches and other sporting events for collegiate and high school teams as well as concerts. Journal sportswriter Jacob Rousseau looks at coming attractions at the new riverfront stadium in Pawtucket. For that, and the latest and sports news, go to . Food editor Gail Ciampa gives an update on the Rhode Island dining scene, including new restaurants, returning old favorites and expansions. Here are the week's top reads on Will "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" encourage the rest of the country to come visit our beaches and try our restaurants? Or will the show – not exactly known for showcasing decorum, taste and restraint – become a source of embarrassment for the Ocean State? That depends on whom you ask, with the state's top leaders, including the governor, House speaker and Senate president, applauding the news while some critics on social media are predicting a "rude awakening for the tourism bureau." Read on to see what tourism officials and the state's Film and Television Office are saying about how the show could affect Rhode Island's image and its economy. Reality TV: 'The Real Housewives' franchise is coming to RI. But not everyone is real thrilled. Beachgoers will find their favorite sandy spots a little more cramped when they visit Roger W. Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett this summer. The beach is undergoing a makeover as construction crews replace and expand the boardwalk and build a bulkhead. By the time work is done, the new boardwalk will have doubled in size to nearly 1,200 feet in length and be accessible for people with disabilities. New stairs, sidewalks, shade structures, a foot-washing station and concrete benches will also be installed, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The work, however, will bring some disruptions to beachgoers. Read on to see what's changing. Local news: Roger Wheeler State Beach is a go-to for families. Why it won't be as friendly this summer There are many places you can go on the political conference and junket circuit each year. Taiwan. Portugal. Israel. San Juan. Deadwood. You can even go to Rhode Island, which often hosts big national groups like the lieutenant governors who descended on Providence this spring. Add in the perennial fundraising banquets, or a presidential campaign, and the opportunities for time on the road are almost limitless. Political Scene takes a look at which politician logged the most miles in 2024, compared with the previous year's most frequent flyer, and explores where the governor and other state officers went – and who picked up the tab. Political Scene: From Tel Aviv to Taiwan, these RI politicians traveled the most last year When columnist Mark Patinkin first heard about Alex Shieh, a sophomore at Brown University, he thought Shieh was just having fun copying an Elon Musk ploy – he sent out emails to the school's 3,805 non-faculty employees asking what they do every day. But after meeting with Shieh, Patinkin believes the action was motivated by a genuine desire to cut waste at Brown and thereby address a core challenge of American life: the high cost of college tuition, especially at elite schools. Shieh is facing disciplinary action at Brown, which alleges he used nonpublic university data and data systems. In the process, Shieh has become something of a national hero in conservative circles, even drawing comment from Musk himself on X. Read on to find out more about Shieh and the repercussions of his DOGE-like campaign to reduce university "bloat." Mark Patinkin: Alex Shieh wants to make Brown affordable. Mark Patinkin learns why he's being vilified Olivia Culpo is known for her taste, particularly in restaurants. The reality star's family has opened five restaurants in the state – The Back 40, Union + Main, Lake Taco, Evie's and Black Oak Kitchen & Drink – since 2017 that she has a hand in. And she's always made it known on social media that she loves Rhode Island food. She recently had her baby shower at the famous Castle Hill Inn, known for its drinks on the lawn and fine dining. But that's not the only restaurant she loves in the state. In 2024 on Instagram, she did an Ask Me Anything where she shared 13 restaurants to try. Here's a look at her list. Dining: Olivia Culpo shared a list of 13 restaurants she loves in Rhode Island. Check it out. To read the full stories, go to Find out how to subscribe here. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Real Housewives of RI' worries; Culpo's favorite RI restaurants
