This Just In: Children's arduous journey from Guatemala to Rhode Island
Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal, and I'll start by wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Every year, between 350 and 400 unaccompanied Guatemalan children come to Rhode Island, fleeing poverty, gangs and a dismal future, according to a Family Court magistrate who hears their cases. Their journey is dangerous, and sometimes they are looking to make contact with a relative or family friend who they may not know, but who is willing to act as a guardian. Once they arrive, the youths go through a complicated and little-known process for “Special Immigrant Juveniles” that improves their likelihood of getting a green card. Reporter Noble Brigham spoke to two of the teens who have made the journey and others involved in their cases for this story.
The Rhode Island Department of Health reported two more coronavirus-related deaths and 778 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 7,778 negative tests, for a 9.1% positive rate. There were 85 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, down from 96 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 610 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 26% from a week ago and up 80% from two weeks ago. The test positivity for the past week was 9.3%, up from 8.1% last week and 7.0% two weeks ago.
A Westerly woman who married a fifth-generation dairy farmer has come up with a novel way to earn income and fulfill a mission that she's had since she was a girl. She buys unwanted newborn male dairy cattle and sells them to people who are willing to give them a life that does not end in veal.
And speaking of food, a Providence man who created a fake catering company to bilk food distributors out of nearly $1 million worth of product is headed to federal prison.
State Rep. Carlos Tobon has resigned his House leadership post and his spot on the powerful Finance Committee following a WPRI investigation about his personal financial troubles.
A former DLT employee is charged with stealing more than 100 unemployment checks meant for other people, forging their signatures and putting the money into her own bank account.
A man who blamed the Providence police for failing to protect him after he was shot near the Licht Judicial Complex has reached a settlement with the city.
A new BJ's has opened in Warwick, where the Toys 'R' Us used to be, and it's nothing like the BJ's you may have visited in the past.
What does Nancy Pelosi have in common with Shaggy? They were both active in their respective professions back when I was in college, and they're both set to receive honorary degrees at Brown University's commencement later this month.
And one of my favorite bands from my college days, Boise, Idaho's Built to Spill, is coming to The Met this month.
Amy Russo paid a visit to Newport's Touro Synagogue, an icon of religious liberty.
The weather is going to be lousy this weekend, I'm sorry to report, but maybe some other time you can visit John Kostrewa's latest Walking Rhode Island destination, which is great for birdwatching.
It's got a ways to go before it becomes an official interscholastic league sport, but rugby seems to be making inroads among teens in Rhode Island.
And finally, the votes are in, and diners have made their choice for most delicious pizza in Providence Pizza Weeks. And of course, Gail Ciampa has reported all you need to know about the winning business.
Have a great weekend. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, please encourage a friend to sign up.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Children's arduous journey from Guatemala to Rhode Island
