This Just In: How legal pot might work in RI; a dramatic beach access vote in Narragansett

Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. While primary voters in some states have already gone to the polls, here in Rhode Island we're awaiting the results of the first major independent poll of the gubernatorial and congressional races. We'll have more on that when the results are published by WPRI after 5 this afternoon.

Until then, here's what's going on this lovely Tuesday:

Recreational pot would be legal in Rhode Island before the end of this year under amended legislation that is headed for votes tomorrow in House and Senate committees. Sen. Joshua Miller and Rep. Scott Slater, who have been at the forefront of the legislative effort to legalize marijuana, said they've addressed two key stumbling blocks that have foiled their efforts up until now, despite apparently widespread support for the concept of legalization. Those issues involve who will get to appoint the members of a state cannabis control commission, and how to approach expungement of past marijuana possession convictions.

Members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe will be able to walk onto the Narragansett town beach this summer without paying the $12 admission fee. The Narragansett Town Council passed the resolution allowing free access in dramatic fashion, after a lengthy and at times contentious hearing.

The Rhode Island Department of Health reported five coronavirus-related deaths and 978 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 7,085 negative tests, for a 12.1% positive rate. There were 102 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 83 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 823 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 16% from a week ago and up 55% from two weeks ago.

Recent revisions to high-school graduation requirements in Rhode Island have upset some families of special-needs students. Find out why they say the changes will make it more difficult for these students to receive a full diploma, even with accommodations.

The state Ethics Commission has decided it does not have a problem with Rep. Anastasia Williams introducing legislation that would provide $685,000 to a nonprofit that she founded and once led.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's recent victory in the U.S. Supreme Court could end up benefitting Rhode Island candidates who loan their campaigns large sums of money.

The state's projected budget surplus for the fiscal year that ends June 30 has grown to nearly $1 billion.

A federal appeals court has declined to grant early release to the former leader of the Almighty Latin Kings street gang in Providence, who is serving a life sentence for racketeering and murder.

Local leaders gathered outside the Nonviolence Institute in Providence last night to condemn the racially motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket over the weekend.

If you don't think coyotes are cute, this story might make you think differently.

It wasn't that long ago that he was a star for Classical High School, and last night was a dream come true for Jeremy Peña, the Houston Astros shortstop who came back to New England for the first time as a major-leaguer. The Journal's Bill Koch once covered Peña in high school, and last night he caught up with him at Fenway.

And finally, basketball fans around these parts are in for some fairly late nights, as the Eastern Conference finals get underway. The Celtics visit the Miami Heat in Game 1 tonight at 8:30; you can watch the game on ESPN. Meanwhile, here are some players who could be X-factors.

Have a great night. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, please encourage a friend to sign up.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How legal pot might work in RI; Narragansett Beach access vote