This Just In: A momentous day in RI politics

Michael McDermott, The Providence Journal
·3 min read
Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., holds the gavel given him by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Statuary Hall in Washington in July 2010 during an event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Langevin used the gavel moments later, presiding over the House of Representatives.

Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. It felt from the time that I woke up today that there was something in the wind, and it turns out it wasn't just the familiar gustiness.

After more than two decades representing Rhode Island's Second Congressional District, Rep. Jim Langevin will not run for reelection in 2022. He made the announcement just before 1 o'clock in a Journal op-ed. The announcement means that, for the first time since 2010, Rhode Island will have an open congressional seat on the ballot this year, prompting wide-ranging speculation over who might run. The speculative list includes some of the biggest names in state politics.

Langevin's news at least temporarily overshadowed the other big political story of the day. Gov. Dan McKee is set to give his first (and possibly only) state-of-the-state address tonight at 7 o'clock. For a governor who took office less than a year ago and will have to run for reelection this year (although he has not yet declared his candidacy), it's an opportunity to tout his accomplishments to voters.

The Rhode Island Department of Health on Tuesday reported 12 more coronavirus-related deaths and 3,644 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 12,551 negative tests, for a 22.5% positive rate. There were 520 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 484 reported Monday, with 40 in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 4,634 new COVID cases a day over the last seven days, down 14% from a week ago.

With Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott serving out her last two weeks as state health director, Rhode Islanders are wondering who will replace her during this difficult point in the pandemic. One of Alexander-Scott's predecessors, Dr. Michael Fine, says whoever gets the job will be in "kind of a no-win situation from Jump Street."

State utility regulators are facing a momentous decision: whether to approve the sale of the state's electric and gas utility to Pennsylvania-based PPL Corporation. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given the deal the green light, it faces significant local opposition. Our environmental reporter, Alex Kuffner, examines why.

Would you take the train to T.F. Green Airport? Rhode Island officials hope so; they're pushing ahead with a $247-million plan (give or take – OK, probably give) to build an Amtrak station there.

A Westerly man who admitted to abusing his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter is suing state corrections officials over his hairstyle. Christopher Banks says the Corrections Department is violating his religious freedom by punishing him for wearing his hair in the style of a Viking warrior.

Police identified Providence's first homicide victim of 2022 as a 35-year-old man from Portland, Maine.

January has been colder than normal in Rhode Island, and it looks like that's likely to continue.

Three big-name restaurants in Providence have recently closed permanently, as has a landmark breakfast-and-lunch place in Cranston.

Finally, The Providence Journal is now taking nominations for the Courage Award for the All-State Rhode Island High School Sports Awards show, which will be back as a live event this spring. Here's how to get in touch with us if you know a student athlete or coach who has demonstrated extraordinary strength and courage, on or off the field.

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: A momentous day in RI politics