This Just In: Once America's most powerful restaurant critic, depression was the fight of his life
Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal, on a glorious spring afternoon, unless you're keeping an eye on the stock market. Today is May 5; one year ago today, Vice President Kamala Harris paid a visit to the Ocean State, and our reporters followed her every step of the way.
But now on to today's news.
Once a rising star at The Providence Journal, he went on to become by some accounts, the most powerful restaurant critic in the United States. But just when he seemed on top of the world, Bryan Miller experienced his first, devastating bout with depression. In the years that followed, he would lose his job at The New York Times, his marriage, his spacious house, and many other things. But today Miller can celebrate a triumph: a book in which he shares his struggles and his successes in getting his life back on track – not where it once was, but at a place that feels like a fresh start. Columnist Mark Patinkin, Miller's former Journal colleague, has more.
Rhode Island's BA.2-fueled coronavirus surge shows no sign of losing steam. The Department of Health today reported one coronavirus-related death and 938 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 6,741 negative tests, for a 12.2% positive rate. There were 96 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 86 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 600 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 39% from a week ago and up 77% from two weeks ago.
The state Supreme Court has upheld a lower court ruling that suppressed wiretap evidence collected by prosecutors who were investigating alleged drug dealing and weapons violations by the Pagans motorcycle gang. The ruling affects more than 20 cases, including that of the club's alleged leader, Deric "Tuna' McGuire.
The hackers who breached RIPTA's computer servers last year utilized a type of ransomware that was developed by Russian cybercriminals and was involved in 87 incidents reported to the FBI last year.
The McKee administration has broken its silence over the reasons it ended a COVID-testing contract with a company run by current GOP candidate for governor Ashley Kalus and her husband.
An analysis by the state budget office has found that Rhode Island would save money in the end if it allowed state insurance plans to cover abortions.
Rhode Island does not have any fur farms, so why are some state lawmakers looking to crack down on them? Tom Mooney looked into an effort backed by the Humane Society of the United States that would ban the sale of fur products.
For the first time since the outstanding year of 1997, Rhode Island Senate Republicans will have to choose a new leader. Longtime minority leader Dennis Algiere has decided that he's ready to give up the long drive from Westerly to Smith Hill.
Nine lawyers have earned interviews with the Judicial Nominating Commission for a spot on the state Superior Court, a lifetime appointment that carries a base salary of more than $170,000.
Rhode Island is among 16 states that are suing in an attempt to force the U.S. Postal Service to electrify its vehicle fleet.
And last but not least, today is Cinco de Mayo, and if you're looking for some authentic Mexican, here are three great choices in Providence.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: This Just In: Bryan Miller, COVID, wiretap evidence suppressed
