This Just In: All-State awards night, fireworks, and the last week of the General Assembly
Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal, and welcome to summer. Today's always been one of my favorite days of the year, and even more so this year, since I'll be at Veterans Memorial Auditorium tonight for The Journal's All-State awards show. David Duke Jr., a former All-State selection who went on to star for the PC Friars, will be the featured speaker at our first in-person All-State event since 2019. Doors open at 6:30, the show starts at 7:30, and there might even still be a little bit of light outside when it's all over.
The arrival of summer means that fireworks season is in full swing. But like with everything else, you'll have to pay more than usual if you're planning to celebrate the season with a bang.
The coming of summer also roughly coincides with the going of the General Assembly, but there is a lot for lawmakers to get to before they break for the year, as Patrick Anderson explains. One big thing that is done, for now: Gun control. Gov. Dan McKee signed into law three gun bills into law in a packed State House ceremony that drew at least one nationally known activist.
The Rhode Island Department of Health reported two coronavirus-related deaths and 308 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 2,339 negative tests, for an 11.4% positive rate. There were 65 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, up from 51 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. A few milestones in today's data: The state has now recorded more than 400,000 known cases of coronavirus (400,168) and more than 3,600 COVID-related deaths (3,601). In better news, there are no COVID-positive hospital patients on ventilators, for the first time in nearly a year. Rhode Island has reported an average of 275 new cases a day over the last seven days, down 16% from a week ago and down 39% from two weeks ago.
It's a peculiar Rhode Island status symbol: the low-numbered license plate. For years, getting one was all about who you knew. Then, in an effort at reform, Gov. Lincoln Almond started a lottery system. Today, if you want a low-numbered plate, all you've got to do is ask – but it certainly helps to know what's available. The Journal's Antonia Noori Farzan is here to help with that.
Employees at Seven Stars coffee shops are organizing, after the company agreed yesterday to recognize unionization efforts. Here's why they're joining a movement that has already taken hold at Starbucks and other national retail and food chains.
Former Carcieri aide Aaron Guckian has entered the race for lieutenant governor, as a Republican.
Three young hikers from Rhode Island were rescued after getting caught in wintry weather while hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School is committing to expand music education for students of color, with a $3-milliion gift from the Papitto Opportunity Connection.
And finally, high-school sports writer Eric Rueb tells the story behind an epic photo from last week's state baseball championships.
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: This Just In: All-States, fireworks, and the General Assembly
