This Just In: Summer at its halfway point

Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. Today is July 15; seven years ago on this date, Gov. Gina Raimondo put her signature to legislation making the American burying beetle the official state insect. Perhaps more topically, we're at the midpoint of summer, time to make sure we enjoy it while it lasts.

For the last four summers, community leader and former gubernatorial candidate Vincent Marzullo has been complaining about the rundown condition of Camp Cronin, an abandoned seaside retreat for inner-city children and seniors. The camp sits in Narragansett, surrounded by DEM land, but is owned by the city of Providence. When Marzullo, who rents a house across the street, suddenly noticed extensive renovations taking place at the camp, it raised more questions for him than answers. But outgoing Mayor Jorge Elorza's administration and the main candidates to replace Elorza say they're enthused about the prospect of opening the camp for the first time in a decade.

Last year, our health-care reporter G. Wayne Miller brought you the story of Rafe Sweeney, an accomplished musician who as a young adult began struggling with mental illness. On May 13 of this year, that story came to a terrible end, as Sweeney died by suicide. His loved ones spoke to Wayne about their hope that Sweeney's story will help inspire change in Rhode Island's system of care.

It was an emotional scene in the Kent County Courthouse this morning as Aramis Segura and Alicia Peckham were arraigned on charges stemming from the death of 17-year-old Olivia Passaretti on New Year's Day. Segura is accused of crashing into Passaretti's car while driving drunk and then fleeing the scene; Peckham is accused of helping him hide from authorities. Dozens of supporters of the Passaretti family, including the loved ones of a West Warwick teenager who also died after a crash with an allegedly drunk driver, came out in support as "Olivia's Army."

The Rhode Island Department of Health reported no coronavirus-related deaths and 347 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 3,728 negative tests, for an 8.5% positive rate. There were 57 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, down from 61 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 295 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 33% from a week ago and up 6% from two weeks ago.

Over the last seven days, the state's reported test positivity rate is 10.4%, up from 8.7% last week and 7.8% the week before that. A positivity rate over 10% is obviously not something we want to see, but it actually is the fifth-lowest rate in the country over the last seven days, at a time when the highly contagious BA.5 subvariant is sweeping the country, and with pretty much every state reporting fewer test results. (Rhode Island is certainly reporting fewer test results than it used to, but it is still seventh in the country over the last seven days in per-capita testing, according to Johns Hopkins University.)

The state Health and Education Departments have developed a new policy on administering medical marijuana in schools to students with a doctor's order.

There's something about this date that has historically inspired us at The Journal to write stories about sharks. This week, Jack Perry got some local reaction to the federal ban on fishing for shortfin mako sharks.

Amy Russo's weekly column usually highlights her visits to interesting destinations in Rhode Island, but this week she focuses on a more serious issue: Why it's vital for renters to know their rights.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, there are some new arrivals at the Audubon Nature Center in Bristol.

And finally, it's a big weekend in Newport (aren't they all this time of year?) with the induction of Lleyton Hewitt into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the finals of the annual grass-court tournament. Here's a look at how tennis fans across the country are enjoying the Newport experience.

Friday night is a great time to head to the beach, so that's what I'm going to be doing soon. Maybe you'll be doing the same. Regardless, 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: This Just In: RI summer at its halfway point