PVDFest changes; church exodus; Philly trip fallout: Top stories this week

Here's a look at some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of June 11, supported by your subscriptions.

• What's the bottom line on this year's legislative session? The Journal's Katherine Gregg and Patrick Anderson break down what's on deck to become Rhode Island law now that the General Assembly has wrapped up business for the year. Find out the winners and losers in the $14-billion state budget and the fate of efforts to improve shoreline access, expand gambling and amend the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. And take a look at what issues are likely to be at the top of the agenda next year.

• Journal columnist Mark Patinkin apologizes to Philadelphia for the behavior of high-ranking Rhode Island officials who traveled there in March on a now infamous visit to vet a contractor. (More on that trip below.) After one official made preposterous demands for freebies, a Philadelphia columnist came up with some demands for the Ocean State. Mark has a counteroffer.

• It's that sweet time of year, strawberry season. We list six spots where you can pick your own berries.

• For the latest high school and college sports news, go to providencejournal.com/sports.

• Did you keep up with the week's events? Take our news quiz.

Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com:

Frustration brews over sudden PVDFest changes curbing drinking, block parties

While PVDFest is returning this year, it will do so without block parties, outdoor bars or open containers — changes Mayor Brett Smiley said were made "to bring the focus back on the city's talented local artists and artisans."

City documents posted online revealed the changes to the music and arts festival, including a new location: instead of downtown, it will move to an area along the Providence River from Innovation District Park to Memorial Park.

Smiley had already pushed the dates from earlier in the summer to Sept. 8-10. One of those nights, Sept. 9, will feature a collaboration with WaterFire.

Providence: Frustration brews over sudden PVDFest changes curbing drinking, block parties

Former parishioners say iconic Providence church has strayed from its social justice roots

At one time, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church was a place in an impoverished part of South Providence where you might find prominent judges, labor organizers, activists and even a U.S. senator worshiping alongside refugees from Burundi and Laos. In its heyday, marches for immigrant rights and walks to help the hungry and the homeless departed from the massive brick church’s front doors. Visiting speakers urged the congregation to protest U.S. intervention in Central America.

Now, many longtime parishioners who saw St. Michael's as a hub for activism and a progressive oasis amid the Catholic Church’s conservatism have left, distraught over what they describe as the rigid, authoritarian leadership style of a new pastor and assistant pastor who don’t seem to share their vision of radical social change.

“It put a hole in my heart,” said one departed parishioner.

Faith: Former parishioners say iconic Providence church has strayed from its social justice roots

Former McKee official defends alleged inaction on infamous Philly trip

Former Department of Administration Director James Thorsen defended his conduct in the face of alleged "bizarre, offensive and unprofessional actions" by a fellow state official during a March trip to Philadelphia to visit a state contractor.

The events of that visit to a contractor working on a proposed development of the Cranston Street Armory have sparked investigations by the Rhode Island State Police and the human resources arm of the agency he once headed.

The official accused of misconduct, David Patten, the state's director of property management, resigned Thursday after the Department of Administration released details of another incident involving allegations of "erratic behavior" by Patten on the night before the Philadelphia trip.

And on Friday, Gov. Dan McKee broke his silence on the trip that has given Rhode Island a black eye.

Government: Former McKee official defends alleged inaction on infamous Philly trip

'It's crazy': CRMC faces scrutiny over handling of Matunuck Oyster Bar shellfish farm

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — More than five years have passed since Matunuck Oyster Bar owner Perry Raso first requested permission to grow more oysters and scallops on Potter Pond.

On Tuesday, after years of delays and pushback from oyster farm opponents, the Coastal Resources Management Council finally ruled on his application — voting to approve a scaled-down version.

But the battle isn't over yet. Nearby homeowners plan to appeal the decision. And Save The Bay, which has been pushing to overhaul the CRMC, argues that the coastal regulator overstepped when it devised its own revisions to Raso's plan and did not seek public input.

Coastal managment: 'It's crazy': CRMC faces scrutiny over handling of Matunuck Oyster Bar shellfish farm

The Awful Awful is a classic Rhode Island treat. Here's how it got its name.

Pizza strips. The state appetizer, calamari. New York System Hot Wieners. Rhode Island has a lot of iconic foods, and nearly all of them are a little weird.

This week's What and Why RI explores the origin of the delicious Rhode Island drink with the curious name, Newport Creamery's signature shake, the Awful Awful. What's the story behind that name? We found out.

What and Why RI: The Awful Awful is a classic Rhode Island treat. Here's how it got its name.

To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Journal top stories: PVDFest changes; Philly trip fallout