STORY OF THE WEEK: With the benefit of hindsight, it became clear that Sam Zurier was the odds-on favorite to win last week's Democratic primary for a vacant state Senate seat in District 3. Zurier, 62, is well-known around the East Side and he's had a more

"I need a doctor, immediately . immediately," came the woman's commanding voice. She didn't wait for a reply from the emergency room nurse. "Did you hear me, immediately. My son has appendicitis." The boy started crying hysterically. "Mommy, mommy, I more

STORY OF THE WEEK: The Passion of the Progressives. Matt Brown and state Sen. Cynthia Mendes unveiled plans last week to gain control of state government in the 2022 elections with a slate of 50 mostly legislative candidates. With virtually no detail on more

I knew something was on his mind when I heard my name uttered from the front counter. He could see me, so he knew I was there, but Gene Nadeau never just walked into the newsroom without being invited. I'd wave him to come over from my chair and Gene more

"It's really calmed down. I'm going to take Ollie out for a walk," Carol announced. She was right. The sun was trying to come out, the day was brightening. "It could be the eye of the storm," I cautioned. "I knew you would say that," she answered. She more

For weeks, a supposed drama has been playing out over whether Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza would sign off on allowing State Police to help with patrols in Rhode Island's capital city. Thing is, the State Police have traditionally boosted the police more

Thank God for chatter. I'm not referring to the faulty brakes of a car or the mother-in-law who won't get off the phone. This chatter, as I can attest, is a lifesaver. It's the grooved strips that are now common on the sides of interstate highway lanes. more

It's a Sunday routine in preparation for the week ahead. First, turn on WCRB, the Boston classical station and hope for some Hayden, Mozart or the occasional Scott Joplin. Then, turn on the computer for an avalanche of emails. After weeding through more

I should have listened to Jack Clegg. "You need to get your notebook, you have enough stories here to fill a couple of columns." But I hadn't come armed with notebook to record the surprise 90th birthday party for Bill Riggs and the 60th party for his more

Mayor Jorge Elorza is urging the General Assembly to allow Providence to borrow, without voter approval, at least $750 million for a 25-year pension obligation bond (POB). Providence plans to invest the POB proceeds and reduce its $1.2 more

The recent census surprised many by showing Rhode Island gained about 45,000 inhabitants and that it would not lose a congressional seat. However, the 2020 census also showed that Rhode Island is still in danger of losing a seat. Rhode Island's second more

It takes a dog to understand the beauty of routine. I wish I had understood this sooner, but I'm a slow learner. Fortunately, Ollie is a patient teacher. A month didn't go by a couple of years ago without this column being devoted to the antics of our more