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Rhode Island
Arson warning put out by federal agents to Massachusetts and Rhode Island churches after recent fires
FRANKLIN – Churches in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are on high alert after federal agents have put out an arson warning to places of worship.
Rising arson incidents
This weekend, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is urging increased vigilance for houses of worship amid rising arson incidents.
“In repairing our church, everything is locked up,” said Father Bob Poitras of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. Late last month, a fire was set inside the church’s sanctuary and while no one was hurt, there was extensive smoke damage. “Unfortunately, the main church though suffered heavy smoke damage and that’s going to be over $1 million in repair.”
The fire marshal said the fire at St. Mary’s was a case of arson and there is now a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever intentionally set the fire.
Increased security
The ATF is also warning houses of worship in Franklin, Kingston and Woonsocket, Rhode Island to enhance surveillance and security systems, restrict facility access and raise awareness among parishioners.
“I think very important, it’s something we had to obviously learn and go through the hard way but those warnings of securing your property, cameras, those kind of things, I’ve now come to see how important each and every part of those are,” said Poitras. He said church officials are in the process of making all the necessary changes and update protocols so everyone feels safe.
“Unfortunately, like moments we’re having this week, with baptisms and all kinds of important services going on in between, we have to lock everything down in between, we don’t leave things open anymore throughout the week,” said Poitras. “I think we took for granted in this parish, how comfortable our community is and how wonderful our community is. But it only takes that one issue, that one mistake and the next thing you know, you’re hurt.”
Paul Burton
CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island State Police are investigating a crash that happened on I-295 North in Cumberland Tuesday night.
The crash happened in the right lane near Exit 22 just before 9 p.m.
It’s unclear exactly what caused the crash or if anyone was injured.
12 News has reached out to Rhode Island State Police for more information but has not heard back.
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Scandals shake up Capitol Hill ahead of midterm elections
Congressional reporter Zachary Schermele dives into the latest scandals on Capitol Hill and how they’re shaking up politics ahead of midterms.
Rhode Island’s Democrat and Republican primary elections will officially be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 this year, instead of the usual Tuesday election day.
Lawmakers passed the bill at the urging of state and local officials, who were concerned that an election day falling the day after Labor Day would not give them enough time to set up polls for the arrival of voters.
Gov. Dan McKee signed the bill on April 20, officially moving the primary day for 2026.
Which races will be on the ballot? The Republican and Democrat nominees for a swath of local offices – most notably governor but also lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Why was RI’s primary day moved?
At a hearing on the bill earlier this year, Randy Rossi, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns explained the “significant logistical and financial challenges” municipalities otherwise would have faced having an election the day after Labor Day.
“Beyond cost, municipalities face serious logistical challenges accessing and setting up more than 430 polling locations on a major federal holiday, a process that often requires many hours and access to facilities that are typically closed and unstaffed on Labor Day,” he said.
“Compounding these challenges, many municipalities conduct early voting in city or town halls that must also serve as primary day polling locations,” Rossi noted.
Without changes to current law, he said, “municipalities would be required to conduct early voting and primary day polling simultaneously, often in the same limited space and with the same poll workers, requiring additional staffing and facilities.”
By the time this legislative hearing took place in January, other states facing similar issues, including Massachusetts, had already adjusted their primary dates, “and Rhode Island itself has demonstrated that alternative scheduling can be successful, as occurred during the statewide Wednesday primary in 2018,” Rossi said.
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — If you’re looking to satisfy you’re sweet tooth, look no further than Division Street.
Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its first Rhode Island bakery in East Greenwich earlier this month. The new bakery is situated within East Greenwich Square, which is also home to the Ocean State’s first Crumbl.
The bakery is known for its handcrafted specialty Bundt cakes, as well as smaller “Bundtlets,” and bite-sized “Bundtinis,” that come in a variety of flavors.
“There’s a strong sense of local pride, creativity, and community here that aligns perfectly with our values,” said Jake Williams, who owns the East Greenwich bakery. “We were drawn to the area’s vibrant small business culture and the opportunity to contribute something special.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes is also expected to open another bakery at Chapel View in Cranston later this year.
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Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.
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