Spokesman Greg Pare said Ruggerio missed Thursday’s fundraiser in Warwick because he will be undergoing “a minor procedure” next week to alleviate jaw pain stemming from a case of shingles. He said the decision had nothing to do with the cancer Ruggerio was battling earlier in the year.

“He is recovering well from the cancer,” Pare said. “He was advised by his doctors not to go to fundraisers. They don’t want him in crowds because there are viruses going around. Nonetheless, he was planning to go, but his staff insisted he heed his doctors’ advice.”

Cioe, a registered nurse who lost Senate District 4 primaries to Ruggerio in 2020 and 2022, issued a statement earlier Thursday, “For the past few months Ruggerio has been nowhere to be seen, completely absent from representing Senate District 4 in our state Senate.”

He cited news stories about how Ruggerio did not attend Senate sessions for six weeks as he was battling cancer, the flu, and shingles. He said District 4 residents “demand and deserve responsive, accountable and professional representation up at the State House.”

“Last week we saw an act of incredible political courage by President Joe Biden, when he decided to step down from the race for president and pass the torch to Kamala Harris,” Cioe said. “Biden stepped down for the country. Dominick Ruggerio needs to do the same for Rhode Island.”

But Ruggerio, who has represented Senate District 4 since 1985, reiterated that he remained “deeply involved” in Senate business even as he dealt with medical issues during the last legislative session, and he said he has run a “robust campaign” this summer.

“This is the type of negative politics that people are sick of,” Ruggerio said of Cioe’s statement. “I am not surprised in the least that my opponent would prefer not to have to face me at the ballot box. He knows he can’t win.”

The response from Ruggerio’s campaign included quotes from House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, North Providence Mayor Charles A. Lombardi, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, state Representative Arthur J. Corvese, state Senator David P. Tikoian, and North Providence Town Council President Dino Autiello.

For example, Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, said, “President Ruggerio is a wonderful friend and a truly outstanding partner at the State House. I know the most recent session was challenging for him, but he was just as deeply engaged in our work as he has always been — maybe even more than ever, based on how often the two of us spoke.”

Corvese, a North Providence Democrat, said, “What is most appalling to me about Mr. Cioe’s stunt (Thursday) is the complete lack of compassion and understanding being shown by a registered nurse.” He said Ruggerio “has a physical medical condition, from which he is expected to make a full recovery. Mentally, he is as sharp as ever, and I have continued to work closely with him daily to deliver results for our constituents.”

And Tikoian, a Smithfield Democrat and former North Providence police chief said, “I underwent a serious medical procedure which prevented me from attending a few session days in person, as well. Should I not run for reelection? What a shameful assertion.”

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.

Watch out, folks, it’s a hot one out there.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for New England for today, Friday, as portions of the region will experience highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees and will remain that hot until 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday.

The areas most affected will be parts of northern Connecticut, northern Rhode Island and most of Massachusetts, according to the heat advisory.

The weather service recommends caution, as hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat illnesses. They also say that people should drink plenty of liquids, remain in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives and neighbors.

MA weather forecast: How hot will it be this weekend?

This weekend is going to continue to be hot. The heat advisory will continue through 7 p.m. on Saturday, with heat index values that range from 95 to 100 degrees.

The forecasters’ discussion said that Saturday may be a mixture of hot and wet, as there is a low chance of early morning showers that could become thunderstorms combined with the continuing heat wave sweeping Massachusetts.

Forecasters predict that Sunday will most likely be warm and muggy, with the main concern being rainfall which may become heavy momentarily throughout the day.

Will the tropical storm impact New England?

A tropical storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, spelling trouble for Florida and the rest of the United States if it develops into something stronger.

The National Hurricane Center is giving a medium chance — 60% — for development over the next 48 hours. Chances for development over the next seven days also have increased, to 90%.

Even though New England does not seem to be in the tropical storm’s path, a state government profile on cyclones said that the Commonwealth should be on alert for hurricanes and tropical due to its vulnerability to those weather events.

“Massachusetts’s 78 coastal communities are more susceptible to damaging impacts of high windsand storm surge associated with hurricanes and tropical storms,” the report said.

Cheryl McCloud contributed to the reporting of this story.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

The sudden arrival of a massive swarm of dragonflies caused chaos on a Rhode Island beach.

According to Storyful, thousands of dragonflies descended on Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, R.I., on July 27. Footage of the event, taken by beachgoer Jennifer Serenson, shows a widespread swarm of dragonflies flying over the beach, skimming over towels, umbrellas, and people.

In the video, the vast dragonfly swarm hovers and zooms above the sand, causing some beachgoers to scream and seek cover.

Someone off-camera calls the scene “apocalyptic.”

“Dude, look at them all!’ another voice exclaims as the dragonflies continue to fly by in the hundreds.

WBZ-TV reported that the dragonflies started arriving at Misquamicut State Beach around 11 a.m. local time, with the most impressive swarm appearing at 1 p.m.

The outlet spoke to Ginger Brown, a Rhode Island-based dragonfly expert, who said that dragonflies tend to migrate between mid-August and mid-September. She added that dragonflies sometimes travel in large groups outside their migration period to relocate after their home bog dries up.

“It is entirely possible that’s what we’re seeing now,” Brown told WBZ-TV. “They can travel long distances with relative ease.”

Brown advised that anyone who finds themselves in a dragonfly swarm should “enjoy the phenomenon.”

According to WCVB, the Common Green Darner dragonfly, which can be found in Rhode Island, reproduces during July and August.

July also saw a different creepy crawly invasion. Periods of heavy rain in Houston drew out a rash of invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms. The flatworms are harmful to humans and pets and are, unfortunately, difficult to eradicate because they multiply when cut in half.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Texas Invasive Species Institute encouraged Houston residents to get rid of the flatworms, which prey on earthworms and slugs, with orange essence and salt, sprayed vinegar, or a combination of vinegar and citrus oil.

“Placing them in a Ziploc bag with salt or vinegar ensures the flatworm does not crawl away after treatment; then dispose of the sealed bag,” the institute added, noting all flatworm handling should be done with gloved hands. “Continuous removal of these invasive flatworms is necessary for the protection of naturalized earthworm populations.”