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Rare manatee that visited Rhode Island found dead offshore

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Rare manatee that visited Rhode Island found dead offshore


A manatee that made a rare visit to Rhode Island has been found dead offshore, bringing a sad end to the marine mammal’s curious appearance in New England.

The West Indian manatee is a gentle, plant-eating giant sometimes known as a sea cow that normally lives in the warmer waters of the Southeastern states and the Caribbean. They can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds (550 kilograms) and can live as long as 65 years.

The Rhode Island animal was first seen in early September and was the first one observed in the state since around 2010, said Sarah Callan, manager of the animal rescue program at Mystic Aquarium.

The animal was found dead between Prudence Island and Hog Island on Thursday afternoon, Callan said. The manatee was in an advanced state of decomposition and it won’t be possible to determine a cause of death, Callan said.

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“We are all so saddened,” Callan said.

The cold waters of New England in fall aren’t suitable for manatees, Callan said. It’s possible the animal stuck to warmer waters in coastal bays while it was here, and that prevented it from being able to get back to its southern habitat before experiencing cold stress, Callan said.

The manatee had been seen in coastal areas, such as Quonochontaug Pond, a saltwater pond in the southern part of Rhode Island.

There have been six recorded sightings of a manatee in Rhode Island and Connecticut waters since 1995, Callan said. Callan added appearances of the animals could become more frequent in the future.

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RI State Police investigating inmate death at ACI

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RI State Police investigating inmate death at ACI


CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — An inmate death at the Adult Correctional Institution’s Intake Service Center on Friday is being investigated by Rhode Island State Police.

J.R. Ventura, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), said the inmate’s roommate notified staff shortly after 4 p.m. that he required medical attention.

According to Ventura, life-saving steps were initiated after the arrived staff saw the inmate wasn’t responding.

Cranston Fire Department was called and brought the inmate to Kent County Hospital, who was later pronounced dead.

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RIDOC’s Investigative Unit is also investigating the death alongside State Police.



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Tornado, 75 Mph Winds, Ping Pong Ball-Sized Hail Possible Sunday In RI

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Tornado, 75 Mph Winds, Ping Pong Ball-Sized Hail Possible Sunday In RI


RHODE ISLAND — Rhode Island is forecast to be battered by storms Sunday, which are expected to bring heavy winds, and possibly hail and a tornado.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch around 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. for the state, warning of frequent lightning, likely wind gusts up to 75 mph and isolated hail as large as ping pong balls.

“Areal coverage of storms will increase this afternoon with damaging wind the primary threat, but large hail and an isolated tornado is also possible,” the service said in a social media post.

The storms are expected to hit between 2-10 p.m., according to the service. The watch also affects Connecticut, and parts of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvannia, New Jersey and Delaware. Isolated flash flooding was projected to possibly occur more broadly between New England and the Southeast.

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Heading to the beach in RI? Here’s how to check parking availability online

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Heading to the beach in RI? Here’s how to check parking availability online



It’s not fun to arrive at your favorite beach only to find it packed. Thankfully, state and some local beaches post updates online on parking availability

PROVIDENCE – On June 19, the federal holiday Juneteenth, many Rhode Islanders had a rude awakening when they arrived at their favorite beach to find it packed. Traffic was backed up, and many parking lots were full before noon, according to news reports.

There’s only so much you can do when thousands decide to go to the beach on the same day, but one thing you can usually account for is whether parking is available. Many beaches – both state and town-managed – post updates on parking status, letting visitors know if there is space in their lots.

Here’s a handy guide for checking if parking lots at your favorite beaches are full:

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How to check parking at state beaches

The State Parks division at Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management keeps a near real-time status of parking lots at the following state beaches:

  • East Matunuck State Beach
  • Misquamicut State Beach
  • Roger Wheeler State Beach
  • Scarborough North State Beach (including overflow lot)
  • Scarborough South State Beach

Parking passes are required at state beaches during operational hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Purchasing a pass in advance helps reduce traffic, as well as waiting time at the ticket booth, and gives you access to express lanes available at most state beaches, as passes now use vehicles’ license plates, making it easier and quicker to scan.

More: The votes are in, and this South County spot is selected as RI’s best beach. Find out where

Some beaches, such as East Beach and Charlestown Breachway in Charlestown, have limited parking, and checking availability in advance may not be possible.

How to check parking at Middletown beaches

Middletown posts updates on its Facebook and Instagram accounts when parking lots at its beaches fill up. The town also has a live camera of the parking lot at Sachuest Beach – known locally as Second Beach – where you can check in real time if space is available.

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Seasonal beach passes may be required to park at Middletown’s beaches. They are available in person at the gazebo at the intersection of Hanging Rock Road and Sachuest Point Road as well as online. But beware: Online passes will not be available for pickup at the gazebo until 48 hours after purchase.

Parking at other popular beaches

Other popular beaches, such as Narragansett Town Beach, may not post updates online about parking availability. According to Narragansett’s Parks and Recreation Department, during busier days the West Lot – which is open to non-residents – fills up around 11 to 11:30 a.m. Only residents can park in the North and South Lots – except on weekdays after 1 p.m., when the South Lot is open to non-residents. These lots usually have spaces available unless it is a very busy holiday.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seasonal parking passes are $50 per sticker, and a photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of residence or taxpayer status is required. West Lot parking rates are $15 on weekends and holidays and $10 on weekdays.

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This story will be updated with more information about parking availability.





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