Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Charles Chas Calenda, a seasoned trial attorney and former prosecutor, has been appointed as the interim United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island by Attorney General Pamela Bondi. With nearly two decades of experience, Calenda will lead major prosecutions in the state, following his swearing-in by Chief Judge John J. McConnell Junior. Despite his recent unsuccessful run for state attorney general, Calenda is committed to collaborating with law enforcement to serve Rhode Islanders, focusing on their needs in his new role.

Rhode Island State Representative David Morales and UFCW Local three twenty-eights Grace Harvey have expressed strong support for Seven Stars Bakery workers, urging management to offer fair wages that workers can actually live on. The workers, who are negotiating a new contract, have rejected a proposal that would drop nearly all counter staff to minimum wage over the next two years. With Rhode Islands minimum wage currently at fifteen dollars per hour, the workers argue that they deserve livable pay, not offers that leave them struggling financially. The community is rallying behind the workers, urging CEO JJ Smith to return to the table with a real deal that ensures living wages for all.

Foxborough police in Massachusetts engaged in a high-speed chase to apprehend an erratic driver, Fred Mandracchia, who was found to be under the influence of drugs. The pursuit involved multiple traffic violations and dangerous maneuvers, but was safely ended using tire deflation devices. Mandracchia now faces numerous charges, highlighting the importance of quick thinking in ensuring public safety.

The Narragansett Bay Coyote Study in Rhode Island has been tracking coyotes for 18 years, revealing that easy food sources like roadkill and farm waste contribute to their growing population. By removing these food sources and using alkaline hydrolysis digesters to dispose of waste, the team aims to reduce coyote numbers by 40%. Despite legal hunting, it hasnt effectively shrunk populations due to the alpha coyotes being targeted, drawing in more from nearby areas. The study plans to push for legislation next year to manage the coyote population more effectively.

Rhode Island E-ZPass users beware: dying batteries lead to higher tolls. RITBA checks transponders and sends emails for wrong-rate charges. Drivers urged to test transponders for free at AAA spots, replace old ones. Battery-powered transponders to be phased out, but switch is at least a year away.

Supply chain company in Taunton, Massachusetts, loses $400,000 worth of lobster in brazen theft. Thieves posing as legitimate carrier stole the shipment, using fake license and fake website. CEO Dylan Rexing speaks out, highlighting the rising problem of organized cargo theft. Recovering the lobster may not help due to safety risks, leaving the company with a significant financial loss. Rexing calls for increased awareness to prevent future thefts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits President Trump at Mar-a-Lago for a critical meeting, as a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire hangs in the balance. The plan involves rebuilding a demilitarized Gaza, normalizing ties between Israel and Arab nations, and potentially paving the way for Palestinian independence. However, challenges remain, including vetting Palestinian committee members and Hamas disarmament. Trump and Netanyahu will also discuss Iran, following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The United Arab Emirates has agreed to fund Gaza rebuilding. The Board of Peace members could be named after Mondays talks, potentially steadying the ceasefire and reshaping the regions future.