By Tiffany Williams –
Rhode Island officials are responding to several public health, community and legislative developments, including raising the state’s West Nile virus risk level, honoring first responders at a special WaterFire event, addressing a surge in lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, and creating a specialty license plate to support colon cancer awareness.
West Nile Virus Risk Raised to High
Rhode Island officials have raised the West Nile virus risk level to high after the virus was detected during this year’s mosquito season.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the virus was found in mosquito samples collected on July 20 in East Providence, North Providence and Providence.
The mosquito samples were tested by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories.
Brown University Honors First Responders at WaterFire
Hundreds of people attended a special WaterFire event in Providence on Saturday night sponsored by Brown University.
The event honored first responders and community partners who assisted the University following the tragic shooting on December 13 of last year.
According to Brown University, the event is part of its “Brown Loves Providence” initiative, which is intended to reciprocate the care and compassion shown by the Rhode Island community in the aftermath of the shooting.
More Than 50 Lawsuits Filed Against Diocese
More than 50 lawsuits have been filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence since Rhode Island’s new law temporarily reopened the window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims.
The lawsuits have been filed in the three weeks since Governor Dan McKee signed legislation creating a two-year revival window for survivors whose claims had previously expired under the state’s statute of limitations.
The law took effect on July 1 and allows claims dating back as far as 35 years to move forward through June 30, 2028.
State Honors Maryellen Goodwin With Cancer Awareness License Plate
Legislation sponsored by Senator Pamela J. Lauria and Representative Susan R. Donovan has been ceremonially signed into law creating a specialty license plate supporting colon cancer awareness efforts in honor of the late Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin.
The legislation creates the “Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island – Maryellen Goodwin” license plate. A portion of the proceeds from the specialty plate will benefit the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island and support efforts to raise awareness of colon cancer.
“We are proud to honor Maryellen in this way for all her efforts,” said Senator Lauria. “Long before her own diagnosis, she worked diligently on efforts to ensure that Rhode Islanders had affordable access to necessary cancer screenings, prevention and treatment. She would be humbled to know that in her name, that effort will continue in Rhode Island.”
Representative Donovan said, “Early and regular screening is absolutely critical for catching colon cancer early, particularly since it has been becoming more common among younger people. Money raised through the sale of this plate will help spread that message and save lives – and that is truly the best tribute to Maryellen’s memory.”
Representative Donovan said she also introduced the legislation in memory of Meredith Potthast, who died from colon cancer in 2023 at the age of 33 following a five-year battle with the disease.
The bill was ceremonially signed by Governor Daniel J. McKee after receiving approval from the General Assembly in June. Members of Maryellen Goodwin’s family attended the signing ceremony.