Jusolyn Flower (she/her)

‘A much-needed lifeline’: Abuse survivors in RI could leave unsafe homes, new bill proposes A new bill would grant abuse survivors in Rhode Island the ability to escape dangerous living situations by ending their leases early — without facing long-term consequences.

The proposed legislation would create a legal pathway for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to terminate a lease, with reasonable notice, for their protection, eliminating incurring fees, eviction records, or other penalties.

#NEW: Sen. Melissa Murray and Rep. Karen Alzate have introduced a bill that would allow abuse survivors in RI to break a lease without penalty, creating a way out of dangerous living situations.

Why they say it's critical and long-overdue ⬇️ @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/politic...

Snow cleanup can be more dangerous than it looks.
I spoke with local hand surgeon Dr. Matthew Akelman, who says snowblower injuries are more common than you think — and they’re rarely “just a cut.” Some patients lose fingers every winter. ⬇️⬇️

Prevent hand injuries from snowblowers this winter

Most people know how a snowblower works and avoid placing their hands near the front blades, but a surgeon tells 12 News the most serious injuries occur when the machine becomes jammed: https://www.wpri.com/weather/winter-weather/how-to-prevent-hand-injuries-while-using-a-snowblower-this-winter/

‘Don’t ignore it’: Brown University custodian says he reported gunman multiple times before shooting Derek Lisi has worked at Brown University as a custodian for more than a decade.

“Really simple. Go with your gut feeling.”

That’s what a Brown University custodian is saying after he noticed and reported a suspicious person on campus numerous times before the deadly shooting last weekend.

A Brown University custodian who says he saw the shooting suspect more than a dozen times lurking around the campus, shares his thoughts when it comes to security on campus. Hear more from this interview coming up today at 4.

All Brown U. shooting victims no longer in critical condition All of the Brown University students still hospitalized are now stable, following last weekend’s deadly campus shooting.

UPDATE: All of the Brown University shooting victims still hospitalized are now stable, according to an update from officials at 2:45 p.m. Thursday. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/most-brown-u-shooting-victims-no-longer-in-critical-condition/ 

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NEW: Police are requesting more video from an expanded area in a new map that confirms the unidentified suspect’s whereabouts on the day of the Brown University shooting. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/new-map-prompts-expanded-video-search-in-brown-university-shooting/ 

Photos: Police seek individual seen near Brown U. person of interest Providence police have released new images of an individual they are wanting to interview, who was seen near the unidentified suspect in the Brown University shooting.

Providence police released new images Wednesday of an individual they want to interview who was seen near the unidentified suspect in the Brown University shooting.

Students petition to merge RISD and Brown campus alert systems after shooting RISD students — whose campus sits just a short walk from Brown — have voiced frustration with the school’s response, pointing to internal communication they describe as minimal, vague and, at times…

RISD students have voiced frustration with their school’s response to the shooting, describing the internal communication as minimal, vague and, at times, inaccurate. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/students-petition-to-merge-risd-and-brown-campus-alert-systems-after-shooting/

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#BREAKING: The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University.

More: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/brown-university-reports-active-shooter/ 

Woman sentenced in deadly Providence hit-and-run A Providence woman has been sentenced for fleeing the scene of a crash that killed an elderly pedestrian two years ago.

The driver charged with the hit-and-run death of 85-year-old Vanda Makovetskiy back in 2023 was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in the ACI with three to serve.

Bodycam video shows aftermath of Providence crash involving ICE The Providence Police Department has released body-worn camera footage showing the aftermath of a crash in October involving federal agents and a civilian driver.

In the body-worn camera footage, one officer can be heard telling another officer who had just arrived on scene, “They said they were chasing a guy. Not this vehicle here. This is a civilian’s car. I don’t know where they ditched the car yet.”

RI refugee advocates criticize Trump’s immigration response to DC shooting Refugee advocacy leaders in Providence are denouncing the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., while warning against what they call “drastic” immigration polic…

Refugee advocacy leaders in Providence are warning against what they call "drastic" immigration policy changes announced by the Trump administration in the shooting's aftermath. https://www.wpri.com/news/immigration/ri-refugee-advocates-criticize-trumps-immigration-response-to-dc-shooting/ 

Temporary deal reached to preserve Roger Williams, Fatima hospitals into 2026 After months of uncertainty, Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital will remain open through January, but what happens beyond that point is still unclear.

After months of uncertainty, Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital will remain open through January, but what happens beyond that point is still unclear. https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/temporary-deal-reached-to-preserve-roger-williams-fatima-hospitals-into-2026/ 

Suspects in Providence College overdoses face judge Three people charged in connection with the alleged drug overdoses of seven Providence College students appeared in court Monday morning.

Three suspects appeared in court Monday morning to face charges in connection with the alleged drug overdoses of seven Providence College students over the weekend.

Heroux renews effort to close Ash Street Jail Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux is once again renewing his effort to close a historic but controversial jail in New Bedford.

Ash Street Jail opened in 1888, with some portions dating back roughly 50 years earlier. Over time, it has housed everyone from petty criminals to alleged murderers like Fall River’s Lizzie Borden.

Butler Hospital introduces ‘Express Care’ for immediate mental health support Hospital leaders announced “Express Care” on Wednesday, emphasizing quick access to quality behavioral health services without long wait times.

Butler Hospital's new "Express Care" walk-in clinic takes an urgent care approach to mental health support.

New lease agreement means long-term stability for WaterFire Providence Providence Mayor Brett Smiley signed a lease Wednesday, guaranteeing the WaterFire Arts Center another two decades of stability.

A new lease agreement between the City of Providence and WaterFire will give the nonprofit full access to its headquarters, the WaterFire Arts Center, for the next two decades.

Jury convicts man in decades-old Exeter child sexual assault case An Indiana man has been convicted on two of three charges in connection with sexually assaulting two girls in Exeter more than 30 years ago.

A jury convicted an Indiana man on Thursday of sexually assaulting two juvenile girls in Exeter nearly 40 years ago.

Poll: McKee faces uphill battle as approval drops in early look at 2026 RI primary Results from the latest Ocean State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, indicate McKee has significant ground to cover if he hopes to advance.

While the Democratic primary for Rhode Island governor is still months away, a new poll suggests the outlook for incumbent Dan McKee securing a second full term isn’t looking too bright. Story by @jusolyn.bsky.social and @elizabethturley.bsky.social.

Teen charged with assaulting special needs student in Newport The 16-year-old faces two counts of assault on persons with severe impairments.

A 16-year-old is accused of assaulting a student with special needs at Rogers High School. Here's what we know so far:

RI judge intervenes after ICE mistakenly detains Superior Court intern A teenager was nearly taken into federal immigration custody in Providence Thursday afternoon before a Superior Court judge intervened, according to the Rhode Island Judiciary.

#BREAKING: A student intern at Rhode Island Superior Court was briefly taken into custody by ICE this afternoon before a judge intervened, 12 News has learned. Story by @jusolyn.bsky.social and @timwhiteri.bsky.social: ⤵️

Assistant attorney general arrested in Newport Police said they were called to the Clarke Cooke House in Newport just before 10 p.m. for customers refusing to leave.

An assistant attorney general in Rhode Island was arrested Thursday night at the Clarke Cooke House in Newport and charged with trespassing, 12 News has learned.

Lease vote delayed amid health concerns at DCYF headquarters A planned vote on a new 10‑year lease for the Rhode Island DCYF headquarters was delayed after union members raised concerns about what they call an “unhealthy workspace.”

In a survey of 580 unionized DCYF workers, more than 85% said they do not want the department to continue leasing the agency's Friendship Street headquarters, with one member writing, “All this building does is get you sick.” Story by @jusolyn.bsky.social: ⤵️

Apple sues Apple Cinemas over trademark, brand confusion The lawsuit accuses Sand Media Corp. of trademark infringement as the company prepares for an “aggressive nationwide expansion.”

Apple Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the owner of Apple Cinemas, alleging the movie theater chain has caused widespread confusion and diluted the technology company’s brand. Story by @jusolyn.bsky.social.

Local boy reminds fans perspective is everything

A local toddler with a rare kidney cancer is reaching a milestone in his treatment after going viral on social media.

Story by @alextpnews.bsky.social and @jusolyn.bsky.social: https://www.wpri.com/news/its-good-news/id-rather-be-in-traffic-viral-tiktok-shines-light-on-local-boys-cancer-battle/

Support grows as local restaurant manager detained by ICE seeks to stay in US In the weeks since his arrest, a GoFundMe page has raised more than $42,000 to help cover legal and court-related expenses.

The manager of an acclaimed West African restaurant detained last month by federal immigration authorities is now working to attain asylum in the United States. Story by @Jusolyn.bsky.social.

‘Coincidental or cruel’: Attorney questions timing after ICE transfers Providence woman days before immigration hearing A Providence woman who has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for nearly four months was transferred to a facility more than 2,000 miles away, just days before a schedul…

A Providence woman who has been detained in ICE custody for nearly four months was transferred to a facility more than 2,000 miles away, just 72 hours before a scheduled immigration hearing. Story by ‪@jusolyn.bsky.social‬ & Sophia Szabo.

‘A commitment to the future’: Star Store to become New Bedford’s creative hub After sitting vacant for more than two years, the historic building is poised for a revival—one that builds on the city’s legacy as a vibrant, diverse arts community.

After sitting vacant for more than two years, New Bedford's historic Star Store is poised for a revival — one that builds on the city’s legacy as a vibrant and diverse arts community. Story by @alextpnews.bsky.social and @jusolyn.bsky.social.