The Senate yesterday passed legislation sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller allowing nurses with advanced degrees to practice to the fullest extent of their qualifications.

Currently, advanced practice registered nurses – who have master’s degrees as nurse practitioners, clinical nursing specialists or nurse anesthetists – are not allowed under Rhode Island law to use some of the skills they must master for those degrees unless they are supervised by a doctor. For example, if a nurse anesthetist who is caring for a post-operative patient and discovers some lab work is necessary for their care, the nurse cannot order that work unless he or she gets a signature from a doctor, even though he or she is trained to know when it is needed.

The legislation (2013-S 614A) doesn’t make any changes to the scope of advanced practice registered nurses’ training or jobs; it simply removes barriers that prevent them from putting to use the full scope of their abilities, said Sylvia Weber of the Rhode Island State Nurses Association. Fourteen other states have similar laws.

Allowing advanced practice registered nurses to use their skills is a way to increase the efficiency and availability of patient care, said Chairman Miller.

“This is about cutting bureaucracy, increasing efficiency and providing patients with the care they need in a timely manner. When a nurse is highly trained and qualified to provide a certain type of care, it makes sense for the state to let him or her do it, when making the nurse get a doctor’s signature doesn’t affect the patient except to slow things down. Letting the nurses do their jobs is a better use of time and health care resources,” said Chairman Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence).

The bill will now go to the House, where House Health, Education and Welfare Committee Chairman Joseph S. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) is sponsoring companion legislation (2013-H 5656A).

They drove to Virginia, bought tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigarattes each with a 35 cent per pack tax in that state, brought them back to Rhode Island with its $3.50 per pack tax and made huge profits.

That's the crux of a indictiment that alleges seven men, including a 36-year-old Cranston man, carried out a scheme to sell cigarettes they bought in Virginia here in Rhode Island, costing the state millions in lost tax revenue.

Federal officials swept through multiple locations across the state on Wednesday and recovered about $100,000 cash, business records, four vehicles and other items associated with the trafficking operation.

"As alleged, today’s indictment has taken down a wide-ranging, complex interstate criminal enterprise,” U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha said in a prepared statement. “Members of this enterprise, often under the cloak of purportedly legitimate businesses, used any means possible to steal more than a million dollars from Rhode Island taxpayers. The means varied - cigarette smuggling and corresponding evasion of Rhode Island cigarette taxes, social security fraud, and food stamp fraud – but the result was the same.”

The indictment charges Wissam Khalil, 40, of Central Falls, a Providence convenience store owner; his brothers Bassam Khalil, 48, and Najd Khalil, 25, of Pawtucket; Abdullah Alnahas, 36, of Cranston, a Providence convenience store owner; Bassam Kiriaki, 45, a Pawtucket accountant; and Richard Larrain, 23, of Providence, an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves, with allegedly participating in a conspiracy to possess, transport, and distribute contraband cigarettes in Rhode Island.

A seventh defendant, Valeria Mendez (Khalil), 30, of Central Falls, wife of Wissam Khalil, is charged with conspiring to make and making false statements to a government official.

According to the indictment and/or information presented to the court, it is alleged that the conspiracy, which allegedly began as early as July 2011, included the creation of several “shell” corporations in Virginia and the rental of vacant retail storefronts in Virginia for the stated purpose of purchasing and reselling cigarettes in Virginia. The cigarette packages purchased included Virginia tax stamps, reflecting a Virginia tax of 35 cents per package.

According to information presented to the court, between July 2011 and continuing until this week, more than 30,000 cartons (six million) of cigarettes valued at more than $1.2 million were purchased in Virginia and shipped to Rhode Island in a truck bearing Rhode Island War Veteran Plates. It is alleged that on numerous occasions, the truck was driven by Richard Larrain while he was wearing his United States Army uniform. It is alleged that he wore his Army uniform in an effort to gain favor and avoid law enforcement detection.

It is alleged that the cigarettes were distributed and sold in Rhode Island at or near full-retail price, including a tax payment of $3.50 per package. It is alleged that the lack of payment of the cigarette tax to the state of Rhode Island resulted in a loss of approximately $1.05 million  of tax revenue.

The indictment alleges that as part of the investigation, on March 30, 2013, Najd Khalil was stopped by Virginia State Police as he allegedly drove from Rhode Island to Virginia in a rental vehicle in which he allegedly concealed $30,000 in cash. It is alleged that the cash, seized by Virginia State Police, was to have been used to purchase cigarettes in Virginia for resale in Rhode Island. The indictment alleges that Bassam Kiriaki, Wissam Khalil, and Richard Larrain conspired to create a false IRS Form 8300, “Report of Cash Payment over $10,000 Received in Trade of Business,” which they allegedly backdated to March 25, 2013, and provided to Virginia State Police in an effort to persuade Virginia State Police to return the $30,000.

The indictment also alleges that between February 7 and February 26, 2013, Bassam and Wissam Khalil allegedly conspired to make false statements to a customer service representative of the U.S. Social Security Administration about the travel of their father. It is alleged that they conspired to make false statements that their father had not traveled outside the United States for a calendar month or 30 consecutive days since February 1, 2011. Information presented to the court alleges that the father, who collects Social Security disability benefits, had actually resided outside the United States.

It is also alleged in the indictment that Wissam Khalil and Valeria Mendez (Khalil), 31, of Central Falls, wife of Wissam Khalil, conspired to make false statements to a program specialist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, stating that Valeria Mendez was not related to Wissam Khalil. On March 7, 2012, Valeria Mendez allegedly completed a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application for a Providence convenience store identifying herself as the owner. She left blank questions about her relationship, if any, to the previous two owners, Wissam Khalil and his father. When questioned by a USDA program specialist, Valeria Mendez allegedly denied knowing Wissam Khalil and allegedly stated that she resided with her parents in Providence.

An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland

The matters charged in the indictment were investigated by the Rhode Island State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha also acknowledged and thanked the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Attorney General, the Virginia Division of Taxation, the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation-Excise Tax Compliance Unit, and the Cranston and Providence Police Departments for their assistance in this investigation.

Salvatore Eacuello, Sr., 91, born in 1922 to the “Historical Italian Community of Knightsville” in Cranston Rhode Island, passed away May 4th 2013.

Son of the late Francesco and Emilia (Saccocia) Iacueo both of Itri, Italy. The name was changed during the immigration period.  He was the loving husband of over 56 years to the late Nancy Iacone Eacuello.  The loving brother to Frank Iacueo, Marguerite Edwards and Edie Messina.  Predeceased by Ralph Iacueo, Lucy Wicks, Mary Norato, Tony Iacueo and Adeline Palumbo.

Sal will always be remembered as a Home Town Hero when he led the 1940 Cranston High School football team to an undefeated, un-scored upon State Championship season.  He was elected to the all-state team and, later with the whole team, was inducted into the Cranston Sports Hall of Fame.  He went on to star at Brown University and was elected co-captain of the 1945 squad.  He later played professionally for the Providence Steam Rollers.

During college he requested leave to serve his country.  He enlisted freely in the United States Army to serve in World War II.  Though football remained a passion another one unexpectantly entered his life while visiting Quonset Air Force Base.  It was then when a young female volunteer to the accounting department walked by and he mentioned aloud to a man standing next to him unaware that he was her supervisor “There goes my wife”.  Of course the man stated, “She is not married”.  Salvatore said. “She will be.”  They were in fact married that year July 27, 1946.

After the war Sal put his salesmanship into what he will forever be remembered for, “The Goodwill Ambassador” for the “Narragansett Brewery”.

After many years of representing Wayne Dist., then RI Distributing he retired from the business.  He didn’t stay retired long, as he then went to work at Prime Time Mfg. working for his youngest son and name-sake Salvatore Jr. in the jewelry industry.  It was his kindness to all that he worked with and his genuine care for their well-being that he was lovingly known as “Papa”.

He is survived by his sons, Paul (Kathy) of Cranston, Steve (Miriam) of Johnston and Salvatore Jr. (Mary Ann) of Providence which whom he resided.  Grandchildren, Peter (Gina), Michael, Danielle, Steve, Sarah, Vinny, Nicole and Taylor, Great grandchildren Anthony and Domenic.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 11^th at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 92 Hope St., Providence.  Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

A CEO magazine ranks Rhode Island as one of the worst states in the nation for business.

Chief Executive Magazine ranked Rhode Island 37^th based on a survey of corporate leaders. Survey respondents rated the Ocean State poorly in the area of taxation and regulations.

Massachusetts and Connecticut ranked even worse. Massachusetts was ranked 47^th and Connecticut came in at 45^th place. The worst three ranked states in the survey were California, New York and Illinois.

Texas, Florida and North Carolina, on the other hand, were ranked as the three best states in which to do business.

What do you think about Rhode Island’s business climate? Is this a good state in which to do business?

When the weather gets nice, drivers' minds start to turn to rides that would handle perfectly on that twisty road, or roar awake on the open highway.

To satisfy that hankering for a better feel behind the wheel, here's a selection of sports cars for sale around Rhode Island.

And be sure to search for more sports cars on AOL Autos.

1. 2013 Honda Civic LX— $18,555

With all of its racing heritage, Honda knows how to tuck lots of fun into small (and small-budget) packages. The black coupe sports a 1.8L, 16-valve inline 4-cyl. pumping out 140 hp and mated to — what else? — a 5-speed manual transmission, according to cars.com

For sale at: Metro Honda, Johnston

2. 2013 Scion tC— $19,480

Clad in slick silver metallic, this two-door coupe features 180 hp out of its 2.5-L 4-cyl. engine. The six-speed automatic gets plaudits for smooth shifting, and the 31 highway mpg will be fairly easy on the wallet.

For sale at: Colonial Toyota, Smithfield 

3. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS— $25,988

Okay, bow-tie fans, here's the latest edition of Chevy's affordable road rocket: it's got a 3.6L V-6 good for 323 hp, a six-speed manual transmission, and rear wheel drive — like sports cars should, really.

For sale at: Paul Masse Chevrolet, East Providence

4. 2014 Ford Mustang V6— $26,180

What kind of sports car review would this be if it didn't include a Mustang alongside a Camaro? [Sales of urinating Calvin stickers should also spike.] This blue oval pony churns out 306 hp from its 3.7L V6 and puts the pound to the ground to the back wheels through a manual 6-speed transmission.

For sale at: Tasca Automotive Group, Cranston

5. 2013 Volkswagen Eos Sport - $35,965

If you're torn between sporty feel and open-air cruising, the Eos offers both — with a hardtop convertible that ensures smart handling when closed and the classic feel of wind-through-hair when it's open. This VW packs 200hp in its 2.0L inline 4 and offers a six-speed automatic with auto-shift.

For sale at: Speedcraft Volkswagen, Wakefield

If you're not messing around — and have the bank to back it up:

2013 BMW 640 Gran Coupe i - $93,645

A horsepower number that starts with "3." Turbo. Rear-wheel drive. 8-speed transmission. Slick aero on the outside, leather and ceramic inside.

That, plus the many other bells and whistles expected from BMW, makes the 640 Gran Coupe more than your average four-door sportster.

For sale at: BMW of Newport, Middletown

Eugene T. Cilento, Sr., 79, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at RI Hospital in Providence.

He was the beloved husband of 58 years, to Dorothy (DeSimone) Cilento. Eugene was born in Providence, a son of the late Salvatore and Lillian (Crudale) Cilento. Mr. Cilento was the founder of Blackhawk Machine Products in Smithfield; and was also a Korean War Army veteran.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Eugene T. Cilento, Jr of WA, Lorraine Meschino of WA, Diane Vernancio of West Warwick and Joseph A. Cilento of Coventry. He was also the cherished grandfather of 12, great grandfather of 11 and dear brother of Edward Cilento of CT. Eugene was also the brother of the late Lillian Iaciofano.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 9 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial with military honors will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Sunday 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Brain Injury Assoc. of R.I. ,935 Park Ave. Suite# 8 Cranston, RI 02910.

Elena E. Pastore, 93, of Bonita Springs, FL. formerly of Cranston and Narragansett, passed away May 2, 2013 at her daughter's home in Florida.

She was the beloved wife of the late Rhode Island Governor and U.S. Senator John O. Pastore.

Born in Providence a daughter of the late Gian Battista and Margherita (Caito) Caito. Elena and John were married for 59 years, and she was his most trusted advisor.

Her great organizational skills enabled his successful career in State and National Politics. She was a talented artist and a wonderful cook. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren remember her as forever supportive and appreciative of their smallest achievements.

Elena is survived by her beloved children, Dr. John O. Pastore and his wife Marilyn Francesca E. Pastore and Louise M. Harbourt and her husband Clifford. Loving grandmother of Gregory A. Pastore, Daniel E. Pastore, Christopher J. Pastore, Mark A. Scheuer, Rebecca L. Merhar, Clifford J. Harbourt Jr. and Matthew E. Harbourt . Great grandmother of 15 great grandchildren. She was the sister of Josephine M. Pisano who is 104 years old and the late Maury, John B., John, Thomas, Frances and Susan Caito, Margaret Mullaney and Mary Lamagna.

Her funeral is Friday at 8:45 a.m. from ''WOODLAWN'' Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. VISITATION Thursday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hope Hospice 27200 Imperial Pkwy. Bonita Springs, FL. 34135 

Anna E. Curtis, 93, of Cranston died peacefully on May 6, 2013.

She was the wife of the late Russell Curtis.

Born in Cranston, she was the daughter of the late Bolit "Robert" and Bertha (Mitschke) Mikolajewski. She was a Cranston resident for most of her life.

She was a member of Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, and a former member of of the Schubert and Bridgeworks Duplicate Bridge Clubs. She was a graduate of Brown University and was employed as the Assistant Registrar at the University for 31 years. She taught piano lessons for many years. Most recently she taught bridge at Greenwich Farms in Warwick.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Bamford) Myrick of North Scituate, son Paul E. Bamford of Cranston, stepchildren Jack and William Curtis, Nancy Croome, Diane Thomas, grandchildren Patrick, Ryan Bamford, and six great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Robert J. "Mike" Mikolajewski and grandmother of the late Candice E. Myrick. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday June 1st at 1:00pm in Phillips Memorial Baptist Church 565 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.

Doris A. Peasley, 84, who resided at 152 Whitewood Drive in Cranston, died unexpectedly Monday May 6th at Rhode Island Hospital. 

She managed the X-Ray Department at Cranston General Hospital for over thirty years.

Doris was born in Barre, Vermont on March 15th, 1929. She later moved with her family to Providence, Rhode Island.

She was the wife of the late Robert V. Peasley and the daughter of the late Thomas and Eva (Corey) Wobby. She was the mother to Thomas Peasley and the late Robert V. Peasley Jr. Doris lived for her family, her church and her Lebanese heritage. Her whole family would gather every Sunday at her residence in Garden City for a Lebanese Sunday Dinner. These gatherings have created many memories for the whole family that will last forever.

She was a loyal parishioner at St. George's Maronite Catholic Church in Pawtucket.

She is survived by her son Thomas Peasley, grandchildren; Thomas, Michael, Amanda, Krystyna, Jessica, and great grandchildren; Brayden, Isabella, Maddison, Briana and Harley. A Memorial Service will be held for Doris on Saturday May 11th at 11:00AM in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.

The second Saturday in May has special significance to members of the National Association of Letter Carriers. For 21 years, it’s been the day when they teamed up with their postal patrons to “Stamp Out Hunger” in the nation’s largest single-day food drive. This year’s food drive takes place Saturday, May 11, across Rhode Island and throughout the United States. 

Postal patrons are asked to leave a donation of healthy, non-perishable food in a bag near their mailbox early in the morning on May 11, as food pick-ups may not coincide with normal mail delivery times. Most-needed items include canned soup, canned vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned beans, and healthy cereals.

Stamp Out Hunger is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Last year, the drive produced 117,000 pounds of food for Rhode Islanders in need, an increase of almost 10% over the previous year. Nationally, letter carriers collected 70.7 million pounds of food in 2012. Stamp Out Hunger has collected 1.2 billion pounds of food since the drive began in 1992.

All of the food collected in the Ocean State will be donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its member agencies. The donations will help to feed more than 66,000 people who depend on the Food Bank’s statewide network of food pantries and meal sites. A third of the people served by the Food Bank’s agencies are children under the age of 18. 

“This food drive gives everyone an opportunity to participate in the important work of feeding our people at a time when many are still struggling to put food on the table,” says Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “Our local letter carriers volunteer their time and effort to make this happen, but it can only be a success if residents remember to put out their donations on May 11.”

National partners supporting the Stamp Out Hunger food drive include Feeding America (the national network of food banks), AARP, Campbell Soup Company, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Valissis/Red Plum, United Way Worldwide, AFL-CIO, Uncle Bob’s Self-Storage, GLS Companies, Source Direct Plastics and the Publix grocery store chain.

For more information on the food drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com. For information on the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, visit www.rifoodbank.org or call 401-942-6325.

A 57-year-old Cranston man asserted to police that he can drink as much as he wants, but that didn't stop him from being charged with driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test by Johnston Police after he was observed driving through a stop sign and drifting over the fog line.

According to a police report, Michael Vincent Delgigante, of 75 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, was driving erratically on George Waterman Road when he was stopped by Ptlwmn. Marisa Ciccone at around 8:30 p.m. on May 3.

Ciccone reported that Delgigante smelled like alcohol and was slurring his words. He reportedly struggled to complete a field sobriety test and out of frustration said "I'm not doing this test, just [expletive] arrest me."

Police said Delgigante later told them he had two beers at Marchetti's Restaurant in Cranston and then two drinks at RI Billiards in North Providence. He said that when he left RI Billiards he was going to the Pick and Pay on George Waterman Road, telling police "I work every day for a living, I can have as many drinks as I want, go arrest someone else."

Along with driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test, Delgigante was cited for running a stop sign and leaving the lane of travel.

Delgigante has a Third Division District Court date on May 15. He is also due to appear in Traffic Court for the citations on May 17.

This pooch was found yesterday in the Edgewood section of the city and is now being held at the Cranston Animal Shelter.

Is he yours?

Call 401-464-8700.

This notice was also posted on the RI LOST PETS Facebook Page.

The months-long budget process in Cranston is over.

The City Council last night approved an amended version of Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung's $256.7 million budget for fiscal 2014.

The budget was approved unanimously, but not after a last-minute effort by Councilman Steve Stycos to slash the personnel director salary line item by $35,000.

The move to cut the position was based on the recent resignation of Personnel Director Susan Bello, who has been engaged in a legal battle with the city after an attempt by the council last year to eliminate her job.

The City Council's finance subcommittee made a series of amendments to the budget last week, including adding a $40,000 line item for grant writing services, $9,000 for stipends for members of the Tax Assessment Board of Review, and boosting school funding by about $167,000.

The changes were funded by increasing the city's expected tax collection rate from 98.4 to 98.46 percent and increasing expected state aid by about $150,000. That means the mayor's budget bottom line remains unchanged and Cranston taxpayers will not see a tax increase next year.

Cranston Police are looking for a man and two women who allegedly have been stealing cases of Enfamil baby formula and "numerous vacuum cleaners" during the past few months.

This photo is of the trio walking out of the Plainfield Pike Walmart on March 21.

Police said the group may also be responsible for other similar thefts from Walmarts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The three, all white, appear to be in the 20s to 30s.

If you have any information, call Cranston Police at 401-477-5139.

Saturday, May 4

From 'Social Butterfly' To Alleged Bomber's Wife

Two weeks after Boston bombing susect Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed and his brother, Dzhokhar, was found hiding in a dry-docked boat in a backyard in Watertown, Mass., Katherine Russell – Tamerlan's widow – and her young daughter remain at her parents' house on Coriander Lane in North Kingstown.

Sunday, May 5

Police Charge 8 Suspects With Child Porn Possession

State Police arrested eight Rhode Island residents on child pornography charges on Tuesday, April 30.

Monday, May 6

Portsmouth Pizza Shop Struggles to Recover After Electrical Fire

"Bored," was the one word West Main Pizza co-owner Gary Rahilly used when asked how he was doing after a fire closed his Portsmouth pizza business.

Since the fire, Rahilly has been looking for things to do in the meantime.

Tuesday, May 7

Gansett Man Charged With Murdering Mother

Robert M. Taylor, 45, of 130 Caswell St., Narragansett, is being charged with the murder of his mother, Allison, following a police investigation that began over the weekend.

Wednesday, May 8

Woonsocket Police Arrest Woman for DUI, Four Kids In SUV

Woonsocket Police Lt. Det. Christopher Brooks arrested a Woonsocket woman for DUI. There were reportedly four unbuckled children in the back.

Thursday, May 9

Former Speakeasy Sells Liquor License

Owners of Billy Goodes, which owned Newport's first liquor license after prohibition was lifted, sold the former speakeasy's license this week.

Friday, May 10

Fire District Assistance Bill to Become Law

Gov. Lincoln Chafee declined to sign legislation permitting the financially troubled Central Coventry Fire District to issue tax bills to fund the district until Sept. 1, but he didn't veto it either, allowing the proposal to pass.

The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com 

By Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder

Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we've compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe. 

1. Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.*

• How to become one: Conservation scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field. It helps job prospects to have a degree from programs that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters and other similar organizations.
• Pay: According to Economic Modeling Specialists International, conservation scientists earn a median hourly income of $28.28.

2. Energy auditor: When a building is cooled or heated, it uses energy. Buildings often leak energy, so they produce extra heat or air to compensate, which wastes more energy. Energy auditors help curb energy waste by inspecting buildings to find areas of air leakage and advising customers on how to fix and prevent leaks.

• How to become one: There are no nationwide education or training requirements for energy auditors, but some states require auditors to take courses or earn a certification. Certification is available through organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network and the Association of Energy Engineers. Some local technical and community colleges also offer energy auditing courses.
• Pay: Since it's such a new field, national wage information is currently unavailable.

More: How To Find A Job That Is A Good 'Fit'

3. Green construction manager: Construction is another area that has seen an emergence of green jobs. As interest for environmental protection increases, the demand for green buildings grows with it. Construction managers that specialize in green buildings plan, direct, coordinate and budget construction projects, ensuring that onsite processes are environmentally friendly. This could mean setting up a recycling plan for unused construction materials or protecting environmentally sensitive areas of the site. They're also responsible for choosing contractors who have knowledge of green building techniques.

• How to become one: Most construction managers come to the job with experience working on other similar projects. Most also hold a bachelor's degree or higher in construction management, business management or engineering. They may also acquire a LEED Green Associate credential or have taken the NCCER's Sustainable Construction Supervisor Training and Certification Program.
• Pay: Median annual pay for construction managers is $85,030.

4. Landscape architect: According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, these workers analyze, plan, design, manage and nurture natural and built environments. Projects they may work on include: academic campuses, conservation, corporate and commercial areas, gardens and arboreta, green infrastructure, interior landscapes and land planning. Landscape architects who work on green building sites apply their expertise to plan attractive scenery while also conserving water, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They may also plan drainage channels to diffuse rainwater throughout planting beds.

• How to become one: Landscape architects are required to have licenses. Requirements vary among states but usually include a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience and a passing score on the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.
• Pay: According to the ASLA, average annual salary and bonuses for landscape architects is $78,600.

5. Recycling truck driver: There are many roles that help ensure that the U.S. recycling system works and is successful. One such job is that of the drivers, also known as recyclable material collectors. These workers are employed by recycling companies or local governments to pick up recyclables from residences and offices and transport them to a materials recovery facility. Several drivers usually work together as a team to collect recyclables.

• How to become one: Drivers should have at least a high school education or a G.E.D. To be certified to handle these trucks, drivers must have a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with airbrake endorsement. Drivers need to pass drug screening and background checks and should have clean driving records.
• Pay: The median annual pay for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $29,610.

6. Solar power plant operator: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every hour, enough energy from the sun reaches Earth to meet the world's energy usage for an entire year. Creating solar power by converting sunlight into electricity lowers emissions from electricity generation and helps decrease long-term energy costs. Because of these benefits, solar power has continued to grow as an industry. Solar power plants are run by operators, who oversee power generation and distribution from control rooms. They monitor the solar arrays and generators and regulate output from the generators, and they monitor instruments to maintain voltage to regulate electricity flows from the plant.

• How to become one: Strong mechanical, technical and computer skills are needed to operate a power plant. Certification by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is necessary for positions that could affect the power grid.
• Pay: The median annual pay for power plant operators is $64,270.

7. Wind turbine service technician: Wind power is a relatively new source of electricity generation and has been used on a utility scale for only a few decades. Wind turbines -- the machines that generate wind power -- are extremely complex, and if any part fails, they have to be shut down until repairs can be performed, losing time and money. Wind turbine service technicians help prevent and solve issues by inspecting turbines and providing regular maintenance. They're capable of diagnosing and fixing any problem that could require the turbine to be shut down.

• How to become one: Since the field is still so new, there isn't formal training to become a wind tech. Instead, most come from technician jobs in other industries. Experience or training as an electrician also is beneficial.
• Pay: The BLS notes that while no national wage information is currently available, industry sources say starting wages are between $35,000 and $40,000.

*Job descriptions, experience/education and pay taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unless otherwise noted.

Primary offense for seatbelt violations in Rhode Island remains in place

With the 2011 seatbelt law set to expire on June 30, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the sunset provision so that failure to wear seatbelts by adults will remain a primary offense in Rhode Island. The House passed the bill (2013-H 5140), sponsored by Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9,Providence). Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) sponsors the Senate companion bill (2013-S 0352). Click here to see news release.

Senate OKs Crowley bill to use technology to catch Medicaid waste and fraud

 The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 29A) sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) to require the state to use technology to screen Medicaid, RIte Care and RIte Share claims to prevent them from being paid to unlicensed, sanctioned or deceased providers and to detect other forms of potential Medicaid fraud. Similar legislation (2013-H 5303, 2013-H 5371) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Patricia L. Morgan (R-Dist. 26, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) and Rep. Joseph A. Trillo (R-Dist. 24, Warwick). Click here to see news release.

‘Kelsey Smith Act’ passed by House

The House of Representatives approved legislation (2013-H 5456A) to require telecommunications companies to provide mobile device location (ping) information to police in an emergency situation that involves the risk of death or serious physical harm. The measure – which has been enacted in several other states – is named for Kelsey Smith, an 18-year-old Kansas woman who, in 2007, was abducted and later found murdered. Rep. Raymond H. Johnston Jr. (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) introduced the House bill. The Senate has already passed its version of the bill (2013-S 0284Aaa) which was sponsored by Sen. James E. Doyle II (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket). Click here to see news release. 

Miller bill eliminates barriers to care by advanced practice registered nurses

The Senate passed legislation (2013-S 614A) sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) allowing nurses with advanced degrees to practice to the fullest extent of their qualifications, without requiring doctors’ supervision for actions they are trained to perform. House Health, Education and Welfare Committee Chairman Joseph S. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) is sponsoring the bill (2013-H 5656A) in the House. Click here to see news release.
 

O’Grady bill would dedicate DMV fees to highway projects and public transit

Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) has introduced legislation aimed at transitioning Rhode Island toward a more predictable and reliable source of funding for transportation costs, road and bridge maintenance and public transit. The legislation (2013-H 5073) aims to stabilize the funding stream of both the Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority by moving away from the current reliance on gasoline taxes, a revenue source that is steadily declining relative to inflation and in absolute terms as increased fuel efficiency leads to fewer gallons purchased at the pump, and dedicating license and registration fees to highway maintenance and public transit. Click here to see news release.

Goodwin sponsors ‘Made in Rhode Island’ bill

At a time when small businesses need all the help they can get, Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) has proposed legislation (2013-S 809) that would capitalize on Rhode Island pride by creating the “Made in Rhode Island” collaborative to help promote locally made products. Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) is sponsoring the legislation (2013-H 6030) in the House. Click here to see news release.
 

Shekarchi bill offers incentives for companies to hire

Legislation (2013-H 5302) introduced by Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) would create the “New Qualified Job Incentive Act of 2013” to provide tax incentives to encourage businesses to hire “qualified” workers earning at least $55,000. Under the bill, large companies would receive a .25 percent credit against their corporate tax for every 50 hires, and small and medium sized business could receive a .25 percent income tax credit for every 10 hires. Click here to see news release.

Diaz, Metts praise Gov. Chafee’s executive order to encourage minority hiring

Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and Sen. Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence) lauded Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee for signing an executive order that calls for increased minority hiring and a bigger push to issue contracts to minority businesses. In the past, Representative Diaz and members of the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus have met with the governor’s office to discuss the underrepresentation of the minority community in government and business.

Senate passes bill creating Joint Committee of the Repealer

The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 0682) to create a legislative Joint Committee of the Repealer, whose job it would be to comb through Rhode Island’s laws and suggest outdated statutes, such as those that may be hindering business development, to be repealed. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston). A companion House bill (2013-H 5207) was introduced by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth). Click here to see news release.

New RI scup fishing regulations address urban community interests

The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) approved an experimental shore-mode, scup fishery program for Rhode Island that increases fishing opportunities for all recreational fishermen and fisherwomen, particularly those from urban communities in the northern part of the state. The program allows people to fish for and retain smaller-sized scup from shore at the following three locations: IndiaPoint Park, Providence; Conimicut Point Park, Warwick; and Stone Bridge, Tiverton. Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) advocated for the policy change on behalf of the R.I. Legislative Black and Latino Caucus. Click here to see news release.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) took the floor of the US Senate Wednesday to rebut the remark of a fellow senator, whom, he said, told him God wouldn't allow humanity to ruin the planet with carbon pollution and climate change.

"It is less an expression of religious thinking than it is of magical thinking," Whitehouse said. The remark sweeps aside consequences, duty, responsibility and awareness of the issue of climate change, he said. "That is seeking magical deliverance from our troubles, not divine guidance through our troubles," Whitehouse said.

The Senator hasn't attributed the remark that spurred the speech, but The Huffington Post reports Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) recently said he didn't know what humans have done to Mother Nature. In the House, Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) quoted scripture to deny that climate change is a danger.

The EPA's website page on the causes of climate change states that after the 1700s and the industrial revolution, climate change is not attributable soley to natural events. A second site, savingaplanetatrisk.org addresses common climate change debunker claims point by point.

Whitehouse argued the Bible has much to say about the consequences of actions, offering Revelations 11:18: "And thy wrath is come, and the time that thou shouldst destroy them which destroy the Earth."

The Senator argued that belief in God as the creator of the Earth also requires belief that he created its laws: gravity, chemistry, physics, as well as the gifts of human intellect and reason. "He gives us these powers that we, his children can understand Earth's natural laws, which he also gave us," Whitehouse said.

Why then, Whitehouse asked, would a tidy-up God drop in and spare us if we ignore what intellect and reason tell us are the consequences of carbon pollution?  

Climate change denial, Whitehouse said, is bad science, a falsehood, bad economics (ingnoring the cost of carbon pollution in its price), bad policy, bad religion, and bad morality. "We need to face up to the fact that there is only one leg on which climate denial stands. Money," Whitehouse said.

Polluters give and spend money to create false doubt, buy political influence and to keep polluting. "That's it, that's it. Not truth, not science, not economics, not safety, not policy and certainly not religion, nor morality. Nothing supports climate denial. Nothing except money. But in Congress, in this temple, money rules."

General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo recently presented the Treasury Young Leader Award to 37 students, one of which was from Cranston: Thomas Burcosky, a junior at the New England Laborer's Academy.

This award recognizes high school juniors who have demonstrated an interest in entrepreneurship and outstanding achievement in math, economics, and business-related classes.

“The Treasury Young Leader Award honors students who not only excel at their studies but also make significant contributions in their communities,” Raimondo said. “Meeting these talented students and their families makes me proud and optimistic for the future of our state.”

Ximedica, a leading medical product development & healthcare company worldwide, was selected as the host site for this award ceremony due to the company’s commitment to innovation and support of youth.  As part of the ceremony held in Providence, Chairman, Chief Venture Officer & Co-Founder of Ximedica Steve Lane spoke about the importance of innovation and advancing technology.

“Innovation cannot be achieved without creativity, responsibility, and a global approach. It is up to successful students carry these values out in the future,” said Lane. “We are honored that Treasurer Raimondo selected Ximedica to host this ceremony celebrating these young leaders.”

VIP Fit Club in Cranston has abruptly closed.

NBC10 reported that several members of the gym told them that they were "furious to see the gym had mysteriously shut down with no notice."

Owner Dean Albanese did not answer several phone calls and messages seeking comment, but the club did post a message on its Facebook page yesterday offering customers a free month of membership at Fit World in Cranston or Ocean State Health and Wellness in East Greenwich.

"All memberships were shut off an no money will be taken out of anyone's accounts," the message stated.

The message said a sign that was on the door fell off two days ago and it had been there since it closed.