PROVIDENCE
Robber in Bonded Vault heist in 1975 dies at 72
A man who served prison time for his role in the infamous Bonded Vault heist in Rhode Island in 1975 has died. A spokesperson with the state Department of Health says Ralph ‘‘Skippy’’ Byrnes died of ‘‘Alzheimer’s dementia’’ Feb. 13. He was 72. Byrnes was one of eight gunmen who emptied the secret vault inside the Hudson Fur Storage building in Providence. The men stole millions of dollars in cash, jewelry, and silver bars from boxes that investigators had said were used by mobsters. Byrnes was sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was reduced to 35 years. He was released after serving 11 years. (AP)
Protesters decry federal offshore drilling plan
Protesters gathered in Providence as federal ocean regulators opened a public meeting on the Trump administration’s plan to allow drilling off the coast. Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo told activists and lawmakers gathered at the State House Wednesday that Rhode Island isn’t going to stand for offshore drilling, noting that thousands of fishermen depend on an unpolluted coastline. The administration has proposed a vast expansion of drilling that would open 90 percent of the nation’s offshore reserves to development by companies. Opponents warn that any drilling could hurt the fishing industry, tourism, and the environment. (AP)
Boston
Chandler names Creem Senate majority leader
Newton’s Senator Cynthia Creem was elevated Wednesday to majority leader by Senate President Harriette Chandler, who tapped one of her closest confidantes in the chamber for the number two position. Chandler had held the post under Senator Stanley Rosenberg before he stepped down from the presidency amid an Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and Senate meddling by his husband. The new title for Creem required a number of other moves, and Chandler turned to Everett Senator Sal DiDomenico to fill Creem’s previous slot as one of three assistant majority leaders. DiDomenico gave up his post as vice chair of Senate Ways and Means to Senator Joan Lovely of Salem. Senator Jason Lewis of Winchester was promoted to the assistant whip position, and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz is the new assistant vice chair of Ways and Means. (State House News)
HARTFORD
Lawmakers urged to aid displaced Puerto Ricans
Connecticut lawmakers are considering whether to spend millions of dollars to help the thousands of families from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands who have sought refuge in the state from last summer’s hurricanes. About 100 people turned out Wednesday for a rally at the Capitol, voicing support for legislation that would provide $2.5 million to school districts, nonprofit agencies, and other groups assisting hurricane victims. (AP)
DURHAM, N.H.
Survey backs legalizing small amount of pot
A survey of New Hampshire residents shows the majority favors a proposed law that would legalize possession of a small amount of marijuana and growing up to six plants in their home but wouldn’t legalize or tax the sale of marijuana. Support for the legislation is bipartisan: 61 percent of Democrats, 56 percent of independents and 49 percent of Republicans support it. (AP)
