PROVIDENCE

Selling shark fins now banned in R.I.

Selling shark fins is now banned in Rhode Island. A law took effect Sunday that makes it a crime to own or sell a shark fin unless it’s used for scientific research or in preparing a shark for ordinary consumption. Rhode Island became the 11th state to ban shark fin sales when Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law in June. Shark fin soup is popular in Chinese cuisine but animal rights activists say the practice of slicing off a shark’s fin and leaving the fish to die is cruel. (AP)

R.I. starts campaign to clear intersections

Motorists once shamed with an angry glare for blocking Rhode Island intersections could also now be subjected to a fine. A new law that took effect Sunday penalizes drivers who enter signal-controlled intersections when there’s not enough room on the other end because cars are backed up. It’s meant to stop cars from getting stuck in the middle of an intersection and blocking the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. It’s called the ‘‘Don’t Block the Box’’ law because it also encourages cities and towns to paint a 4-sided box at dangerous intersections. Fines are $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second and $500 for the third and subsequent violations. (AP)

WEST HARTFORD, CONN.

Veterans asked to reveal exposure to toxic agents

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal is looking to hear from veterans of all service eras about their exposure to toxic substances. The Democrat has scheduled a round table discussion at 1 p.m. on Monday at the American Legion Post 96 in West Hartford. Veterans and their family members are expected to be on hand to discuss their exposure to toxic substances during their military service and the long-term health effects it had on them and their descendants. Those issues can include birth defects, learning disabilities, and cancer. Blumenthal pushed for new federal legislation that includes enhanced research into the potential health effects of toxic exposures experienced by veterans. It was recently signed into law by President Obama. (AP)

MONTPELIER, VT.

Man gets to hunt and fish for life

A Bridport man will be entitled to hunt and fish for free in Vermont for life. Fifty-six-year-old David Girard has won the 2016 Vermont lifetime hunting and fishing license lottery. He was drawn as the winner from among more than 10,000 lottery tickets bought in 2016. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department holds the drawing each year. The department says sales of the $2 tickets brought in more than $20,000 for fish and wildlife conservation in the state. (AP)