Daily Briefing: One year later, what's changed since the Harborside Inn fire

ALSO: A look at the rematch between Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Lenny Cioe. ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ [eNewspaper]( | [Crosswords]( | [Horoscopes]( [Read in browser]( The Daily Briefing YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP Mon Aug 19 2024 Will Richmond | Managing Editor Communities & R.I. [@Will_Richmond]( Good morning, I'm Will Richmond at [The Providence Journal]( and this is the Daily Briefing. If it looks like something is missing when you pull into Block Island's Old Harbor it's because something is. It's been a year since the Harborside Inn burnt down and now a gaping hole exists along Water Street that's been filled in by what locals are described as an "eyesore." But changes could be on the horizon. The Journal's Antonia Farzan has [the latest on the effort to replace the Harborside](. [A view of Island Moped and Bike Rentals, operating at the site of the former Harborside Inn. The inn has yet to be rebuilt, so the rental company, which previously operated at the inn, has expanded to fill the property._07172024.JPG] A view of Island Moped and Bike Rentals, operating at the site of the former Harborside Inn. The inn has yet to be rebuilt, so the rental company, which previously operated at the inn, has expanded to fill the property. Emma C. Marion/Special To The Providence Journal While that future is uncertain, [Antonia and Journal reporter Katie Mulvaney report on how the island's fire chief hopes to take more control over ensuring the tools are in place in case of another large-scale fire.]( • While primary election ballots across Rhode Island aren't exactly packed with contests there are a couple of headliners, including a rematch as Senate President Dominick Ruggerio takes on Lenny Cioe. [The Journal's Katherine Gregg previews the race in this week's Political Scene and why this is not a "normal" year in the life of Ruggerio.]( • WaterFire has become a Rhode Island tradition – Providence Journal readers just selected it as [the favorite summer event in the state]( – but could it be in danger? [Journal columnist Mark Patinkin recently sat down with creator Barnaby Evans]( to talk about the future of the event and why it's facing financial struggles. • There's been plenty happening lately when it comes to the state's military presence and it seems Newport has been at the center of it. Journal contributor Frank Lennon has the latest on the National Leadership Academy that took place in the City by the Sea in July, along with National Muster of Fifes & Drums that happened at Fort Adams and more [in this week's Veterans Voice.]( • What do Jared Duran, Drake Maye, Judd Sirott and Fenway Park have in common? Journal contributor Joe McDonald shares his thoughts on all four topics plus one more [in this week's Keeping Score column.]( More from The Providence Journal [Find the latest obituaries here.]( [Subscribers can read the eNewspaper here.]( WORTH A READ 👩‍🚀 [One of the astronauts stuck in space has Cape Cod ties.]( Here's what her family said. RHODY RANKS Every day we receive emails ranking Rhode Island. While the work behind the ranks may be dubious, they can be fun. Each day I'll share where Rhody Ranks from one of the latest emails. Today marks World Photography Day, a global celebration of the art and passion for photography and in honor of the day, photobook company [Mixbook]( recently carried out a survey of 3,000 Americans to establish the 100 most photo-worthy views in America. Where is the top spot in Rhode Island? Beavertail Lighthouse, which placed 63rd nationally. [TODAY'S WEATHER]( ☀️ Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. TOP STORIES [New RI pilot program will offer subsidies to boost affordable housing]( [Anne Berman, real estate development director for RI Housing, outlines a new pilot program to subsidize affordable housing units during a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.]( The new pilot program will offer a direct subsidy to developers in exchange for a 15-year income restriction on the deed of the units. [READ MORE]( [State Rep. Patricia Morgan and Ray McKay, contenders for the Republican nomination to seek the Senate seat now held by Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, take part in WPRI's "Newsmakers" debate.]( [GOP contenders for US Senate seat debate on Social Security, housing]( State Rep. Patricia Morgan and Ray McKay, vying to challenge Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, agreed on much in their WPRI debate but sparred on two issues. [READ MORE]( [Ambulances at the Rhode Island Hospital complex in Providence. Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital are the only Level 1 trauma centers in southeastern New England.]( [Man is shot in the back Friday evening in Wanskuck]( He was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital. [READ MORE]( [A sign in the Bonnet Shores district of Narragansett calls on residents to unite in a scheduled Aug. 26 fire district vote.]( [Bonnet Shores Fire District election in limbo as residents go to court]( Robert and Mary Burke Patterson: the upcoming election in Bonnet Shores Fire District would violate their constitutional rights. [READ MORE]( [Published Caption: URI football coach Jim Fleming can’t wait for his players to return to the practice field, hopefully this summer. [THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, File / BOB BREIDENBACH]]( [3 questions for URI football as it preps for opening game]( Primary among the decisions to be made during training camp is who will replace four-year starter Kasim Hill at quarterback. [READ MORE]( Vote with Confidence This 7-day newsletter course will help you be an informed voter before Nov. 5. [SIGN UP NOW]( SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Reporting. Your Stories. Full access to subscriber-only content on all devices. 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