Sen. Gu, Rep. Cotter introduce bill to protect Rhode Island’s groundwater reserves

Protect groundwater while expanding affordable housing stock.  

Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Megan Cotter have introduced legislation to protect Rhode Island’s groundwater resources from overuse and overdevelopment.

“Some wells and public water systems in parts of Rhode Island are already showing signs of stress. In my own district, some homes in the Quonochontaug Neck neighborhood have seen their wells go dry temporarily during summer droughts, and homeowners in Jamestown have faced failing wells and a public water system that officials are worried is reaching its limits,” said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). 

“Especially in coastal neighborhoods that were overbuilt before zoning laws existed, it is important that continued development doesn’t stress groundwater resources beyond their capacity.”

Said Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton), “Rhode Island is in a housing crisis and it’s important for every community to do its part to solve it. However, it would be short-sighted and counterproductive to allow housing development to put at risk the groundwater resources that supply drinking water across the state. This bill will keep affordable housing incentives intact while ensuring that the clean groundwater that keeps Rhode Island green and livable is protected.”

Trump and Bobby Jr. anti-vax policies kill kids

US flu activity still high, with 8 more pediatric deaths

Mary Van Beusekom, MS

Another eight US children were confirmed to have died of influenza infections last week, for a total of 79 this respiratory virus season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its weekly FluView update today.

The 2024-25 flu season saw a total of 289 child deaths—the most reported in a non-pandemic flu season since the CDC began tracking pediatric flu deaths in 2004. Of the 79 children who died of influenza this season and had known vaccination status, roughly 90% occurred in those who were unvaccinated.

Flu activity remains moderate (11 jurisdictions) to high or very high (25) across the nation, although indicators are stable or trending downward. Only a few eastern states are reporting likely growing case numbers. Health care visits are holding steady for the sixth week in a row, at 4.4%, while clinical lab positivity is at 17.9%, down from 19.8% the week before. 

Influenza A continues to dominate, although it is steadily losing ground to influenza B. Of the 1,354 influenza A(H3N2) viruses that underwent additional genetic characterization, 92.4% have belonged to subclade K, which has mutations that allow it to evade immunity from this season’s flu vaccine formula.

Weekly flu hospitalizations declined slightly, from 14,940 the week before to 13,785. The cumulative flu-related hospitalization rate (73.3 per 100,000 people) is the third highest since the 2010-11 season. Children have the second-highest cumulative hospitalization rate for that age-group since that same season.

So far this season, the CDC has recorded at least 25 million flu-related illnesses, 330,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 deaths. Flu-related deaths made up 0.8% of all deaths this week.

RSV most severe in infants, preschoolers

In other respiratory virus news, the amount of acute illness causing people to seek health care is moderate. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations among infants and preschoolers, remains high in many areas of the country. RSV test positivity is at 8.6%, and related deaths made up 0.1% of all deaths.

COVID-19 levels are decreasing overall but growing or likely growing in some eastern and southern states, with 4.3% overall test positivity. COVID-19 deaths made up 0.5% of all deaths.

WastewaterSCAN reported high levels of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, RSV, and human metapneumovirus in wastewater last week.

Attorney General Peter Neronha Endorses Foulkes for Governor

Picks Helena Foulkes over Dan McKee

Attorney General Peter Neronha endorsed Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Governor of Rhode Island. 

“Throughout my career, I have had the honor of serving the people of Rhode Island in courtrooms across our state and in executive leadership roles as your Attorney General and United States Attorney. I know what it takes to lead as a public servant. It is without hesitation when I say that Helena Foulkes has what it takes to be our next Governor,” said Attorney General Neronha. 

“I am confident that she will fight for Rhode Islanders, which is something I think is critically important for that Office. Much like my role as a prosecutor, Helena is arguing the case for change, and she has my support.”

“Attorney General Neronha has spent his career fighting every day on behalf of Rhode Islanders and I am incredibly honored to have his support in this race,” said Helena. 

“Peter has been on the frontlines against the Trump administration and has seen firsthand the importance of strong Democratic governors and attorneys general as the last line of defense to protect Rhode Island against reckless federal policies. He understands the leadership this moment demands and I look forward to earning Rhode Islanders’ support in the days and months ahead.”

‘Disgraceful’: What McKee’s remark says about his warped view of primary elections

Our anti-democratic Democratic Governor thinks no one should run against him, changes his name to Donald Trump-McKee

By Philip Eil, Rhode Island Current

The poll mentioned above was taken before
Hasbro decided to move out of Rhode
Island and take Monopoly with them

Gov. Dan McKee said something stunning during a meeting with the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee. While discussing his primary election challenge from former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes, he expressed disbelief and anger that Foulkes — or any of his fellow Democrats — would challenge him.

“I’m a sitting Democratic governor elected and I am going to get primaried in my own party,” he said on Feb. 26, according to a recording released by talk radio station WPRO. “After doing all the work that we’ve done, that’s disgraceful. Period.”

The response from Foulkes’s camp was swift and fierce: “We expect this kind of king mentality from President Trump, not from a Democratic governor.”

But McKee’s remarks deserve more than that. 

Because today, at a time when experts warn of the country’s democratic deterioration, the ways our officials talk about democracy are important. And it is noteworthy — and unsettling — that McKee would be so dismissive toward a foundational part of the democratic process that puts power in the hands of voters, not party leaders. 

First, it’s important to note that these comments fit a pattern from the governor. This is the same guy who, after he won his last primary contest against Foulkes in 2022, publicly refused to take a concession phone call from Foulkes and told a staffer to “Hang up on them.” Afterward, he defended the decision, telling WJAR, “Anybody with a brain in their head would not be calling when they’re watching me on TV giving an acceptance speech.”

 It is the same guy who, during his 2025 State of the State address, banned independent TV cameras from the chamber and booked the State House rotunda for the apparent purpose of keeping protestors out of earshot. Rotunda access was mostly restored for this year’s State of the State after a challenge by the ACLU of Rhode Island.

It is the same governor who, in the aftermath of the Washington Bridge shutdown, called reasonable questions about the job status of now retired DOT Director Peter Alviti “out of line” and “beyond the pale.” 

McKee’s “disgraceful” comment is merely the latest indication that the governor takes umbrage at the norms and everyday pushback that come with elected office. 

Always look at the bright side

Me, too

Rep. Spears, Sen. Gu introduce legislation to support mobile community medicine

A common sense approach to home health care 

Tina and Victoria are a great team who deliver for Charlestown

Rep. Tina L. Spears and Sen. Victoria Gu are introducing legislation to establish sustainable funding and reimbursement rates for ambulance services to practice community paramedicine and “treatment in place” programs.

Community paramedicine, or mobile integrated health (MIH), allows emergency medical services agencies to proactively provide preventative care in a patient’s home, help manage chronic conditions, conduct follow-up visits and connect residents with the appropriate local health and social services.

“Treatment in place” refers to when EMS providers treat a patient outside of a hospital for a more minor medical incident that does not require transportation to a hospital for care.

Both approaches reduce health care costs and strain on hospital and EMS resources, but are not currently covered or reimbursed by insurance in Rhode Island.

“Emergency medical service personnel are already providing important community medicine in Rhode Island, preventing emergency room visits and extended hospital stays in the process. Unfortunately, our reimbursement system still follows the outdated payment model that assumes that ambulance services only provide health care services during visits when they transport a patient to the hospital,” said Representative Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly). 

“By reimbursing ambulance services for the actual care they provide when treating patients in place and extending insurance coverage for community paramedicine, we can improve the quality of care patients receive across Rhode Island, especially in rural areas.”

Said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), “Community paramedicine is increasingly used in rural communities to bridge critical health care gaps caused by geographic isolation, limited provider availability and transportation barriers. By treating patients where they are and addressing concerns early, we can reduce emergency room visits, lower health care costs, and improve overall outcomes. Strengthening this model supports our EMS providers while keeping residents healthier and safer at home.”

The bill (2026-H 7485, 2026-S 2685) would ensure that health insurance plans reimburse ambulance services at the Medicare rate for the care they provide, whether or not the patient is transported.

A similar version of this bill was introduced last year by House Judiciary Chairwoman Carol Hagan McEntee, who is a cosponsor of this year’s bill in the House. Representative Spears and Senator Gu credit Chairwoman McEntee with bringing this issue to statewide attention.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Cathy and I are really grateful to Charlestown Ambulance and Rescue for all their help. I think it would be wonderful if they were able to provide expanded services with full and fair coverage by Medicare and insurers. It seems to be cost-effective and common sense that they should be able to do more than just transport patients to the hospital.  - Will Collette

Tea can improve your health and longevity, but how you drink it matters

Forget canned and bottled - brew it yourself

Maximum Academic Press

A comprehensive review finds that tea, especially green tea, is strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, and several forms of cancer. 

Beyond these well known benefits, tea consumption is also linked to brain protection, reduced muscle loss in older adults, and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Together, these findings point to tea as a beverage with broad potential to support long-term health. 

At the same time, the review highlights important concerns related to certain modern tea products, particularly bottled and bubble teas, which may include artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives.

Tea is produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and has been consumed worldwide for centuries. It was first used mainly for medicinal purposes before becoming a widely enjoyed daily drink. 

Researchers have long been interested in tea because it contains high levels of polyphenols, especially catechins, which are believed to play a key role in its health effects. The review examines tea's influence on multiple health outcomes using evidence from laboratory research as well as human studies. 

While green tea has been studied extensively, much less is known about the health effects of other varieties, including black, oolong, and white tea, particularly when comparing their benefits. The review also considers potential risks tied to additives and contaminants found in some commercially produced tea beverages.

Charlestown is around 25 miles downwind from the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant

Proximity to nuclear power plants associated with increased cancer mortality

By Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan

U.S. counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) have higher rates of cancer mortality than those located farther away, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

The study is the first of the 21st century to analyze proximity to NPPs and cancer mortality across all NPPs and every U.S. county. The researchers emphasized that the findings are not enough to establish causality but do highlight the need for further research into nuclear power's health impacts. The research is published in Nature Communications.

Numerous studies on the potential link between NPPs and cancer have been conducted around the world, with conflicting results. In the U.S., these studies have been rare and limited in their scope, focused on a single NPP and its surrounding community.

To expand the evidence base, the researchers conducted a national assessment of NPPs and cancer mortality between 2000 and 2018 using "continuous proximity." They used advanced statistical modeling that captured the cumulative impact of all nearby NPPs, rather than just one. 

The locations and dates of operation of U.S. NPPs—as well as some nearby in Canada—were obtained from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and county-level data on cancer mortality were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The researchers controlled for potential confounders in each county, including educational attainment, median household income, racial composition, average temperature and relative humidity, smoking prevalence, BMI, and proximity to the nearest hospital.

The study found that U.S. counties located closer to nuclear power plants experienced higher cancer mortality rates, even after accounting for socioeconomic, environmental, and health care factors.

The researchers estimated that over the course of the study period, roughly 115,000 cancer deaths across the U.S. (or about 6,400 deaths per year) were attributable to proximity to NPPs. The association was strongest among older adults.

Trump’s election “reforms” are his way of disrupting the 2026 election

A fraudulent approach to a nonexistent problem

Sabrina Haake

The November midterms will hand Trump his ass on a platter, so he is doing everything a fascist can do to stop them.

He reassigned the Director of National Intelligence—statutorily funded to guard Americans from foreign threats—to oversee the seizure of Americans’ confidential voter data in Georgia. 

He issued an executive order, laughable for its breadth, mandating new voter registration and rules nationwide. He is urging Republicans to both gerrymander and “nationalize” federal elections, with growing threats to surround polling places with armed ICE goons. After ICE killed two protesters in Minnesota, he tried to leverage the violence to get his hands on the state’s voter rolls (Nice state you got there).

Where brute force and intimidation won’t work, Trump is pushing the Department of Justice to fight for confidential voter data through the courts.

It’s not going so well.

No, not us, right?

Prosperity like no one have ever seen

Special alert for MAGA dudes

Getting sick from COVID may impair male fertility, but vaccination shows no negative effect

Laine Bergeson

COVID-19 infection may meaningfully affect male reproductive health, while having limited consequences for female fertility or assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, according to a new umbrella review published this week in Vaccine. In contrast, COVID vaccination showed little impact on fertility in either men or women. 

The review, led by a team at the Department of Reproductive Medical Center at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, assessed the effects of COVID infection and COVID vaccination on fertility and ART outcomes by analyzing data from 14 studies with 40 different fertility and ART outcomes. 

Impaired male fertility persists 3 months after infection

Among men, the data suggests, COVID infection is associated with reductions in semen quality, including lower semen volume and concentration, and total sperm count, viability, and motility. COVID infection was also associated with elevated levels of the hormones estradiol and prolactin in men, though it did not appear to significantly affect testosterone levels. 

These negative fertility outcomes in men persisted after infection. “Notably, even after recovery (over 90 days), sperm concentration and motility remained lower compared to uninfected individuals,” they write. 

New study shows some plant-based diets may raise heart disease risk

When plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire

INRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment

Previous studies have indicated that eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods^[1] is linked with a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Other research^[2] has found that diets centered on plant-based foods can lower this risk when those foods offer balanced nutrition and are consumed in appropriate proportions.

To explore how nutrition relates to cardiovascular health in more detail, scientists from INRAE, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, and Cnam examined more than whether foods came from plant or animal sources. Their assessment also incorporated the nutritional makeup of foods, including factors such as carbohydrate, fat, and antioxidant vitamin and mineral content, along with the level of industrial processing involved.

Universal vaccine to treat colds, flu and COVID developed – and a new study suggests it just might work

Can it get past Bobby Jr. and his anti-vaxxers?

Neil Mabbott, University of Edinburgh

Cocaine seems to be the only thing Bobby Jr.
 wants up is nose

Vaccines have traditionally worked by teaching the immune system to recognise a specific virus or bacterium – in effect, showing it a wanted poster for a single suspect. But what if one vaccine could protect against dozens of different infections at once? Researchers have now developed a potential candidate for such a vaccine, and a new study in mice, published in the journal Science, has given promising results.

What is this new vaccine, and how does it work?

Most vaccines work by introducing the immune system to a specific pathogen – a weakened version of it, or a key protein from its surface – so that the body can recognize and fight it if encountered later.

This vaccine takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than targeting any one bug, it contains molecules that mimic the signals the body naturally produces when it is under attack from a virus or bacterium. The effect is to put certain immune cells into a prolonged state of high alert, ready to respond rapidly to a wide range of threats, rather than being trained to spot just one.

However, the consequences to dialing up the immune system beyond its normal state won’t be known until human trials are conducted.

Why is it given as a nasal spray rather than an injection?

The nose, throat and lungs are lined with what scientists call mucosal surfaces – the moist tissues that act as the body’s main point of contact with the outside world, and its first barrier against infection. The immune system in these tissues responds more powerfully when a vaccine is delivered directly to them, rather than into a muscle in the arm.

That principle already underlies the routine flu vaccine given to young children in the UK, which comes as a nasal spray. Research has also shown that COVID vaccines can block infection more effectively in animals when delivered this way, rather than by injection. Spraying the new vaccine into the nose allows it to reach immune cells deep in the lungs.