“Johnson’s Pond is an important community and state resource, and it is imperative that its water is held at reasonable levels in accordance with state law,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “As alleged by the Department of Environmental Management, the unchecked outflow of water from the pond by Soscia Holdings is not only a detriment to the pond and those who enjoy it, but not in compliance with a recently passed state law intended to protect water levels of dams and reservoirs. The Office will continue to work with DEM to enforce the Immediate Compliance Order against Soscia Holdings to ensure the proper restoration.”

 

 

Lawyers in the Donald Trump "hush money" trial are selecting six alternates today. A 12-member jury is already chosen for the New York trial, which could begin Monday. The former president is accused of falsifying records to cover up a "hush money" payment to an adult film star before he was elected in 2016.        House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing ahead on several bills on aid to U.S. allies, with a separate bill for the border. The move is angering the conservative flank of the GOP who have threatened to oust him over the move. They argue the border should be tied to Ukraine to force Democrats to vote for its passage.       More anti-Israel protests are taking place at New York's Columbia University. Yesterday, the NYPD confirmed that 114 arrests were made yesterday after school officials called in police. Officers cleared out demonstrations that were camping out on the school's south lawn. Mayor Eric Adams said the school's students have a proud history of protests, but they're not allowed to trespass.        Title Nine rules are getting a major overhaul after a push from the Biden administration. The changes announced today come in an effort to boost rights of sexual assault victims and LGBTQ students, fulfilling a key Biden campaign promise. Colleges will now be allowed to use a lower standard to find someone guilty of sexual misconduct, reversing policies put in place by former President Trump.       Taylor Swift is releasing a second installment to her new album, "The Tortured Poets Department." The highly-anticipated new album dropped at midnight, featuring 16 songs including the first single, "Fortnite." Shortly after 2am Eastern, Swift announced that it was actually a "secret double album," and released 15 more songs that she called "the second installment" of "The Tortured Poets Department."       Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry continues to top the NBA jersey sales chart. LeBron James came in second followed by Jayson Tatum, Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo [[ Antay-tu-koompo ]]. Meanwhile, the NBA playoffs roll on tonight.