Edward Fitzpatrick

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Edward Fitzpatrick

In July 2022, Governor Daniel J. McKee, who chairs the Commerce Corporation board, broke a tie vote, allowing the state’s economic agency to shift most of its already-approved $27 million support for the Tidewater Landing project to the stadium itself. Supporters said that action was needed to keep the project moving forward in the face of major cost inflation.

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Edward Fitzpatrick

PROVIDENCE — In the wake of Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio’s death on Monday, the three main contenders vying to replace him are struggling to lock up the 19 votes needed to secure the position on their own. But senators are now discussing the possibility that two of those contenders — Senator Valarie J. Lawson and Senator Frank A. Ciccone III — would form a leadership team, with Lawson as Senate president and Ciccone as Democratic majority leader.

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Edward Fitzpatrick

PROVIDENCE — As soon as it reconvenes, the Rhode Island Senate will choose a new leader to replace Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, who died on Monday morning after battling cancer, a spokesman said. Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna M. Gallo, a Cranston Democrat, will preside when the Senate next convenes, Senate spokesman Greg Pare said. It’s unclear when that will be because funeral arrangements for Ruggerio have not been finalized, he said.

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Edward Fitzpatrick

“I had enormous respect and admiration for his dedication and leadership,” Shekarchi said. “Even through his illness, we communicated on nearly a daily basis about the important issues facing our state. Donny devoted his life to the people of Rhode Island, which will always be his legacy.”He noted that Ruggerio began his legislative career in the House in 1981 before joining the Senate in 1985. “This is the end of an era at the State House,” he said. Senate Majority Whip David P.

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Edward Fitzpatrick

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, an old-school politician who wielded enormous influence over more than four decades as the longest-serving member of the state Legislature, died early Monday morning. He was 76. “It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio earlier this morning,” Senate spokesman Greg Pare said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the love and support of his friends and colleagues.