Rhode Island Gov. Chafee to Visit Alice Mill

(WOONSOCKET, R.I.) -- Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee will visit the ruins of the Woonsocket mill on Thursday.

The Alice Mill was severely damaged in a fire believed to have started because of a welding torch. The incident caused power outages in the town and also weakened water pressure.

An investigation into the fire is ongoing. Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine will accompany the Governor on his tour.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Storms Leave Thousands of Power Outages in R.I.

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- Storms swept through parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts last night leaving thousands of buildings damaged and without power.

More than 8,000 power outages were reported in Rhode Island Thursday morning.

Providence schools began the day one hour late, due to consequences from the storm.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

AmeriCorps to Fund Non-Profits

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)  -- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Governor Lincoln Chafee together with John Gomperts, director for AmeriCorps, announced a $1.2 million funding by AmeriCorps to help non-profits in Rhode Island last week.

Five programs will benefit from the funding: Providence Plan, the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, Providence Children’s Museum, Save The Bay, Inc. and Brown University.

"AmeriCorps is a great federal investment that gets proven results and is making a real difference in communities throughout Rhode Island. I am pleased we were able to save this program. These grants will help more young people succeed in school and create opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have," said Reed.

AmeriCorps is also funding similar programs in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Massachusetts.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Providence Tries to Beat the Heat

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- With weather forecasts calling for scorching heat in Providence on Wednesday and Thursday, city officials are urging residents to take certain steps to protect themselves from the high temperatures.

Mayor Angel Taveras and the Providence Emergency Management Agency advising residents to take the following steps to help beat the heat:
- Do not leave children or pets in cars unattended.
- Dress for the heat, by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Tommy Brent, R.I. Theater Producer, Passes Away at 88

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -- Tommy Brent, a theater producer best known for his work with Rhode Island's Theatre by the Sea, died Saturday. He was 88.

According to those close with Brent, he died peacefully in his home.

Brent served as the producer and manager of the theatre from 1967 to 1988. While there, he produced more than 100 performances.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio