Christopher Allen

STATE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY they have begun sending out approximately 709,000 letters to people confirmed to be compromised by December’s ransomware attack. /PBN SCREENSHOT

GOV. DANIEL J. MCKEE on Monday as defiant Monday in defending his administrations’ handling of the crisis since the westbound side was closed in

GOV DANIEL J. MCKEE addresses lawmakers during his annual "State of the State" address on Jan. 14, vowing a balanced budget proposal in the face of lagging revenues and an absence of federal relief funding previously available in preceding budget cycles. / SCREENSHOT VIA CAPITOL TV PROVIDENCE – During his fourth “State of the State” address, Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Tuesday said the administration plans to build upon the many strategic investments that have already been made in education, housing, infrastructure and economic development. McKee, who will be sending his fifth budget request to lawmakers next week, tempered expectations for

TOGETHER TIME: John Theberge, co-owner of Newport Pickleball Club in Middletown, encourages people to come “enjoy the friendly vibe” of pickleball. PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

PRIVATE PARKING LOTS such as this one at Weybosset and Empire streets face a 7% sales tax on parking fees under a proposal by Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley to close a potential $14 million budgetary shortfall. / PBN PHOTO/WILLIAM HAMILTON If Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley has his way, parking in private lots in the city could get a little more expensive as the administration attempts to implement a “consumption-based tax” as a new revenue source. With the city facing a large financial shortfall, Smiley says he will be seeking permission from the General Assembly

A STUDY BY Chicks Gold found that Elden Ring is Rhode Island’s most-searched-for video game. / COURTESY CHICKS GOLD

SAINT RAPHAEL ACADEMY student Austin Haskins created Haskins Industries, which includes an artificial intelligence app to provide companionship for people struggling with mental health. / COURTESY HASKINS INDUSTRIES PAWTUCKET – To honor the memory of his brother Jason Normandin Jr., who passed away from cancer in 2019, 16-year-old Austin Haskins launched Haskins Industries, a website that uses artificial intelligence to offer companionship to people who have experienced similar tragedies.