Help for a Displaced Family, Ethics Investigation, Illegal Wood: RI Patch Today

By PATRICK LUCE (Patch Staff)

The community steps up to help a displaced family, a former Newport mayor is under investigation, and if you’re planning a holiday bonfire to celebrate the holiday weekend, make sure the wood is from RI. These are some of the stories running on RI Patch today.

After 14 people in three families lost their Florida Avenue house and possessions in a devastating fire on June 10, Cranston stepped up to the plate to help. Nine local businesses and the Cranston police union donated money, toys and gift cards to help the families start their long and tough recoveries. Find out how you can help.

The former mayor of Newport and a longtime city solicitor, and the current acting City Manager are both being scrutinized for possible ethics violations over the years. The Rhode Island Ethics Commission is investigating several allegations.

And if you plan on stacking up some firewood for camping and the backyard fire pit, or simply stocking up before the winter, don’t plan on buying any non-local logs. Find out why.

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Newport Police Arrest a Pair of Alleged Drug Dealers

State Rep Declines Pay Raise, Again