🌱RI Gas Prices Rise + Dealerships Accused Of Deceptive Pricing

Happy Thursday, Providence! These are the most important things happening in Providence today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and milder. High: 51 Low: 31.

Here are the top five stories in Providence today:

1. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gas in Rhode Island has risen by $0.74 over the last month, the second-largest increase among states. As of March 7, a gallon of regular gas cost an average of $4.18, higher than the national average and 11th highest among states. (24/7 Wall St. - Providence)
2. Five hundred individuals signed a petition calling for community input into hiring a permanent superintendent for Providence's public schools. Parents, teachers and students who have banded together to create somewhat of a coalition, are demanding that the school board hold an emergency meeting to hear their concerns. (The Providence Journal)
3. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has filed lawsuits against Grieco Honda and Grieco Toyota, claiming they violated Rhode Island's Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Neronha has been reported saying that violating the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act is never a good thing, but it's especially hard on consumers in today's car buying market, where prices are high and inventory is scarce. The dealerships are being accused of advertising one price and tacking on unadvertised fees. (Turn to 10)
4. In the years since her daughter’s death, Diana Garlington has started multiple community initiatives to help other young women and to solve unsolved homicides. Her most recent endeavor, Safer Communities for Justice, works toward the mission of solving the roughly 125 unsolved homicides in Providence since 2000. (WPRI.com)
5. Check out the real estate roundup for the Providence area. Are you looking to move? (Providence Patch)

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Today in Providence:

• Prov Business Loan Fund meeting - Providence City Hall (12:00 PM)
• PVD Young Makers: Open Studio - Providence Community Library (3:00 PM)
• Arts & Crafts - Providence Community Library (3:00 PM)
• Learn ITALIAN: intermediate 1 - Providence Community Library (4:00 PM)
• Why Poetry? Writing Workshop Series - Providence Community Library (6:00 PM)
• Chess Club - Providence Community Library (6:30 PM)
• Queer Umbrella - Providence Community Library (6:30 PM

From my notebook:

• Rhode Island State Police: "We’re sad to report the passing of K-9 Tao, a beloved member of the RISP K-9 Unit who was certified in Explosive Ordinance Detection and Patrol. K-9 Tao served the Division for 10 years and was deployed on hundreds of missions." (Instagram)
• Rhode Island Pride: "Registrations for PrideFest and the Illuminated Night Parade will be opening Friday, March 11, at noon." (Facebook)
• The Providence Flea: "In the lead-up to St. Patty’s Day, the Flea’s hardworking artisans and makers are back and better than ever, with an incredible market lineup." (Instagram)
• Farm Fresh Rhode Island: "So exciting! We're coming to Providence! Our new location, Wright's Creamery, is now accepting pre-orders for pick-up! Pre-order your favorite Wright's Bakery products and conveniently pick them up in Providence." (Instagram)
• Providence Performing Arts Center: "Do you know a young performer age 10 – 17? Tell them that they can be a part of NEXT STOP® Broadway! Our summer theatre intensive takes place July 18 – 22. Hone your skills, make friends, and express your creativity.(Facebook)
• Farm Fresh Rhode Island: "Look forward to some live music at the farmers market on Saturday! (Market 9-1, music 10-12)." (Instagram)
• AARP Rhode Island: "Before you donate to a Ukrainian relief fund, read this." (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Providence and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.