🌱Mask Optional Policy In Providence Schools + 'Federal Hill' TV Pilot

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Karena Garrity, your host of the Providence Daily.

First, today's weather:

Increasingly windy. High: 62 Low: 50.

Here are the top four stories today in Providence:

1. Following three days of listening to evidence a jury of 23 people declined to charge officer Domingo Diaz with simple assault after being accused of using excessive force when arresting a teen. The other officer, involved in the case, Mitchel Voyer had already been cleared of charges stemming from the July incident. (Providence Patch)
2. Will it be the next big hit? A TV pilot ‘Federal Hill’ is being filmed in Providence this week. Keeping things on the hush, hush, director Michael Corrente, a Rhode Island native, isn't giving out many details about the project. (WPRI.com)
3. May Rosario, 27, Patri Hiciano Felix, 24, and Rafael Fleury Munoz, 22, all of Providence, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine; and unlawful use of a communication facility (including the mail) to facilitate the distribution of a controlled substance. The three were charged in federal court Tuesday after prosecutors said they trafficked cocaine from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island through the United States Postal Service. (Providence Patch)
4. The Providence school district is looking for feedback from parents on plans to move to a mask-optional policy beginning in early April. A survey is being shared with parents to get their opinions on the matter. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))

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Today in Providence:

• Why Poetry? Writing Workshop Series - Providence Community Library (6:00 PM)
• Chess Club - Providence Community Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rhode Island State Police: "For more than 10 years, through rain, wind, extreme heat and even a pandemic, our troopers have committed to training and participating in the Boston Marathon to support the charity Cops for Kids with Cancer. This year is no different." (Instagram)
• Providence Performing Arts Center: "Rhode Island Monthly highlights our upcoming 2022/2023 Broadway Season!" (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Athletics: Ruckus memberships for the 2022-23 season are on sale now! Sign up today to get exclusive benefits and early access to claim football and basketball tickets. (Instagram)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "Wednesday, #TeamDEM successfully conducted a controlled burn for habitat restoration on parts of Dutch island, a state property located in Narragansett Bay between Jamestown and North Kingstown." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Hospital: "Listen to Dr. Daniel Levine, Cardiologist, share what being a doctor means to him." (Facebook)
• Providence Performing Arts Ctr: "In just two weeks, the national tour of @ainttooproudmusical - the life and times of @TheTemptations electrifies the PPAC stage, April 12 - 17! Don't miss out! Get your tickets at ppacri.org" (Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI native 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.