Attorney General Neronha issues statement on Rhode Island Recycled Metals Decision

This media release was first issued on Friday, December 13, 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued a statement following Superior Court Justice Brian P. Stern’s Decision on the Office’s motion seeking modification of the Special Mastership.

“Today’s decision represents a hard-fought victory for environmental protection and for the health and safety of RIRM’s surrounding communities, and I am grateful to Judge Stern for his thoughtful and thorough decision on this matter. While we still believe that a full receivership is the best path forward, we are encouraged by the significant additional safeguards provided by this decision. As a result of today’s decision, the Special Master will now have complete control and management of the site’s environmental permitting process and compliance, including site remediation and stormwater pollution prevention. Rhode Island Recycled Metals has long caused significant harm to the residents of South Providence, and more or less gotten away with it, for over 10 years. That stops now. We will continue to be vigilant in ensuring RIRM’s environmental compliance at this site and with this new Order, and we certainly won’t hesitate to take further action if necessary.”

The Labor Day travel rush is underway. According to Triple-A, drivers who left before noon today were likely to beat the heaviest traffic heading to their holiday destinations. Saturday between 6 and 10 a.m., Sunday before 11 a.m. and Monday before noon are other suggested travel windows. Meanwhile, the TSA says it will screen more than 17 million people over the period.        The White House plans to cut billions in foreign aid funding. On Thursday, President Trump moved to cut four-point-nine-billion-dollars in foreign aid through a seldom-used budgetary tactic dubbed "pocket rescissions." It is a maneuver where the president attempts to cancel funding in a window of time when Congress is in recess.        Rain from the Southwest to the Southeast may throw a wrench in the Labor Day weekend. Flash Flood Warnings had been put in place in areas of Louisiana and Mississippi earlier today. Parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama also face the biggest threat of large amounts of rainfall.        The next showdown over President Trump's immigration crackdown is likely to happen in Chicago. Multiple reports say ICE is planning expanded operations as soon as next week, much like the ones recently carried out in Los Angeles. FOX News reports that just like in Los Angeles, the White House is prepping contingency plans to send in the National Guard if any ICE protests get out of hand.        Kyle Schwarber made history Thursday night. The Phillies slugger set the franchise record with nine runs batted in after going four for six with four home runs in Philadelphia's 19-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Schwarber is the fourth player in franchise history to hit four home runs in a single game. It's the 21st time in major league history any player has had a four-homer game.        The summer box office is winding down. Zach Cregger's "Weapons" is looking to get back on top with a projected 14-point-three million dollars over the four-day holiday weekend. Disney's "Freakier Friday" is projected to take in eleven-point-four-million dollars followed by new release "The Roses." The Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman comedy could bring in as much as 10-million dollars. "Kpop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event" is expected to draw younger crowds after last weekend's limited released.