MICHELLE R. SMITH

Investigative reporter

Smith reports for AP’s global investigations team. She is based in Providence, Rhode Island.
Gov. Raimondo touts job numbers in State of the State
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is citing improved unemployment numbers and an improving economy to say the state is stronger than it’s been in decades.
 
RI restores oversight of lawmakers who might have conflicts
A nationwide review by the Center for Public Integrity and The Associated Press found numerous examples of state lawmakers who pushed legislation that potentially helped their businesses, including one in Rhode Island. State Sen.
 
Ex-GOP lawmaker Trillo running for governor as independent
Former Republican lawmaker Joe Trillo has announced that he is leaving the party and running for Rhode Island governor as an independent. Trillo made the announcement on WPRO-AM on Tuesday.
 
EPA keeps scientists from speaking about report on climate
The Environmental Protection Agency has canceled the appearance of three scientists at an event on Monday in Rhode Island about a report, which deals in part with climate change.
 
Air Force 1 replica takes visitors inside presidential 747
The image is among the most indelible of any American presidency: The commander-in-chief and first lady emerging from Air Force One.
 
Former Trump adviser Flynn consulting again, says brother
Embattled former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has opened a new consulting firm called Resilient Patriot, LLC. That’s according to one of his brothers.
 
Art lovers’ Providence: From WaterFire to street murals
With a plethora of street art and a world-famous design school, Providence provides plenty to do for art-loving travelers.
 
Americans on Presidents Day: Admiration, fear mark holiday
The United States is marking Presidents Day, a day that is taking on a new meaning for some Americans this year as Republican President Donald Trump upends traditional notions of the office.
 
3rd ex-Rhode Island lawmaker in 11 days charged criminally
A former Rhode Island state lawmaker has agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges, making him the third former House member in 11 days to be charged with criminal conduct.
 
Lawsuit says Brown protected trustee’s son in drugging case
A former Brown University student is suing the Ivy League school over how it handled her allegations that she was drugged at a fraternity party and later sexually assaulted.
 
Church defrocks priest accused of molestation at prep school
An Episcopal priest accused of molesting children at an elite boarding school and elsewhere has been removed from the priesthood. The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania announced Monday it had defrocked the Rev.
 
Judge won’t dismiss SEC suit vs. Wells Fargo over 38 Studios
A federal judge has refused to dismiss a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit accusing Wells Fargo Securities of defrauding investors in Rhode Island’s failed $75 million deal with 38 Studios.
 
Judge: No utility shutoffs for ailing people until autumn
A Providence Superior Court judge has ordered the state Division of Public Utilities not to allow any shutoffs of people who are handicapped or seriously ill until the fall.
 
Boarding schools for young under scrutiny amid abuse cases
A number of recent sexual abuse scandals around the U.S. have cast a spotlight on elite boarding schools that enroll children as young as 10 or 11.
 
How do you grow a pumpkin the size of car? It’s complicated
COVENTRY, Rhode Island (AP) — Ron Wallace grows pumpkins nearly the size of a Fiat.

From the pumpkin patch in his Rhode Island backyard, Wallace has become the rock star of giant pumpkin-growing.
 
50 years later, Dylan’s electric guitar returns to Newport
Dylan used the Fender Stratocaster in his performance on July 25, 1965, when he strode on stage in a leather jacket and launched into the song “Maggie’s Farm.” The performance drew a mix of boos and cheers from the audience, from some who were thrilled by the performance and others who felt abandone
 
Spat over Vanderbilt family mansion gets public and nasty
Even in a city filled with over-the-top mansions, The Breakers was like no other. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, president and chairman of the New York Central Railroad, spared no expense when he built it. It has wall panels made of platinum.
 
Hugh D. Auchincloss III, stepbrother of Jackie Kennedy, dies
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Hugh D. Auchincloss III, stepbrother and lifelong friend of Jacqueline Kennedy, has died.
 
Ex-Rhode Island House Speaker to be sentenced for corruption
U.S.
 
Congregation at oldest US synagogue felt ‘blackmailed’
The future of the 250-year-old synagogue, in Newport, hangs in the balance in the dispute between the congregation that worships there, Jeshuat Israel, and the New York congregation that owns it, Shearith Israel. A bench trial is being heard in U.S. District Court in Providence.
 
Ex-NFL star Hernandez convicted of murder, sentenced to life
Hernandez’s mother, Terri, and his fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins, cried and gasped when they heard the verdict. Hernandez, his eyes red, mouthed to them: “Be strong. Be strong.” Lloyd’s mother also cried.
 
Victim’s mom leaves as images shown at ex NFL-star’s trial
For a second straight day, Ursula Ward left the courtroom in tears as prosecutors in Hernandez’s murder trial displayed photographs of her son Odin Lloyd’s body. Lloyd was shown lying on his back with his left fist curled in a ball over the gunshot wounds to his chest.
 
Marijuana patient sues after firm won’t hire her
Christine Callaghan, who is studying textiles at the University of Rhode Island, sued Westerly-based Darlington Fabrics Corp. and its parent, the Moore Company, on Wednesday. The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Callaghan, said it believes it’s the fi
 
Cianci sauce made no money for charity in 4 years
“People are thinking that every time they are buying a bottle of pasta (sauce) they’re making a contribution. That is not necessarily the case. That’s got to be clearly stated,” Mansolillo said. “It benefits the scholarship fund when it’s possible. ... I don’t think even in the best year any more th
 
Women scientists, Wikipedia under microscope in RI
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Look up a female scientist or technologist on Wikipedia, and you might not find what you’re looking for.
 
‘Superman’ building, RI’s tallest, now closed
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The tallest building in Rhode Island closed to the public Friday, ending its 85-year run as a bank when Bank of America shut down its branch on the first floor.
 
RI records show inner workings of Legion of Christ
The documents, previously sealed in a lawsuit brought before Superior Court in Rhode Island, include thousands of pages of testimony from high-ranking leaders at the Legion, its members and relatives of wealthy widow Gabrielle Mee. They are the first-ever depositions of high-ranking Legion officials
 
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