Christopher Gavin

Christopher Gavin

@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Boston Globe reporter covering Rhode Island Bylines at The Messenger, Boston.com. Springsteen fan, guitar guy, Emerson College grad. Long Islander living in New England. Latest stories: https://shorturl.at/PKLSh News tips? christopher.gavin@globe.com

1.7K followers453 following902 posts

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Warwick firefighter charged felony for videotaping sex without consent. Matthew J. Cavanagh has been placed on paid administrative leave after being charged with video voyeurism www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/27/m...

bostonglobe.comWarwick firefighter charged with felony for secretly recording himself having sex - The Boston GlobeMatthew J. Cavanagh has been placed on paid administrative leave after being charged with video voyeurism.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: The last-ditch effort to save Flock cameras in Providence The presumptive next mayor and council president say it's time for the cameras to go Police say they've been vital in solving crimes for 4 years My latest: www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/27/m...

bostonglobe.comThe last-ditch effort to save Flock cameras in Providence - The Boston GlobeProvidence’s presumptive incoming mayor and city council president say it’s time to take the cameras down, citing data privacy concerns. But police say the technology has been vital.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

NEW: A judge has granted a motion to push back the sentencing of Ronald L. Fischer, the former Rhode Island doctor and fugitive who spent more than 20 years on the lam before he was caught in July, so he may be evaluated for schizophrenia, his attorney said. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/23/m...

bostonglobe.comEx-R.I. fugitive doctor Ronald Fischer’s sentencing delayed so he can be evaluated for schizophrenia - The Boston GlobeRonald L. Fischer, 70, will be evaluated by Paul Zeizel, a clinical and forensic psychologist who testified at Lindsay Clancy’s trial in August.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Investigators are still working to determine how nine patients and staff members became ill inside the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island, prompting first responders to evacuate the facility on Thursday night. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/23/m...

bostonglobe.comR.I. rehab facility evacuated after 9 people fall ill; investigators are working to determine the cause - The Boston Globe“It is a little odd,” North Smithfield Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Houle said. “Usually we can determine something at some point, but I’ve never had anything like this.”

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

@edesianutrition.bsky.social expands R.I. factory making therapeutic food for malnourished children, despite Trump foreign aid cuts www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/23/m...

bostonglobe.comEdesia Nutrition expands R.I. factory making therapeutic food for malnourished children, despite Trump foreign aid cuts - The Boston GlobeThe family of Jacklyn and Miguel “Mike” Bezos provided $137 million to more than triple the size of the North Kingstown plant, and provide food to prevent malnutrition around the world.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

New: Rhode Island filed a lawsuit against Meta on Thursday, becoming the first state to sue the social media company over allegations that it failed to curtail advertisements that peddled fraudulent products and financial scams to users on its platforms. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/22/m...

bostonglobe.comRhode Island sues Meta, becoming first state to allege Facebook parent company failed to block false advertising, scams - The Boston GlobeA complaint filed in Providence alleges the social media company made a substantial profit while promoting advertisements it knew peddled faulty products and financial scams.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

State Rep. Jenni A. Furtado, an East Providence Democrat who was RI’s first Peruvian-American elected official, has been tapped to replace Liz Beretta-Perik, who resigned after her husband’s indictment on fraud charges www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/21/m...

bostonglobe.comRhode Island Democrats name new party chairwoman - The Boston GlobeState Representative Jenni Furtado, an East Providence Democrat who was Rhode Island’s first Peruvian-American elected official, has been tapped to replace Liz Beretta-Perik, who resigned after her hu...
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

RI Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik is facing calls to resign after her husband was indicted on charges of stealing approximately $20 million in federal and state subsidies from a now-defunct community college in Ohio. W/ @fitzprov.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/20/m...

bostonglobe.comR.I. Democratic Party chair faces calls to resign after husband indicted in $20 million fraud scheme - The Boston GlobeBoth the Democratic and Republican nominees for governor call for party chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik should step down.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Can an old mill transformed into an artists’ hub offer ideas for Boston’s empty lab space? 50 Sims, a former textile manufacturing site in Providence, is now home to a mix of artists, small business, and job training programs. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/20/m...

bostonglobe.comCan an old mill transformed into an artists’ hub offer ideas for Boston’s empty lab space? - The Boston Globe“Arts is infrastructure, and the infrastructure of the arts creates a huge economic benefit to cities,” Everett Abitbol said of 50 Sims, a former textile manufacturing site now home to a mix of artist...
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Scoop: A man accused of sexually assaulting a child in Rhode Island was taken into custody in Italy earlier this month after he failed to show up to his trial in July, according to prosecutors. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/16/m...

bostonglobe.comA man accused of sexually assaulting a child didn’t show up to his trial in R.I. He was found in Italy, prosecutors say. - The Boston GlobeFerdinando Comparone, 33, had previously surrendered his passport, according to officials.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Deported RI kidney doctor loses appeal in federal court. Dr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown Medicine, was prevented from returning to the United States from Lebanon after authorities found photos on her phone of Hezbollah "fighters and martyrs." www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/16/m...

bostonglobe.comDeported R.I. kidney doctor loses appeal in federal court - The Boston GlobeDr. Rasha Alawieh, an assistant professor at Brown Medicine, was prevented from returning to the United States from Lebanon after authorities found photos on her cellphone of Hezbollah “fighters and m...
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

NEW: A new foundation honors Rhonda & Aidan Dorgan, who were killed in the shooting at Pawtucket's Lynch Arena. Ava Dorgan wants Wings of Hope “to spread the same love and happiness my mom gave so freely, and the strength and bravery my brother showed every day." www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/15/m...

bostonglobe.comTragedy came to a hockey game in Pawtucket. A new foundation wants to find light in the darkness. - The Boston GlobeAva Dorgan says she wants Wings of Hope: The Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan Foundation “to spread the same love and happiness my mom gave so freely, and the strength and bravery my brother showed every day.”

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: After two mass shootings in the last year in Rhode Island, a federally-funded resiliency center opens today in Providence, serving those affected by both the Brown University and Pawtucket ice rink shootings "It's like it was two weeks ago," the hockey coach told me Story:

bostonglobe.comAfter trauma of Brown University and Pawtucket mass shootings, new center offers help and hope - The Boston GlobeThe federally funded Ever Hope resilience center will be open to all members of the communities affected by the shootings

Christopher Gavin reposted

Amanda Milkovits
@amandamilkovits.bsky.social

Italian-American women insist on equality. The men say they should stay in their place. Now, a gender war is tearing apart this venerable Italian social club in Rhode Island. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/12/m...

bostonglobe.comA gender war is tearing apart this venerable Italian American community - The Boston GlobeWomen’s Auxiliary members of the Santa Maria di Prata Society in Cranston, R.I., want equal standing. The men don’t even want them in the kitchen anymore.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

NEW: This week, William Morton, 61, was charged with murder in the May 1985 killing of Hillary Hellewell, 22, in Newport. Records show Morton was convicted decades ago of strangling and raping a 15-year-old girl in the city that June. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/10/m...

bostonglobe.comR.I. man went to prison for raping a teen in 1985. Now he’s accused of murdering a woman nearby a month before. - The Boston GlobeThis week, William Morton, 61, was charged with murder in the May 1985 killing of Hillary Hellewell, 22, in Newport. Records show Morton was convicted decades ago of strangling and raping a 15-year-ol...

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Meet the TikTok mom who knows how to ‘talk dirty’ to Rhode Islanders. Trisha Moise, who is battling cancer and home-schooling four children, is gaining a following with videos about the Washington Bridge, Benny’s, and a “Barbie” for each R.I. town www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/10/m...

bostonglobe.comMeet the TikTok mom who knows how to ‘talk dirty’ to Rhode Islanders - The Boston GlobeWarwick’s Trisha Moise, who is battling cancer and home-schooling four children, is gaining a following with videos about the Washington Bridge, Benny’s, and the “Barbie” for each R.I. city and town.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: The latest RICAS scores are out, and statewide performance in English language arts and math barely budged from last year. Check out our interactive database to see how your school is doing: www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/09/m...

bostonglobe.com2026 RICAS scores: See how every Rhode Island school performed - The Boston GlobeAbout two-thirds of Rhode Island students fell short of expectations in math and English. Search 2026 RICAS results for every school.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

The man accused of stabbing a 2-year-old girl in a stroller and her mother yesterday has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial at least 3 times in previous cases and released into the community, including earlier this year. w/ @chrisgavin.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/08/m...

bostonglobe.comA toddler was stabbed in a stroller at a Providence school bus stop. The suspect was repeatedly freed in prior cases. - The Boston GlobeThe suspect, Nelson Blanco, 46, had been found mentally incompetent to stand trial earlier this year and was freed. He was previously accused of stabbing children in 2003.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

The man whom police say stabbed a 2-year-old in the face as she sat in a stroller at a Providence school bus stop has been repeatedly released into the community after being deemed incompetent to stand trial in other criminal cases. W/ @stephmachado.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/08/m...

bostonglobe.comA toddler was stabbed in a stroller at a Providence school bus stop. The suspect was repeatedly freed in prior cases. - The Boston GlobeThe suspect, Nelson Blanco, 46, had been found mentally incompetent to stand trial earlier this year and was freed. He was previously accused of stabbing children in 2003.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Alexa Gagosz
@alexagagosz.bsky.social

The South County Hospital deal with the Mayo Clinic, one of the biggest names in medicine, is only part of the story. I dug into South County’s finances and a potential private-equity connection. Read my latest in @bostonglobe.com @globeri.bsky.social : www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/02/b...

bostonglobe.comMayo Clinic is joining forces with a R.I. hospital, putting Mass. systems on notice - The Boston GlobeIts new entry point is South County Health, a hospital that’s been trying to stabilize its finances in Wakefield, R.I.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: The killing of a college freshman outside a Providence nightclub has sparked a debate about 18+ clubs, a staple in Providence's nightlife scene. Some want to ban the underage clubs altogether and raise the age to 21 www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/02/m...

bostonglobe.comA college freshman was killed outside a Providence nightclub. Should the city put an end to 18+ nightlife? - The Boston GlobeBoston’s stricter limits on 18+ nightclub events prompts college students to party in Providence instead.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Lincoln Chafee proved an independent can win a RI governor’s race. But can @kenblockri.bsky.social do the same in 2026? Block’s internal poll shows he'd win a head-to-head matchup against @helenabfoulkes.bsky.social. But GOP's Guckian said he’s not dropping out www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/01/m...

bostonglobe.comLincoln Chafee proved an independent can win a R.I. governor’s race. But can Ken Block do the same in 2026? - The Boston GlobeBlock’s internal poll indicates he would win a head-to-head matchup against Democrat Helena Buonanno Foulkes. But Republican candidate Aaron Guckian said he’s not dropping out.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Rhode Island once had a vast network of trolleys. Can it bring back just one? RIPTA is considering plans to bring either a light rail or rapid bus line to connect the state’s largest cities. My latest: www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/01/m...

bostonglobe.comRhode Island once had a vast network of trolleys. Can it bring back just one? - The Boston GlobeThe Ocean State’s public transit agency is considering plans to bring either a light rail or rapid bus line to connect the state’s largest cities.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Amanda Milkovits
@amandamilkovits.bsky.social

A girl at North Kingstown, R.I., high school warned in 2005 that coach Aaron Thomas was performing "naked fat tests" on the boys. She said a guidance counselor promised an investigation. Nothing happened for 16 years. By then, Thomas had tested 600 boys. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/30/m...

bostonglobe.comNorth Kingstown, R.I., high school student warned about naked ‘fat test’ coach at least 16 years before he resigned - The Boston GlobeAaron Thomas, who admitted that he had conducted the tests on about 600 male students over 30 years, was found guilty of misdemeanor battery in 2025 but acquitted on charges of sexually molesting the ...
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

“This is 100 percent a self-defense case.” A UMass Dartmouth student was acting in self defense when he fatally stabbed a football player from the school and wounded another in an altercation in Providence earlier this month, his attorney said Monday. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/28/m...

bostonglobe.comUMass Dartmouth student accused of fatally stabbing football player in Providence acted in self-defense, attorney says - The Boston GlobeChukwunonso Uzoma-Eze, 19, charged with the murder of Marvins Antoine, 18, was arraigned in Rhode Island on Monday

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

R.I. officials are trying to get rid of bedbugs in state offices. Union workers say they’re not doing enough. State officials say they’re “committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees and the clients they serve.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/25/m...

bostonglobe.comR.I. officials are trying to get rid of bedbugs in state offices. Union workers say they’re not doing enough. - The Boston GlobeState officials say they’re “committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees and the clients they serve."
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Providence is poised to have a pro-Palestine mayor, leaving its Jewish community at a crossroads My latest, with @stephmachado.bsky.social: www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/22/m...

bostonglobe.comProvidence is poised to have a pro-Palestine mayor, leaving its Jewish community at a crossroads - The Boston GlobeThe win by a democratic socialist aligned with the pro-Palestine movement has prompted fears, as antisemitism is on the rise and a divestment question aimed at Israel is on the ballot.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: Mayor Smiley says he's not endorsing David Morales, the Democratic nominee for mayor of Providence, in the November election His reflections on the election loss and what happens next ⬇️ www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/18/m...

bostonglobe.comProvidence mayor has ‘no regrets’ about his losing campaign, but he won’t endorse the Democratic nominee - The Boston GlobeBrett Smiley reflects on the race against David Morales, which he believes came down to differences about rent control and cost of living.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

After going zero for nine in the primaries, what's next for the League RI Businesses? The conservative group created 40 PACs to back “pro-business” Democrats. It didn’t work. Now they have a new plan: warning voters about socialism. “People get afraid of that.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/17/m...

bostonglobe.comAfter significant losses in the Democratic primaries, the League of RI Businesses looks ahead to November - The Boston GlobeThe conservative group created 40 PACs to back “pro-business” Democrats. It didn't work. Now they have a new plan: warning voters about socialism. “People get afraid of that,” the League’s cofounder s...

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

With its first new mayor in 16 years, change is coming to Pawtucket. @adamgreenman.bsky.social defeated Donald Grebien in a primary, and now he’s talking about reviewing Flock cameras, replacing the police chief, reopening Morley Field, and getting rid of rats. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/17/m...

bostonglobe.comWith its first new mayor in 16 years, change is coming to Pawtucket, R.I. - The Boston GlobeAdam Greenman defeated incumbent Mayor Donald Grebien in a primary, and now he’s talking about reviewing Flock cameras, replacing the police chief, reopening Morley Field, and getting rid of rats.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Edward Fitzpatrick
@fitzprov.bsky.social

Officers who defended US Capitol denounce 'proud J6er' running for Congress in R.I. Democratic Rep. Seth @magaziner.house.gov joined 2 officers opposing GOP candidate Victor Mellor who showed up at a news conference www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/11/m...

bostonglobe.comOfficers who defended US Capitol denounce ‘proud J6er’ who won GOP primary for US Congress in R.I. - The Boston GlobeDemocratic Rep. Seth Magaziner joined two officers opposing GOP candidate Victor Mellor, who showed up at a news conference and defended his decision to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Christopher Gavin reposted

Steph Machado
@stephmachado.bsky.social

NEW: Rent control is back from the dead in Providence. After Wednesday's primary, the City Council is projected to have majority support in 2027 for capping rent increases, and a mayor who will sign it www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/11/m...

bostonglobe.comWith Morales’s win, rent control is on the table again in Providence - The Boston GlobeWednesday’s primary is poised to bring new leadership into City Hall with enough support to limit rent increases next year. Legislation failed to get over the finish line earlier this year.
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Thinking today about those who responded 25 years ago: My scout leader, a NYPD cop, who rescued those trapped in the rubble. My uncle, newly retired from the FDNY, who drove to Ground Zero to do whatever he could. The firefighter brother of a family friend who didn't come home.

Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Helena Foulkes won every single city and town in R.I.'s Democratic primary for governor last night. She said this morning she was even surprised: “You never know going into something like this.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/09/10/m...

bostonglobe.comNew political leaders emerge in Rhode Island as old guard falls in primary upsets - The Boston GlobeHelena Foulkes won every city and town in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary for governor, and Democratic Socialist David Morales unseated Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
Christopher Gavin
@chrisgavin.bsky.social

Helena Foulkes on Providence's mayoral primary: "David Morales ran a great campaign, and I think that people are ready for change in this city. And I'm looking forward to working with him....Of course, we'll have differences, but these are things that I think will be on the edges."