We’re gonna need a bigger state: Great white sharks are detected off Block Island

Their presence is fairly common in the colder waters of some Cape Cod beaches, where they chase down seals. However, in Rhode Island, great whites have long been a mystery. 8:41 a.m.

Ivy League to place sports seasons on hold until at least January amid coronavirus pandemic

A decision on whether the winter teams could begin a shortened season in January will be determined at a later date as will the fate of the spring seasons, and whether fall sports could resume in the spring. 7:48 a.m.

R.I. to ramp up fines for businesses that ignore social distancing rules

Governor Gina Raimondo said that about 10 percent of the businesses that inspectors have visited in recent weeks are not cooperating. 7:08 p.m.

EDUCATION

As the Providence turnaround takes shape, a charter school expansion is in the picture

State education officials have signaled a preference for charter schools that will accept students who might otherwise attend the lowest-performing schools in the state, half of which are in Providence. 9:19 a.m.

Going to a wake? Get ready for curbside condolences via video

A funeral home in Greenville, R.I., is offering drive-through calling hours. 9:19 a.m.

RHODE MAP

Rhode Island is allowing nursing home visits again. Here’s what you need to know

We’re already into Phase 3, but today is a significant milestone: After a months-long ban, the state will begin letting people visit their loved ones in nursing homes. 9:18 a.m.

The Mass. gaming industry blinks back to life as Plainridge opens for business

Plainridge Park Casino, located minutes from the Rhode Island border, became the first Mass. casino to allow the public back through its doors today after more than three months in lockdown. 7:39 a.m.

HIGHER ED

Brown University will have trimesters this year to reduce the number of students on campus

First-year students will not attend this fall, and if the coronavirus is still a danger in the spring, then all sophomores will skip that semester and attend in the summer instead. 2:06 p.m.

RHODE MAP

Rhode Island lawmakers still have a long to-do list in July

Lawmakers will hold hearings on the name "plantations," mail-in voting, the staff at nursing homes, and more. 8:50 a.m.

COMFORT ZONE

Venture into a labyrinth and find yourself

A purposeful walk through any of the many sites in Rhode Island and elsewhere in New England is an exercise in mindfulness, the author of a field guide says. 7:44 a.m.