Rhode Island at 2 p.m.
The breaking news staffer is Sylvia Lee Wingfield. The New England news editor is Cara Rubinsky. To reach the AP bureau in Boston, call 617-357-8100 or 1-800-882-1407. To reach the photo department, call 617-357-8106. AP stories, along with the photos that accompany them, can also be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com. Reruns also are available from customer support at 877-836-9477.
TOP STORIES:
PENSION LAWSUIT
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island judge hearing a challenge by public-sector unions and retirees to the state's landmark pension system overhaul has ordered the parties into federal mediation a little over a week after the state asked her to dismiss the suit. By Erika Niedowski.
PROVIDENCE FINANCES-PC
PROVIDENCE — Providence College will make $3.84 million more in voluntary payments in lieu of taxes to the city over the next 10 years under a deal that will see Providence give up parts of three streets near campus. Mayor Angel Taveras has successfully extracted nearly $48 million more from the city's major nonprofits, and Providence College was the last institution to strike a deal. By Erika Niedowski.
ALSO:
— PUBLIC TRANSIT-DISABILITIES — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is seeking applicants for more than $582,000 in funding to support projects that increase transportation options for people with disabilities.
— SCHOOL SHOOTING-RI SCHOOLS — At least one district in Rhode Island has changed its safety procedures and is now locking elementary school doors after the mass shooting in Connecticut.
— FIREFIGHTERS WORK WEEK — A Rhode Island Superior Court judge has ruled that North Kingstown cannot unilaterally require union firefighters to work 24-hour shifts.
— RI-ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN — Rhode Island's two top law-enforcement officials have called for the reinstatement of a federal ban on assault weapons.
— MASSACHUSETTS GAMBLING-SOUTHEAST — The panel overseeing the state's casino gambling law is planning to vote to open the licensing process to bids from commercial developers in southeastern Massachusetts.
— GIRLS CHEMISTRY CAMP — A University of Rhode Island chemist has gotten a grant to put on a weeklong chemistry camp for middle-school girls.
SPORTS:
BBA--RED SOX-DREW
BOSTON — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that shortstop Stephen Drew and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $9.5 million, one-year contract. Drew will take a physical before the deal can be finalized, the person said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement was not complete. Drew hit .250 with five homers and 16 RBIs in 39 games for the Oakland Athletics last season after being traded by Arizona on Aug. 20. In 40 games with the Diamondbacks, he hit .193 with two homers and 12 RBIs. Drew, brother of former Boston outfielder J.D. Drew, had been with Arizona for his entire big career until the trade. By Howard Ulman.
BKN--CELTICS-BULLS
CHICAGO — Coming off their lowest point total in nearly five years, the Chicago Bulls will try to rediscover their touch when they host Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics. The Bulls lost 80-71 at Memphis on Monday, their lowest point total since they scored 67 in a loss at Minnesota in January 2008. Boston has dropped two straight. Starts 8 p.m.
AP Photos.
BKC--COLGATE-PROVIDENCE
PROVIDENCE — Providence hosts Colgate in a non-conference game as the Friars continue to prep for Big East play. Starts 7 p.m.
