Providence Grapples with Subway Plans, Beach Access, and Epstein Fallout

The Providence Journal covers a range of local and national stories impacting the city, from public safety to historical development plans.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Providence Journal has highlighted a variety of stories this week, including the aftermath of a shooting in Pawtucket, a decades-old plan for a subway system that never materialized, the ongoing debate over beach access in Westerly, and concerns about potential ties between a school photo company and Jeffrey Epstein. The news also covers a mayoral election challenge in Pawtucket, the impending closure of a Cape Cod potato chip factory, and other local and statewide developments.

Why it matters

These stories touch on issues of public safety, urban planning, environmental access, and corporate accountability that are highly relevant to Providence residents. The coverage provides insight into the diverse challenges and conversations shaping the city's present and future.

The details

The shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink has prompted discussions about gun laws and public safety, while a look back at Providence's history reveals a 1913 proposal for a subway system that never came to fruition. The debate over beach access in Westerly continues, with activists fighting to open a contested right-of-way. Concerns have also surfaced about potential ties between a school photo company and Jeffrey Epstein, leading some districts to review their contracts.

  • In 1913, then-Mayor Joseph Gainer envisioned a subway system for Providence.
  • The Coastal Resources Management Council is currently tasked with resolving the beach access dispute in Westerly.
  • Epstein visited Newport in 2014, bringing along young women.

The players

Joseph Gainer

The mayor of Providence in 1913 who proposed a subway system for the city.

Donald Grebien

The mayor of Pawtucket who is facing a primary challenge in his 15-year tenure.

Adam Greenman

A former Teach For America alum who is mounting a primary challenge against Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien.

Save The Bay

An environmental organization warning that the legal battle over the Spring Avenue Extension in Westerly could drag on for years.

Lifetouch

A school photo company whose parent company, Shutterfly, is owned by Apollo Global Management, whose former CEO is mentioned in the Epstein files.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Coastal Resources Management Council is tasked with resolving the dispute over beach access in Westerly, but a swift resolution appears unlikely.

The takeaway

These stories highlight the diverse challenges facing Providence, from public safety and urban planning to environmental access and corporate accountability. The coverage provides valuable insight into the issues shaping the city's present and future.