The future is bright for the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

Good morning, I'm Will Richmond at The Providence Journal and this is the Daily Briefing.

Rhode Island's lighthouses are often eye-catching from the outside.

At some point, we've all caught an image of large waves pounding the Sakonnet Point Lighthouse or biked past Block Island's South East Lighthouse. In some cases, a tour inside the buildings are also possible.

For years, however, one of Rhode Island's shining beacons was closed to the public. Left to its own demise, the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse in East Providence was on the verge of collapse following its decommission in the mid-1970s. Fortunately, that all changed when, in 2004, local residents formed Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse and worked out a lease arrangement that would allow them to restore it.

Now the building can be toured.

The Journal's Antonia Farzan talked to those behind the restoration efforts to learn about just how bad condition the lighthouse was in and what's in store for its future.

• With the shock of President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the race wearing off and the reality of what's next settling in, some of Rhode Island's Democrats are starting to look ahead. Among them, as The Journal's Katherine Gregg reports, is U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who offered his support for Vice President Kamala Harris while taking some shots at Donald Trump.

• If you want to build a granny flat, a carriage house or an accessory dwelling unit, in Providence, what are the rules? The Journal's Patrick Anderson attempts to find out.

• Rhode Island has plenty of interesting summer camps and now one more can be added to the list.

The Journal's Katie Mulvaney visits the inaugural Mandell-Boisclair Justice Camp at Roger Williams University were students grades six through nine are exposed to the highest echelons of the state and federal judiciary in the Ocean State and state leaders as well.

• Aquapalooza returns on Saturday, taking over Potter's Pond near Prudence Island and helping to create one of the busiest days on Narragansett Bay. Newport Daily News contributor Jeffrey Wagner reports that law enforcement units are ready.

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RHODY RANKS

Every day we receive emails ranking Rhode Island. While the work behind the ranks may be dubious, they can be fun. Each day I'll share where Rhody Ranks from one of the latest emails.

A recent survey conducted by CardRates.com revealed that 10% (1 in 10) of Rhode Islanders admit to turning to alcohol when faced with major financial decisions. This compares to a national average of 21%.

TODAY'S WEATHER

🌦️ A couple of morning showers; otherwise, humid with intervals of clouds and sun. Highs in the low 80s.