A Quonset-based company is closer to changing coastal travel

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

In a state bordered by water on many of its sides, we are fortunate to have different ways to get around the coast. Of course, you can drive. Ferries will take from Providence to Newport or out to Block Island. Those with the means could even hop on a plane in some cases. The people at Regent Craft will tell you there's a way that's missing from among the options.

Could seagliders be the answer?

The Quonset-based startup is trying to transform coastal travel and The Journal's Patrick Anderson recently got a taste of what it would be like flying a digital seaglider around Narragansett Bay in the company's simulator.

Beyond the simulated experience, what has company officials excited for the seaglider's prospects?

Here's what Patrick found out.

• As California ordered state agencies to clear homeless encampments, Cranston weighed an ordinance prohibiting shelters on city land. But city residents are arguing against the measure.

The Journal's Katie Mulvaney reports on what's being proposed and why city leaders want to see it approved.

• There's something about a favorite restaurant closing. The loss of a dish that can't be replicated elsewhere. The friendliness of staff you've connected with. Maybe they make your drink just the way you like it. Unfortunately restaurants closing are part of the business and we've lost a number of them across Rhode Island already in 2024.

Journal food and dining editor Gail Ciampa rounds up some of the places that have gone out business, what's replaced them in some cases and others that have made changes.

And there is some hope on the horizon, especially for cat lovers, as Gail reports that a cat cafe is planning to open in Providence.

• Is Macy's in the Providence Place mall closing? It depends on who you ask.

The Journal's Wheeler Cowperthwaite has the responses from those involved.

• Today's the last day to vote in Round 1 of our bracket competition to determine Rhode Island's favorite summer event. Polls are open until 9 p.m. and if you've already voted, no problem, cast another ballot before it's too late.

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TODAY'S WEATHER

🌦️ Variable cloudiness with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm; very humid. Highs in the low 80s.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: A Quonset-based company is closer to changing coastal travel