One year later, what's changed since the Harborside Inn fire on Block Island

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

If it looks like something is missing when you pull into Block Island's Old Harbor it's because something is.

It's been a year since the Harborside Inn burnt down and now a gaping hole exists along Water Street that's been filled in by what locals are described as an "eyesore."

But changes could be on the horizon.

The Journal's Antonia Farzan has the latest on the effort to replace the Harborside .

While that future is uncertain, Antonia and Journal reporter Katie Mulvaney report on how the island's fire chief hopes to take more control over ensuring the tools are in place in case of another large-scale fire.

• While primary election ballots across Rhode Island aren't exactly packed with contests there are a couple of headliners, including a rematch as Senate President Dominick Ruggerio takes on Lenny Cioe.

The Journal's Katherine Gregg previews the race in this week's Political Scene and why this is not a "normal" year in the life of Ruggerio.

• WaterFire has become a Rhode Island tradition – Providence Journal readers just selected it as the favorite summer event in the state – but could it be in danger?

Journal columnist Mark Patinkin recently sat down with creator Barnaby Evans to talk about the future of the event and why it's facing financial struggles.

• There's been plenty happening lately when it comes to the state's military presence and it seems Newport has been at the center of it.

Journal contributor Frank Lennon has the latest on the National Leadership Academy that took place in the City by the Sea in July, along with  National Muster of Fifes & Drums that happened at Fort Adams and more in this week's Veterans Voice.

• What do Jared Duran, Drake Maye, Judd Sirott and Fenway Park have in common? Journal contributor Joe McDonald shares his thoughts on all four topics plus one more in this week's Keeping Score column.

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TODAY'S WEATHER

☀️ Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: One year later, what's changed since the Harborside Inn fire on Block Island