A new system is making RI's land court more efficient

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

If you're headed to land court odds are good Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Lanphear will hear the case.

In a little more than three months, Lanphear has become the arbiter of more than 135 land-use disputes – including some high-profile cases – as part of the new "Land Use Calendar" ordered into existence by the state legislature last year.

The Journal's Katherine Gregg looks at the cases heard and some to come in this week's Political Scene.

• If you're heading to Providence be on the lookout for new parking meters.

The good news, as The Journal's Amy Russo reports, is that broken parking meters across the city are finally being replaced. The bad news? Be prepared to shell out more money to park as enforcement hours are growing.

Take a look at everything you need to know about the new meters and parking regulations.

• Are East Providence businesses starting to see some hope following the opening of an additional lane on I-195? Journal columnist Mark Patinkin revisited Digger's Catch owner Bill Foeri to see how business was doing.

While there he found a businessman who's worked hard his whole life and despite the recent problems maintains a good sense of humor.

• The 10th anniversary of the death of Pat Tillman passed last week reviving one of the most well-known stories about a former football player serving in the military.

In this week's Veteran's Voice, Journal contributor Frank Lennon shares the stories of others who gave back to their country.

• If you missed it last week, check out Journal reporter Tom Mooney's look back on the 25th anniversary of Operation Plunder Dome , when FBI agents swarmed Providence City Hall after an undercover probe of widespread government corruption.

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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 EasyCoops.com , involving 3,000 participants, sought to identify the urban enclaves most coveted by those dreaming of a life that blends city convenience with rural tranquility. The findings revealed the 100 top urban havens that embody the essence of countryside living within the confines of a city.

Placing 59th – and the only location in Rhode Island – is Newport's The Point neighborhood.

TODAY'S WEATHER

🌤️ Nice and warm with times of clouds and sun. Highs in the upper 70s

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: A new system is making RI's land court more efficient