News Minute: Here is the latest Rhode Island news from The Associated Press - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

News Minute: Here is the latest Rhode Island news from The Associated Press

Posted: Updated:

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A proposed bill that would give workers paid time off to care for a new child or sick loved one faces its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to review and possibly vote on the measure today. The bill would extend up to eight weeks of compensation to workers who must leave their jobs temporarily to care for a loved one. It would be phased in over three years.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island has received nearly $40 million so far in federal assistance in the recovery from Superstorm Sandy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says three-quarters of the funds were distributed in response to more than 1,000 claims filed with the National Flood Insurance Program.

LINCOLN, R.I. (AP) - Las Vegas-style betting games like blackjack and craps are now underway at Rhode Island's Twin River Casino. Governor Lincoln Chafee and other state leaders attended a ribbon cutting yesterday marking the official start of expanded gambling at the Lincoln, Rhode Island facility. Supporters say the expansion will protect state gambling revenue from competition from Massachusetts.

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Health officials have reopened the town beach in North Kingstown to swimming and closed Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth following water quality tests. Oakland Beach in Warwick remains closed to swimmers.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.