Posted inCity & Government

Town of Middletown awarded $462,434 to replace the HVAC system and dispatch consoles at Middletown Police Station

Middletown will receive $462,434 to replace the HVAC system and the dispatch consoles at the Middletown Police Station. The funding will also be used to upgrade the station’s communications capabilities. The town also plans to purchase two new radio repeaters for regional public safety communications. The funding is part of the state’s Municipal Public Safety […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Gail Cotta

Gail Cotta, 88, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on March 24, 2024. Gail was born in Newport, RI on August 9, 1935 to the late Lucy M (George) and Jack C. Brownell. She had one sister, the late Joan Ferreira. She was married on November 24, 1956 to her high school sweetheart, Ray Cotta. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Town of Bristol v. The Great White Whale: The 2024 Bristol BookFest takes on American classic “Moby Dick”

Bristol BookFest returns April 5-6 for its fourth year of enriching the East Bay community with classic literature. This year, the festival celebrates the great American novel “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville.  “Moby Dick,” like any of the classics, has become synonymous with “required reading;” most people know it to be long, difficult, all about […]

Posted inArts & Culture

April programming at Tiverton Public Library includes talks, films, and poetry

The following is a list of library programs that adults can enjoy in April. Patrons are encouraged to visit https://tivertonlibrary.org or call 401-625-6796 to learn more and to register. All Month Long One-on-One Tech Help Tech help is available to everyone, regardless of your skill level. Come with specific questions or we can just chat. There is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Senator Whitehouse: More than $20.2 million is heading to R.I. to support 36 local projects

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that more than $20.2 million is heading to Rhode Island to support a total of 36 local projects that will help strengthen community-based programs and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.  Whitehouse voted Saturday to pass a package of six fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, sending it to President Biden’s […]

Posted inBusiness

Sardella’s will celebrate its 44th Anniversary in April by offering its original menu and pricing

In celebration of 44 years in business, Sardella’s Italian Restaurant in Newport will offer its original menu and pricing on select dates in April! Sardella’s Italian Restaurant was founded by the former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, in 1980. Newport’s oldest Italian Restaurant celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2015 by offering its 1980 menu and […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘The Goonies’, ‘The Sandlot’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and ‘E.T.’ are all returning to the big screen in Newport

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is screening The Goonies this Sunday, March 24, at 2:00 pm. The Goonies screening marks the start of The JPT’s Sunday family film series, which brings some of the most popular and iconic classic films to The JPT to provide a fun weekend activity for the whole family […]

Posted inCity & Government

Recap: This week at the Rhode Island General Assembly (March 18 – 22)

By the Rhode Island Legislative Press Bureau Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items, visit http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease. Senate OKs bill requiring safe storage of firearmsThe Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32,Barrington, Bristol, East […]

Posted inCity & Government

Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (March 23 – 30)

The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA).All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RITBA Weekly Lane Closure UpdatesMarch 24 – 30, 2024 Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge Upcoming improvements in the roadway between the old toll […]

Posted inNews

U.S. Naval War College hosts Symposium at Naval Postgraduate School to address integrated deterrence on maritime statecraft

By Leisa Premdas, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs NEWPORT, RI – U.S. Naval War College (NWC) hosted Strait of Denial: Exploring Alternatives for Maritime Statecraft towards China, a symposium focused on integrated deterrence and the United States-People’s Republic of China (U.S.-PRC) great power competition at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, March […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island lawmakers propose ban on PFAS chemicals in consumer products

Two Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ban the use of PFAS chemicals in many consumer products, including nonstick cookware and stain-resistant carpets. Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Meghan Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence) and state Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) would require the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to […]

Posted inReal Estate

Home on Howard Street in Newport sells for $2.9 million

A home in Newport’s Yachting Village recently sold for nearly $3 million. 37 Howard Street sold for $2,900,000 on March 21, 2024, according to Hogan Associates | Christie’s International Real Estate.  Hogan Associates | Christie’s International Real Estate “This impressive three-level, 5-bedroom, 5 ½ bath home was designed by Herk Works Architecture and fully renovated […]

Posted inNews

Bird flu is decimating seal colonies. Scientists don’t know how to stop it

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Avian influenza is killing tens of thousands of seals and sea lions in different corners of the world, disrupting ecosystems and flummoxing scientists who don’t see a clear way to slow the devastating virus. The worldwide bird flu outbreak that began in 2020 has led to the deaths of millions of domesticated birds […]

Posted inCity & Government

City of Newport breaks ground on Wellington Ave Tide Gate project

The City of Newport announced on Thursday afternoon that its Utilities Department broke ground this week on an infrastructure project that will include installing a Tide Gate on Wellington Avenue. The roughly $1.6 million project, which includes $500,000 in grant funding, is expected to eliminate dry-weather flooding and cut down on wet-weather flooding by up […]

Posted inNews

Study: 1 in 356 people in Newport County are grandparents caring for grandchildren

Every family looks a little different. In some parts of the U.S., a family structure where grandparents take on guardian responsibilities for their young grandchildren is fairly common. These families are referred to as “grandfamilies,” or “kinship families.” Kinship families can also refer to a family where someone other than a grandparent is stepping in […]

Posted inCity & Government

Coast Guard seeks public comment on proposed safety zones for Revolution Wind Farm project

A proposed 67-zone safety area could help prevent collisions during construction of offshore wind farms. The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on the temporary safety zones. The proposed zones are part of the area around the Revolution Wind Farm project, located 17 miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island. The project consists of 65 […]

Posted inCity & Government

President Biden approves federal disaster declarations for Rhode Island

The federal government will support Rhode Islanders affected by severe weather and flooding earlier this year and in December of last year, Gov. Dan McKee announced Thursday after President Joseph Biden approved two federal disaster declarations for the state. The first declaration covers areas affected from Dec. 17 to 19, 2023, while the second includes […]

Posted inNews

Casting Off to The Homeport: Crew, family, & friends of the USS Yosemite return to Newport April 24 – 27

The Naval War College and the Naval Station in Newport attract young military service members for training, education, and career advancement. The Navy base has also seen a lot of crucial military history, and this April, history is returning.  From April 24-27, the USS Yosemite Association, a society dedicated to the Navy ship and its […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee nominates Cory King to lead the Rhode Island Office of Health Insurance Commissioner

Gov. Dan McKee announced on Thursday his nomination of Cory King to lead the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC), a state agency that oversees health insurance providers. King has served as acting commissioner of OHIC since December 2022 and has been with the agency since 2019, first serving as Director of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

What’s Up This Weekend: Barrel of Laughs Comedy Show, Aquidneck 10K, Raul Malo, The Goonies, & more

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, March 22, through Sunday, March 24, 2024. Friday, March 22 Things To Do 2 pm: Film Series – 2024 Oscar Nominees at Newport Public Library 6 pm: Newport Winter Foodies Stroll 7:30 pm: Newport Classical Presents: Eleni Katz […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Rhode Island Foundation accepting applications for Equity Action Fund to support LGBTQ+ communities

The Rhode Island Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Equity Action Fund, which supports projects that serve the LGBTQ+ communities in Rhode Island. The Equity Action Fund is currently accepting applications from eligible organizations for grants up to $10,0000. The Foundation will award grants to eligible projects that help improve the lives of LGBTQ+ […]

Posted inCity & Government

Update: Lane closures planned for Route 138 at RIDOT’s Pell Bridge Ramps Project have been postponed to April 5 – 8

Due to inclement weather, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation has announced that the scheduled lane closures for this weekend on Route 138 East and West between the Pell Bridge and JT Connell Highway in Newport have been postponed. The operation has been rescheduled for the weekend of Friday night, April 5, at 5 p.m. […]

Posted inNews

Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District celebrates Earth Month with workshops and plant seedling sale

The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) is celebrating Earth Month with events encouraging residents to take action to protect the environment. Beginning with a rain barrel workshop on April 6 in Bristol, ERICD will offer three more spring workshops to help homeowners build or maintain their rain barrels. The free workshops provide all the […]

Posted inCity & Government

City Council Preview: Easton’s Beach, Newport Skatepark on the docket for March 27 meeting

Newport City Council has an Executive Session and a Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Before the Regular Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Members of the City Council will meet at 5 p.m. and vote to go into an executive session to discuss the performance of the Government Relations Consultant and the […]

Posted inBusiness

Rhode Island nonprofit gets $1 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

A Rhode Island nonprofit has been awarded a $1 million grant from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Fund. Yield Giving Fund announced on Tuesday, March 19, that Providence-based Project Weber/RENEW was one of 361 nonprofits awarded funds out of more than 6,300 applicants after the open call for community-led and focused organizations was announced. […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Rhode Island has a new political party. But it still hasn’t picked any candidates

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentMarch 20, 2024 Rhode Island voter registration forms will soon have a new political party for voters to choose from: No Labels. Yet the bipartisan group planning to prop up a third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential election still hasn’t named a ticket. Meanwhile, alleged signature fraud on its petition […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Photo Guild presents “Visions of the World Around Us” at Newport Public Library

The Newport Photo Guild is currently presenting the exhibition “Visions of the World Around Us” at the Newport Public Library. It features 24 local photographers and their captivating perspectives. “Visions of the World Around Us” is free and open to the public during library hours through March 30, 2024, and can be viewed in the […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Experience the culinary delights of Piedmont, Italy, with Giusto’s Chef Kevin O’Donnell and Oldways

The Piedmont region of Italy is known for its culinary excellence. Now, Chef Kevin O’Donnell, Owner of Giusto restaurant in Newport, and Giusto’s General Manager, Katie Ellis, invite you to explore the region with them on a culinary journey from October 13 – 20, 2024. Oldways is organizing the trip, focusing on Turin and Piedmont, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island lawmakers propose a ban on the sale of products containing microplastics

Two Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation banning the sale of products containing intentionally added microplastics in the state starting in 2028. The legislation would also require the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health to conduct testing to monitor microplastic levels in water and soil. “The most effective way to […]

Posted inBusiness

Lisa Morrison steps down as President of Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust; Ryan Patrick Kelley named as successor

Today, the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust (RILFHT) announced that after eight years of dedicated service, Lisa Morrison has decided to step down as president while remaining a board of directors member.  “Serving an organization that also happens to be a unique and enchanting place has been an absolute privilege,” Morrison said. “Rose […]

Posted inArts & Culture

What is Rhode Island’s best Hollywood moment? Vote in the GoProvidence’s ‘Lights! Camera! Ocean State Matchup’

GoProvidence, The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, today announced a tournament-style matchup that pits thirty-two movies filmed in Rhode Island against one another. “While the Providence College Friars may have been snubbed in this year’s NCAA tournament, fans can still root for their hometown favorite in GoProvidence’s next tournament bracket,” GoProvidence shared in a […]

Posted inNews

Cabana restaurant is being sold

Cabana and its accompanying real estate at 140 Broadway in Newport (formerly Salvation Cafe) has hit the market for $2.9 million. The property includes a “Zoned GB and with a full class C liquor license, this turnkey restaurant is ready for your concept and upgrades,” according to the property listing. It also includes “two apartments […]

Posted inCity & Government

During Sec. Buttigieg’s visit to Rhode Island, Reed urges RIDOT & USDOT to act rapidly to replace the Washington Bridge

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg knows the importance of speed.  Just days after Rhode Island’s Governor and state transportation officials acknowledged the need to demolish and replace the now-closed Washington Bridge westbound on Interstate 195, President Joe Biden’s top transportation official was on the scene to tour the bridge and meet with […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown considers changes to Zoning Code to increase affordable housing

The Middletown Town Council is considering revisions to the town’s zoning code to make it easier to build more affordable homes amid a housing crisis. The town is seeking to streamline the permitting process for affordable low- and moderate-income housing projects, according to a news release. The first public hearing on the proposed changes was […]

Posted inBusiness

People’s Credit Union supports local nonprofit Lucy’s Hearth with $2,000 donation

People’s Credit Union has donated $2,000 to Lucy’s Hearth, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless families. The donation will help the organization continue its mission of providing holistic programs and services that aim to achieve self-sufficiency for families. Courtney Hunter, People’s Credit Union’s Head of Community Development, presented the check to Ashley Salemi Tarvis, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

The JPT Film & Event Center to begin National Theater Live series on March 20

The JPT Film & Event Center (The JPT) is kicking off a series of National Theater Live screenings on Wednesday, March 20, by bringing back the radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, starring Andrew Scott from the British comedy-drama series Fleabag. Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will play exclusively in cinemas in 2024.  National Theater Live brings […]

Posted inSports

Brown scores 31 points, White gets 1st career triple-double in Celtics’ 119-94 win over Detroit

By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 31 points in three quarters, Derrick White posted his first career triple-double and the NBA-best Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons 119-94 on Monday night. Boston star Jayson Tatum missed the game because of a right ankle injury, but the Celtics had more than […]

Posted inNews

‘No daffodils for the North End’

What began as a documentary about city residents’ resilience during the pandemic has evolved into an organization that is demonstrating how resilient the city really is.  Susan Sipprelle, a documentary filmmaker, spent three years shooting, editing, and developing “Newport: In This Together,” interviewing 108 Newporters and finding a city and its residents that are resilient, […]

Posted inBusiness

Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce announces 2024 EXPO and Excellence in Business Awards Dinner

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) is preparing for the 2024 EXPO, being held Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, at the Wyndham Newport Atlantic Resort. Over 60 businesses and organizations will participate in the event, showcasing their products and services to local community members. The event is free to attend and will feature live […]

Posted inCity & Government

UTIC offers $5K scholarships to future undersea tech leaders

The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) is accepting applications for the second annual UTIC Scholarship Program, which will provide $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in STEM fields related to undersea technology. The scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in their third year or higher at a U.S. college or university in […]

Posted inBusiness

Rite-Solutions wins $60.7M Navy IT Services contract

Middletown-based Rite-Solutions has received a five-year, $60.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to provide information technology services, including cybersecurity, for the naval service’s newest warfighting center. The company was selected to support the National Naval Undersea Warfare Center’s (NUWC) Activity Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Information Technology (IT) division, which is responsible for the […]

Posted inNews

AP PHOTOS: Boston celebrates St. Patrick’s Day; Biden holds White House brunch with Irish leader

BOSTON (AP) — While some American cities celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a day early this weekend, Boston, one of the most Irish cities in the country, held its parades and festivities on Sunday, or March 17. Crowds of green-clad revelers lined the streets for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which typically draws about 1 million people. It […]

Posted inCity & Government

A 1.5-mile stretch of East Bay Bike Path will be closed from March 19 – 22

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is informing users of the East Bay Bike Path that a 1.5-mile stretch of the path in Riverside, starting from the Squantum Association intersection to the intersection of Bullocks Point Avenue and Washington Avenue, will be closed from Tuesday, March 19, until Friday, March 22, to complete repair work […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island House of Representatives approves bill to regulate e-bikes and scooters in Newport

The Rhode Island House of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow the City of Newport to regulate the use of e-bikes and scooters for safety purposes. The use of e-bikes and scooters has exploded in Newport, and we need some guardrails for everybody’s safety,” said Representative Lauren Carson, D- Newport. “Without any regulation, […]

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