What'sUpNewp Week in Review: June 2 - 7, 2024

In Newport, history buffs can explore the private third floor of The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion, for the first time. Meanwhile, the Teachers Association of Newport has expressed a vote of no confidence in the Superintendent of Schools and the Director of Multi-Language Learners due to teacher layoffs and displacements. On the real estate front, Newport County's limited inventory has created a competitive market for homebuyers, with sellers poised to benefit from the favorable conditions.

Top Stories

Third floor of The Breakers to open to the public for the first time

The Breakers' private third-floor family space, occupied by Vanderbilts for over a century, will open to the public for the first time.

Dispute erupts over teacher layoff and displacements in Newport

Newport teachers protest layoffs and displacements, citing lack of support for multilingual learners.

What Sold: A look at 13 home sales across Newport County (May 27 – 31)

Despite limited inventory, Newport County's spring real estate market favors sellers due to high demand.

Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation offers community sailing opportunities in Jamestown

Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation offers community sailing lessons and bay adventures geared towards adults, including Women's Sailing Nights.

Newport Bermuda Race will kick off with fun and festivities at Fort Adams

For the first time in 118 years, the Newport Bermuda Race will start off the coast of Fort Adams State Park.

Newport International Polo Series will feature Bentley vs. Rolls-Royce on June 8

The Newport International Polo Series will feature a rivalry match between luxury car brands Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Pell Elementary School English Teacher Kathryn Caruolo named 2024 Newport District Teacher of the Year

Newport Public Schools' Teacher of the Year, Kathryn Caruolo, is also an Adjunct Professor in Education at Salve Regina University.

House OKs Edwards bill to prohibit development at Sapowet Marsh Management Area

The Sapowet Marsh Management Area was originally purchased to preserve it from development and allow public access for recreational activities.

Rhode Island moves to update substance use statutes

Rhode Island is updating substance use statutes to reflect modern practices and eliminate stigmatizing language.

Senate OKs Euer bill to give Jamestown control of the expansion of its town water service

Jamestown's water supply is limited, and extending service beyond its district could lead to astronomical costs or system failure.

Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick is closed due to elevated levels of bacteria.

RIDOH recommends the closure of Conimicut Point Beach due to high bacteria levels.

Trinity Church's Annual Strawberry Festival returns on June 15

Trinity Church's Strawberry Festival offers homemade strawberry shortcakes with Chantilly whipped cream.

Senate approves Euer bill to give Assembly control over approval, fees for undersea cable projects

The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill to give the General Assembly control over negotiating undersea cable projects, including offshore wind transmission cables.

Volunteers needed at Trinity Episcopal Church

Trinity Episcopal Church in Newport seeks volunteers to lead tours and welcome visitors, no religious affiliation required.

Rhode Island moves to regulate Kratom distribution

Rhode Island considers regulating kratom distribution to ensure its safety and prevent adulteration.

Politics & government

Rhode Island House considers FY 25 Budget

Rhode Island House considers FY 25 budget without any other legislative business.

House OKs Edwards bill to prohibit development at Sapowet Marsh Management Area

The Sapowet Marsh Management Area was originally purchased to preserve it from development and allow public access for recreational activities.

Rhode Island moves to update substance use statutes

Rhode Island is updating substance use statutes to reflect modern practices and eliminate stigmatizing language.

Senate OKs Euer bill to give Jamestown control of the expansion of its town water service

Jamestown's water supply is limited, and extending service beyond its district could lead to astronomical costs or system failure.

Senate approves Euer bill to give Assembly control over approval, fees for undersea cable projects

The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill to give the General Assembly control over negotiating undersea cable projects, including offshore wind transmission cables.

Bill requiring safe storage of firearms set to become law in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's upcoming law mandates responsible firearm storage, aiming to reduce child gun-related accidents.

Veterans Get Outside Day Newport will be held at Fort Adams on June 9

Veterans Get Outside Day Newport promotes mental health through outdoor activities for veterans and their families.

House Committee approves Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Bill

A Barrington lawmaker proposes a rebate program to encourage commercial landscapers to adopt electric leaf blowers, aiming to reduce air and noise pollution.

Senate approves Euer bill to notify drivers of unpaid tolls

Senate approves bill to extend toll payment deadlines and require notification before license suspension.

Rhode Island General Assembly approves bill to educate buyers of shoreline property of the public’s right to access the shoreline

Buyers of shoreline property in Rhode Island must be informed of the public's right to access the shoreline.

Crime & law enforcement

Newport Police Arrest & Dispatch Log: June 3 – 4, 2024

Jennifer Melino was arrested for domestic violence, including assault by strangulation.

Newport Police Arrest & Dispatch Log: June 5 – 6, 2024

Rakesh Bansal, 53, was arrested for DUI and refusing a chemical test.

Here’s the biggest challenge facing Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard law enforcement

The biggest challenge for law enforcement in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket is the high cost of housing, making it difficult to attract and retain officers.

Middletown aims for safer roads with speed cameras

Blue Line Solutions will receive $16 of every $50 ticket issued by the speed cameras.

New Rhode Island law bars auto insurers from hiking rates on the widowed

Rhode Island's new law protects widows and widowers from increased auto insurance rates solely due to their marital status.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What'sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this newsletter.

What’sUpNewp Week in Review: June 2 – 7, 2024

Ryan Belmore

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