Legislative Outlook: Finkelman – the economy and environment critical issues in 2026
With the Rhode Island General Assembly session scheduled to begin on Jan. 6, WhatsUpNewp has reached out to the area’s legislators to learn what they see as the most pressing issues facing Rhode Island in 2026, and legislation they are planning to introduce.
Legislative Outlook: DiPalma sees healthcare, affordability and transparency as critical issues
WhatsUpNewp has reached out to the area’s legislators to learn what they see as the most pressing issues facing Rhode Island in 2026, and legislation they are planning to introduce.
Trump administration suspends 5 wind projects off the East Coast
The administration said leases are paused for the Vineyard Wind project under construction in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and two projects in New York: Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind.
Newport seeking volunteers for Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
Applications open through Jan. 23 for panel guiding Newport 2037 vision
Newport School Superintendent discusses school safety, regionalization progress
Colleen Burns Jermain addresses ongoing investigation into Rogers High School incident, confirms departure timeline and discusses potential merger with Middletown schools
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for a one-on-one conversation on Dec. 18
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Thursday, December 18, at 1:30 pm.
Newport man facing multiple charges after breaking and entering investigation
Over 60 stolen items recovered, police say
Assisted-living facility owner and inspector sue each other over faulty sprinklers in deadly fire
A safety inspection company and the owner of a Massachusetts assisted-living facility that was the site of a fatal fire that killed 10 people are blaming each other for failing to address a faulty sprinkler system.
Federal judge throws out Trump order blocking development of wind energy
A federal judge on Monday struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking wind energy projects, saying the effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was “arbitrary and capricious” and violates U.S. law.
Middletown, Newport councils to hold joint meeting Monday on school regionalization
Newport voters narrowly rejected a similar proposal in 2022; a new ballot question could go to voters in April 2026.
Newport City Council to consider 2026 festival dates, traffic safety initiatives, tax program revisions
Council meets Wednesday at City Hall; liquor license transfers for Scales & Shells, Jo’s American Bistro also on agenda
Justice Department expands legal action against states that have refused its demands for voter data
The department announced it was suing Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington over their “failure” to produce statewide voter registration lists.
Newport to host community visioning session tonight for comprehensive plan update
Residents invited to share ideas on what they want Newport to look like in 2037
As winter heating costs rise, so does consumer anxiety in Rhode Island, poll finds
Feeling anxious about how to pay for your winter heating bill? You’re not alone, according to the latest Ocean State Poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which found roughly 78% of Rhode Islanders feel the same way about their upcoming winter heating bills.
Newport Hospital forms community panel to review birthing center future
12-member advisory group will evaluate operations through spring 2026 as lawmaker urges transparency
Newport seeks volunteers for revived accessibility advisory commission
Seven-member panel will advise City Council on policies to improve access and inclusivity
Newport waives late fees after billing system error affects October statements
City says payment batch posted twice during transition from legacy platform; both October and November bills due Nov. 28
McKee announces $2,000 beautification grant for Newport improvements
Newport is among six Rhode Island communities receiving Municipal Beautification Mini Grants through the Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative, administered by the state Department of Environmental Management.
Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments, with shutdown potentially near an end
It’s up to the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress to decide when full payments will resume under the SNAP food aid program that helps 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries as the financial pressures mount on families in some states.
Newport to honor veterans with ceremony, tower open Tuesday
Miantonomi Memorial Park Tower offers panoramic views on Veterans Day
Trump administration renews Supreme Court appeal to keep full SNAP payments frozen
President Donald Trump’s administration returned to the Supreme Court on Monday in a push to keep full payments in the SNAP federal food aid program frozen while the government is shut down, even as some families struggled to put food on the table.
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