WARWICK, RI –Today, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) announced they have been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to the college’s more than 90 certificate or degree programs in high-wage, high-demand industries including healthcare, business, IT, cybersecurity, and education, among others. CCRI is the first […]
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Posted inArts & Culture
Gibson Partners with Newport Festivals Foundation to honor Sister Rosetta Tharpe on the 55th Anniversary of her legendary Newport Folk Festival Performance
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has partnered with Newport Festivals Foundation through its philanthropic arm Gibson Gives at this summer’s Newport Folk Festival to celebrate the music icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking Newport Folk Festival performance on July 16, 1967. This Sunday, July 24 at 12:40 PM on the Newport Folk Festival Foundation Stage a special performance will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Celisse performing classic Sister Rosetta Tharpe songs such as “Didn’t It Rain,” as […]
Posted inCity & Government
Great Black-Backed Gull tests positive for bird flu after being found ill on a beach in South Kingstown
PROVIDENCE, RI – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) are advising the public that a Great Black-Backed Gull that was found seriously ill on a beach in South Kingstown on June 23 has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The wildlife officials also are announcing that the dead Shearwaters recently found on Rhode Island beaches that were tested for HPAI came back negative. Following up on their advisory last month, they recommend that the public stays clear of sick or dead birds on seashores and reports any cases of waterbird deaths to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife by clicking here.
A relatively small number of waterbirds such as Cormorants, Gulls, Shearwaters, and Terns washing up dead on beaches is normal in the summer, but in the past six weeks multiple locations along the Atlantic Coast, including Rhode Island, have seen higher than usual numbers. DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, which is collecting reports from the public, currently counts 40 dead waterbirds reported this summer, excluding the separate mortality event of Shearwaters that is now thought to be unrelated to HPAI. Wildlife biologists advise, however, that reports coming in from the public tend to be underestimated, especially if there is not a large die-off of birds.
While risk of HPAI to humans is low, the public is urged not to touch dead birds and to keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses. State, federal, and non-government conservation organizations are continuing to collaborate to test a sample of specimens and are actively monitoring beaches. RIDEM, USFWS, and partners will keep the public updated with any further developments.
“Avian influenza refers to disease in birds caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses,” states the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC site continues: “Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.”
Avian influenza occurs in both low and high pathogenic forms, which refer to the severity of the disease and how likely it is to result in death of poultry. Most avian influenzas are low pathogenic and cause minimal death and disease to infected birds. In 2020, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus emerged in Europe and Central Asia and spread to North America in December 2021. The last outbreak of HPAI in the United States was in 2017. HPAI causes high mortality rates in poultry and has severely affected nesting seabirds in Europe. Since its arrival in North America, HPAI has been detected in the United States and Canada. Conservation organizations are particularly concerned about the potential for outbreaks to jeopardize imperiled waterbird species with already small populations such as Piping Plovers, Red Knots, and Roseate Terns. HPAI also can affect mammals, and a recent seal die-off in Maine has been attributed to the virus. Symptoms of infected birds can include neurological issues such as imbalance, inability to fly, and respiratory distress.
What the public can do:
HPAI continues to be a risk for domestic and wild birds. People with poultry/backyard flocks should disinfect shoes/boots before visiting and coming back from beaches, parks, and refuges. For more information on HPAI including FAQs, click here. If a dead bird is found, you can report the siting to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife by clicking here.
Posted inArts & Culture
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Tony Award-Winning Cinderella opens at Theatre By The Sea on July 20
In celebration of 89 Years of Theatre By The Sea, owner and producer Bill Hanney will present the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which will be presented from July 20 – August 13, 2022. “Cinderella has been on my short list of shows to produce for quite a few years now and I’m thrilled that we are finally able to bring this magical […]
Posted inNews
The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust signs on to support, name Save The Bay’s new Newport aquarium
Save The Bay today announced that the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust has contributed $1.5 million to the nonprofit organization’s efforts to relocate its small aquarium on Easton’s Beach to a larger location at downtown Newport’s Gateway Center. In honor of the donation, the family-friendly destination will be named “Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium.” S […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Police officer struck with gel pellets during traffic stop
While on a West Main Road traffic stop over the weekend, Middletown Police says an officer was struck by gel pellets, leading to multiple felony charges. Investigating the incident, police said the case was connected to a dangerous social media trend.
Posted inNews
Military Spouses of Newport announces Scholarships Award Winners
On June 14th, Military Spouses of Newport (MSoN) awarded military spouses and dependent children with scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $1,750. The awardees were, Margaret Abbruzi (American University), Ryan Bowe (Stony Brook University ), Zachary Bowe (Rochester Institute of Technology), Katherine Ceglarski (Sacred Heart University), Katherine Lee (UC Davis), Gabriella Marsili (Merrimack College), Zoe North […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Food & Drink, Things To Do
Craft Brew Races Newport returns to Fort Adams on July 16, will feature local and regional breweries
Beer and running event series, the Craft Brew Races, returns Fort Adams State Park in Newport on July 16th, 2022. A portion of the proceeds from the Craft Brew Races Newport will be donated to the Rhode Island Brewers Guild in support of the growth of craft beer and brewing in Rhode Island. The event is […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs legislation requiring offshore wind procurement for 600 to 1,000 megawatts
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI – Continuing his #RIMomentum Tour, Governor Dan McKee today signed into law historic legislation proposed by his Administration that seeks to expand Rhode Island’s offshore wind energy resources. The new law requires a market-competitive procurement for between 600 and 1,000 MW of newly-developed offshore wind capacity. Rhode Island’s primary utility company, Rhode Island Energy, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Recap: This year at the Rhode Island General Assembly
With the Rhode Island General Assembly’s session coming to a close, the Legislative Press Bureau at the General Assembly has put together this recap of highlights from news and events that took place this year. For more information on any of these items visit www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease. 06-29-2022Download
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs legislation granting driving privileges to undocumented residents
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, bill sponsors Representative Karen Alzate and Senator Frank A. Ciccone and Representative Anastasia Williams to sign legislation granting driving privilege cards and permits to undocumented Rhode Islanders. The bill signing ceremony took place at the Division of Motor Vehicles in Cranston, the agency that will be issuing the cards or permits.
“This is an important issue for our economy, equality, and public safety,” said Governor McKee. “By granting every Rhode Islander of driving age the opportunity to safely and legally drive a vehicle, we are allowing them to further their education and career – which in turn benefits the entire state. That means more workers will have access to more jobs and opportunities that keep Rhode Island’s momentum going. This legislation will make our roads safer, and our economy stronger, and I am proud to sign it into law. I thank the legislative sponsors and countless advocates who worked for years to make this happen.”
The legislation (2022-S 2006Aaa, 2022-H 7939A), sponsored by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence) and Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), Chairwoman of the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus, allows the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue driving privileges to undocumented residents in the state who meet certain criteria. The legislation requires that applicants have verification from the tax administrator that they have filed a personal income tax return as a Rhode Island resident for the tax year preceding the date of application, or have been claimed as a dependent on a personal income tax return by an individual who has filed a personal income tax return as a Rhode Island resident for that year. The applicant is also required to present two primary proof of identity documents, or one primary proof of identity document and one secondary proof of identity document, and two proof of residency documents. The applicant also must be in compliance with insurance requirements.
“The reasons to make this investment are numerous, well-documented, and supported by facts,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “However, just as compelling as that data is the matter of equity that we address by signing this bill. Soon, 29,000 taxpaying Rhode Islanders will be given legal safe access to our roads. Thank you to the bill’s sponsors and all of the community leaders who got us to this momentous day.”
“The community of color has long advocated for the passage of this legislation that will keep our roads safer while also helping a portion of our population who struggle daily due to not being able to drive a car to work, or to pick up their kids, or to go about their daily business. This bill acknowledges that individuals with undocumented status are still human beings who deserve the same services and protections that documented residents enjoy and utilize,” said Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), Chairwoman of the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus.
“We need to ensure that all drivers, regardless of their immigration status, are trained, tested and insured when driving on our roads. This is a safety issue as well as an economic issue. If the worst were to happen and an accident occurs involving an undocumented person driving, our residents and businesses are protected far better if this legislation is enacted as opposed to the status quo,” said Sen. Frank A. Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence).
Neither the permit nor card would be usable for federal or state identification or voting purposes.
Under current law, Rhode Islanders who do not have a lawful presence in the United States are unable to provide the documentation, such as a Social Security number, that is required to receive a driver’s license.
The law goes into effect on July 1, 2023.
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Posted inThings To Do
Providence to host North American Bridge Championship July 14 – 24
More than 3,000 duplicate bridge players will travel from around the world to Providence in July to compete in the North American Bridge Championships. The American Contract Bridge League, the governing body for duplicate bridge clubs and tournaments in North America, is the host of the NABC. The tournament welcomes area residents of all skill […]
Posted inBusiness
Salve Regina, Innovate Newport team up to present Entrepreneurial & Startup Boot Camp Aug. 4-7
Salve Regina University today announced that best-selling author and entrepreneur Gordon Daugherty, co-founder, and president of the Austin, Texas-based Capital Factory, will lead a multi-day workshop designed to expertly guide entrepreneurs through all the necessary steps to developing a new business and raising money for the venture. Gordon Daugherty. Contributed photo The Startup Boot Camp, […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH and DEM recommend avoiding contact with Upper Melville Pond and Turner Reservoir
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth and Turner Reservoir in East Providence due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. While toxin production is variable during blooms, the sample from Turner Reservoir did have a potentially harmful level of a cyanotoxin.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Posted inNews
Conservation organizations advise public of recent waterbird deaths on RI coast
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are advising the public of recent waterbirds (gulls, cormorants, shearwaters, terns, seabirds, shorebirds) found dead along the Rhode Island coast. A relatively small number of seabirds and other waterbirds washing up dead on beaches is normal […]
Posted inCity & Government
Assembly approves bills to help address housing crisis
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved a package of 10 bills to address the state’s housing crisis. The legislation was backed by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the Special Legislative Commission to Study the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act. The bills aim to […]
Posted inNews
United Way honors community champions during special celebration
During a special celebration on Thursday, June 9, United Way of Rhode Island honored a slate of community champions for their commitment to creating change in our communities and for their philanthropy. Recognized were Barbara Papitto, Sandra and Kenneth Pattie, and Maryclaire Knight. “One of the most powerful attributes of a state the size of […]
Posted inThings To Do
Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan to perform at Thriving Tree Coffeehouse on July 14
Local musicians Ed Nary and Tom Perrotti announced this week that they will present Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan in concert on Thursday, July 14, 6 pm at Thriving Tree Coffeehouse, 706 Park Ave., Portsmouth, R.I. Claudia Russell’s mother was a dancer in major productions including “White Christmas” and “An American in Paris.” Her father was a well […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM offering additional conditional surf lifeguard certification test at Scarborough Beach on June 23
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today it will be administering an additional conditional surf lifeguard certification test tomorrow at Scarborough North State Beach. This test is being offered to accommodate facilities that are hiring college and high school students who were unable to take earlier tests due to conflicts with their school schedules. Lifeguard positions at all beaches in Rhode Island require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training. Annually, DEM aims to recruit more than 150 lifeguards to supervise state surf and non-surf beaches. Currently, DEM has recruited and placed 76 lifeguards for the available positions.
The details are as follows:
Conditional Surf Lifeguard Certification Test
Thursday, June 23, 9 AM-2 PM
Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett
All lifeguard candidates should pre-register for a timeslot for their test through the Lifeguard Certification Portal. Candidates should also fill out and bring with them the Lifeguard Certification Form also available through the Portal. Walk-in registrations will be accepted, and all candidates who sign in with staff between 9 AM and 2 PM will be tested.
To qualify for testing, all candidates must have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR that includes infant, child, and adult. A valid photo ID with verification of date of birth must be presented at check in. For more information regarding this certification program, visit www.riparks.com/lifeguard.
Any candidate under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign the Lifeguard Certification Form. Candidates will be able to download this form when they register through the Lifeguard Certification Portal, and it must be brought with them to the test. The parent or legal guardian must present a valid photo ID when handing in the form. Please note that if a parent/legal guardian is not able to make it to the test, they must sign the form and have it notarized. The candidate must bring this with them to the test. For questions, please contact Tom Rosa at tom.rosa@dem.ri.gov. A $10 fee will be charged for those candidates receiving their certification payable on the testing date.
In case of inclement weather, contact RI State Parks headquarters at 401-667-6200 for cancellation information.
DEM continues to accept applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities at numerous locations throughout the state. Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas, including saltwater beaches such as Roger Wheeler and Scarborough, non-surf beaches such as Goddard, and freshwater beaches such as Burlingame Campground and Lincoln Woods State Park. Pay for lifeguards ranges from $14 to $17 an hour, based on location and position level.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
Posted inArts & Culture
Theatre By The Sea’s new fairy-tale musical series begins June 29
In celebration of 89 years of Theatre By The Sea (TBTS), owner and producer Bill Hanney is proud to announce a New Fairy-Tale Musical Series, which will be presented on select Wednesdays in June, July and August. “For the past several years we have included several fairy-tale musicals produced by Kaleidoscope Theatre in our Children’s Festival,” said Theatre By The Sea owner and producer Bill Hanney. “When […]
Posted inNews
Dropkick Murphys binging ‘This Machine…Theater Tour” to The Vets
Dropkick Murphys have announced a new album, bringing Woody Guthrie’s words to life on This Machine Still Kills Fascists, to be released digitally and on CD on September 30 via the band’s Dummy Luck Music / [PIAS], with a special edition vinyl out in November. The band will bring “This Machine…Theater Tour’ to The Vets in Providence on October 21. Tickets […]
Posted inCity & Government
Assembly approves bill requiring 100% of RI’s electricity to be offset by renewable energy by 2033
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved a bill sponsored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and Rep. Deborah Ruggiero to substantially increase renewable energy production and supply by requiring that 100 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity by offset by renewable production by 2033. The legislation, which now heads to the governor’s desk, institutes a firm […]
Posted inCity & Government
Gemera; Assembly approves training requirements for planning and zoning boards, historic district commissions
STATE HOUSE – The training for members of local planning and zoning boards and historic district commissions will be more robust under legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Bridget Valverde and passed by the General Assembly today. Currently, local planning and zoning board members are required once every two years to complete two […]
Posted inSports
International Tennis Hall of Fame announces $12 million ‘Tennis Forever’ capital campaign
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is embarking on the public phase of a $12 million capital campaign to enhance connection to the local and global communities served by the organization, and to support preservation of its historic property. The campaign, Tennis Forever, is a nod to the long-range and lasting impact that its initiatives will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ruggiero broadband proposal included in state budget bill
STATE HOUSE – The budget bill approved by the House of Representatives today includes an initiative proposed by House Innovation, Internet & Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero to establish a strategic plan to access federal dollars for broadband infrastructure projects for municipalities, public housing, and businesses. The budget bill (2022-H 7123Aaa), which is expected to be […]