Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the House commission that has been studying ways to improve housing affordability in Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to enable more Rhode Islanders to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. The bill (2023-H 6082), which is scheduled for a hearing before the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee Thursday, […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Coalition of 30 groups calls for same-day voter registration in Rhode Island
Today 30 groups came together to announce their support for the creation of a system for same-day voter registration in Rhode Island. The House resolution (H 5770) introduced by Representative Karen Alzate (D-Pawtucket) has a hearing before the Committee on State Government and Elections tonight. The Senate companion (S 608) by Senator Alana DiMario (D-North […]
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RIDOH is seeking public comment on the intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion to Stone Bridge Fire District
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is seeking public comment on intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion.
The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has reviewed for approval the request by the Stone Bridge Fire District for a Categorical Exclusion determination for proposed improvements to their public water system. The improvements consist of upgrading the existing 6-inch Transite pipe in Hillside Avenue, a small section of Main Road (Rhode Island Route 77), and a portion of Lawton Avenue. In addition, the project includes upgraded service connections with curb stops, appurtenances, and roadway resurfacing. If lead service lines are identified during the course of the project, only lead service line replacement that results in simultaneous and complete replacement of both the public (water main to curb stop) and private (curb stop to water meter inside buildings) portions of the lead service lines will occur. If access to private property is not authorized, then the entire lead service line will remain intact. All work will occur within the Town of Tiverton, Rhode Island.
Under authority of Chapter 46.12-8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, it has been determined that there are no environmental impacts associated with this project. Therefore, the Director of RIDOH is hereby giving notice of intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion for the proposed project pursuant to the requirements and authority set forth in Chapter 46-12.8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and the “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund” Regulations (216-RICR-50-05-6).
Copies of the Categorical Exclusion supporting documentation can be obtained by calling 401- 222-6867 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by writing to the Center for Drinking Water Quality, Three Capitol Hill, Room 209, Providence, RI 02908. All material submitted for review is available for public inspection during these hours at the above location. Written comments on the Categorical Exclusion should be sent to the Center for Drinking Water Quality at the address above or emailed to DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice. Individuals requesting communication assistance may call Rhode Island Relay (TTY) at 711 or 800-745-5555 at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.
A public hearing on the Categorical Exclusion will be held if RIDOH receives such requests from twenty-five (25) people, a governmental agency or subdivision, or an association having twenty-five (25) members or more. If a public hearing is held, a public notice will be published announcing the date, time, and place of such hearing. A stenographic record of the hearing will be made, and the public record will be kept open for seven (7) days following the conclusion of the public hearing to allow additional time for the submission of written comments. Interpreter services for people with hearing impairment and audiotapes for people with vision impairment will be made available. RIDOH is handicap accessible to individuals with disabilities.
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Listen: Newport Mayor Xay and Gabe Amo, Special Assistant to President Biden, sit down for a conversation
On Saturday, March 11, at 8 am, Newport Mayor Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong sat down in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall with Gabe Amo, Special Assistant to President Biden and Deputy Director of The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, for a conversation. Amo, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serves as President Biden’s […]
Posted inCity & Government
Here’s how the McKee Administration is preparing Rhode Island for the approaching winter weather
As Rhode Island prepares for a potential high-impact, long-duration winter storm forecast to impact the area over the next two days, the McKee Administration is providing key updates and tips reminding Rhode Islanders how to stay safe. The Administration will continue to provide updates related to the storm over the next 48 hours. Following steady, […]
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Sabina Matos announces run for Congress
Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos announced today that she will run for U.S. Congress in the upcoming special election in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. David Cicilline, who currently represents Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, announced in February that he will step down to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, effective June 1. “Congressman David […]
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Rep. McGaw, New England for Offshore Wind Coalition to host a local information event
Rep. Michelle McGaw and the Rhode Island State Committee of the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition today announced that they are hosting an educational event on offshore wind. The event, scheduled for Monday, March 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons St., will provide the public […]
Posted inCity & Government
Pell Bridge Ramps community outreach meeting scheduled for March 13
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will host a public meeting at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport Campus on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 6 pm to 7 pm to update the community on the construction of the Pell Bridge Ramps project and discuss what to expect this construction season. If […]
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House passes Edwards legislation that would limit vehicle inspections to Rhode Island inspection stations
The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Majority Floor Manager John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton) that would keep motor vehicle inspections within state boundaries. The bill (2023-H 5034) would provide that only facilities located within Rhode Island be eligible for permits to operate as official inspection stations for the inspection of vehicles […]
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Rep. Finkelman nominated for Emerging Legislative Leaders Program
Rep. Alex S. Finkelman has been nominated by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) to attend the 2023 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program held by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. The program will take place from July 10 to July 13 at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “It’s an honor to be nominated […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Secretary of State Gregg Amore visits Middletown High School
Gregg M. Amore said in some places, voter suppression is very much alive in today’s America. Rhode Island’s new Secretary of State told students during a lunch hour visit Tuesday to Middletown High it could be something seemingly benign as charging postage to return a ballot, having only one day to vote or a fee […]
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Secretary of State Gregg Amore visits Butts Hill Fort
On Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore paid a visit to Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth RI. Secretary Amore was in Portsmouth for the Founder’s Day celebrations at Town Hall. Secretary Amore was escorted around by Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee Director & Battle of Rhode Island Association Advisor Col […]
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City of Newport stripes Broadway, Thames Street green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
Mayor Xay and Third Ward Councilor David Carlin were joined by Fire Chief and Parade Grand Marshal Harp Donnelly IV (and his wife Tricia), and Newport-Kinsale Committee Member Rick O’Neill to paint the ceremonial green stripe on Broadway earlier today. Newport City Hall marks the official starting point for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day […]
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Opinion: Student drivers need to know the costs of driving high
With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis for Rhode Island’s adults comes a significant influx of access to the drug, and make no mistake about it, this means easier access for our youth as well. This realistic fact influences the many physical and mental health concerns surrounding children and cannabis use, but in particular, we […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks will celebrate historic cemeteries and promote preservation efforts
(Providence, R.I.) – Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Awareness and Preservation Weeks (Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks) will feature dozens of free programs in April and May. The public is invited to participate in tours, clean-ups, gravestone conservation demonstrations, talks, and other programs at and about historic cemeteries throughout the state. Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks is organized by the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries (RIACHC) and Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) in collaboration with many individual and organizational partners.
Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks will include walking tours of historically significant cemeteries like North Kingstown’s Elm Grove Cemetery and Moshassuck Cemetery in Central Falls. Another tour will visit God’s Little Acre in Newport, America’s oldest documented and extant burying ground for people of African heritage. There will be many opportunities to visit small burying grounds like the Gardiner-Hopkins Lot at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown and the Governors’ Burial Ground in Newport, as well as other lesser known but just as significant sites throughout the state.
For those interested in hands-on projects, there will be dozens of clean-up events throughout the state, including Earth Day activities in Providence and Warren. Since 2015 the R.I. Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries has promoted volunteer projects that clean up, maintain, and improve historic cemeteries. They welcome volunteers who can help with raking, trash pick-up, light brush cutting, weed trimming, and other activities. At some sites, gloves, bags, and some tools are provided. Volunteers should bring their own tools if available.
Several Cemetery Weeks events will feature demonstrations led by experts. These include stone conservation workshops, gravestone cleanings, and a ground-penetrating radar demonstration. Other programs will offer unexpected ways to explore historic cemeteries, including data collecting at Locust Grove Cemetery in Providence, a drone photography demonstration at Elder Ballou Meeting House Cemetery in Cumberland, a music themed tour at Fort Adams in Newport, a scavenger hunt at Brayton Cemetery in Warwick, as well as several encounters with cemetery geology and wildlife. Archaeologists and historians will offer presentations on Rhode Island cemeteries and the laws that govern them.
RIHPHC Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy said, “Rhode Island’s nearly three thousand cemeteries are among our most unique and often overlooked cultural resources. Historic cemeteries tell the stories of individuals and families, landscape design, artistry and technology, religious beliefs, traditional cultural practices, and community development.”
RIACHC Chair Pegee Malcolm added, “The Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries is very happy to be working with the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission this year on Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks. We strive to protect all the historical cemeteries in Rhode Island. This year we will be leading clean-ups, tours, and demonstrations to give the public a chance to see the beauty, history, and nature found in historic cemeteries.”
Visit www.preservation.ri.gov/ricw for more information and a calendar of events. Listings will be updated throughout the spring. The online listings will have information about times, locations, tour size limits, registration (if required), and other key details.
EVENT DIGEST
(full descriptions at www.preservation.ri.gov/ricw-calendar and more events to come)
APRIL
• 4/1 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 4/4 Tour | Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
• 4/5 Talk | Portsmouth Free Library, Portsmouth
• 4/5 Moon hike | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 4/8 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 4/8 Clean-up/data collection | Locust Grove Cemetery, Providence
• 4/8 Tour/clean-up | Lippitt-Spywood Lot, Warwick
• 4/15 Drone photo workshop | Elder Ballou Meeting House Cemetery, Cumberland
• 4/15 Tour | God’s Little Acre, Newport
• 4/15 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 4/15 Tour | Lawton Valley Cemeteries, Portsmouth
• 4/16 Walk | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 4/19 Talk | online
• 4/20 Tour | Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
• 4/22 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 4/22 Earth Day | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 4/22 Tour | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 4/22 Clean-up | North Burial Ground and Kickemuit Cemetery, Warren
• 4/23 Hike/Clean-up | Fisherville Brook Wildlife Reserve, Exeter
• 4/23 Tour | River Bend Cemetery, Westerly
• 4/29 Tour | God’s Little Acre, Newport
• 4/29 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 4/29 (or 5/6) Tour | Elm Grove Cemetery
• 4/29 Talk/Tour/demonstration | North Smithfield-Woonsocket
• 4/29 Tour | Oak Grove Cemetery, Pawtucket
• 4/29 Clean-up | Brayton Cemetery, Warwick
MAY
• 5/5 or 6 Walk | St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Providence
• 5/6 Tours | Fort Adams Cemetery, Newport
• 5/6 Conservation workshop/Clean-up | Cumberland
• 5/6 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 5/7 Tour | Moshassuck Cemetery, Central Falls
• 5/7 Tour | George Sears Greene Cemetery, Warwick
• 5/10 Clean-up/data collection | Locust Grove Cemetery, Providence
• 5/12 Clean-up/data collection | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 5/13 Clean-up | Cumberland
• 5/13 Tour | Coddington Burial Ground, Newport
• 5/13 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 5/13 Tour | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 5/13 Tour | Burr’s Hill Park, Warren
• 5/17 Discussion | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 5/20 Clean-up | Cumberland
• 5/20 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 5/20 Tour | Casey Farm, North Kingstown
• 5/20 Tour | North Burial Ground, Providence
• 5/20 scavenger hunt | Brayton Cemetery, Warwick
• 5/25 Tour | Roger Williams National Memorial, Providence
• 5/27 Clean-up | Cumberland
• 5/27 Tour | Trinity Church Graveyard, Newport
• 5/27 Tour | Casey Farm, North Kingstown
ONGOING (APRIL – MAY)
• Online video about North Burial Ground + Swan Point Cemetery, Providence
• Walking challenge | North Burial Ground, Providence
IN PLANNING
• Tour | Elder Ballou Meeting House Cemetery, Cumberland
• Talk | East Greenwich
• Clean-up/demonstration/Tour | East Providence
• Clean-up | North Smithfield
• Tour | St. John’s Cemetery, Providence
• TBD | Glocester, Richmond, Scituate, Smithfield, Tiverton
-end-
Posted inCity & Government
Senate approves bills temporarily lifting the 90-day limit on retired teachers serving as substitues
The Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday passed amended legislation sponsored by Sen. Bridget Valverde to help address the current shortage of substitute educators in Rhode Island schools. The legislation (2023-S 0020A) temporarily removes the limit on the number of days that retired teachers, administrators, and staff members can return to work as substitute employees during […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Middletown Library looking to grow, evolve
By Matt Sheley, Town of Middletown The Middletown Public Library wants to expand and grow — all to serve all of the community better. According to paperwork before the Town Council Monday night, a new 31,551-square-foot library building is being considered on property now home to the former Kennedy School. The lengthy report from […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion – Mayor Xay: Protecting historic Newport requires carefully preparing for the challenges ahead
Newport, Rhode Island is known world-wide for its breathtaking scenic beauty and its rich, cultural history. As Newport residents, either by birth or by choice, we benefit from the diverse cultural heritage that has defined our island community for centuries, and we each have important roles to play in its evolution and preservation for future […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Kislak: Support Washington D.C.’s statehood quest
The United States is the only democratic nation that denies the right of self–government, including participation in its national legislature, to the residents of its capital. As a similarly small but mighty jurisdiction, Rhode Island should stand up the rights of its fellow Americans, says Rep. Rebecca Kislak. Representative Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence) has introduced […]
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Rep. McGaw submits bill to enable composting as an alternative to burial, cremation
STATE HOUSE – After hearing from numerous constituents interested in reducing their impact on the planet in perpetuity, Rep. Michelle McGaw has introduced legislation to allow natural organic reduction — sometimes referred to as “human composting” — as an alternative to cremation or burial. “Not everyone is comfortable with the impact of burial, which occupies […]
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Rhode Island Department of State opens nominations for the ‘Civic Teacher of the Year’ Award
Rhode Island Department of State Opens Nominations for ‘Civic Teacher of the Year’ Award
PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today announced that nominations are now open for the RI Department of State’s inaugural Civic Teacher of the Year award. The award will honor one outstanding teacher who has demonstrated a commitment to and expertise in teaching civics or American government, with special consideration given to teachers who employ innovative teaching practices and experiential learning opportunities for their students. Nominations can be made by a current student, teaching colleague, or administrator.
“As a former history and civics teacher myself, I know how critically important it is to educate our students on both our history and how to participate in our democracy,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I am excited to honor the outstanding professionals who do this work and to hear from their students and colleagues about their successes.”
Nominations must be submitted by 5PM on April 7, 2023 online at www.sos.ri.gov/teacheraward. To be eligible, nominees must be current, full-time teachers of civics or American government in grades 8–12.
For more information about the award and full eligibility details, visit www.sos.ri.gov/teacheraward.
El Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island Solicita Nominaciones para el Premio de Maestro de Educación Cívica del Año “Civic Teacher of the Year Award”
PROVIDENCE, RI – El día de hoy, el Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore anunció que se han abierto las nominaciones para el premio inaugural del Departamento de Estado para Maestro de Educación Cívica del Año. El premio honrará a un maestro excepcional que haya demostrado su compromiso y experiencia en la enseñanza de la educación cívica o del gobierno estadounidense, con consideración especial para aquellos maestros que emplean prácticas innovadoras y oportunidades de aprendizaje experiencial para sus estudiantes.
“Como exmaestro de la historia y de la educación cívica, sé lo sumamente importante que es educar a nuestros estudiantes tanto en nuestra historia, así como en la participación de nuestra democracia”, dijo el Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore. “Estoy emocionado de honrar a los destacados profesionales que hacen este trabajo y de escuchar de sus estudiantes y colegas acerca de sus éxitos”.
Las nominaciones deberán ser presentadas antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 7 de abril, 2023, por internet en www.sos.ri.gov/teacheraward. Para ser eligible, los nominados deben ser actualmente maestros de tiempo completo de la educación cívica o del gobierno estadounidense para los grados 8-12.
Para más información sobre el premio y todos los requisitos de elegibilidad, visite www.sos.ri.gov/teacheraward (página web en inglés).
Posted inCity & Government
Biden reelection bid faces resistance from some Democrats
By STEVE PEOPLES AP National Political Writer LACONIA, N.H. (AP) — Steve Shurtleff was at Joe Biden’s side in 2019 when he filed papers in the New Hampshire State House to run for president. He repeatedly trekked across the state with Biden to court primary voters. And when Biden ultimately won the presidency, it was Shurtleff, then […]
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Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (March 4 – 11)
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. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority March 5 – 11, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeThere are currently no lane closures planned […]
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Who will be appointed to Newport’s Planning Board? City Council to conduct interviews on March 8
Newport City Council is set to conduct interviews for applicants seeking appointments to the Planning Board, with the interviews scheduled to take place on March 8, 2023. The interviews will be held in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Newport City Hall. The Council will be interviewing three candidates for the Planning Board – Margaret […]
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From housing to firearm safety: Highlights from this week at Rhode Island’s General Assembly
Rhode Island’s General Assembly has been busy this week, with legislators introducing several bills on issues ranging from housing to firearm safety. Here are some of the highlights: House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi announced a 14-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis. The bills aim to increase housing production and build upon […]