WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration named former Rep. Joe Kennedy III as a special envoy to Northern Ireland on Monday, turning to a member of a storied Irish American political dynasty to deal with post-Brexit economic tensions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Kennedy’s appointment as economic affairs envoy to Northern Ireland. Kennedy “will […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Local businesses report stability and growth despite challenges
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce conducted its annual Business Walk on October 25, during which small teams of interviewers visited 60 businesses to gather feedback on the region’s business climate. According to the chamber, businesses reported stability and growing sales during the peak season of 2022, but continue to face challenges related to the […]
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New Inflation Reduction Act offers energy-saving incentives to Rhode Island residents
As concerns about the impacts of climate change and rising utility costs continue to grow among Rhode Island residents, Congress has passed a new law that aims to make clean energy more affordable and accessible. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden earlier this summer, offers a range of incentives and tax […]
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State House homeless encampment removed after legal fight
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Workers removed tents set up outside of Rhode Island’s State House on Saturday after a judge sided with Democratic Gov. Dan McKee in a lawsuit over the people who had been camping there to protest a lack of adequate housing. The ACLU and the R.I. Center for Justice had sued on […]
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What’s On The Agenda: Newport Historic District Commission’s Dec. 20 Meeting
The Newport Historic District Commission will hold a meeting on December 20, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a variety of items related to the preservation and maintenance of properties in the historic district. The meeting will be held remotely in compliance with Governor McKee’s executive order on COVID-19. One of the main items on […]
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Emergency Sewer Line Repairs on Lower Thames Street to begin on Dec. 19
The City of Newport’s Department of Utilities has announced that it will be conducting repairs on the city’s sanitary sewer system infrastructure on Lower Thames Street between Narragansett Avenue and Stockholm Street starting Monday, December 19. The construction, which will be carried out by contractor Boyle & Fogarty, is expected to be completed by December […]
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Top stories on What’sUpNewp last week
Here’s a look at the What’sUpNewp stories that were read and talked about the most last week, December 11 – 17, 2022.
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How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
A gallon of gas was $3.18 on average this week, down from the previous week, according to AAA gas price data. Gas prices are highest this week in Pennsylvania as well as Rocky Mountain and West Coast states including California, Idaho and Washington. And while prices have been falling to year ago levels from the […]
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Reed, Whitehouse, & Cicilline: FIFA’s Anti-LGBTQ+ stance deserves a Red Card
A group of 30 US lawmakers, including Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline, have written a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressing their concern over the organization’s decision to punish players wearing “OneLove” armbands in support of LGBTQ+ rights at the 2022 World Cup. In the letter, the lawmakers argue […]
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Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Dec. 17 – 24)
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 Updates December 18 – 24, 2022 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 12/19 to 12/22- 7 […]
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Point32Health Foundation awards $100,000 to Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Point32Health Foundation announced today grants totaling $700,000 to seven food banks in the region. Each organization will receive $100,000 to increase capacity to respond to the growing community need for emergency food support. “In a time of increasing need, food banks and their partners in community play a critical role, distributing millions of pounds of […]
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Newport City Council to host workshop on goal setting on Jan. 4
Newport City Council will kick off 2023 by gathering for a City Council Workshop. The workshop will focus on “Goal Setting”, according to a meeting notice from the City. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 4 at 6 pm in the Council Chambers of Newport City Hall. The meeting is open to the […]
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Senator Whitehouse’s provisions to protect ocean health, strengthen coastal resiliency head to the President’s Desk
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) tonight voted to pass the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has now cleared Congress and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden. The must-pass defense bill incorporates Whitehouse’s sweeping oceans package and the bipartisan water resources legislation that Whitehouse helped shepherd through the Senate in July. “Today’s […]
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Connecticut man sentenced to life in state prison for 2020 murder of 28-year-old Westerly man
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that a Connecticut man has been sentenced in Washington County Superior Court to life in prison after being found guilty of the 2020 murder of 28-year-old Vincent Sebastian in Westerly. On October 11, 2022, following the conclusion of a 14-day jury trial before Superior Court […]
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Sen. Cano, Sen. Euer facilitate TECO donation to Project Weber/RENEW
STATE HOUSE – On behalf of herself and Sen. Dawn Euer, Sen. Sandra Cano this week presented a $1,000 check from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston to Project Weber/RENEW. She was joined by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. When the pandemic prevented the annual “Buy Nothing Day” statewide coat drive in […]
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Office of the Attorney General reminds Rhode Islanders of approaching dates for recently enacted firearms legislation
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Following the United States District Court issuing a decision today refusing to enjoin Rhode Island’s ban on large capacity magazines, the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General reminds Rhode Islanders of two key dates for recently enacted firearms safety laws in Rhode Island: December 18, 2022, the last day for Rhode Islanders who […]
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Sandy Hook anniversary: Biden cites ‘societal guilt’ on guns
By ZEKE MILLER AP White House Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the U.S. “should have societal guilt” for the slow pace of action on restricting access to firearms as he marked the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Twenty students and six educators died in the massacre […]
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RIDOH and DEM recommend lifting restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Upper and Lower Melville Ponds and Almy Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Lower Melville Pond and Upper Melville Pond (also known as Thurston Gray Pond) in Portsmouth and at Almy Pond in Newport. The advisories related to high levels of blue-green algae, also […]
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Governor McKee taps National Guard to help run warming station
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s governor said Wednesday that he activated the state National Guard to help run a warming station in Providence for the homeless. The move comes as Democratic Gov. Dan McKee faces a lawsuit over his decision to evict people camping in tents outside of Rhode Island’s State House. More than […]
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Lt. Gov. Matos joins What’sUpNewp on Dec. 14 for a discussion of her priorities as she enters her first full term in office
When Sabina Matos was a candidate for her first full term as lieutenant governor, she set her priorities as affordable housing, broadband, and tourism. Now, we’ll ask her how she hopes to address each of these issues during a 4 pm videocast on Wednesday, December 14. Matos was appointed as the 70th Lieutenant Governor of […]
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HSBC updates climate policy to stop funding new oil and gas
HSBC, Europe’s biggest bank, announced Wednesday it will no longer finance new oil and gas fields as part of its updated climate strategy. Climate campaigners welcomed the moved saying HSBC provided a new baseline for other major banks but urged the bank to go further. The bank said it would still provide financing to existing […]
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Rhode Islanders invited to kick off the New Year with #FirstDayHike at Fort Wetherill State Park
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) invites Rhode Islanders to kick off 2023 and celebrate the New Year by joining a #FirstDayHike at Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year, nearly 85,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 176,366 miles throughout the country on the hikes. This hike, the seventh such event DEM has hosted, is set for 11 AM to 1 PM.
“DEM is excited to ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at Fort Wetherill State Park,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The ocean views at Wetherill are awesome and what better way to kick off the New Year than by getting outside and enjoying nature? Whether you are a first-time visitor to Fort Wetherill or a regular, we hope that the hike inspires you to make Rhode Island’s State Parks an important part of your wellness and recreation routine in 2023 and beyond.”
DEM will be offering commemorative pins to participants. Divisions of the DEM Natural Resources Bureau will be on hand offering information about agency programs and services. Leashed dogs are allowed if the leash is no longer than six feet. A local historian will be on site offering education about Fort Wetherill. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. The 1.2-mile walk is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. The walk will be held rain or shine, so DEM encourages participants to dress accordingly.
Fort Wetherill State Park, situated upon 100-foot-high granite cliffs across the water from Fort Adams State Park, is a former coastal defense battery and training camp. Known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill has been a popular sight for viewing the numerous Tall Ship Events and America’s Cup Races. The area also is a major attraction for scuba diving, with diving clubs using the facilities at the boat ramp year-round. Additionally, the park offers family and group picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, and opportunities to explore the 61.5-acre property. This walk is part of DEM’s Strategic Mission to promote and increase outdoor recreation in Rhode Island.
For more information on the First Day Hike, please visit the RI Parks website. For information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
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US study: Over half of car crash victims had drugs in system
By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer DETROIT (AP) — A large study by U.S. highway safety regulators found that more than half the people injured or killed in traffic crashes had one or more drugs, or alcohol, in their bloodstreams. Also, just over 54% of injured drivers had drugs or alcohol in their systems, with […]
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How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
A gallon of regular gas in the U.S. fell $0.20 last week, on average, according to price data tracked by AAA. A gallon of gas was $3.26 on average nationwide on Monday, December 12, according to AAA. The price per gallon has returned to levels seen roughly a year ago and continues to fall. The […]
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RIPEC releases “How Cities and Towns Spend Their Money” report
The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) released their report “Municipal Services in Rhode Island: How Cities and Towns Spend Their Money” today. The fourth in a series on municipal finance, the report analyzes how municipalities allocate resources across non-education services, such as public safety, public works, and administration, and offers policy recommendations for consideration […]