For many decades, the serious dangers associated with lead have been clear. Even small amounts of lead exposure can cause a range of significant health problems for people at any age. For children 6 and younger, the potential consequences – learning disabilities and developmental delays that will affect them for the rest of their lives […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Foulkes wants tax relief, waiting for Neary, the lineup
Foulkes calls for a one-time middle-class tax cut Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes is calling on Gov. Dan McKee to give a one-time $500 tax cut to anyone earning less than $100,000. “Our state is seeing an unprecedented surplus, but Rhode Islanders’ budgets are tighter than ever,” Foulkes said. “Every day I talk to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse invites Rhode Island organizations to apply for grants from National Coastal Resilience Fund
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today invited Rhode Island organizations to submit grant applications to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) National Coastal Resilience Fund. Whitehouse created the National Coastal Resilience Fund to restore and strengthen the natural infrastructure that protects coastal communities, while safeguarding wildlife habitats, according to a press release from Whitehouse’s office. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Napolitano will join What’sUpNewp to answer your questions on Thursday
When Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins WhatsUpNewp’s Thursday noontime videocast, we’ll explore all the questions you’ve sent to us, plus get her take on what appears to be renewed interest in merging Newport and Middletown Schools. We’ll also want to know all about her recent trip to Newport’s sister city in Ireland, and how these relationships […]
Posted inCity & Government
Merger talks on again? We’ll ask when Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins us Wednesday for her monthly videocast
It appears school merger talks are on again between Middletown and Newport officials, and now we’d like to learn more. Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WhatsUpNewp for her monthly videocast tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1:30 p.m. We’ll ask for particulars as the two systems move toward what is being called a merger of “organizational […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: FBI investigation, candidate arrested in Ohio, end of financial reporting period nears, inside polls (?)
Typically, the headlines have been about endorsements and policy statements. Then, of course, there are candidates’ accusations about opponents. Lots of claims, lots of noise. But what isn’t typical, is one candidate being arrested in Ohio, and the FBI investigating what has been labeled a “controversial education contract.” FBI reported investigation education contract This week […]
Posted inCity & Government
What was up this week at the Rhode Island General Assembly
Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week, March 21 – 25, 2022. This recap was provided by the Rhode Island General Assembly’s Legislative Press Bureau. Assembly OKs temporary lift on the cap of days worked by retired teachers The General Assembly passed legislation sponsored by […]
Posted inCity & Government
Traffic Report: Road construction, lane closures scheduled around Newport County – March 26 – April 2
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. RIDOT (March 26 – April 1) Weekday Newport: Temporary lane shifts possible for construction on Third St. and JT Connell Hwy., […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Kalus enters gubernatorial race; Pacheco exits congressional race; Diossa names campaign manager
GOP has a gubernatorial candidate – Ashley Kalus Ashley Kalus, a transplant from Illinois, as expected officially kicked off her campaign today to become the Republican nominee for governor. Kalus, 39, who moved to Newport less than a year ago and registered to vote in Rhode Island in January, promised to “run a campaign of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ground broken on project to resurface a portion of Aquidneck Avenue
Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. today joined state and local leaders to break ground on a project to resurface approximately one mile of Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue. The $9 million project will rebuild the badly deteriorated road base […]
Posted inCity & Government
‘Middletown Commons’ proposal before Planning Board on April 21
By Town of Middletown People will have their first chance to comment on the proposed “Middletown Commons” development during an April 21 concept review at 6 pm in Town Hall. “Middletown Commons” Proposal Before Planning Board on April 21 MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MARCH 21, 2022) — Like most municipalities across the country, the Town of Middletown is […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Town Council votes for Town to oversee school spending, performance audit
Citing continued concerns with the School Department’s financials, the Middletown Town Council voted on Monday night for sweeping changes to try to correct those issues. This followed news last week the schools again overspent their budget — this time for $1.2 million-plus. The Town of Middletown shared the following press release on Tuesday, Town Council […]
Posted inCity & Government
Spring Recycling Day returning to Easton’s Beach on April 23
By Tom Shevlin, Communications Officer for City of Newport In conjunction with the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, the City of Newport is inviting residents to take part in the return of its annual Spring Recycling Day on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 8 a.m. to noon at Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd. The annual event is specifically intended for “harder to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressman Cicilline, RIDOT to break ground on Aquidneck Avenue resurfacing project
Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. will join state and local leaders on Tuesday, March 22 to break ground on a project to resurface approximately one mile of Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue. The $9 million project will reconstruct the […]
Posted inCity & Government
R.I. Senate will host a roundtable public discussion on environmental priorities
The Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday, March 22 will host a public conversation focused on several key environmental priorities. “An Environmental Roundtable Discussion: Renewable Energy, Clean Water & Jobs” will bring together senators, advocates, and others from the community. The discussion will center on proposals to increase Rhode Island’s reliance on renewable energy, protect water resources, and […]
Posted inNews
RIPTA to hold public hearings in Newport on proposed service changes and improvements
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will hold public hearings on proposed service changes and improvements on April 4 through April 7, 2022. The proposed changes would affect Routes 1, 13, 29, 49, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 80 and the R-Line and include the following changes: increasing service frequency and span of service; expanding service […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: de la Cruz enters CD2 race; Magaziner wins nurses endorsement; GOP head warns Dems ‘no Democratic seat is safe’
State Sen. de la Cruz formally announces candidacy Republican state Sen. Jessica de la Cruz kicked off her Congressional campaign, announcing Wednesday at a campaign event in Cranston. She described herself as an alternative to “millionaires” and “career politicians.” The race for the U.S. House of Representatives has attractive several candidates from both the Republican and Democratic […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM will conduct controlled burn on a portion of Dutch Island
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced in a press release that it is scheduled to conduct a one-day prescribed burn on part of Dutch Island, a state property located in Narragansett Bay between Jamestown and North Kingstown, at some point in the next 30 to 45 days. The exact timing of the burn, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Cox to invest $120 million to bring multi-gig internet service to R.I., $20 million will go towards 100% fiber-optic buildouts on Aquidneck Island
At the Old Colony House in Newport this morning, Cox Communications announced the company will invest more than $120 million over the next 3 years to deliver multi-Gigabit symmetrical speeds over high-speed broadband connections to residents and businesses of Rhode Island. Cox says that more than $20 million of the committed funds will go towards […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Matos, Magaziner, Diossa win endorsements; Gorbea wants to suspend gas tax
Building Trades Council Endorses Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos for Re-election The Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council (RIBCTC) has endorsed Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos for reelection. The endorsement comes just days after the council endorsed Gov. Dan McKee for reelection. McKee and Matos have been campaigning as a team. Both took office about a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Foulkes unveils education plan; Magaziner, McKee win endorsements
This is our regular column that wraps up some of the top political stories of the moment. This year will be among Rhode Island’s most active and fiery elections, from local races to crowded gubernatorial and U.S. House of Representative campaigns. This is our regular column that wraps up some of the top political stories […]
Posted inCity & Government
Patricia DiCenso, former Rogers High School Principal, appointed to chair the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee today announced the appointment of Patricia M. DiCenso, a former Principal at Rogers High School, as Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education. Patricia M. DiCenso. Photo via LinkedIn “Patricia has demonstrated successful leadership in various roles in education throughout her career. Her extensive experience speaks for itself as does […]
Posted inCity & Government
Town of Middletown: Room fee proposal to pay for school improvements doesn’t progress
After hearing concerns, a proposal from Middletown Councilwoman Terri Flynn to add a $1 to $5 new room fee for hotels, motels, and short-term rentals failed to get the necessary support during a meeting Monday night. The Town of Middletown shared the following update regarding the proposal on its website; ROOM FEE PROPOSAL TO PAY […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Ruggiero bill would push Renewable Energy Standard to 100 percent by 2030
Rep. Deborah Ruggiero is sponsoring legislation that would substantially increase renewable energy production and supply by requiring that 100 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity by offset by renewable production by 2030. The bill has a hearing Thursday before the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “The need to address climate change is urgent, and as the Ocean State, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson will present the results of her 2022 Survey at a constituent meeting on March 21
Representative Lauren Carson, who represents Newport’s 75th District in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, will present the results of her 2022 Constituent Survey at an in-person constituent meeting on Monday, March 21 at 6:00 PM at the Newport Public Library. According to a press release from Representative Carson, the survey covered a wide range of topics including infrastructure investments, […]