There’s no better place to build and grow Rhode Island’s blue economy than Greater Newport. Growing a sustainable blue economy is an economic development strategy that attracts talent, creates jobs in coastal communities and leverages our strong defense, marine trades, manufacturing and high tech industries. The uniqueness of Narragansett Bay’s ecosystem and physical infrastructure is […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Statewide School Mask Mandate to be lifted on March 4, Indoor Masking Mandate will lift on Feb. 11
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. Jim McDonald hosted a COVID-19 briefing at 1:30 pm on Wednesday to provide an update on the State’s masking policies. McKee announced that he will let his executive order regarding indoor vax/mask mandates expire on Friday across Rhode Island. The order requiring students and staff to wear […]
Posted inCity & Government
New mini soccer park could be on the horizon for Middletown
Earlier this week, a new mini-soccer park was proposed to the Middletown Town Council on West Main Road. Although council members said the location likely won’t work long term, there was significant interest in the project somewhere else suitable in Town. On their website, the Town Of Middletown shared the following news about the project; […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Solomon, Sen. DiPalma bill would require safety barriers on Newport, Jamestown, Mount Hope bridges
Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton, Little Compton) are sponsoring legislation that would require safety barriers or netting on the three bridges that connect Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the Rhode Island mainland. The bill (2022-H 7383) would direct the Department of Transportation, in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown: Councilwoman Terri Flynn says new additional hotel, lodging fee could help schools
Middletown Town Councilwoman Terri Flynn is proposing a new additional fee on hotel stays she said could generate serious non-tax revenues for Middletown to pay for improvements to local schools. The Town of Middletown shares the following; FLYNN: NEW ADDITIONAL HOTEL, LODGING FEE COULD HELP SCHOOLS MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 8, 2022) – Town Councilwoman Terri Flynn […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate OKs bills to help RI’s restaurant industry
Source: Press release by Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau The Senate today approved two measures to strengthen Rhode Island’s restaurant industry as the pandemic stretches toward the two-year mark. The bills, which now head to the House of Representatives, will permanently allow restaurants and brewpubs to sell wine, beer and mixed drinks with takeout food orders […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Ruggiero bill aims to expand broadband availability, affordability
Press release provided by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau With Rhode Island poised to receive over $200 million in federal funding for broadband expansion, House Innovation, Internet & Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero is urging passage of her legislation to strategically cultivate expanded broadband service statewide. The legislation (2022-H 7083) would create a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Neary becomes fifth Democrat to enter race for Rhode Island 2nd District House Seat
Michael Neary, who describes himself as a former national political strategist, is the fifth candidate to enter the race for the second district House of Representatives seat in Rhode Island, a position being vacated at the end of this term by Rep. James Langevin, who recently announced his retirement. Neary worked for Republican John Kasich, […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport: Dinghy Rack Lottery open to Newport residents
Source: City of Newport Press Release Kayakers and dinghy owners take note: The Newport Harbormaster’s Office will be accepting applications for dinghy and kayak rack spaces at the King Park and Willow Street dinghy racks beginning until Feb. 28th. Spaces will be determined through a lottery system, with a drawing held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 9 a.m. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion: What’s taking so long to fill crucial DHS jobs?
In October of last year, we wrote about the complete lack of urgency in filling much-needed budgeted positions within the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Our state’s most vulnerable children and families were suffering greatly due to the slowness in hiring these crucial frontline workers who were desperately needed, especially during the pandemic. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Abney top fundraiser among area legislators
Aquidneck Island legislators added significantly to their campaign finance accounts, with State Rep. Marvin Abney, D-Dist. 73, representing Middletown and Newport, leading the way, increasing his campaign coffers to more than $184,000. Abney, who chairs the powerful state House of Representatives Finance Committee, was mentioned last fall as a possible treasurer candidate, but so far […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport reminds residents, businesses to keep storm drains clear
As Newport continues to dig out from last weekend’s historic blizzard, crews from the City’s Department of Utilities are out working hard to clear as many catch basins as possible before forecasted rain arrives. Residents and businesses are also encouraged by the City to check the catch basins in their own areas to make sure […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Foulkes raises nearly $1 million in first few weeks of her gubernatorial campaign
Former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes, who entered the Democratic primary election sweepstakes in October has raised nearly $1 million in the first several weeks of her campaign, far outraising all other contenders. Foulkes, who has said she expects the campaign to cost millions, reported a fund balance of $830,896 at the deadline last night […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
New Grant Program open for small businesses impacted by COVID-19; $2,500 – $5,000 grants available
Today, Governor McKee announced a $12.5 million grant program to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The grant program, part of Governor McKee’s Rhode Island Rebounds down payment initiative, will provide direct financial support of $2,500 or $5,000 to qualifying small businesses who meet eligibility and need criteria. More from Governor McKee’s office; “Small businesses […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIPTA: Routes 13, 18, 21, 27, 55, 56, 60, and 87 are currently on detour due to winter storm
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced this morning that eight routes are on detour today, Sunday, January 30, 2022 due to winter weather conditions. Routes 13, 18, 21, 27, 55, 56, 60 and 87 are currently on detour. Riders may expect some delays on all routes due to weather conditions and are advised to use extreme caution at bus stops due […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor McKee, State Officials host a briefing to provide an update on blizzard
Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, and key emergency response Administration officials held a media briefing this morning at 9:30 am to provide updates on the storm response. The update took place at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Readiness Center in Cranston. A live stream of the Governor’s update is below and also available on […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Updated: Governor McKee declares State of Emergency, announces there will be a Travel Ban on Saturday
During a press conference this afternoon, Governor Dan McKee declared a state of emergency in Rhode Island and issued a statewide travel ban. A tractor-trailer ban will be in effect from 6 am to 11:59 pm on Saturday. A full travel ban, which includes all other motor vehicles, will be in effect from 8 am […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport issues parking ban ahead of Winter Storm
The City of Newport this morning announced that it has issued a mandatory Parking Ban from 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JAN. 28TH UNTIL 9 A.M. ON SUNDAY, JAN. 30TH due to impending winter weather. A full list of parking bans, delays, and cancellations can be found here – LIVE BLOG | Rhode Island cancellations, closures, and delays More from the […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
500,000 COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Tests to be distributed to cities, towns, and community orgs
Governor Dan McKee today announced that Rhode Island has received and will distribute an additional 500,000 COVID-19 at-home rapid tests, bringing the total tests distributed to 1 million in just over a month. “Our whole of government COVID response team is focused on making it more convenient for Rhode Islanders to get tested when they […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee announces Department of Health Transition Support Team
Governor Dan McKee today announced a team to support the transition at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) while the search continues for a permanent director. On January 13, it was announced that Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott would be resigning as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “Our Administration has moved quickly to put an experienced […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
Governor McKee, Department of Health will host COVID-19 Briefing on Thursday
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 briefing on Thursday afternoon at 2 pm. Update – January 27: The Governor’s office announced the following on Thursday morning. Governor McKee, Dr. McDonald to Visit At-Home Test Kit Delivery in East Providence, Provide COVID-19 Update Earlier this morning, Governor Dan McKee announced […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
General Treasurer Seth Magaziner announces run for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional district
Today, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner formally announced his candidacy for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional district. “The fight to preserve our democracy is the most sacred obligation of this generation and this is why I’ve decided to seek to represent the people of Rhode Island’s second congressional district in the United States House of Representatives,” said […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portion of Cliff Walk to be temporarily closed
The City of Newport today announced that a portion of the Cliff Walk will be temporarily closed to foot traffic later this week as “welcome improvements are made to the popular coastal trail”. Working in coordination with Newport’s Cliff Walk Commission, the City of Newport says in a press release that the owners of Beechwood […]
Posted inCity & Government, What's Up Newp Live Stream
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins What’s Up Newp for a live conversation on Wednesday
How are Newport Schools addressing a shortfall of reportedly $12 million needed for the Rogers High School re-construction? We’ll learn that and more when School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins What’s Up Newp for her monthly live virtual video conversation on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. We’ll also ask about progress on the elementary school project, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News, What's Up Newp Live Stream
Gubernatorial Candidate Helena Foulkes joins What’s Up Newp for a live conversation on Wednesday
In the crowded Democratic race for governor, Helena Foulkes hopes that her business background, and political pedigree, propel her to become the next governor of Rhode Island. We’ll learn more about Foulkes at 12:30 pm on Wednesday when she joins a What’s Up Newp for a live virtual video conversation. Helena Foulkes Foulkes is a […]