The League of Women Voters of Newport County is set to host Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Melissa A. Long for a discussion on advancing civil rights in the state’s courts. The event, “Justice for All: Advancing Civil Rights in Rhode Island’s Courts,” is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jane […]
Election
Posted inCity & Government
Before they name a 2028 nominee, Democrats will have to decide which state will weigh in first
By HANNAH FINGERHUT, MEG KINNARD and HOLLY RAMER Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Before they can name their next presidential nominee, Democrats will have to decide which state will weigh in first. In 2022, President Joe Biden forced a shake-up of the 2024 election calendar, moving South Carolina’s primary ahead of contests in Iowa, New […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Electors cast votes for Harris-Walz ticket in Electoral College Ceremony
Rhode Island’s four Presidential Electors cast their votes for Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walz in a ceremony at the State House earlier today, marking the formal conclusion of the 2024 presidential election cycle in the state. The Electoral College convened in the House Chamber, with Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore presiding over the […]
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Gerry Goldstein: ‘Resolutely’ bracing for Trump’s legacy
Late in the recent presidential campaign, Kamala Harris made a prediction whose outcome was a sure thing. Offering a challenge to voters, she said, “It’s either going to be Donald Trump or me sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.” Things turned out badly for her, and soon it’ll be Trump who reigns […]
Posted inElection
Rhode Island saw highest voter turnout in Nov. 5 election since 2008
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current November 25, 2024 Nearly 66% of Rhode Island’s registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election, with the highest turnout in 16 years, according to certified results approved by the Rhode Island Board of Elections on Friday. The board’s 5-0 vote followed a report presented by Miguel Nunez, […]
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Rhode Island Board of Elections completes post-election risk-limiting audit; reports no discrepancies
The Rhode Island Board of Elections on Thursday announced that it has completed its post-election Risk Limiting Audit (RLA) of the 2024 General Election results, and found no discrepancies. The RLA is a legally required process, conducted by Board staff to verify the accuracy of election outcomes. “The Board of Elections utilizes risk limiting audits […]
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Letter to The Editor – Dennis Turano: Thank you to Middletown voters for selecting me to represent you
I want to express my deep gratitude to the voters of Middletown for re-electing me to Middletown Town Council. My priorities for the next two years include education, property tax reform, resident affordability, and the environment. I attended Middletown schools growing up and I am passionate about ensuring that our schools are setting students up […]
Posted inColumns
Gerry Goldstein: Women’s journeys, some complete, some yet to come
Women’s rights were a major topic of discussion in the campaign that handed Donald Trump a sweeping election victory – his second triumph over a woman trying to break the nation’s highest glass ceiling. Post-campaign, pundits are pondering many reasons for Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris, including speculation that in some masculinity circles, women […]
Posted inCity & Government, Election
Letter To The Editor: Mayor Xay Khamsavoravong, the leader Newport deserves
As a Marine, I’ve learned that true leadership means putting others before yourself, making tough decisions, and doing whatever it takes to serve the people depending on you. These qualities are rare, but I’ve had the privilege of seeing them firsthand in Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. His unwavering commitment to Newport, his ability to deliver results, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council-elect to select next Mayor, Vice Chair
The Newport City Council-elect is set to informally elect its Mayor/Chair and Vice Chair at its upcoming meeting on November 12, following the recent municipal election. The selection process, governed by city ordinances, will see one of the at-large council members elected to the position of Chair, who will then assume the title of Mayor. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Letter To The Editor: My pledge to you about transparency begins now
As your newly elected Newport City Councilor, I want to share an important—and often overlooked—part of how our city leadership takes shape. Most residents may not know that the role of Council Chair, known for the title of Mayor, isn’t chosen by the voters (or automatically by the highest vote count) but rather by the […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island House Minority Caucus retains leadership team
The Rhode Island House Republicans unanimously elected Michael W. Chippendale and David J. Place as their Minority Leader and Minority Whip, respectively. Chippendale and Place will lead the caucus in its efforts to advance legislative reforms and policy discussions at the State House. “The House Minority Caucus has grown, and I’m grateful to Rhode Islanders […]
Posted inCity & Government
Letter to the Editor: It is still Xay’s time!
Newport has a remarkable opportunity to continue positive change that Mayor Xay is bringing to our community through his dedication and expertise. He gets the local economy and hospitality sector. He listens intently to the issues on the minds of our diverse citizens. He proactively seeks financial support for Newport’s aging infrastructure. He understands the severe housing shortage the city faces. We should be […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Xay is the leader that Newport needs
It was encouraging to read the recent letter to the editor suggesting that the Council-elect consider departing from the tradition of the past two decades and retain the current mayor in his position. While limiting a mayor’s tenure can be reasonable, the Charter allows the Council to pick the best possible candidate to allow our […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Thank you Middletown voters
Thank you Middletown Voters for your trust, and your votes this election season. I am truly honored to have been elected to serve YOU on the Town Council here in beautiful Middletown, Rhode Island This has been an interesting election season to say the least, especially here at the local level. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: This is not the time to change horses
To the Editor, Congratulations to the newly elected Newport Councilors whose first task will be to decide who among the four at-large Councilors will be Chairman of the Council. Whomever is selected, will carry the ceremonial title of Mayor, which brings no extra vote or other power. Two years ago, our present mayor, Xay Khamsyvoravong won […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Keep Xay our Mayor
Newport is a world-class destination but also our home. We share our City with everyone from billionaires to beach bums. The Council- Elect is strong and will need to focus on spending that keeps Newport livable so families can thrive. Xay will continue to lead the Council in creating more workforce housing, improving our schools […]
Posted inNews
Senator Whitehouse highlights need for vigilance against Trump’s second term
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) commented on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the need for Democrats to remain vigilant in the face of a second Trump administration. In a statement released on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Senator Whitehouse acknowledged the election results and stated that the focus of the next Congress will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Cities and towns approve $800 million in local bonds
Several Rhode Island communities approved local bond issues on Tuesday, ranging from a million dollars to $400 million, from buying a fresh and saltwater fire pump, major school construction, infrastructure projects, and a storm water upgrade in the wake of major flooding. In all cases, the bonds passed easily. Among them, Newport’s $98.5 million municipal […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s 2024 Election declared a success by Secretary of State
Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore declared the 2024 General Election a success, stating that Rhode Islanders turned out in high numbers and that the election process ran smoothly. Amore’s statement comes as the final ballots are still being processed. However, he highlighted the high level of interest in the election, noting that more […]
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Mock ballots in Portsmouth lead to complaints from GOP Senate campaign
by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island CurrentNovember 6, 2024 Rhode Island Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan’s unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senate on Tuesday claimed Democratic volunteers and candidates in Portsmouth allegedly distributed altered sample ballots, but the complaints don’t appear to have enough merit for state officials to look into. Morgan, a West Warwick Republican, shared an […]
Posted inElection
Democratic Reps. Amo and Magaziner win reelection in Rhode Island
Democrats held on to both U.S. House seats in Rhode Island in Tuesday’s election. In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, the first Black representative in Congress from Rhode Island, easily beat his Republican challenger Allen Waters. In the 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Seth Magaziner, the former state treasurer in Rhode Island, defeated Republican Steve Corvi. Amo promised to work […]
Posted inElection
Middletown chooses new Town Council and School Committee members
Middletown voters have chosen seven new Town Council members and two School Committee representatives in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. The Board of Elections reports 100% of precincts have submitted their results. Please note, that all results are unofficial until certified on November 21. Middletown Town Council For the Middletown School Committee, two seats […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport voters approve $98.5 million bond for infrastructure and resilience projects
Newport residents have voted to approve a $98.5 million general obligation bond in the 2024 General Election. The bond will fund various infrastructure, resilience, and community-related projects throughout the city. The referendum, which appeared as Question 6 on the ballot, authorizes the city to issue bonds for various improvements, including coastal protection measures, public safety […]
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Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse wins a fourth term in the US Senate from Rhode Island
By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island won reelection on Tuesday to a fourth term to the U.S. Senate. Whitehouse beat Patricia Morgan, a Republican state representative who was the first woman to serve as minority leader in the Rhode Island House. Whitehouse had a huge financial advantage, outraising Morgan more than […]