Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Rebecca Kislak have introduced a pair of bills to protect Rhode Island’s independent pharmacies as well as consumer choice for prescription drugs. “Small businesses really drive the Rhode Island economy, and many Rhode Islanders love the responsive and personalized service offered by their local independent pharmacies,” said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s paid parking season begins on May 1
Today, the City of Newport is reminding residents that its paid parking and residential sticker programs will begin on May 1, 2024. Metered parking, which uses multi-space parking kiosks, will be in effect from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. Hourly rates will remain at $1.25 per hour downtown and $2 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island House approves Newport’s $98.5 million bond question for infrastructure improvements
Newport’s proposed $98.5 million bond for infrastructure improvements in its neighborhoods cleared a hurdle Tuesday, with the House of Representatives’ passage of legislation to put the bond question before voters in November. The bill (2024-H 8086), sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), now goes to the Senate. “Our city will benefit tremendously […]
Posted inCity & Government
Sheldon Whitehouse launches 2024 re-election campaign for U.S. Senate
Today, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) launched his 2024 re-election campaign for the United States Senate. Whitehouse, a senior member of the Democratic caucus, sought Rhode Islanders’ support for a fourth term with a video announcement highlighting his long record of delivering for the Ocean State. “It is an honor to fight every single day for the Ocean State […]
Posted inCity & Government
Grand jury indicts Newport man with five counts of first-degree child molestation
On April 19, 2024, a Newport County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Jose Vega, 52, of Newport, Rhode Island, with five counts of first-degree child molestation. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, the alleged acts occurred in the Town of Portsmouth on diverse dates between May 2, 2012, and May 2, 2017. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport City Council awards Easton’s Beach concessions contract to The Heritage Restaurant Group
During their Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday night, Newport City Council approved a one-year agreement, including three (3) additional one (1) year opinion years, with 1899, LLC. of Newport, Rhode Island (which is now doing business as The Heritage Restaurant Group), to provide mobile food and beverage concessions at Easton’s Beach. The Director of Public […]
Posted inCity & Government
Capitol TV launches app to live stream video on smartphones, Firestick and ROKU devices
Capitol Television, the broadcast arm of the Rhode Island General Assembly, has launched a new app that will allow users to stream live content on iPhones and Androids, as well as smart television devices, such as Firestick and ROKU. Capitol TV now boasts eight live streaming channels, all of which are closed captioned, to broadcast […]
Posted inNews
Fighting threats to our forest: Middletown’s Tree Commission and Open Space Committee work together to rehabilitate Albro Woods
Albro Woods, a beloved forest and trail system in Middletown, is vulnerable, sick, and needs help. It has become the next victim of beech leaf disease. Beech leaf disease is a relatively new disease affecting trees in North America. It was first discovered on the continent in 2012 in Ohio, and it has since spread […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police Arrest & Dispatch Log: April 23 – 24
Newport Police Department provided the following arrest log and dispatch log for the period of 7 am on Tuesday, April 23, through 7 am on Wednesday, April 24. Arrest Log At 5:14 pm on Tuesday, April 23, Brian Kelley, 41, of Middletown, Rhode Island, was taken into custody by Officer Ducker on a charge of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Senate votes to ban declawing of cats
The Rhode Island Senate voted Tuesday to ban the declawing of cats, a procedure that removes the final bone of each of the cat’s toes. The bill now moves to the state House for consideration. A declawed cat may lick its furniture more frequently, but research has shown that the procedure can also cause infection, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island bill would make it easier for independent voters to disaffiliate from a party after primary
The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make it automatic for independent voters to disaffiliate from a political party after they cast a ballot in the primary. Currently, a voter who is not affiliated with any political party is automatically registered as being affiliated with that party when they choose […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown School Committee names new superintendent
The Middletown School Committee has selected William Niemeyer, the current principal of Gaudet Middle School, as the district’s new superintendent. The announcement was made Monday night during a meeting of the School Committee in the Oliphant administration building. Niemeyer, who has served as principal at Gaudet since the summer of 2021, was selected from a […]
Posted inCommunity
Newport Police Arrest & Dispatch Log: April 22 – 23
Newport Police Department reported no arrests from Monday, April 22, through 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23. Arrest Log There were no arrests report Dispatch Log Press-Log-4-22-to-4-23Download
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee submits budget amendment to support housing stability, address homelessness
Governor Dan McKee today submitted an amendment to his FY2025 budget proposal to support housing stability and tackle homelessness in Rhode Island. The amendment also proposes the creation of a permanent funding stream to address these areas in future years. “My administration is committed to improving the housing outlook for Rhode Islanders – whether they […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to discuss proposed budget, including tax levy increases
Newport City Councilors will meet this week to discuss the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, and some residents may face tax hikes, according to a press release from the city. The annual budget process in Newport is underway, and the proposed spending plan is expected to be finalized this month. According to the […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Governor McKee seeks $1.3 million in state aid for businesses impacted by bridge reconstruction
Gov. Dan McKee is seeking $1.3 million in state aid to help small businesses impacted by the ongoing Washington Bridge reconstruction project. McKee said Monday that he has filed an amendment to his proposed state budget that would redirect $1.3 million in State Fiscal Recovery Funds to help small businesses in the affected area. The […]
Posted inCommunity
Newport Harbormaster Paddle Safety Program offering free community Kayak and SUP Paddle Safety Class
The City of Newport’s Harbormaster Office invites the community to boost your confidence and prepare for paddling adventures. The office shares, “This dynamic indoor workshop covers safety, skills, gear, places to paddle, managing common emergencies, and caring for your paddle craft.” The class will occur from 6 pm to 8 pm on May 1 on […]
Posted inCommunity
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (April 20 – 27)
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 April 21 – 27, 2024 Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge Upcoming improvements in the roadway between the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island reminds residents and nonresidents to renew harvesting and fishing licenses online by April 29
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding residents and nonresidents who hold standard fishing licenses, shellfish over 65 licenses, and other licenses to renew them online by April 29, 2024. The 60-day grace period ends on that day, and there are no extensions to the validity of expired licenses. The Rhode Island […]
Posted inAP
Kennedy family makes ‘crystal clear’ its Biden endorsement in attempt to deflate RFK Jr.’s candidacy
By ZEKE MILLER, WILL WEISSERT and CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden scooped up endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kerry Kennedy, a daughter of former Attorney General Robert […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island grants to extend learning beyond school year
The state is taking applications from communities interested in using federal aid to expand learning opportunities for students outside of the traditional 180-day school year. The Learn365RI grants program makes $3.8 million in federal aid available to eligible municipalities to fund new or expanded initiatives that promote learning beyond the formal school day. The program […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to hold next meeting on April 24
Newport City Council will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, April 24. The public is welcome to attend the meeting, which will take place in the City Council Chambers at Newport City Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. Here’s a look at what’s on the docket; CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senators push Treasury for Investment Adviser AML Reporting
A group of senators has urged the U.S. Treasury Department (Treasury) to require investment advisers to report suspicious activity to the government, arguing that the move would help prevent money laundering and sanctions evasion. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the senators said that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) proposed rule to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Sen. Ujifusa, Rep. McGaw introduce bill to protect patients from insurers’ step therapy protocols
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Michelle E. McGaw are sponsoring legislation to rein in so-called step therapy protocols used by health insurance companies that can delay or prevent patients from getting tests, procedures and drugs ordered by their physicians. Step therapy, also known as “fail first” therapy, is a health insurance practice […]
Posted inCity & Government
New England states seek federal funding for transmission and energy storage infrastructure upgrades
A coalition of New England states is seeking federal funding to support large-scale investments in transmission and energy storage infrastructure upgrades in a bid to bolster the region’s electric grid reliability and resilience. The states – Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont – have submitted applications to the U.S. Department of Energy […]