Sen. Linda Ujifusa, a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, is taking aim at the high cost of prescription drugs with two bills that protect Rhode Island patients and taxpayers from the harmful activities of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), private corporations that work on behalf of insurers and make enormous revenues in […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Power line work begun today will limit access on a stretch of the bike path in Warren this week
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that work to explore moving existing overhead power lines underground that began today will limit access on a stretch of the East Bay Bike Path in Warren this week. The work is taking place just south of the Route 114 bridge over the Palmer River extending down to Norbert Street near the North Farm Burial Ground.
RI Energy’s project will result in temporary closures of one lane of an eight-block section of the path for about a week. There will be signage on both sides of the work and flaggers to ensure that bike riders and pedestrians can see the lane closure and adjust.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
Rhode Island probing possible contamination of drug evidence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Reliable investigators like the ones at Sierra One Investigaton company are committed to serving you and all your investigative needs. They are reviewing hundreds of criminal cases in Rhode Island that could be undermined by the possible contamination of evidence at the state health department’s forensic chemistry lab, state Attorney General […]
Public meetings set on Newport Community Electricity
Newport residents interested in learning more about the City’s new electricity Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program are being encouraged to attend any of a series of upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions. The meetings, which are being hosted by representatives from the City’s CCA consultant, Good Energy, are slated to kick off on Tuesday, March […]
Local information event on offshore wind moved to accommodate large demand
STATE HOUSE – Due to larger-than-anticipated demand, an educational event on offshore wind to be held Monday by Rep. Michelle McGaw and the Rhode Island State Committee of the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition has been moved to Wilbur & McMahon Schools in Little Compton. The event is still scheduled Monday, March 20, from 6:30 p.m. […]
Spring Recycling Day returns to Easton’s Beach on April 22
By City of Newport In conjunction with the 54th 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 22, 2023 from 8 a.m. to noon at Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd. The annual event is specifically intended for “harder to recycle” items […]
DEM will conduct prescribed burns on state lands in Exeter, Coventry, and on Prudence Island in the upcoming weeks
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that depending on weather and wind conditions, it plans on conducting low-severity prescribed burns on state lands in Exeter and Coventry and on Prudence Island starting sometime in the last two weeks of March or the first week of April, excluding weekends. DEM will advise the public again several days before it has identified a more reliable “burn window” in which to conduct a prescribed fire operation. The agency will further notify Rhode Islanders by timely social media posts and distributing flyers to abutting landowners and neighbors.
A burn window refers to when the environmental variables such as fuel moisture and weather conditions are balanced so that the fire will accomplish its goals, which include reducing fuels (i.e., combustible materials on forest floors and in grasslands), modifying wildlife habitat, and restoring ecological function while remaining under control. One of the biggest factors in determining a burn window is forecasting the weather. Whereas a 10-day forecast is accurate about only half the time, a five-day forecast can accurately predict the weather around 90% of the time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Wind is an equally critical factor. DEM’s “go/no-go” decision on which of the burns to conduct will likely come down to wind speed and direction, to allow for the optimal dispersal of smoke. At this point in their preparations for a busy burn season, however, DEM burn managers are targeting parcels at Pratt Farm in the Arcadia Management Area, located on the Exeter-Richmond line, as the location of the first prescribed burn in 2023.
“Pratt Farm and the surrounding forestland is a fire-adapted ecosystem that depends on the use of prescribed fire to maintain healthy vegetation and wildlife habitats,” said Forest Fire Program Manager Pat MacMeekin. “The project at Pratt Farm will be the start of our prescribed fire season this spring. We plan to conduct burning here and at other DEM properties across the state throughout the spring and fall.”
MacMeekin described the Pratt Farm fire – which will target one or more parcels at the DEM-run management area – as “a grassland burn, with the goal of removing the grass thatch layer, to open and release the seedbank and promote native, warm season grasses such as little bluestem and big bluestem.”
Currently, the grasslands at the site are recently converted hayfields whose grasses are mostly nonnative and cool season species. Also, pitch pine saplings are scattered throughout the field site. Pitch pine refers to the high resin content of this important native tree’s knotty wood. It thrives on dry rocky soil that other trees cannot tolerate. “The application of consistent, prescribed fire will help to restore the fields to native grasses and pitch pine barrens. Pitch pine barrens are especially important habitats for moths, leafhoppers, pollinators, box turtles, Northern black racers, and whip-poor-wills, Eastern towhees, and several songbirds,” MacMeekin said.
Last month DEM announced it was planning more prescribed fires in 2023 for the reasons stated above and to reduce the risk of unplanned, high-severity, destructive wildfires. In 2022, which was marked by a severe drought that the state only now is recovering from, Rhode Island experienced more than 80 wildland fires. Parched conditions forced DEM to ban outdoor fires at all state campgrounds, parks, and management areas for a two-week period in August.
By increasing its use of prescribed fire, Rhode Island will be better aligning its land management policies and practices with neighboring states. From 2018 to 2022, Massachusetts ignited 223 prescribed fires totaling 7,148 acres and Connecticut had 18 prescribed fires totaling 300 acres. In the same five-year period, Rhode Island conducted three prescribed fires totaling around 75 acres. Among other benefits, common ecological restoration goals with other states help to strengthen climate change resilience across southern New England.
Experts from DEM’s Forest Fire Program, a subsidiary of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, will lead the prescribed burns. They will employ detailed operational and safety plans. Planning is critical for every burn. A prescribed burn plan developed by a qualified burn boss must be in place before a burn is conducted. Firebreaks and other site preparations are made. Fire behavior, fuels, and weather are monitored throughout the burn, and if the prescription parameters are exceeded, the fire is shut down. The burn is carried out by a skilled crew under the direction of a qualified burn boss. DEM burn managers have obtained the required local permits and an exemption from state air pollution control regulation Part 4: Open Fires (250-RICR-120-05-4). Managers also have communicated with the Exeter No. 2 Fire Chief, Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire Chief, Rhode Island Southern Firefighters League, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the DEM Office of Air Resources.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
Clio Snacks recalls Strawberry Granola & Greek Yogurt Bars due to possible contamination with Listeria
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Clio Snacks, is recalling 581 cases of its Strawberry Granola & Greek Yogurt Parfait Bar that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled product was distributed to certain Walmart stores between March 5 and March 8, including Walmart stores in Rhode Island.
The recalled product comes in a single-serving box with UPC Code 854021008152, Lot Number 048C2023 and an expiration date of 4/30/2023 stamped on the side of the box. Strawberry Granola & Greek Yogurt Parfait Bar is the only product impacted. No other products are being recalled.
Consumers should check any products they may have bought recently. Anyone who has purchased this product should not eat it. Consumers should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
There have been no reports of illness related to these products.
Anyone who eats food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can get listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who have flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has symptoms of listeriosis should call their healthcare provider.
Senate approves legislation to rename CCRI’s Newport campus in honor of former Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed
The Rhode Island Senate today approved legislation to rename the Community College of Rhode Island’s Newport campus in honor of former Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed. “Teresa is a trailblazer who has made a powerful, positive difference for our state, for her home community of Newport and for CCRI. Naming CCRI’s Newport campus in […]
Newport School Superintendent shares weekly community update
Newport School Superintendent Collen Burns Jermain shared the following weekly update with Newport Public Schools parents, families, and staff on Wednesday, March 15.
What’s on the agenda: Newport City Council Meeting on March 22
Newport City Council will host their next Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 22, at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber at Newport City Hall. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda. The meeting is open to the public. To watch the meeting remotely live or anytime afterward, click here. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET […]
Rep. Speakman introduces legislation to enable more Rhode Islanders to develop accessory-dwelling units on their property
Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the House commission that has been studying ways to improve housing affordability in Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to enable more Rhode Islanders to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. The bill (2023-H 6082), which is scheduled for a hearing before the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee Thursday, […]
Coalition of 30 groups calls for same-day voter registration in Rhode Island
Today 30 groups came together to announce their support for the creation of a system for same-day voter registration in Rhode Island. The House resolution (H 5770) introduced by Representative Karen Alzate (D-Pawtucket) has a hearing before the Committee on State Government and Elections tonight. The Senate companion (S 608) by Senator Alana DiMario (D-North […]
RIDOH is seeking public comment on the intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion to Stone Bridge Fire District
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is seeking public comment on intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion.
The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has reviewed for approval the request by the Stone Bridge Fire District for a Categorical Exclusion determination for proposed improvements to their public water system. The improvements consist of upgrading the existing 6-inch Transite pipe in Hillside Avenue, a small section of Main Road (Rhode Island Route 77), and a portion of Lawton Avenue. In addition, the project includes upgraded service connections with curb stops, appurtenances, and roadway resurfacing. If lead service lines are identified during the course of the project, only lead service line replacement that results in simultaneous and complete replacement of both the public (water main to curb stop) and private (curb stop to water meter inside buildings) portions of the lead service lines will occur. If access to private property is not authorized, then the entire lead service line will remain intact. All work will occur within the Town of Tiverton, Rhode Island.
Under authority of Chapter 46.12-8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, it has been determined that there are no environmental impacts associated with this project. Therefore, the Director of RIDOH is hereby giving notice of intent to issue a Categorical Exclusion for the proposed project pursuant to the requirements and authority set forth in Chapter 46-12.8 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and the “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund” Regulations (216-RICR-50-05-6).
Copies of the Categorical Exclusion supporting documentation can be obtained by calling 401- 222-6867 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by writing to the Center for Drinking Water Quality, Three Capitol Hill, Room 209, Providence, RI 02908. All material submitted for review is available for public inspection during these hours at the above location. Written comments on the Categorical Exclusion should be sent to the Center for Drinking Water Quality at the address above or emailed to DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice. Individuals requesting communication assistance may call Rhode Island Relay (TTY) at 711 or 800-745-5555 at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.
A public hearing on the Categorical Exclusion will be held if RIDOH receives such requests from twenty-five (25) people, a governmental agency or subdivision, or an association having twenty-five (25) members or more. If a public hearing is held, a public notice will be published announcing the date, time, and place of such hearing. A stenographic record of the hearing will be made, and the public record will be kept open for seven (7) days following the conclusion of the public hearing to allow additional time for the submission of written comments. Interpreter services for people with hearing impairment and audiotapes for people with vision impairment will be made available. RIDOH is handicap accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Listen: Newport Mayor Xay and Gabe Amo, Special Assistant to President Biden, sit down for a conversation
On Saturday, March 11, at 8 am, Newport Mayor Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong sat down in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall with Gabe Amo, Special Assistant to President Biden and Deputy Director of The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, for a conversation. Amo, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serves as President Biden’s […]
Here’s how the McKee Administration is preparing Rhode Island for the approaching winter weather
As Rhode Island prepares for a potential high-impact, long-duration winter storm forecast to impact the area over the next two days, the McKee Administration is providing key updates and tips reminding Rhode Islanders how to stay safe. The Administration will continue to provide updates related to the storm over the next 48 hours. Following steady, […]
Sabina Matos announces run for Congress
Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos announced today that she will run for U.S. Congress in the upcoming special election in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. David Cicilline, who currently represents Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, announced in February that he will step down to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, effective June 1. “Congressman David […]
Rep. McGaw, New England for Offshore Wind Coalition to host a local information event
Rep. Michelle McGaw and the Rhode Island State Committee of the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition today announced that they are hosting an educational event on offshore wind. The event, scheduled for Monday, March 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons St., will provide the public […]
Pell Bridge Ramps community outreach meeting scheduled for March 13
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will host a public meeting at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport Campus on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 6 pm to 7 pm to update the community on the construction of the Pell Bridge Ramps project and discuss what to expect this construction season. If […]
House passes Edwards legislation that would limit vehicle inspections to Rhode Island inspection stations
The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Majority Floor Manager John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton) that would keep motor vehicle inspections within state boundaries. The bill (2023-H 5034) would provide that only facilities located within Rhode Island be eligible for permits to operate as official inspection stations for the inspection of vehicles […]
Rep. Finkelman nominated for Emerging Legislative Leaders Program
Rep. Alex S. Finkelman has been nominated by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) to attend the 2023 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program held by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. The program will take place from July 10 to July 13 at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “It’s an honor to be nominated […]
Secretary of State Gregg Amore visits Middletown High School
Gregg M. Amore said in some places, voter suppression is very much alive in today’s America. Rhode Island’s new Secretary of State told students during a lunch hour visit Tuesday to Middletown High it could be something seemingly benign as charging postage to return a ballot, having only one day to vote or a fee […]
Secretary of State Gregg Amore visits Butts Hill Fort
On Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore paid a visit to Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth RI. Secretary Amore was in Portsmouth for the Founder’s Day celebrations at Town Hall. Secretary Amore was escorted around by Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee Director & Battle of Rhode Island Association Advisor Col […]
City of Newport stripes Broadway, Thames Street green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
Mayor Xay and Third Ward Councilor David Carlin were joined by Fire Chief and Parade Grand Marshal Harp Donnelly IV (and his wife Tricia), and Newport-Kinsale Committee Member Rick O’Neill to paint the ceremonial green stripe on Broadway earlier today. Newport City Hall marks the official starting point for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day […]
Opinion: Student drivers need to know the costs of driving high
With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis for Rhode Island’s adults comes a significant influx of access to the drug, and make no mistake about it, this means easier access for our youth as well. This realistic fact influences the many physical and mental health concerns surrounding children and cannabis use, but in particular, we […]