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 […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
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 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Reed leads bipartisan resolution declaring April ‘Financial Literacy Month’
A bipartisan pair of senators has introduced a resolution to allocate April as Financial Literacy Month in a bid to boost financial literacy education in the U.S. Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Tim Scott, R-S.C., introduced the measure on Tuesday to recognize the importance of financial literacy in enhancing the financial well-being of individuals and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Op-Ed: How the Oversight Committee has improved the lives of Rhode Islanders
Eight years ago, I was named chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee. It was a position I accepted with much excitement and, to be honest, just a little bit of trepidation. Unlike other standing committees, whose job it is to vet and approve legislation, no bills come out of the Oversight Committee. Rather, it’s our […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT reminds drivers to slow down and move over for work zones and first responders
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) wants to remind drivers of the importance of slowing down and moving over when approaching work zones and first responders. This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week, and RIDOT is urging drivers to pay attention to their surroundings and adjust their driving habits when approaching traffic signs, […]
Posted inCity & Government
How gas prices have changed in Providence in the last week
Gasoline prices continue to rise, up around 4 cents per gallon from the previous week. As of Monday, April 15, drivers across the United States are now paying an average of $3.63 per gallon. Demand for gasoline generally rises during the spring all the way through Memorial Day. This, combined with recent tensions in the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Recap: Middletown Town Council meeting on April 15
The Middletown Town Council covered a lot of ground during its meeting on Monday, April 15. The Town of Middletown provided the below notes on some of the actions; When: Monday night. Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. Absent: None. Of note: After a lengthy discussion, a council majority voted to ask the Rhode Island Department […]
Posted inCity & Government
Many Middletown residents and businesses can expect a 2% tax increase in Fiscal 2025
Source: Town of Middletown Many Middletown residents and business owners are looking at 2 percent increase in their Fiscal 2025 tax bills. According to proposed figures rolled out for the first time Monday night to the Town Council, the median homeowner can expect to pay $100 more in taxes in the upcoming fiscal year compared […]