City & Government

The 16 newly elected members of the Rhode Island General Assembly — an incoming class that includes 12 in the House of Representatives and 4 in the Senate — will participate in an all-day orientation session on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the State House. The Biennial Legislative Orientation Session will begin at 9:15 a.m. and […]

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a third public workshop on the State’s new Farmland Access Program next month. The voluntary, pilot program – approved by voters as part of a 2014 environmental bond measure – helps ensure Rhode Island’s farmlands remain in farming. During the workshop, DEM will highlight and […]

Water is the lifeblood of Aquidneck Island – residents and visitors value clean coastal waters for swimming, sailing and fishing, and rely on surface reservoirs for safe, plentiful drinking water. Stormwater runoff, which washes pollution into reservoirs and coastal waters, is a major problem throughout the U.S. With relatively little protected watershed, large surface reservoirs, and some of […]

Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport, RI this week. Roadwork scheduled by Rhode Island Department Of Transportation: 11/26 – 12/3 Jamestown: Rte. 138 East and West, from Rte. 1 to the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, expect lane closures in a moving operation, for overhead lighting repairs, Monday – […]

The seven members who have been elected to Newport City Council for the next two years will take their Oath of Office at Newport City Hall on Thursday, December 1st. Returning to the Council are Second Ward Councilor Lynn Ceglie, Thirs Ward Concilor Kate Leonard and Councilor-At Large members John Florez and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. Harry Winthrop […]

We’d like to know what you’re thinking. Beginning today, WhatsUpNewp and WhatsUpRhodeIsland will initiate weekly polling on a variety of topics. By participating you’ll be sending an important message to decisions, from your local city or town government to federal elected officials. [socialpoll id=”2402355″] Related Stories: November 10, 2016 – UPDATED: A Grand Goodbye – Casino […]

Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport, RI this week. Middletown: East Main Rd. East and West, from West Main Rd. to Rego Rd., one lane open in each direction for construction, Monday and Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 1 […]

Beginning on December 4th, Susan Taylor will represent Ward 1 on Newport City Council. She takes over the seat that Marco Camacho has occupied on the council. Taylor has submitted the following Letter To The Editor following her election victory and the news that Harry Winthrop has been chosed to serve as Committee Chair and […]

Former Mayor Harry Winthrop will officially become Newport’s next Mayor at Inauguration of the new council on December 4th. Winthrop and current Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano were both vying for the position, but Winthrop gained the support of Councilor Florez and newcomers Jamie Bova and Susan Taylor to secure the votes needed. Councilor-Elect Jamie Bova has […]

Newport City Council will host a special meeting and workshop on Wednesday, November 16th to adopt the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update. The Newport Planning Board completed and approved the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update on October 17th and submitted it to City Council. Section 45.2.2-12 of the Rhode Island General Laws require that […]

There is change of leadership coming for both the Newport School Committee and Newport City Council. Last night, Newport School Committee unanimously voted David Hanos as Chair of the Newport School Committee. Ray Gomes, who is a newcomer to the Committee and was top vote-getter on November 8th, will serve as Vice-Chair. What’sUpNewp has confirmed […]

Expect delays and detours on Broadway and Lower Thames Street this week. Broadway Streetscape Improvement Rhode Island Department of Transportation is planning alternating one-way traffic for the installation of a raised crosswalk on Broadway at Cranston Street, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Ongoing drainage work within the sidewalk area is also anticipated at Marlborough […]

The Newport Police Departments is alerting residents that National Grid Gas will be conducting required maintenance next week on a gas main on Lower Thames Street, the work will require a detour. Work consists of the excavation of Thames Street in three separate areas between Dearborn Street and Wellington Ave. This work and traffic detour will occur […]

Once again Rhode Island voters were asked to approve building a full-scale casino, this time in Tiverton, near the Massachusetts border. Question 1, which appeared on the ballot statewide and also in Tiverton, narrowly passed both a statewide and local vote for approval on Tuesday. It is one of seven statewide referenda to be approved on the November ballot. […]

When Newport City Council meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, will it be Jeanne-Marie Napolitano’s last meeting as Mayor? It may or may not be. While election results are still unofficial and more than 1,300 absentee and emergency ballots still need to be counted, current Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napoliano and former Mayor Harry Winthrop are reportedly beginning […]

When voters went to the polls today they not only voted to fill offices, from local school committee to the president, but also considered numerous bond issues, some potentially adding millions of dollars to the state and local debt, and potentially significantly changing how government operates in some communities. Traditionally, presidential elections draw out significant voter turnout and long […]

Representative Lauren Carson (D – District 75, Newport) will be returning to the State House in 2017. Newport voters chose to send the Democratic candidate back to the State House, instead of Independent candidate Mike Smith. Carson defeated Smith 56.1% to 43.5%. “Thank you, RI House District 75. I won my first re-election. Great race, […]

Sitting around the day before this BIG election. Tired of watching the political broadcasts. Dizzy from looking at polls that don’t mean a heck of a lot. Liar this, crook, unfit, inappropriate, FBI who … my head is spinning. And that doesn’t include statewide or local candidates and issues. So, I decided to develop my […]