The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties. The typical home value in the United States was $362,143 in August, 2.5% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, […]
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Average student loan debt increased in first half of 2024 in Rhode Island
Despite repayments on federal student loans resuming late last year, much is still up in the air with student loan debt. Some loans have been forgiven, and more than a few borrowers have received incomplete, contradictory or confusing information about their loans. Experian compiled data on student loan debt in Rhode Island, as well as […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News
R.I. regulators resume review of SouthCoast Wind transmission lines
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 23, 2024 A proposal to run underwater power lines from a Massachusetts offshore wind farm through Rhode Island waters is back before state regulators, following a 14-month pause. The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board voted unanimously Monday to resume consideration of SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC’s application to run […]
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Newport Hospital President among casualties in Lifespan restructuring
Crista Durand, president of Newport Hospital for the past decade, is among the casualties of a Lifespan restructuring that will save the hospital group $6 million by reducing its executive positions by 20 percent. A spokesperson at Newport Hospital confirmed that Durand was among those losing their positions. She said her focus is now on […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Xay previews City Council agenda; addresses sewer fee, short-term rentals
Newport City Council will consider a citywide moratorium on new short-term rentals at its Wednesday meeting, aiming to curb the loss of housing units to vacation rentals. “We are now looking at a moratorium on all new short-term rentals across the entire city,” Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong, Mayor and City Council Chair, said during a conversation […]
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Close to $2 million in road work and paving is in store in Middletown
The town of Middletown is getting busy this fall with plans to pave several local streets. The $2 million project is part of the town’s plan to chip away at its “Red Roads” list of worst local streets. East Coast Landscaping & Construction will be working on several streets including all or parts of Boulevard, […]
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Newport Hospital to honor First Responders with Appreciation Day
Newport Hospital will show its appreciation for the first responders who work for the safety of the hospital and the community during its new First Responders Appreciation Day on Friday, September 27, 2024. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Newport Hospital campus. First responders from Aquidneck Island and […]
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Ask The Superintendent: A conversation with Colleen Burns Jermain on Sept. 25
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly live one-on-one conversation 1:30 pm on Wednesday, September 25. During the conversation, we’ll discuss the start of the school year, construction at Rogers High School, and more. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask The Superintendent Loading… Watch the conversation live as it […]
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Newport City Council meeting being moved due to elevator being out of service
The Newport City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25, has been moved from City Hall to Pell Elementary School due to an out-of-service elevator. City Clerk Laura C. Swistak announced the change in an email sent Monday, Sept. 23, citing the elevator issue as the reason for the relocation. “Due to the City Hall […]
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Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Commission to meet on Sept. 26
The special legislative commission studying the short-term rental industry’s economic and social effects will meet with regional tourism directors on Thursday, September 26, to discuss its pros and cons. The commission was established to study the industry in 2023 as a result of legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport). The Special Legislative […]
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Tiverton Road Closure: Main Road to shut down for Culvert Replacement
Drivers in Tiverton will experience a weekend road closure as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) replaces a culvert under Main Road. The work will be carried out over the weekend of September 27-30, with the road closing at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 27. The road is expected to reopen by 6 a.m. […]
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Tiverton Library to host seed-saving workshop
The Tiverton Public Library is hosting a free event that will teach people about the importance of seed saving and how to do it. The program, which is open to all ages, will be held on Saturday, October 5, at 2 pm, and will take place in the library’s Native Plant Demonstration Garden or in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police report multiple arrests over the weekend
The Newport Police Department has released arrest and dispatch logs for the period from 7 a. Friday, Sept. 20, through 7 am Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, revealing several arrests for various offenses. On Friday afternoon, a 31-year-old male was taken into custody on multiple charges. The arrest occurred at 4:40 pm, with the suspect facing […]
Posted inCity & Government
Does a new state law block a pending Tiverton oyster farm? State regulators will weigh in Monday.
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 23, 2024 Not even the state lawmakers who sponsored 2024 legislation limiting development along the Sakonnet River are confident that the now-law bans an oyster farm proposed for the area. The question is now left to state regulators, who will consider, and potentially decide, on whether the law applies […]
Posted inCity & Government
Politics as Usual: Uncontested races, robust finance accounts
Politics as usual. What does that mean? Almost two-thirds of state legislative races in Rhode Island are uncontested, and legislative leaders in both houses are raking in the dollars. The number of uncontested general election legislative races in Rhode Island far exceeds the percentage of uncontested legislative races nationally. According to Ballotpedia, an unofficial encyclopedia […]
Posted inCity & Government
Talkin’ Tourism: A conversation with Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport
Evan Smith, the President and CEO of Discover Newport, will join What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one live video conversation on Thursday, September 26, at 10:30 am. During this conversation, we’ll discuss the 2024 summer travel and tourism season, what’s ahead for the fall and winter, travel and tourism trends, the impacts of tourism and traffic, and […]
Posted inCity & Government
How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
More than a dozen states are now seeing gasoline prices below $3 per gallon as costs have continued their decline in recent months, according to AAA data. Even with the switchover to winter blends this month—a nationwide practice that results in cheaper fuel that works well in cold weather—gas prices have been declining at a […]
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Meet Ollie, the gentle giant looking for a forever home
Ollie, a 4-year-old male Pyrenees, is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. Ollie has lived with kids for a long time and is well-behaved, but he is a large dog and potential owners must be prepared for that, according to the Potter League for Animals. “Ollie is a beautiful Pyrenees. […]
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Rhode Island Department of Housing seeks housing feedback through survey
The Rhode Island Department of Housing and RIHousing are seeking public feedback on housing needs, challenges, and goals through a new survey being conducted. RIHousing officials said in a news release that the survey is open to any current Rhode Island resident and takes about 15 minutes to complete. All respondents will remain anonymous. The […]
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Here’s what’s happening at Tiverton Public Library in October
The Tiverton Public Library has announced a comprehensive calendar of events for October, covering a range of interests for all ages. One-on-one tech help is available to everyone regardless of skill level, and can be accessed by calling 401-625-6796 ext. 8 or through the online helpline. There is a weekly watercolor group for adults, and […]
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RIDOT: Lane closures scheduled in Middletown and Tiverton, Sept. 21 – 27
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is advising motorists of the following travel advisories for the week of September 21-27, 2024. Newport Pell Bridge Approaches – Phase II Newport: Mobile operations sitewide will occur with minimal impact to travel to wrap up outstanding electrical and signage installation tasks. Learn more about the project Overnight Tiverton: Rte. […]
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53rd Annual Newport International Boat Show hailed as one of the most successful events in its history
The organizers of the Newport International Boat Show announced that its 53rd edition, held from September 12-15, 2024, at the Newport Yachting Center, was one of the most successful events in its history. This year’s show surpassed attendance expectations and featured the largest volume of in-water boats ever showcased at the event. Perfect weather graced […]
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BankNewport supports Aquidneck Community Table’s Kids Garden Program
BankNewport today announced its continued support for the Aquidneck Community Table (ACT), including its latest $2,500 sponsorship for the 2024 Kids Garden Program, which engages children in learning about healthy dietary habits and environmental stewardship through hands-on gardening activities. In partnership with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK Center), the Kids Garden Program offers an eight-week summer […]
Posted inBusiness
What does the recent Fed decision mean for the local real estate market?
By Tyler Bernadyn and curated by Cam Stewart, Senior Loan Officer, Shamrock CMG Home Loans Cam Stewart, Senior Loan Officer, Shamrock CMG Home Loans You might have seen news about the Fed lowering interest rates and how this could benefit credit cards and mortgages. But what does this mean for the housing market, and when […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Washington Bridge rebuild project wins federal funding, but not as much as officials wanted
by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 20, 2024 Rhode Island will receive $125.4 million in federal grant funding to replace the westbound Interstate 195 Washington Bridge — nearly $100 million short of its initial ask, and one-third of preliminary cost estimates for the project. The award was announced Friday morning by Gov. Dan McKee’s office […]