Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a package of 14 housing bills into law Thursday, aiming to accelerate housing production and increase the state’s housing stock. The ceremonial signing took place at the Warwick Housing Authority, where McKee was joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who championed the legislative package, along with other state […]
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Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District awarded $10,000 grant
The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) was awarded a year-long $10,000 grant through the John Clark Trust to aid in the general operation of ERICD. According to ERICD, the funding will be used for various projects, including ongoing construction at the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm. “ERICD works to help conserve the natural resources of Newport […]
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Rhode Island’s seatbelt usage at record high, survey says
According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Office on Highway Safety (OHS), about 90.5% of drivers and front-seat passengers in Rhode Island now wear seatbelts, the highest number ever recorded. The numbers are based on an annual statewide survey conducted in June of each year as part of the office’s qualifying for federal funds. […]
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Obituary: Carol Ann (Hopkins) De Ruggiero
Carol Ann (Hopkins) De Ruggiero, 87, of Middletown, RI, formerly of Newport, RI, passed away on July 12, 2024, in the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center. She was the wife of the late CDR Saverio De Ruggiero, Jr., USN, (Ret.). Born in Palmer, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Edna (Davis) […]
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Orsted to expand R.I. HQ, double local workforce
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentAugust 29, 2024 The Danish company developing Rhode Island’s first commercial, offshore wind project is expanding its footprint in the Ocean State. Orsted U.S. on Thursday announced plans to open a new engineering, procurement and construction hub in Rhode Island, centered in a new headquarters up the street from its […]
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Governor McKee, RIDOH applauds Stop & Shop’s tobacco ban
Stop & Shop announced this week that it will no longer sell tobacco products in its stores in Rhode Island, a move that is being applauded by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). The decision is being made in a bid to “limit access to addictive and harmful […]
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Newport and Middletown secure $1.2 million for water quality projects
Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management has awarded over $3.1 million in grants to improve water quality and aquatic habitats across the state, with significant projects slated for Newport and Middletown. The grants, funded primarily by the voter-approved 2022 Green Bond, will support 15 projects aimed at addressing stormwater pollution, flood prevention, and habitat restoration. […]
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Newport Historical Society, Potter League for Animals offering free professional pet photography in Newport on Sept. 1
A “barktastic” event will take place in Newport on Sunday, September 1, bringing free professional pet photography to the lawn of the Great Friends Meeting House. All animals are invited to participate in the Bark Ranger, Purrk Ranger Community event, hosted by the Newport Historical Society and the Potter League for Animals. The event is […]
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Resolute Cup favorites prepare for epic battle
By New York Yacht Club The Corinthian Yacht Club (Marblehead, Mass.), fielding the same team (above) that took home the 2022 Resolute Cup, will return to defend its title on Narragansett Bay in just a few weeks, this time with no doubt as to what it takes to win this prestigious event as well as […]
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Newport City Council approves settlement with RIDOT
The Newport City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) over a property dispute related to the bridge realignment project. Assistant City Solicitor Girard Galvin presented the settlement recommendation to the council during their Aug. 28 meeting. The agreement will provide Newport with an additional $125,000 on top […]
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Newport City Council approves ADU ordinance with parking requirement
The Newport City Council approved a new ordinance amendment allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with a requirement of one parking space per unit during a council meeting Wednesday night. The ordinance allows for the conversion of existing structures on properties smaller than 20,000 square feet into ADUs, as well as new construction on lots 20,000 […]
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Coast Guard Cutter Campbell returns to Newport after a 73-day patrol
The Coast Guard Cutter Campbell has returned to Newport, its home port, following a 73-day migrant interdiction patrol in the Windward Passage. The 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter arrived Wednesday after deploying in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry. During its deployment, Campbell’s crew conducted maritime safety and security […]
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Newport residents to vote on $98.5 million Infrastructure Bond in November
Newport City Council has approved a resolution formally identifying the project and allocations for the $98.5 million bond that will be placed on the ballot for the November 2024 General Election, aiming to fund various infrastructure projects across the city. The bond, if passed by voters, would finance improvements including seawall repairs, road upgrades, and […]
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What’s Up in Newport: Thursday, August 29
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, August 29, the 242 day of the year; 124 days remain in 2024. 🍎 Take Two: Due to technical difficulties, we rescheduled our conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain for noon today. If you have a question for the Superintendent, Ask The Superintendent. You can watch the conversation […]
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Newport City Council rejects resolution requiring an additional wind farm forum
The Newport City Council voted 5-1 to reject a resolution calling for an additional public forum on offshore wind farms during its meeting Wednesday. Councilor David Carlin III introduced the resolution, which requested the city’s Energy and Environment Commission host another meeting where wind farm opponents could voice their opinions. “We must allow both sides […]
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What’sUpNewp launches new community engagement initiatives with Ask The City Manager, School Superintendent, Candidates
What’sUpNewp is rolling out three new community engagement tools aimed at fostering dialogue between Newport residents and key city officials. The initiatives include regular Q&A sessions with the Newport School Superintendent, City Manager, and political candidates, providing a platform for direct communication between the public and decision-makers. “Ask The Superintendent” will feature Newport School Superintendent […]
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Newport City Council honors late resident with pier dedication
The Newport City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Wednesday, August 28, to name the Stone Pier Dinghy Dock at King Park after Kevin N. Sheekey, a beloved resident who passed away in 2020. “Kevin was a great man, great family man, as I explained in this resolution. And a friend. Friend to me, friend […]
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219 Newport voters have participated in the Statewide Primary so far
With less than two weeks to go until the Rhode Island State Primary, some Newport voters have already begun voting via mail ballot or early in person. According to the Rhode Island Turnout Tracker, as of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 219 Newport voters had participated in the 2024 State Primary thus far. The […]
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Middletown resident to be recognized by Middletown Town Council, Police Department
The Middletown Police Department announced today in a press release that the Town of Middletown will recognize one of its citizens during the Town Council Meeting on September 3, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. “83-year-old resident, Ronald Kobayashi, first purchased his home off Oliphant Ln in Middletown in 1973. He and his late wife, Joan, raised […]
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Pats set to begin anew under coach Jerod Mayo, a new QB and rebuilt roster in 2024
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-13) EXPECTATIONS: The Patriots begin a new era in 2024 after parting ways with former coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles. Team owner Robert Kraft moved quickly, handing the job to former player and assistant Jerod Mayo. He begins the rebuilding process following a dismal 4-13 finish […]
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Ask The Superintendent: Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation on August 29
With just a week to go until the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly live one-on-one conversation at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, August 28 12 on Thursday, August 29. Please note – this conversation was originally scheduled for 1:30 pm on Wednesday, August […]
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Senator Reed backs new Treasury rule to combat money laundering, fraud, and sanctions evasion
On August 28, 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued new rules to require investment advisers to abide by anti-money laundering (AML) rules similar to what banks do. The regulation aims to prevent money laundering from foreign corruption, fraud, and tax evasion into the U.S. through unregulated private funds. “The […]
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Tiverton Public Library to host presentation on Larchmont disaster
The Tiverton Public Library will host a presentation of Larchmont Remembered: The Suffering, Depravity, and Wonder of Rhode Island’s Most Horrific Sea Disaster on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:30 pm. This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at the library located at 34 Roosevelt Avenue in Tiverton, Rhode Island. […]
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Aquidneck Avenue commercial property sells for $3.5 million
Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of 150-160 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown via a press release. The property recently sold for $3,500,000. According to Lila Delman Compass, Kate Leonard of Lila Delman Compass’ Newport office facilitated the sale of the commercial waterfront property to the buyer and seller. The three lots contain a building […]
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Rhode Island offers grants to clean up litter
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is giving away grants up to $500 to communities across the state to clean up litter. The program is called the Litter-Free Rhode Island Microgrant Program. The grants are being made available as part of an effort to reduce litter and preserve the state’s beaches. The money […]