Salve Regina University announced today that it has been awarded a $1M grant from the National Science Foundation for student development. The “Supporting STEM Scholars to Engage in the Blue Economy” project contributes to the national need for a diverse and capable workforce of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians by increasing STEM degree completion of […]
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Free ‘Skin Check’ screenings to be available at Rhode Island Beaches
Between Friday, July 12 and August 17, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on five dates. “Along with seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a […]
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Indian Lake Hydrilla Coalition awarded $5,000
Representatives from the Indian Lake Hydrilla Response Coalition have received $5,000 in legislative grants to help combat the invasive species that is spreading in the lake. A total of seven neighborhoods around the lake that are home to over 700 homes have been working together to form a non-profit organization eligible for federal and state […]
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Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Mishnock Lake: Health officials warn of contact
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in Mishnock Lake in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, officials said Thursday. The state Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management advised people to avoid all contact with the lake. The blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomachache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, and fever. In pets, the […]
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Teachers’ dispute in mediation tomorrow
Newport teachers and school administrators will meet tomorrow (Thursday, July 11) at noon in a mediation session, both hopeful of resolving a dispute over the layoff of 16 teachers and displacement of 45 others. The session, said Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of the National Education Association Rhode Island will be held at NEA headquarters. The […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport: New statewide Tangible Tax exemption to benefit local businesses
According to the City of Newport, nearly 1,600 Newport business owners will not receive a Tangible Tax bill this year as a new statewide exemption goes into effect this month. The program, which was passed last year by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. McKee, provides a $50,000 exemption per business owner […]
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Extreme heat waves broiling the US in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world
Mathew Barlow, UMass Lowell and Jeffrey Basara, UMass Lowell Less than a month into summer 2024, the vast majority of the U.S. population has already experienced an extreme heat wave. Millions of people were under heat warnings across the western U.S. in early July or sweating through humid heat in the East. Death Valley hit […]
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Rhode Island enacts law to protect seniors from paper bill fees
Governor Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) that makes it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices. The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A, 2024-H 7940A) prohibits the charging of any fees to […]
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Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport ranked 2nd best in U.S.
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is the second best airport in the country, according to a new survey by the Travel + Leisure company. The domestic airport ranked 2nd out of 500 airports in the U.S., just 1/100th of a percent behind Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the top airport in the country. “We are […]
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Club Calais announces store closing
Club Calais, a popular women’s clothing store located at 198 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, for the last 19 years, will close its doors for good later this summer. Formerly known as Laura Jean Denim, the store originally opened in 2005 on William St, and specialized in women’s designer denim and boots. In later years, it […]
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Pawtucket man faces gun charge for lying about restraining order
A Pawtucket man is facing a charge of providing false information to obtain a firearm after investigators say he lied about having a restraining order against him. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced on Wednesday that Richard Osoria, 23, was charged with one count of providing false information while attempting to secure a firearm. Neronha said […]
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Arizona man charged with shipping meth to Rhode Island
An Arizona man is facing federal charges after authorities say he shipped more than four kilograms of meth to Rhode Island and bought gambling tickets with the money. Carl Sharp, 49, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was arrested by Providence police on July 6. Court documents say the investigation […]
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Rhode Island hiring more Forest Rangers
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is getting additional forest rangers this year. The hire is the result of a push from Exeter Representative Megan Cotter, according to a press release sent from the Rhode Island General Assembly on Cotter’s behalf. Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton), who led a House study commission […]
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Massachusetts ballot question would give Uber and Lyft drivers right to form a union
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Drivers for ride-hailing companies in Massachusetts are pushing ahead with what they describe as a first-of-its-kind ballot question that could win them union rights if approved. The push comes despite a landmark settlement last month guaranteeing that Uber and Lyft drivers will earn a minimum pay standard of $32.50 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s longtime Finance Director, Interim City Manager set to retire
After over two decades of service, Laura L. Sitrin, the City of Newport’s longtime Finance Director and Interim City Manager, has announced her retirement. According to a press release from the City of Newport, Sitrin informed the City Council of her intentions on Tuesday, July 9th, writing, “I am deeply honored to have had the […]
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Wayfinder Newport officially reopens after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation
Wayfinder Newport, the first hotel in Dovetail + Co’s expanding Wayfinder collection, has officially reopened after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation. Hotel owner and developer Dovetail + Co oversaw the creation of Wayfinder Newport in 2020, building a loyal following of guests who enjoyed Wayfinder’s fresh take on Newport life. A fire in May 2022 […]
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Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns’ Almonte set to retire in 2024
Ernest Almonte, Executive Director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns (RILCT), will retire on December 31, 2024, the organization announced today. “It has been a true pleasure working with the leaders of all 39 cities and towns across Rhode Island,” said Ernest Almonte, Executive Director of the League. “Municipalities are on the […]
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Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt is coming to The JPT
Spectacle Live will present Mairead Nesbitt on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7 pm at The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport, RI. Tickets are on sale Friday, July 12 at 10 am at JanePickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. A Grammy® and Emmy® nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions around the world as […]
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RI Hospitality Association names new President and CEO
Farouk Rajab, a veteran of the hospitality industry, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA). Rajab, who has served in leadership positions at several properties including the Four-Diamond Westin Minneapolis and the Four-Diamond Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, is expected to officially assume the role on July […]
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A rare voice box transplant helped a cancer patient speak again, part of a pioneering study
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — A Massachusetts man has regained his voice after surgeons removed his cancerous larynx and, in a pioneering move, replaced it with a donated one. Transplants of the so-called voice box are extremely rare, and normally aren’t an option for people with active cancer. Marty Kedian is […]
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Rhode Island Life Science Hub appoints Lilia Holt as Vice President
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) has appointed Lilia Holt as vice president. Holt, who has led business development for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for three years, will oversee all operational aspects of the new hub. “I’m honored to step into the role of vice president and continue to build upon the progress […]
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Six charged in ATM, retail skimming scheme
Four foreign nationals charged with operating a skimming device that captured hundreds of thousands of dollars have appeared before a judge in Rhode Island. The four are part of a six-person crime spree that took place in at least six states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, prosecutors say. “The scale, scope, and brazen nature of […]
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Rhode Island Energy customers to get new website, phone number
Rhode Island Energy customers are being urged to prepare for several new changes coming to their service on August 19, including a new website and phone number. The changes, outlined in a release from the utility company, include a new billing processing system which will require some one-time actions from customers, such as resetting account […]
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City of Newport software update causes temporary online payment disruption
The City of Newport is sharing on its website that new software aimed at streamlining operations for city staff will temporarily disrupt online payments from July 1. “Customers will still be able to conduct normal business inside City Hall; residents are advised that certain functions, including online payments, are expected to be impacted through July […]
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Newport Vineyards offers ‘Cheese & Chocolate Tasting’ experience
Calling all wine lovers! Newport Vineyards is offering a special tasting menu for a limited time, featuring four of their favorite wines paired with two chef-selected cheeses and two house-made chocolates. The tasting package is included for $36, and includes a tasting flight of four featured wines, two fudgey confections from the Vineyard Bakeshop and […]