STATE HOUSE – The House and the Senate today each approved legislation to establish a clear process for reporting and investigating cases of suspected signature fraud involving candidates’ nomination papers. Each of the bills, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Dawn Euer and Rep. June S. Speakman on behalf of Secretary of State Gregg M. […]
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Governor McKee nominates Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, to the R.I. Commerce Corporation Board
Governor Dan McKee announced today his nomination of Erin Donovan-Boyle to serve on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board. “Erin brings a wide range of experience in commerce, communications, and policy and has proven to be an effective champion for small businesses in Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to working with Erin and […]
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Middletown increases beach parking fees to combat costs
The Town Council of Middletown has approved an increase in the parking fee at Second and Third beaches to combat rising costs. The new weekday parking fee is now $25, compared to the $35 daily fee during weekends and holidays. The price for a seasonal parking pass for residents has also increased to $90, and […]
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Playful and friendly Trixie seeks forever home
Meet Trixie, a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog, this week’s adoptable dog of the week. According to the Potter League for Animals, Trixie is playful and friendly. She adores being the only furry resident of the home and is a great source of unconditional love. “Meet Trixie, a young, playful, and friendly companion. Her love for playtime […]
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Want to write for What’sUpNewp? We’re currently looking to add more paid contributors to our crew
More than a dozen Rhode Island residents currently contribute to What’sUpNewp, and we’re looking to add more voices as we expand our efforts to explore more topics. That’s where you might come in. Have a local story you think needs to be told, reporting that you’d like to do, experience with reporting, storytelling, or writing, […]
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RIDOH: New data underscore health challenges faced by transgender youth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is highlighting available resources for schools, families, and communities to help support transgender youth in light of recent survey data indicating that transgender youth are significantly more likely to experience violence, bullying, substance use, and poor mental health outcomes. According to the RIDOH Data Brief, Health and Safety of […]
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RIDOT to open connection between North Broadway and Roundabout near Henderson Bridge
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is getting ready to open the final leg of the roundabout near the Henderson Bridge as part of the project to replace the aging structure. The work is scheduled to be completed on Friday, May 31, before the evening rush hour, according to RIDOT. This will connect North […]
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Rhode Island high school musical talent shines at Ocean State Star Awards
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) has announced the winners of the 2023/2024 Ocean State Star Awards (OSSA), a milestone in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts high school musical theatre community. The competition honors and encourages excellence in musical theatre performance and productions among area high school students. The awards, presented at PPAC’s Outreach and […]
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Middletown approves a $90.8 million budget for Fiscal 2025
The Middletown Town Council has approved a $90.8 million budget for fiscal year 2025, a 4.7 percent increase from the current budget year. The budget will now go to a second public hearing on June 17, when officials say tax rates will be discussed. Under the current budget, the residential tax rate for residents is […]
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Gunnar Henderson’s grand slam lifts the Orioles to a 6-1 victory over Boston in series’ rubber match
By NOAH TRISTER AP Baseball Writer BALTIMORE (AP) — Gunnar Henderson’s grand slam in the second inning put Baltimore ahead to stay, and Corbin Burnes pitched seven sharp innings to help the Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Wednesday night. The Orioles, winners of six of their last seven, have not lost any of their […]
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Amid calls to reform politically appointed CRMC, another member resigns
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentMay 29, 2024 Rhode Island’s embattled coastal regulatory agency has lost another appointed council member, leaving three open seats on a panel that has struggled with attendance woes and vacancies for years. Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Chairman Ray Coia announced at the agency’s May 28 meeting that council […]
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R.I. General Assembly approves bill seeking update of state’s laws concerning substance use disorders
The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved legislation that would require the state to revise its laws regarding substance use disorders and emergency commitment for drug intoxication. “Some parts of our laws concerning substance use treatment are 40 or 50 years old. Besides containing language and terms that are now offensive and insensitive, they also […]
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CCRI launches Cannabis Training Program
With the cannabis industry expected to grow significantly in the coming years, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCI) has announced the launch of its new Cannabis Training Program. This program aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the cannabis industry. It will be an eight-week program, funded by […]
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Reps. McGaw, Cortvriend, and Sen. Ujifusa host an energy efficiency info session in Portsmouth
Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton), Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) invite residents to join them and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources for an upcoming local event to learn about a vast array of savings opportunities to improve fuel efficiency. […]
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Newport Historical Society unveils first-of-its-kind exhibit on the experiences of Black Newporters
After four long years of research and review, the Newport Historical Society (NHS) presents the exhibit “A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries” on May 29 at 6 pm. The exhibit, located in the Historical Society, is free and open to the public through November 2024, but registration is […]
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Rhode Island gets $12.9 million for electric buses
A total of 45 new electric school buses and charging equipment infrastructure will be distributed among five Rhode Island school districts thanks to a federal grant, the Rhode Island delegation announced Wednesday. The buses are coming to Rhode Island as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed in 2021. The law provides […]
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Treasurer Diossa celebrates ‘529 Day’ in Newport, calls on Rhode Island families to open a CollegeBound Saver Account
Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa celebrated 529 Day at the Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport, surrounded by school officials, students, dignitaries, and guests. 529 Day is an annual nationwide celebration aimed at drawing attention to state-administered 529 education savings plans. Treasurer Diossa was joined by Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. As part […]
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Rhode Island Senate passes DiPalma’s bill to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada
On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Senate approved a bill that seeks to lower prescription drug costs for Rhode Islanders by importing lower-cost medications from Canada. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) proposed the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program, which would establish a system for importing prescription drugs from […]
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DEM invites the public to learn something new this summer with its Division of Fish and Wildlife
This summer, have fun in the sun by attending an educational program with the Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)! Connect with the outdoors and learn some new skills; from fishing days to hunter education classes to guided walks, there’s something for everyone. Join DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education Program, Hunter Education Program, and Wildlife […]
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Anchor & Hope founders to assume operations at Sakonnet Vineyard
Sakonnet Vineyard today announced that James Davids and Marissa Stashenko, founders of Anchor & Hope, have assumed the management and winemaking responsibilities at the historic vineyard. According to a press release sent on behalf of Sakonnet Vineyard, James and Marissa will collaborate with owner Carolyn Rafaelian to launch new wines, revive the culinary legacy, and […]
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Allie is seeking a warm and caring home
Meet your new best friend, Allie – this week’s adoptable cat of the week. Allie is a 9-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. “This gorgeous older lady, with her stunning green eyes, will steal your heart! Allie is a petite kitty with a loving and affectionate nature,” Potter League for Animals shares on their website. “She’s incredibly […]
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IYRS School of Technology & Trades to celebrate Graduation & Launch Day on June 1
IYRS School of Technology & Trades has announced that its 26th annual Graduation & Launch Day will occur on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Restoration Hall at IYRS, 449 Thames Street, Newport, R.I. “I’m thrilled with the variety of employment opportunities this cohort has secured,” said Jen Iacovelli, Director of Student Services at IYRS. […]
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Best-performing Rhode Island stocks last week
Stacker compiled a list of the best-performing stocks in Rhode Island last week using data from IEX Cloud. Stocks are ranked by the highest percent price change from May 17 to May 24. Stocks headquartered in Rhode Island, listed on the Russell 3000 membership list, and a market cap over $5.0 billion on April 14th […]
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Rhode Island FC match at Detroit City FC to broadcast on CBS Television Network
Rhode Island FC announced today that its road match at Detroit City FC on August 3 has moved to CBS Television Network. The kickoff time for the nationally televised match was updated to 4 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast locally on WPRI-TV. “We look forward to seeing and broadcasting Rhode Island’s own Rhode Island Football […]
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Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about letting business people and lawyers control health care
What I am about to tell you is a true story. One that is happening now in a Rhode Island hospital. An 81-year-old man who still worked ten hours a day and was as strong as a bull was hit by a car as he crossed the street from the restaurant where he worked to his […]