The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reporting a confirmed case of the tick-borne Powassan virus disease (Powassan) detected in a Rhode Island resident. This resident is a male in his 70s who lives in Kent County. He began experiencing symptoms of Powassan in late January. He is recovering at home. “With spring around […]
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Providence NAACP president convicted of campaign finance violations
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The president of the Providence NAACP violated state campaign finance laws when he ran for City Council in 2022, officials said. A judge convicted Gerard Catala, 45, of two counts of failing to file campaign finance reports as required by state law. Catala, who was ordered to perform 20 hours of […]
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Lucy’s Hearth launches 40th Anniversary logo redesign contest
Lucy’s Hearth, a leading 24-hour facility providing crucial programs and shelter services to children and families experiencing homelessness, today announced a logo design contest in celebration of its 40th anniversary. “This exciting competition invites the public to contribute their creativity and talent by designing graphic elements that will play a pivotal role in supporting Lucy’s […]
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The future is now: 16- and 17-year-olds win the right to vote in local elections in a Vermont town
By LISA RATHKE Associated Press BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont town has acted on the notion that young voters offer hope for the future, giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote next week in local elections. Those who turn 18 by the November general election will be permitted to vote in the state’s […]
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RIPEC analyzes Rhode Island’s tax climate, weighs in on tax proposals before the General Assembly
The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council released today its analysis of Rhode Island’s business tax climate, finding that the state has improved its standing in the Tax Foundation’s Business Tax Climate Index from 42nd to 41st but still ranks in the bottom ten states. RIPEC’s brief also assesses potential tax law changes currently under consideration by the […]
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New York man sentenced to 30 months in prison for role in ‘Grandparent Scam’
A New York man who posed as a relative to bilk millions of dollars from the elderly across the United States, including in Rhode Island, was sentenced to federal prison this week, the US Attorney’s Office said. Jean Richard Audate, 38, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit […]
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Middletown Town Council approves new initiative to keep the town clean
The Middletown Clean initiative, a new effort to keep the town clean, was approved by the Middletown Town Council Tuesday night. The initiative will focus on litter and other quality-of-life issues. The low-cost plan aims to positively impact the community through community cleanups, education, and other means. “Litter is one of those things that impacts […]
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$376,754 winning Wild Money ticket sold at Island Food Mart in Middletown
According to the Rhode Island Lottery, a $376,754 Wild Money jackpot was hit with a winning ticket purchased at Island Food Mart, 356 West Main Rd., Middletown. The winning ticket matched all five numbers drawn: 2, 5, 15, 31, 32, and remains unclaimed. While waiting for the Wild Money winner to claim, a man from […]
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URI Watershed Watch finds wet weather affected local water quality in 2023
In 2022, it was the summer’s intense heat that affected water quality in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams throughout Rhode Island, as well at sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. But 2023 was much wetter, causing more stormwater runoff and bacteria to enter the state and region’s bodies of water. In fact, the National […]
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Newport Pell Bridge lanes shifting next week
Drivers traveling on the Newport Pell Bridge will want to prepare for lane shifts next week as the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority has announced upcoming changes to the traffic pattern at the Newport Pell Bridge plaza. Between March 5 and March 7, single lanes of traffic will be shifted from the westbound side […]
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Meet Nate Silveira and Kevin Vang, RI FC soccer players from Rhode Island
By now, you’ve probably heard that Rhode Island is home to a new professional soccer team. RI FC kicks off its inaugural season on March 16 with a home game against New Mexico United at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium. The team expects to be in its own stadium, at Tidewater Landing in Pawtucket, by the […]
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Newport Mansions selects Digital Kitchen to evolve and modernize visitor experience
Today, the Preservation Society of Newport County announced that it has chosen Digital Kitchen as its creative and experienced design partner following a competitive selection process. According to the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Los Angeles-based design studio will work with the Newport Mansions team to evolve and modernize the visitor experience with immersive […]
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Legislation seeks to protect patients from prior authorizations, used to limit health care
Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi are sponsoring legislation to require study and improved control of health insurers’ use of prior authorization to limit health care. A prior authorization (PA) is an approval from a health insurance plan that the insurer may require before it will cover a service or prescription. “Insurers claim […]
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Rhode Island lawmaker proposes tax to curb private equity home buying
A new tax on properties with more than $15 million in sales would discourage private equity groups from buying up homes, which would help first-time homebuyers, according to Rep. Brian Newberry. The Real Estate Conveyance Tax would levy a $6.90 tax for every $500 paid for a single-family home. The tax would apply to corporations […]
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Budget, school construction, and attendance are all on the agenda for WUN’s conversation with Newport School Superintendent
While kids were on their winter break, Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain remained focused on a myriad of issues, including strategic planning, the budget, and Rogers High School construction. She joins WUN for her monthly videocast on Wednesday, February 28, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss these and other issues in Newport schools. These are […]
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Playful Milkdud seeks a loving, sweet forever home
Meet your new best friend, Milkdud – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Milkdud is a one-year-old mixed breed and is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “This sweet boy loves the company of humans. He is so friendly to every person he meets and will give all of […]
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People’s Credit Union supports MLK Center with a donation
People’s Credit Union recently presented a check for $2,000 to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The donation is aimed at supporting the essential work of the Center in nourishing, educating, and supporting people across Newport County. Sean Daly, Head of People’s Credit Union, and Courtney Hunter, Head of Community Development, handed over […]
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Rhode Island bill would prevent the state from implementing any mandatory vaccinations in the future
A bill has been submitted to the Rhode Island House of Represenatives that would prevent the state from implementing any mandatory vaccinations in the future, including COVID-19 vaccines. The legislation was introduced by Representative Robert Quattrocchi, a Republican who represents District 41 – Scituate, Cranston. “One of my immediate main concerns at the beginning of […]
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Middletown submits Stage II Application for new school, related work
Middletown has filed its Stage II application with the state Department of Education (RIDE) for a new middle-high school and related work. The news is the latest step the community must complete to build the 200,000-square-foot school on open property just north of the existing Gaudet Middle School. The close to 2,300-page Stage 2 document […]
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Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office appoints new director of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office has a new director of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention. The new role will spearhead outreach to community organizations to prevent violence. Paul Fox has extensive experience in community violence prevention and has worked for the Nonviolence Institute and the City of Providence. “Our Office continues to attract dedicated […]
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Rhode Island Department of State reminds voters of upcoming deadlines for presidential preference primary election
The Rhode Island Department of State is reminding eligible voters of the approaching deadlines to register or disaffiliate in order to vote in the state’s presidential preference primary election on April 2, 2024. Voters must register in person by March 3; they can register online or at their local board of canvassers’ office. The deadline […]
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Middletown’s Property Assessments are in the mail
The Town of Middletown has announced that property assessment notices are in the mail and expected to be delivered by the end of the week. The notices are part of the town’s Revaluation 2024 process. According to the town, all residential properties in Middletown are projected to increase close to 43 percent in value, compared […]
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Herren Organizations Illuminate a Beacon of Hope with special guests Governor McKee and Mayor Smiley in attendance
The Herren Organizations, alongside honored guests Governor Dan McKee of the State of Rhode Island and Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, are set to cast a radiant glow over the State House Dome in purple, symbolizing a commitment to the prevention of substance misuse and a celebration of recovery and overall wellness. This initiative marks […]
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Pastrnak nets hat trick but Kraken top Bruins 4-3 in shootout
By MARK MOSCHETTI Associated Press SEATTLE (AP) — Kailer Yamamoto scored the only goal in a shootout and the Seattle Kraken overcame David Pastrnak’s hat trick to beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 on Monday night. Jordan Eberle, Vince Dunn and Oliver Bjorkstrand scored for Seattle, which twice came from behind to tie the game. Philipp […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rose Island artist residency application now open
The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust–a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to preserve the historic and environmental integrity of Rose Island and maintain the lighthouse as open for public access and education–is offering this opportunity to Rhode Island-based artists to come stay on the island for 6 nights in mid-September to work on […]