Robert M. Dover, University of Hull On the 70th birthday of Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Nobel prize committee has recognised the work of three winners who are all battling against Putin or pro-Putin regimes. The peace prize has gone to imprisoned Belarus activist Ales Bialiatski, Russian human rights organisation Memorial and the Center for […]
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Adoptable Cat of the Week: Missy
Meet your new best friend, Missy – this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on its website that Missy is a 13-year-old female Domestic Longhair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Missy; Missy girl is a beautiful 13.5 year old senior girl looking to […]
The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz
Quizmaster, The Conversation If you have feedback on our new quiz, or want to suggest a fact from a fascinating story for a future question, please send us an email at us.quiz@theconversation.com. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
New satellite mapping with AI can quickly pinpoint hurricane damage across an entire state to spot where people may be trapped
Zhe Zhu, University of Connecticut and Su Ye, University of Connecticut Hurricane Ian left an extraordinarily broad path of destruction across much of South Florida. That was evident in reports from the ground, but it also shows up in satellite data. Using a new method, our team of spatial and environmental analysts was able to […]
Middletown resident finds Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County’s new pool chairlift a game changer
When Jan Shea saw the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County’s new pool chair lift, it was love at first sight. After being sidelined by significant health issues, including the partial amputation of her left leg, she wanted to get back into swimming but dreaded entering the pool via the archaic chair lift that […]
Archaeological Assessment of Butts Hill Fort completed
The Battle of RI Association (BoRIA) has announced announce that an archaeological assessment of Butts Hill Fort has been completed. This work was done by Joseph (Jay) Waller, an archaeologist with the Public Archaeology Laboratory (PAL), one of the leading firms in New England. BoRIA expresses thanks to Mr. Waller and PAL who did this […]
Nearly a third of legislators running unopposed
While the statewide Republican Party represents itself as stronger than ever, it is still failing to offer candidates in nearly a third of the state’s legislative races. In the House of Representatives, 22 legislators are running unopposed. That’s 29.3 percent of the 75 members of the House that are facing no opposition in the General […]
Science Learning Gone Wild! DEM offers wildlife curriculum “Critter Kits” for elementary educators
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is excited to announce that Rhody Critter Kits are back for another year. Educational resources for K-8 educators organized thematically into learning modules, Critter Kits contain lesson plans, activities, videos, hands-on learning guides, and other fun-filled resources developed by the DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Outreach staff. The kits emphasize native wildlife species, conservation work, and management practices.
“Rhody Critter Kits have been designed to connect elementary-age students to the wildlife resources right in their own backyards and communities, as well as spread awareness about wildlife conservation work in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “I appreciate the effort, creativity, and sense of fun that our Wildlife Outreach team put into making these vibrant materials, and am particularly proud that our team developed them to conform with Next Generation Science Standards. Science is central to our lives and DEM hopes that Critter Kits will spark an interest in today’s students to solve problems, tinker, build things, tear things apart, and explore outside.”
“In our Rhody Critter Kits, we included video interviews with our biologists and fun virtual field trips to give students a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in action,” said Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Mary Gannon. “We’ve also included resources and suggestions on how teachers and students can get involved and help wildlife right in their own schoolyards, backyards, and communities. Whether it’s submitting an observation of a frog through the DEM HerpObserver app or planting native plants in your school garden, there are lots of ways educators can create direct connections to our wildlife and contribute to conservation. These resources aren’t just for classroom teachers, either. We encourage informal educators, homeschooling families, scouting groups, and other groups interested in Rhode Island’s wildlife to check them out! We also have partnered with the RI Office of Library and Information Services to provide a set of kits for children’s librarians.”
DEM Wildlife Outreach staff have developed five kits: Feathered Friends, Bat Chat, Keeping the Balance, Scales and Slime, and Home Sweet Habitat. Kits are available to borrow, free of charge, for two weeks at a time. To reserve a kit, visit www.dem.ri.gov/critterkits to view available dates and then fill out the reservation form to request a kit. Once your reservation has been confirmed, your kit may be picked up any time during your reservation period. Educators in the Providence, Bristol, and Kent Counties may borrow kits through the Washington Park Library in Providence. Educators in Washington and Newport Counties may borrow kits through the DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Great Swamp Headquarters in West Kingston. Librarians should reserve kits through the OLIS Equipment Catalog. All written resources are available online for use anytime by visiting the Critter Kits website.
The Rhody Critter Kits program is made possible through support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program and State Wildlife Grants (SWG) from hunting licenses, permits, and excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Monies are allocated each year to DEM through the WSFR Program to fund wildlife research, monitoring, habitat acquisition and restoration, wildlife outreach programs, and aquatic resource and hunter education courses. Additional funds from the SWG Program are allocated to support conservation and outreach efforts for Rhode Island’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
For additional questions about Rhody Critter Kits and Wildlife Outreach Program, please email mary.gannon@dem.ri.gov.
For more information on DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), Facebook, or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @ri.fishandwildlife).
A timeline of notable government bailout and relief programs in US history
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the most significant infusion of federal aid to businesses and families in American history. But this pandemic wasn’t the first time the government has stepped in to rescue a failing industry or the economy. From America’s earliest days, the government has periodically recognized the need to step in to avert […]
Longtime Met Museum chair presents conference keynote as Salve Regina celebrates ‘75 Years of Preservation’
By Matt Boxler, Director of Media Relations for Salve Regina University Morrison Heckscher, the longtime chairman of the American wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will present the Richard A. Grills Keynote Address in Historic Preservation when Salve Regina presents its annual Conference on Cultural and Historic Preservation Oct. 13-15. Hosted by the university’s […]
RIDOT opening a new Route 138 extension in Newport tonight
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that tonight, Thursday, October 6, it will change the traffic pattern on Route 138 East in Newport, shifting traffic onto the new Route 138 extension road to Admiral Kalbfus Road. The new Route 138 extension will follow the path of a redesigned section of Halsey […]
Here’s what’s on the docket for Newport City Council’s next Regular Council Meeting
Newport City Council will host its next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber at Newport City Hall. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda; The agenda with supporting attachments will soon be available here. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR […]
Newport Public Schools: Superintendent’s Community Update – October 5
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools shared the following community update on Wednesday, October 5.
City of Newport preparing for Broadway Street Fair
The City of Newport today announced that its staff is preparing for the return of the Broadway Street Fair this coming Saturday, Oct. 8th with stepped-up trash, safety, and parking operations on tap. The City is advising residents and fair attendees of the following: Beginning at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8th, vehicular access […]
DEM identifies victim in Oct. 1 kayaking accident in Narragansett
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is identifying Justin Harvey, 36, of Narragansett, as the decedent in a kayaking accident that took place in Narragansett on Oct. 1. A fisherman found Mr. Harvey’s body on a stretch of sand just east of Roger Wheeler State Beach Oct. 4 at 8 AM. Mr. Harvey was a commercial fisherman on a boat based in Point Judith.
A DEM Division of Law Enforcement investigation has found that Mr. Harvey and his girlfriend accessed the beach from a public right of way and paddled out in two separate kayaks at 9:30 PM Oct. 1. A strong tide pulled them farther from shore into rough water where Mr. Harvey’s kayak sank. His girlfriend jumped into the water and tried to rescue him but could not pull him up to the surface. A Marine Task Force contingent including boats from the Narragansett Fire Department, Portsmouth Fire Department, and the Unites States Coast Guard responded and searched for Mr. Harvey until 2 AM Oct. 2 before suspending because of poor weather conditions. The cause of death is not known at this time and will be determined by the Medical Examiners’ Office. The victim and his girlfriend were not wearing lifejackets at the time of the accident.
There have been three boating fatalities in Rhode Island in 2022 (Newport, July 14; Lincoln Woods State Park, July 23). All involved paddle craft and none of the victims was wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident. DEM offers sincere sympathies to Mr. Harvey’s family and loved ones.
Last of migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard to leave shelter
BOSTON (AP) — The last of dozens of migrants shipped to Martha’s Vineyard last month are set to depart temporary shelter at a military base on Cape Cod for transitional housing by the end of the weekend, according to Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration. The Venezuelan migrants were lured onto Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ flights to Martha’s Vineyard […]
Celtica Public House will become The Quencher, here’s who’s behind it and what they have planned
Just days after permanently closing, we now know what the future plans hold for Celtica Public House. 95 Long Wharf Mall, home to Celtica Public House, has been sold to some familiar folks in Newport County and What’sUpNewp was able to find out more about how the sale came together and what the plans are […]
Board of Elections adopts protocol for proofing and testing ExpressVote Machines
CRANSTON, R.I. – At yesterday’s meeting of the Rhode Island Board of Elections, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a new written protocol for the proofing and testing of ExpressVote machines prior to the November 8th general election and early voting period, which begins on October 19th.
Following issues identified during the early voting period for the September 13th primary election, Board of Elections staff worked closely with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) and ExpressVote vendor Election Systems & Software (ES&S) to develop the new protocol to ensure better collaboration between all parties during the proofing and testing period. In summary:
– ES&S will now provide the SOS with virtual ExpressVote screens to proof the onscreen ballots prior to Logic and Accuracy testing.
– The SOS will now certify that all ballot types, both printed and electronic, have been reviewed by their office for accuracy.
– The Board of Elections, as part of testing, will compare the ExpressVote screen to an actual test ballot, and verify that both the screen and printed ExpressVote card are accurate.
– Test cards will be inserted into the corresponding DS200 to confirm tabulation.
A detailed overview of the ExpressVote proofing and testing process is available here.
“Over the last three weeks, our staff has worked in close collaboration with the Secretary of State’s Office and Election Systems & Software to develop this new protocol to ensure that ExpressVote onscreen ballots and printed ExpressVote cards are accurate,” said Robert Rapoza, Executive Director of the Board of Elections. “Using this new protocol, ExpressVote and DS200 proofing and testing will be completed in the coming days, and prior to the start of early voting on October 19th. With these measures in place, Rhode Island voters can have full confidence casting their ballots utilizing ExpressVote machines.”
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Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina renamed Newport Harbor Island Resort, Davidson Resorts to operate
The next chapter for the hotel and resort on Goat Island has come. It’s not the Hyatt Regency or Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina anymore, it’s now the Newport Harbor Island Resort. Bethesda, Maryland-based Pebblebrook Hotel Trust announced on June 23, 2022, it acquired the 257-room hotel and resort for $174.0 million. Davidson Hospitality Group today announced […]
Rhode Island among states that recorded the biggest increase in their homeless populations
The COVID-19 pandemic took an immense toll on the lives of most Americans. Still, for those already experiencing homelessness or housing and economic insecurity, the challenges presented by the public health crisis were nearly impossible to escape. For unhoused people, emergency shelters, which once promised at least temporary refuge from the elements, became sources of […]
DEM set to reopen Upper Bay shellfishing on Warwick coastline after emergency closure
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)Â today announced that the emergency closure of the western side of Upper Narragansett Bay shellfish Area A is ending at sunrise tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 5. The emergency closure was for waters west of a line extending from Conimicut Point south to the extension of Ogden Avenue in Warwick. […]
Rhode Island among states with the most reported rental scams
Picture this: You’re hunting for an apartment and finally see an online listing in your price range that sparks your interest. You contact the property manager, file an application, and maybe even visit the property. But after you send them a security deposit and the first month’s rent, things take a turn. Maybe you’re told […]
State Arts Council opens applications for an arts workforce-development grant program
Providence, RI—The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today applications are now open for a new grant program that supports R.I.’s existing arts workforce development programs for arts and culture organizations, culturally specific organizations and secondary schools.
The Build the Future Grant, supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, will prepare R.I. residents for employment in the creative sector as part of the state’s recovery from the pandemic. The launch of this program coincides with October being Arts and Humanities Month in R.I., whose theme is Culture Builds the Future.
The deadline to apply for a Build the Future Grant is Friday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m.
“Rhode Island’s momentum in workforce development initiatives continues with our State’s Arts Agency releasing a new grant program dedicated to arts skills training and secondary education that will bolster our already thriving creative economy,” Governor McKee said. “Congratulations to RISCA on providing another key investment in improving the lives of Rhode Islanders.”
“As our creative community emerges from the effects of the pandemic, RISCA is taking the opportunity provided by ARPA recovery funds to build a strong future of well-trained, educated, sustainable and thriving arts and culture professionals,” Executive Director Lynne McCormack said. “These grants will bring important funding to Rhode Islanders who want to strengthen, formalize or begin careers in the arts with the creative skills necessary for a 21st century workforce.”
The Build the Future Grant program provides between $10,000 and $40,000 to support existing arts workforce development programs for secondary schools, arts and culture organizations and culturally specific organizations. Qualifying programs will be ones that offer arts career entry, advancement, education and/or technical training to a cohort group of individuals age 14 and older.
To answer questions about Build the Future grants and to assist in the application process, RISCA has scheduled a virtual workshop and office hours throughout October. RSVP is required for all workshops and one-on-one meetings. Visit www.arts.ri.gov to learn more.
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Sandra Flowers, candidate for Newport School Committee
Sandra Flowers, candidate for Newport School Committee, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Tuesday, October 4 at 1 pm. During this interview we introduce/re-introduce you to Sandra Flowers, chat about challenges with the school committee, school regionalization, and more. The candidates running for the seven seats on Newport School Committee are Louisa […]
Ribbon cut on Woonsocket Education Center, adding workforce training and education options for Northern Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee today praised private businesses, state agencies, donors, and the General Assembly for their collaboration and contributions that led to the creation of the new Woonsocket Education Center before snipping the giant ribbon signaling the official opening. “Our state has a responsibility to make sure that Rhode Islanders have the ability to qualify for the […]