STATE HOUSE – The following joint statement from Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio was issued today in reaction to a judge ruling Rhode Island’s truck tolling system is unconstitutional; “We just learned about the ruling in the long-running litigation process resulting from the 2016 legislation. The General Assembly prohibited the […]
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DEM reopens most of Shellfish Area A in Upper Narragansett Bay as of sunrise today
PROVIDENCE, RI —The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that as of sunrise today, it has reopened most of upper Narragansett Bay shellfish Area A that it had closed after a sewage spill on Lake Shore Drive in Warwick Sept. 12. DEM also is updating the estimated volume of untreated sewage — from the initial 450,000-gallon estimate to 161,600 gallons — that was discharged into Warwick Pond. The new estimate is based on a Warwick Sewer Authority (WSA) review by an engineer and data from the septic tank trucker haulers that the WSA hired to transport the sewage from the site to prevent more from being spilled into the pond. Warwick Pond flows into Buckeye Brook, which ultimately discharges to upper Narragansett Bay southwest of Conimicut Point.
Since the sewer pipe rupture, DEM required the WSA to collect bacteria samples at multiple locations around the pond, brook, and Old Mill Creek. These samples have shown a decline in bacteria levels since the initial spill. Also, water samples collected by DEM in Area A on Sept. 15 and Sept. 19 have shown bacteria levels returning to normal in all of Area A except at Mill Cove, where the creek empties into the bay.
Consequently, DEM has reopened most of upper Narragansett Bay Area A to shellfishing. Shellfish harvesting, however, continues to be prohibited in the waters west of a line extending from Conimicut Point to the extension of Ogden Avenue in Warwick. This 170-acre area will remain closed to shellfishing until further notice. DEM will continue to test bacteria levels in the upper Bay to track recovery of water quality.
For more information on the shellfish harvesting classifications, review the annual notice available at RIDEM – Shellfish. An interactive shellfishing map also is available.
For information on emergency and conditional area water quality related shellfish closures, call DEM’s 24-hour shell fishing hotline at 401-222-2900, visit www.dem.ri.gov/shellfish, or sign up for the Office of Water Resources’ listserv here: RishellfishOWR-subscribe@listserve.ri.gov.
For information about DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
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Fishermen appeal judge ruling that protects endangered whale
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine and a fishing group are appealing a federal judge’s decision that new rules intended to protect endangered whales must stand. The judge earlier this month denied a request from fishermen to stop federal regulators from placing the new restrictions on lobster fishing. The rules are intended to protect […]
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6 tips for eating more mindfully
It’s easy to get distracted and rush through life. Between constant smartphone notifications, work emails, family obligations, and the never-ending scroll on social media, it’s no wonder the world is constantly operating in a state of hurry. Unfortunately, our eating habits tend to reflect that. With numerous fast food options and the ability to order […]
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Increase in Venezuelan migration is felt across US
By ACACIA CORONADO and GISELA SALOMON Associated Press EAGLE PASS, Texas (AP) — It cost Nerio two months and everything he had to get from Venezuela to the U.S., traveling mainly by foot and watching as exhausted fellow migrants were assaulted or left behind to die. Like an increasing number of Venezuelans, Nerio undertook a dangerous journey […]
Posted inMartha's Vineyard, News
Migrants sue Florida governor over Martha’s Vineyard flights
BOSTON (AP) — Venezuelan migrants flown to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his transportation secretary Tuesday for engaging in a “fraudulent and discriminatory scheme” to relocate them. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, alleges that the migrants were told they were going to Boston or […]
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Elizabeth Burke Bryant to step down as KIDS COUNT executive director
From Marisa Albanese, KIDS COUNT Board Chairperson Elizabeth Burke Bryant, who over her 28 years as executive director of KIDS COUNT has made the organization Rhode Island’s premier child advocacy organization, is stepping down as executive director, the organization announced this afternoon. “During her tenure, Elizabeth has been one of Rhode Island’s most influential leaders […]
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Massachusetts panel explores changes to state seal, motto
BOSTON (AP) — The commission appointed to come up with a new state seal and motto for Massachusetts to replace the current ones that critics decry as racially insensitive to the state’s Indigenous communities discussed some early ideas, but made no firm decisions, at a meeting Tuesday. The Special Commission on the Official Seal and Motto […]
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Salve Regina University partners with University of Saint Joseph on pathway to master of social work degree
Salve Regina University and the University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, Conn.), both Mercy institutions, today announced that they have partnered to develop a pathway leading to a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina and a master of social work degree from USJ. The collaboration, which responds to the increasing demand for social work professionals, will begin […]
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‘Arts Champion Iona Dobbins – A Collection of Rhode Island Art’ on display at the Atrium Gallery
Providence, RI— The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today the exhibit, Arts Champion Iona Dobbins – A Collection of Rhode Island Art, to feature an arrangement of drawings, paintings, etchings, monotype, a quilt, along with ceramic, metal, blown and fused glass sculptural pieces from the collection of long-time R.I. arts advocate Iona Dobbins (1930-2012). […]
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295-foot Tall Ship Barque EAGLE will stop at Naval Station Newport this weekend
The 295-foot United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE, the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard, is returning to Newport. As part of its OCS Fall Cruise, the EAGLE will depart New London, Connecticut on September 17 with candidates from the Officer Candidate School, according to its schedule. The EAGLE is scheduled to arrive in Newport on […]
Posted inCity & Government
Town of Middletown: Regionalization savings conversation on tap
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 19, 2022) – One of the big selling points of regionalizing schools with Newport is the potential savings. On Monday night at a meeting in Town Hall, the Middletown Town Council approved a resolution from the City of Newport committing to a discussion about reinvesting some — or all — of that money […]
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How to become a poll worker—and other ways to encourage voting
Voting in America is as old as the country itself. From the first election in 1788, in which George Washington was unanimously elected president, to President Joe Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump in 2020, voting for our leaders is one of the few parts of the political process that hasn’t changed much—though in […]
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Newport and Middletown School Committees will host a joint discussion on regionalization this evening
The Newport & Middletown School Committees will meet tonight, September 20 at 5:30 pm to discuss school regionalization. The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the CCRI Newport Auditorium, 1 John H. Chafee Blvd., Newport. DownloadMeetingFilesDownload Image Credit: Town of Middletown
Posted inMartha's Vineyard, News
Texas sheriff investigating flights to Martha’s Vineyard
By PAUL J. WEBER Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas sheriff on Monday opened an investigation into two flights of migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but did not say what laws may have been broken in putting 48 Venezuelans on private planes last week from San Antonio. Bexar County Sheriff […]
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EXPLAINER: Bused, flown migrants can live in US — for now
By ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press Republican governors have been sending more migrants released at the U.S. border with Mexico to Democratic strongholds, raising questions about their legal status, how they are lured on board buses and planes and the cost to taxpayers. Florida’s Ron DeSantis flew about 50 Venezuelans last week to the small, upscale island of […]
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Adoptable Dog of the Week: Louie Haha
Meet your new best friend, Louie Haha– this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Louie Haha is a 8-year-old male Terrier, Pit Bull/Mix. Louie Haha is considered a large-sized dog, weighing between 60-99 pounds. Louie Haha. Photo Credit: Potter League for Animals Here’s what else […]
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Aquidneck Community Table is being challenged!
Recently awarded a challenge grant by a generous donor, Aquidneck Community Table – most well known for their management of farmers markets on Aquidneck Island – is asking supporters, new and current, to help the non-profit organization take full advantage of the pledged funds that will double every new or increased donation up to $25,000 […]
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Mokka Coffehouse, Boat Hauling Business, and other businesses for sale right now in Rhode Island
The latest listings on BizBuySell, LoopNet, and realtor website show all kinds of businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island. Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business. The names and locations are generally left out, but there […]
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Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus celebrates the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month
STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Black and Latino Legislative is highlighting and celebrating the beginning of the 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration began on September 15 and ends on October 15. The caucus is chaired by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket). “With Latinos continuing to make their mark in Rhode Island, […]
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Feds seize ‘staggering’ amount of fake Adderall pills
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The seizure of more than 660,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine has led to charges against one man, federal authorities in Rhode Island announced Monday. Dylan Rodas, 27, has agreed to plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in connection with the seizure earlier this year of the fake […]
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R.I. Board of Elections celebrates National Voter Registration Day
CRANSTON, R.I. – Tomorrow, September 20, 2022, the Rhode Island Board of Elections will celebrate National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to raising awareness of voter registration opportunities and to reaching voters who may not register otherwise.
2022 also marks National Voter Registration Day’s 10th anniversary.
“There is nothing more basic to our democracy than voting, and by celebrating National Voter Registration Day we’re raising awareness of the need to register to exercise that right here in Rhode Island,” said Diane C. Mederos, Chair of the Rhode Island Board of Elections. “Rhode Islanders 18 years or older can visit the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Center (vote.ri.gov) to register to vote or to update their voter record. The Rhode Island Board of Elections is proud to participate in this civic holiday to encourage registration, voting, and participation in our democracy.”
Pre-registration can happen online (vote.ri.gov) at 16 years old. All individuals utilizing the online voter registration portal must have a Rhode Island driver’s license or State ID. If they don’t, they can print the form online and mail it to their local Board of Canvassers or visit in-person.
“The Rhode Island Board of Elections is proud to participate in National Voter Registration Day to support increased participation in elections,” said Robert Rapoza, Executive Director. “National Voter Registration Day is an important reminder to get registered if you are not already, and to update your voter registration if you’ve recently moved or changed your name.”
National Voter Registration Day is held each year on a Tuesday in September. Since 2012, over 4.7 million voters have registered on the holiday. The holiday has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the National Association of Election Officials (The Election Center). Visit NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org for more information.
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Newport Historical Society will host its Annual Meeting on October 6
Newport Historical Society today announced that it will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 6 at 4:30 pm at the Colony House. The Annual Meeting will include a review of NHS’ accomplishments in the last year as well as the presentation of awards to NHS community members, according to NHS. Executive Director Ruth Taylor will be dedicating the NHS […]
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3 home improvement projects with the highest payoff before and after COVID-19
That kitchen remodeling you’ve been saving for? It may not add as much value to your home today as it would have three years ago. That’s because, generally, returns on investment in home improvement projects are lower now than pre-pandemic. But there are still several upgrades—including a kitchen remodel—that can help homeowners recoup a majority […]
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Former jobs of the governor of every state
In 2018, 36 out of the nation’s 50 states held elections for governor. A record-shattering 16 women were major party nominees for governor, nine of which were successful, making the current number of female governors tied with the all-time high number set in 2004. The LGBTQ+ community also made historic strides, as Colorado’s Jared Polis […]