A cold snap across much of the U.S. in the last two weeks have forced refineries to slow operations and even shut down, including on the Texas gulf coast, sending prices at the pump slightly higher and increasing air pollution. A gallon of gas was $3.29 on average this week, up from the previous week’s […]
News
Posted inBusiness
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 Dec. 30 to Jan. 6. Stocks headquartered in Rhode Island, listed on the Russell 3000, and a market cap over $5.0 billion on October 27th were considered. […]
Posted inNews
The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz
Fritz Holznagel, The Conversation We hope you’ve enjoyed this first regular quiz from our new quizmaster, Fritz Holznagel, a past winner of the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. If you have feedback on the quiz, please send us an email at us.quiz@theconversation.com. Fritz Holznagel, Quizmaster, The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a […]
Posted inNews
On first day, Massachusetts Gov. Healey names climate chief
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey marked her first full day on the job Friday by issuing an executive order creating what she says is the nation’s first cabinet-level state climate chief. Healey said the climate chief will be charged with working with state officials and city and town […]
Posted inNews
Best 2022 movies directed by women
This past year proved to be a tumultuous one for women around the world, particularly in light of the laws imposed upon them and their bodies—from the overturning of abortion rights in the U.S. to protests against mandatory hijab in Iran. The resulting political fervor has no doubt affected female filmmaking, filling it with a […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Cat of the Week: Maya
Meet your new best friend, Maya– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! Maya is a female Domestic Shorthair, approximately five years and nine months old. “Maya is a special kitty, with a mind of her own! When Maya desires, she’ll rub up against you for attention, and will walk away when she’s had her […]
Posted inNews
A look at the most-read What’sUpNewp stories this week
The first week of 2023 has been a busy one for us here at What’sUpNewp. Here’s a look at the top stories of the week. Recent Local Obituaries
Posted inNews
A glimpse at what the weather has in store for the weekend
The weather forecast for this weekend is looking mostly cloudy with a chance of rain this afternoon and a chance of rain before 8pm tonight. Patchy fog is also expected before 8pm tonight. Highs will be around 43 degrees with a low tonight of around 34 degrees. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a high […]
Posted inCity & Government
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Jan. 7 – 14)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 Project The Rhode Island Department of Transportation today provided the following weekly update regarding the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse to join Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus for a virtual conversation on Climate Change
The Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus will host a virtual conversation on climate change with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. EST. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Zoom and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the latest environmental news from Washington […]
Posted inNews
Five fun facts about each of Newport’s oldest and most historic churches
If you thought the City of Newport had a long history, you should spend some time reading up on each and every church, congregation, parish and religious meeting place. The triumphs and tribulations of each organization over hundreds of years is beautiful, remarkable and something that we should all spend more time learning about. There […]
Posted inNews
Vermont seeks federal damage assessment from storm, outages
WATERBURY, Vt. (AP) — Vermont has requested a federal damage assessment to see if the state qualifies for a federal major disaster declaration from last month’s storm that caused tens of thousands of power outages and other damage. Vermont Emergency Management Director Erica Bornemann requested the preliminary assessment for Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, and […]
Posted inNews
Maximum vehicle weight on Mount Hope Bridge reduced to 30 tons for some vehicles
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has announced that the maximum vehicle weight allowed on the Mount Hope Bridge will be reduced from 40 tons to 30 tons as of December 29, 2022. The change is necessary due to updates in the Federal Highway Administration’s load rating manual and an “as-built” design factor […]
Posted inCity & Government
State-stocked ponds and lakes to offer winter fishing opportunities with lake trout, rainbow trout, and salmon
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that it will be stocking ten lakes and ponds with rainbow trout, Sebago Atlantic salmon, and new this year, lake trout starting Monday, January 9, and continuing through Friday, January 17. DEM says that it will stock the following waterbodies: Barber Pond, South Kingstown: trout, salmon, […]
Posted inNews
Providence man who shot officer gets 40 years behind bars
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A man who shot and injured a Rhode Island police officer during an exchange of gunfire outside a laundromat in 2019 has been sentenced to serve 40 years in prison. Tyrone Robinson, 22, of Providence was sentenced this week after pleading no contest to several charges including intent to commit murder, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Friday, January 6
Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 1,173 words — a 6-minute read. 🕯️ The League of Women Voters Newport County will hold a Candlelight Vigil from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm today in Washington Square to commemorate the events that occurred on January 6, 2021. According to event organizers, the vigil, titled “Lest We Forget: Votes […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Fog and rain in the forecast for today, partly sunny skies for the weekend
The weather forecast for today and this weekend calls for a chance of snow and rain, with areas of fog expected early in the day. Temperatures will be in the mid-40s, with a high near 44 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 100%. There is a slight chance of snow before 7 am, with little […]
Posted inNews
New $46 million Air National Guard HQ to modernize Rhode Island’s 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset
The Rhode Island Air National Guard is set to receive a new $46 million headquarters at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, thanks to funding secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed. The state-of-the-art complex will replace the current 81-year-old facility, modernizing the base of operations for the 143rd Airlift Wing and enabling it […]
Posted inNews
New bill aims to increase access to abortion services in Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island’s House Majority Whip, Katherine S. Kazarian, has introduced the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, which aims to ensure that individuals on Medicaid and state health insurance plans have coverage for abortion procedures. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence) stated that access to reproductive health is not equal in the state and […]
Posted inCity & Government
New tax credits and rebates available to help lower energy bills and green up homes
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined Rhode Island Energy and labor officials to encourage Rhode Island residents to take advantage of new home energy tax credits and rebates that went into effect on January 1. The credits and rebates are part of the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act and can provide significant savings on energy-efficient home improvements, […]
Posted inNews
Providence man sentenced to 40 years for shooting police officer
A Providence man has been sentenced to serve 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting a police officer in 2019. Tyrone Robinson, 22, entered a plea of nolo contendere, meaning he does not contest the charge, to one count of assault with intent to commit murder, one count of discharge of a firearm […]
Posted inNews, Politics
First woman elected Massachusetts governor sworn in
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Maura Healey, the first woman and first open member of the LGBTQ community to be elected governor of Massachusetts, was sworn into office at the Statehouse Thursday, pledging to lead “with empathy and with equity.” Healey’s elevation to governor signals a political shift in the state’s top elected office […]
Posted inNews
‘Gut-wrenching’: Rising star state lawmaker killed in crash
By SUSAN HAIGH and DAVE COLLINS Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut state representative, considered a rising political star, was killed when a wrong-way driver crashed head-on into his vehicle early Thursday morning as he returned home from the governor’s inauguration ball, state police said. The other driver also died. Quentin Williams, a […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University names Sean Sullivan as its next Director of Athletics
Salve Regina University has announced that Sean Sullivan, Ed.D., will be its new director of athletics, effective January 30. Sullivan has been the associate vice president of student affairs and director of athletics at The Catholic University of America since 2013. He will replace Jody Mooradian, who retired after serving in the position since 2016. […]
Posted inWeather
Newport Weather Forecast: Rain, fog, and a slight chance of snow this weekend
Good afternoon everyone, it’s a cloudy day here in Newport with patchy fog and a slight chance of rain. The high for today is expected to be around 46 degrees with a north wind of around 8 mph. Tonight, there is a chance of rain after 1 am, with patchy fog and a low of […]