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 […]
News
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
‘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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
2023 State Beach Season Parking Passes now available online
PROVIDENCE, RI — The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that 2023 State beach season parking passes and gift certificates are available for the 2023 beach season. They are available for purchase online and are for resident, non-resident, or senior State beach season parking passes.
“It might seem counterintuitive to already be planning for this summer’s hazy, hot, and humid beach days, but now is the perfect time to buy your 2023 State beach season parking pass for some of the best beaches anywhere,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Beach parking passes make a great gift for loved ones, friends, and co-workers any time of year, and allow for quicker entry into beach lots during the busy summer season.
Beach passes and gift certificates may be purchased at the current state beach season parking rates for residents, non-residents, and seniors. Resident passes are $30, non-resident passes are $60, resident senior passes are $15, and non-resident senior passes are $30. When redeeming a gift certificate to purchase a resident or senior pass, the recipient must provide proof of residency and/or senior status to complete the purchase. The gift certificate cannot be redeemed for cash value. Customers will be notified about approval of their season pass within seven to 10 business days. Please visit www.riparks.com/beachpass to purchase your State beach parking season pass.
If a gift certificate is misplaced, please contact rhodeislandbeaches@lazparking.com as soon as possible. For a full list of restrictions on state season beach passes and gift certificates, please click here. No-cost disability passes are available for those who are eligible. Please contact RI State Parks Headquarters at 667-6200 for questions or to confirm you have your proper paperwork before you arrive to get the 2023 pass.
Season passes allow entry into parking lots at all eight of Rhode Island’s state beaches: Charlestown Breachway, East Beach in Charlestown, East Matunuck in South Kingstown, Misquamicut in Westerly, Roger Wheeler, Scarborough North and South, and Salty Brine in Narragansett. However, it does not guarantee admission on high-capacity days or provide preference over other passes. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis at all locations. Resident and non-resident status are based solely upon the state in that the vehicle is registered. If you purchase a resident pass, your vehicle must be registered in Rhode Island. The only exception to this regulation is military personnel who are stationed in Rhode Island and provide proof or permanent duty papers. All others are required to purchase a non-resident pass. If the pass does not match the state registration status of the vehicle, the pass will be voided, and the occupants will be required to pay the day-use parking fee. Passes are non-transferable. A parking pass is tied to the specific vehicle.
A discounted senior citizen State beach season parking pass is available to individuals who are 65 or older. An eligible senior must be present in the vehicle and may be required to present identification as proof of age. If a senior is not present in the vehicle, the car will be required to pay the day-use parking fee. Season passes are non-refundable. Please make sure you purchase the correct pass based on your residency and/or age. More importantly, please do not wait until you plan to go to the beach to get your 2023 State beach season parking pass. This process takes a minimum of 24 hours during the summer months to verify residency as well as those who qualify for senior or military rates.
Please note that if you are purchasing a pass for a second vehicle, you will need to use a different email address. Only one email address can be used per vehicle.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
What’s Up Today: Thursday, January 5
Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 1,061 words — a 5-minute read. 🏀 The Providence men’s basketball team came up with a big win over No. 4 UConn last night. (What’sUpNewp) 🎉 Staying on the court, Maeve Crowley became the 14th player to score 1000 career points for Rogers last night. She reached the milestone with […]
Providence man sentenced to Federal Prison for participating in ongoing fraud schemes
A Providence man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for his involvement in check-cashing fraud schemes before and after his initial arrest for bank fraud. Rachon Waite, 32, admitted to recruiting individuals on social media to use their personal identifying information and bank accounts to cash fraudulently-created checks from December 2020 to […]
