John Rogers, chief executive and investment officer of Ariel Investments, will speak at a fireside chat with Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa on July 19, the office of the treasurer announced today. Rogers, the first Black-American mutual fund founder in U.S. history, will discuss the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the investment […]
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Vermonters, pummeled by floods exactly a year apart, begin another cleanup
By LISA RATHKE Associated Press PLAINFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Gov. Phil Scott said Friday it’ll take several more days to fully assess damage from flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, but he said Vermont is better positioned to recover quickly after enduring heartbreak, federal red tape and an extensive cleanup from massive floods […]
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Local students among Holy Cross Dean’s List honorees
The College of the Holy Cross has selected more than 1,600 students nationwide for its Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2023-24 academic year, including three local students. The Dean’s List is a comprehensive list of students who have demonstrated academic excellence and demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service to […]
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Senator Whitehouse bill targets foreign money in US elections
A new bill has been introduced by two senators that aims to close the “Citizens United loophole,” which prevents individual foreign nationals from spending in U.S. elections but does not prevent U.S.-registered corporations, including multinationals, from doing so. The loophole has allowed corporations to pour unlimited sums of money into American elections, said Senator Sheldon […]
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Aquidneck Island legislators bring e-bike safety support to the Big Blue Bike Barn
By Bike Newport A generous legislative grant will make it possible for Bike Newport to establish new educational programs for e-bike safety for Aquidneck Island’s schools and communities. Representatives Lauren Carson, Terri Cortvriend, Marvin Abney, and Alex Finkelman collectively provided the $8,000 grant that will support curriculum development, in-school e-bike education, and a variety of […]
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RIDOH recommends reopening the swimming area at Kingston Camp and Camp Hoffman
Update – July 13 The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Kingston Camp and Camp Hoffman in South Kingstown for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become […]
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Newport Restoration Foundation announces 18th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award honorees
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is announcing the recipients of its annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards for exemplary projects of historic preservation in Newport County and the annual President’s Award for lifetime achievement in historic preservation advocacy. This year’s President Awardees are Mrs. Hope “Happy” H. van Beuren and Mr. Charles A. Dana, who […]
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Rhode Island Philharmonic to Play at Roger Williams Park
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at Roger Williams Park on July 31st, 2024, for its annual Summer Pops concert. The free concert will take place at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and last 90 minutes. The 66-piece orchestra will be conducted by Troy Quinn […]
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Bill Belichick joining ‘Inside the NFL’ for upcoming season
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bill Belichick has added a second media job for the upcoming season. The CW Network announced Thursday that Belichick will be one of the analysts on “Inside the NFL.” Belichick, who coached the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during his 24 years at the helm, will also appear […]
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Salve Regina receives $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation
Salve Regina University announced today that it has been awarded a $1M grant from the National Science Foundation for student development. The “Supporting STEM Scholars to Engage in the Blue Economy” project contributes to the national need for a diverse and capable workforce of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians by increasing STEM degree completion of […]
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Free ‘Skin Check’ screenings to be available at Rhode Island Beaches
Between Friday, July 12 and August 17, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on five dates. “Along with seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a […]
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Indian Lake Hydrilla Coalition awarded $5,000
Representatives from the Indian Lake Hydrilla Response Coalition have received $5,000 in legislative grants to help combat the invasive species that is spreading in the lake. A total of seven neighborhoods around the lake that are home to over 700 homes have been working together to form a non-profit organization eligible for federal and state […]
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Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Mishnock Lake: Health officials warn of contact
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in Mishnock Lake in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, officials said Thursday. The state Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management advised people to avoid all contact with the lake. The blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomachache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, and fever. In pets, the […]
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Teachers’ dispute in mediation tomorrow
Newport teachers and school administrators will meet tomorrow (Thursday, July 11) at noon in a mediation session, both hopeful of resolving a dispute over the layoff of 16 teachers and displacement of 45 others. The session, said Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of the National Education Association Rhode Island will be held at NEA headquarters. The […]
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City of Newport: New statewide Tangible Tax exemption to benefit local businesses
According to the City of Newport, nearly 1,600 Newport business owners will not receive a Tangible Tax bill this year as a new statewide exemption goes into effect this month. The program, which was passed last year by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. McKee, provides a $50,000 exemption per business owner […]
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Extreme heat waves broiling the US in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world
Mathew Barlow, UMass Lowell and Jeffrey Basara, UMass Lowell Less than a month into summer 2024, the vast majority of the U.S. population has already experienced an extreme heat wave. Millions of people were under heat warnings across the western U.S. in early July or sweating through humid heat in the East. Death Valley hit […]
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Rhode Island enacts law to protect seniors from paper bill fees
Governor Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) that makes it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices. The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A, 2024-H 7940A) prohibits the charging of any fees to […]
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Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport ranked 2nd best in U.S.
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is the second best airport in the country, according to a new survey by the Travel + Leisure company. The domestic airport ranked 2nd out of 500 airports in the U.S., just 1/100th of a percent behind Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the top airport in the country. “We are […]
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Club Calais announces store closing
Club Calais, a popular women’s clothing store located at 198 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, for the last 19 years, will close its doors for good later this summer. Formerly known as Laura Jean Denim, the store originally opened in 2005 on William St, and specialized in women’s designer denim and boots. In later years, it […]
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Pawtucket man faces gun charge for lying about restraining order
A Pawtucket man is facing a charge of providing false information to obtain a firearm after investigators say he lied about having a restraining order against him. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced on Wednesday that Richard Osoria, 23, was charged with one count of providing false information while attempting to secure a firearm. Neronha said […]
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Arizona man charged with shipping meth to Rhode Island
An Arizona man is facing federal charges after authorities say he shipped more than four kilograms of meth to Rhode Island and bought gambling tickets with the money. Carl Sharp, 49, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was arrested by Providence police on July 6. Court documents say the investigation […]
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Rhode Island hiring more Forest Rangers
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is getting additional forest rangers this year. The hire is the result of a push from Exeter Representative Megan Cotter, according to a press release sent from the Rhode Island General Assembly on Cotter’s behalf. Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton), who led a House study commission […]
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Massachusetts ballot question would give Uber and Lyft drivers right to form a union
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Drivers for ride-hailing companies in Massachusetts are pushing ahead with what they describe as a first-of-its-kind ballot question that could win them union rights if approved. The push comes despite a landmark settlement last month guaranteeing that Uber and Lyft drivers will earn a minimum pay standard of $32.50 […]
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Newport’s longtime Finance Director, Interim City Manager set to retire
After over two decades of service, Laura L. Sitrin, the City of Newport’s longtime Finance Director and Interim City Manager, has announced her retirement. According to a press release from the City of Newport, Sitrin informed the City Council of her intentions on Tuesday, July 9th, writing, “I am deeply honored to have had the […]
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Wayfinder Newport officially reopens after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation
Wayfinder Newport, the first hotel in Dovetail + Co’s expanding Wayfinder collection, has officially reopened after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation. Hotel owner and developer Dovetail + Co oversaw the creation of Wayfinder Newport in 2020, building a loyal following of guests who enjoyed Wayfinder’s fresh take on Newport life. A fire in May 2022 […]