Posted inCity & Government, News

Rhode Island tackles housing shortage by making it easier to add rental units on to homes

By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — A new state law designed to streamline the process of developing accessory dwelling units — also known as “granny flats” or “in-law apartments” — is being hailed by advocates as a way to create affordable living spaces amid an ongoing housing crunch. The law, signed by Democratic […]

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RIPTA launches road safety survey

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has launched a survey to get feedback from Rhode Islanders on road safety. This is part of the agency’s plans to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The survey is available online and has multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Participants can also tag the locations of safety challenges […]

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Sen. Euer, Rep. Boylan attend White House gun safety convention

Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer and Rep. Jennifer Boylan attended a White House meeting dedicated to state-level legislative gun violence prevention efforts last week. The event brought together state legislators from across the country to strategize with each other and with senior White House officials on effective policy solutions to the gun violence epidemic plaguing the […]

Posted inArts & Culture

61st Wickford Art Festival set for July 13 – 14

The Wickford Art Festival returns to Wilson Park for its 61st annual celebration. This year’s festival promises an immersive experience of art, culture, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. This annual event supports the Wickford Art Association’s mission dedicated to promoting the arts in the community – specifically through its scholarship program that awards Rhode Island high […]

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Environmental groups decry attempt to delay shipping rules intended to save whales

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Georgia congressman has proposed a yearslong delay in changes to federal rules meant to protect vanishing whales, prompting a rebuke from environmental groups who say the animals need protection now. The delay proposed by Republican Rep. Buddy Carter concern new vessel speed rules issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service […]

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Governor McKee announces round two of Community Learning Center Grants

Governor McKee has announced round two of Rhode Island’s Community Learning Centers Municipal Grant program, awarding a total of $26.9 million planned for Central Falls, Charlestown, Coventry, Exeter, Lincoln, North Providence, and Woonsocket. “The community learning centers create centralized, convenient spaces for all ages to participate in education, employment, and wellness programs,” said Governor Dan […]

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Providence businesswoman arraigned in Federal Court in alleged $10 million fraud schemes targeting seniors and others

A Warwick woman was arraigned in federal court after allegedly bilking $10 million from her victims through a series of fake lottery and investment schemes. Meagan Shine, 47, is facing four counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She allegedly duped the elderly and other vulnerable people into sending […]

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Middletown Town Council tackles coyote problem, affordable housing, and sidewalk project

The Middletown Town Council held a regular meeting on July 1, addressing several key issues affecting the community, including a growing coyote problem, affordable housing updates, and a contentious sidewalk project. Residents voiced concerns about an increasing coyote population in town, citing safety fears for pets and children. Karen Harrington said, “We’ve reached a point […]

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Ocean Discovery League awarded $1.2M grant

The Rhode Island-based Ocean Discovery League has received a $1.2 million federal grant for the development of a low-cost, deep-ocean exploration technology. The funding, which was awarded through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Integrated Ocean Observing System Ocean Technology Transition award, will help lower the financial and technical barriers to deep-sea exploration, according to […]

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Animal rescuers save more than 100 dolphins during mass stranding event around Cape Cod

WELLFLEET, Mass. (AP) — Animal rescuers were able to coax more than 100 dolphins away from shallow waters around Cape Cod over the weekend after about 125 of the Atlantic white-sided dolphins became stranded. An estimated 13 dolphins died and one had to be euthanized, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which helped lead […]

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General Assembly to look for potential improvements to statewide school transportation system

A new legislative study commission will look for ways to improve the statewide school transportation system under a resolution sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Terri Cortvriend and now signed by Gov. Daniel McKee. The joint resolution (2024-S 2523B, 2024-H 7915A), which passed the General Assembly June 13 and was signed by the governor last […]

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