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If you plan to take the ferry to Bristol this weekend, you may want to pack a lunch and nap. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), there won’t be any ferry shuttle service from Bristol on Saturday, December 30. The ferry shuttle service to Bristol is free and runs seven days a […]

The Jamestown Town Council is considering a proposal that would repeal the town’s zoning ordinance and make changes to the existing code. The proposed changes, which include a repeal of the existing chapter 82- zoning ordinance and replacement by a new ordinance being considered for adoption, are scheduled to be discussed during a public hearing […]

Several new laws will be enacted in Rhode Island on Jan. 1, 2024, including a plastic bag ban and an increase in the state’s minimum wage. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles will also start giving state identification cards to those who can’t legally live in the U.S. with proper documentation. The new laws […]

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will run all of its fixed bus routes on a Sunday/holiday schedule on New Year’s Day, the agency announced Wednesday. All RIPTA offices will be closed when the holiday, as well as flex service and paratransit services, will also not be available. The RSide program, however, will operate on […]

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will change the Providence Viaduct’s traffic pattern on January 6, 2023. The change is part of the Providence Viaduct Northbound project, which aims to make the highway safer and reduce traffic. The most notable change will be the relocation of Exit 38 (old Exit 23) for Route 146 […]

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will conclude its pilot program that aimed to increase public transportation ridership by offering free rides in Central Falls and Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center. The pilot program, launched in March 2022, will conclude on December 31, 2023. During this time, a virtual boundary (geofence) was created around Central […]

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources released a list of its accomplishments for 2023, underscoring the state’s progress in its efforts to meet the goals outlined by the Rhode Island Act on Climate. The OER highlighted its key programs and policies to diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio, reduce emissions, and increase energy efficiency. […]

Governor Dan McKee and First Lady Susan McKee released a statement on Friday wishing everyone in Rhode Island a wonderful and happy Christmas. In their statement, the McKee family said, “Christmas has so many meanings for so many different people. For our family, it’s always been a time for celebrating togetherness, reminiscing on traditions created […]

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Department of Health have issued a statement recommending the lifting of recreational advisories for several bodies of water that were found to have high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. The advisories were issued for Waterman Reservoir in Glocester/Greenville, Little Pond in […]

The Portsmouth Republican Town Committee (PRTC) will host a signature party on Jan. 6, 2024, as a part of the upcoming Republican Presidential Primary Petition Period. The event, scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm, will be held at the Portsmouth Senior Center Library. Beverages and light snacks will be available. Signing petitions in support […]

With the holiday season in full swing, Rhode Island officials say they’re cracking down on impaired driving. On Thursday, public safety leaders from around the state came together to deliver a clear message about the risks of driving under the influence. “Ensuring that everyone who lives, works, and visits Providence feels safe is my top […]

Governor Dan McKee has issued a Declaration of Disaster Emergency for Rhode Island in the wake of severe storms this week that caused widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to homes and businesses. The declaration will help the state coordinate recovery efforts and potentially make federal aid available when needed, McKee said. “Cities and towns […]

As part of a statewide initiative to provide more affordable broadband internet to the entire state, Newport and other Aquidneck Island communities seek residents’ input on internet connectivity. The Aquidneck Island Broadband Consortium (AIBC), a partnership between the City of Newport, the Towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, is […]

The City of Newport, Town of Middletown, and Town of Portsmouth are among 14 Rhode Island municipalities that will share $5.9 million in federal funds for housing and community development grants. The money will allow the City of Newport to install a water fountain and electrical services for lighting at the North End Basketball Park, […]

A barracks investigation into receiving stolen goods led to the arrests of two Tiverton men, Rhode Island State Police shared on Sunday. Troopers arrested Clayton Manchester, 43, of Tiverton, at 10:06 am on charges of larceny of more than $10,000 and conspiracy to receive stolen goods, state police said. Grant Manchester, 39, of Tiverton, was […]

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s office has announced that the state will receive $56 million from CVS, Walgreens and Walmart as part of a multi-state legal settlement. The settlement, announced Thursday, is the latest development in a long-running legal process in which the state has been attempting to hold major pharmaceutical companies responsible for their […]

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding residents that the ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The ban prohibits retail establishments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores, from providing single-use plastic bags to customers at the point of sale. Businesses are still able to provide […]

A Middletown daycare center agreed to pay $7,000 to settle allegations of discrimination against a child with autism, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. Fresh Start Learning Center, located at 1165 Admiral Luce Street in Middletown, enrolls children ages 18 months to 5 years old. The center enrolled a child with autism in January 2022, […]

The four-member Rhode Island congressional delegation has requested federal aid to help expedite repairs to the Washington Bridge, which was closed suddenly on Tuesday due to a critical failure of key components. In a joint statement, the delegation, made up of Sen. Jack Reed, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Seth Magaziner, and Rep. Gabe Amo, said […]

Middletown is considering the most sweeping update to its zoning ordinances in nearly three decades to bolster the supply of affordable housing in the town. The proposed changes, which were spurred by a package of affordable housing legislation approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly earlier this year, are aimed at making it easier and […]

With repairs ongoing at both the Washington and Pell bridges, the City of Newport is expecting heavier-than-normal traffic throughout the remainder of the week. Newport Police will be posted at local intersections to help move traffic along, the City said in a press release, but motorists are advised to plan for delays. The Turnpike and […]

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sen. Jack Reed, D-RI, is urging Congress to continue assisting Ukraine. In a statement, Reed said the aid is a “wise investment in America’s security that will save innocent lives, combat the spread of authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, and strengthen regional peace and global stability.” He said it […]

The Washington Bridge has been closed since yesterday, and in a press conference this morning, Gov. Dan McKee gave an update on the situation and what steps are being taken to alleviate the impact the closure is having on local businesses. McKee said that RIDOT, the Rhode Island Department of Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), and […]

The Community College of Rhode Island has named a retired Warwick detective captain as the college’s new public safety director and police chief. Former Warwick Detective Captain and Army Major Joe Hopkins has been in the position on an interim basis since August. “Throughout his tenure here, first as captain and then as interim chief, […]

With many Rhode Islanders preparing to travel and attend holiday gatherings, health officials are urging people to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of illness. The Rhode Island Department of Health said everyone older than six months should get a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster, if they have not already received one. Health […]

Santa will begin his nightly rides around Newport on Tuesday, December 12. The Fire Department shared the exciting news on their Facebook page and announced that they will provide a link on their Facebook Page each night for a live tracker so kids can follow along as he makes his deliveries. Santa will leave from […]

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible for Rhode Island late Sunday night through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A Coastal Flood Watch has been issued for the entire state. The watch goes into effect at 4 a.m. Sunday and expires at 8 a.m. Monday. The weather service says minor to moderate […]

An 18-year-old Somerset man is facing serious charges after he allegedly drove drunk, passed a car going the wrong way on West Main Road and crashed, seriously injuring himself and a juvenile who were in the car with him. David Menezes was charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drugs causing serious bodily […]

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will permanently close the old downtown Newport exit on Route 138 East off the Pell Bridge on Friday, December 8, 2023. All traffic coming from the Pell Bridge into Newport will need to take the new ramp system. After the old off-ramp, drivers must stay to the left […]

A new report finds that enrollment in Rhode Island schools has declined significantly since 2019. The study, conducted by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), shows that public school enrollment has fallen by more than 7,000 students, and district school enrollment has fallen by more than 10,000 students. The report’s authors say that various […]

More than $2.4 million in the form of checks will be sent out to nearly 9,000 Rhode Islanders this holiday season, thanks to the Treasury’s Your Money program, announced Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa. Unclaimed property is made up of cash and assets that the Treasurer’s office recovers from businesses, banks, landlords, safe deposit […]

The December 13 regular City Council meeting agenda includes a public hearing to amend the zoning ordinance to allow temporary signage for the 2024 U.S. Senior Open at the Newport Country Club. A resolution requesting the City’s Legislative Delegation to introduce legislation enabling the City Council to enact ordinances regulating the uses of e-bikes and […]