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 […]
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Middletown considers sweeping zoning changes
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 […]
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Newsletter – What’s Up in Newport: Wednesday, December 13
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, December 13, 2023. 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. Read More Leander Paes, who won 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles or mixed doubles, and ex-player, broadcaster and promoter Vijay Amritraj are the first […]
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Newport traffic is expected to be heavy during work on the Pell and Washington Bridges
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
200th Anniversary of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ celebrated
The 200th anniversary of the classic American Christmas poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” was celebrated at the Redwood Library & Athenaeum in Newport on Tuesday night. Acclaimed author Pamela McColl presented highlights of her recently published book “’Twas The Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem.” The event drew an overflow […]
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Senator Reed meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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 […]
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$530K in grants awarded to animal welfare programs
The Potter League for Animals, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and West Place Animal Sanctuary are among two dozen animal welfare programs across the state that will receive a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation. The Potter League for Animals, the single-largest recipient, was awarded $110,000,, which will go towards multiple areas of the organization. The funds […]
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Gov. McKee provides update on Washington Bridge closure
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 […]
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Providence Art Club to host Third Biennial College Exhibition
The Providence Art Club is preparing for its third biennial College Exhibition, and artists are invited to submit their work for consideration. The event showcases visual art students from colleges and universities across Rhode Island from February 18 to March 7, 2024. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Sunday, February 18, […]
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CCRI names new public safety director, police chief
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, […]
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Amo recommended to serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Rep. Gabe Amo will likely serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, according to a recommendation made by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. If confirmed, the position will allow Amo to advocate for Rhode Island as federal investments in research and development are allocated. “I am incredibly honored to be […]
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Westbound side of Washington Bridge to be closed due to critical failure
The I-195 westbound side of the Washington Bridge will be closed until further notice because of a critical failure with some of the original bridge components, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) officials announced Monday afternoon. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr., will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. to discuss the closure. […]
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Nonprofits invited to submit nominations for Newport International Polo Charity Ball beneficiary
The Newport International Polo Charity Ball is one of the most anticipated events of the summer season, and now organizations have the opportunity to make it a sell-out once again by submitting a nomination to be the beneficiary of the 2024 event. For over two decades, the annual black-tie ball has been sold out. The […]
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Newport County Dinner Club: Give the gift of dining local
Give the gift of dining local this holiday season with the Newport County Dinner Club. The 35th annual edition of the popular guide is now on sale. For just $21, the book provides two-for-one dining at more than 50 fine local restaurants. Participating restaurants include restaurants in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown and the Newport Navy […]
Posted inCity & Government
Health officials urge Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated before holiday gatherings
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 […]
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Vehicle rolls over on Route 138
A vehicle rolled over off Route 138 west just past the toll plaza Monday morning, Jamestown Volunteer Fire Department officials said in a Facebook post. The driver was able to get out of the car and was taken to the hospital with injuries that aren’t believed to be life-threatening, the post said. The fire department […]
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Middletown to develop affordable housing at two former schools
The Town of Middletown released a press release Monday that said it is developing affordable housing at the former Peckham School and the former Oliphant School. Officials said that the development won’t cost Middletown property owners anything because the developments will use state housing money and other methods. “Literally, more than $20 million of new […]
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Santa’s nightly rides around Newport begin Tuesday
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 […]
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USPS Holiday Hours: What’s open and closed?
The United States Postal Service has announced its holiday hours for the winter season. All USPS branches and blue collection boxes will close for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Post offices will close on Saturday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 30, however, some locations may choose to remain open. Customers are encouraged to check with […]
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Local students named to high honor, honors list at Pomfret school
Norah Robinson of Newport (Class of 2026) has been named to the fall 2023 high honor list at The Pomfret School, according to a release. To achieve this honor, Robinson had to earn a grade point average of 3.670 or higher, with no grade lower than a B+. James Haley of Portsmouth (Class of 2026) […]
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Coastal Flood Watch Issued for Rhode Island
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 […]
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Somerset man charged in Portsmouth DUI Crash
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 […]
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Newport Mental Health receives $25,000 from CVS Health Foundation to support mental health care
The CVS Health Foundation has awarded Newport Mental Health $25,000 as part of a $2 million grant initiative for 2023. The grant funding is part of CVS Health’s mission to improve health outcomes and create a healthier, more equitable future. The CVS Health Foundation specifically chose to focus its grants this year on organizations increasing […]
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Pell Bridge Downtown Newport Exit permanently closing Friday
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 […]
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Governor McKee: Hanukkah symbolizes resilience, hope
As the Jewish community lights their menorahs to celebrate Hanukkah, Governor Dan McKee issued a statement of support for the holiday today. McKee said Hanukkah symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the triumph of hope over adversity, and that the people of Rhode Island are with the Jewish community during this time. He […]