Posted inOpinion

Op-Ed: U.S. has pivotal opportunity to reclaim leadership on climate

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to push for American leadership on climate change, repairing the international agreements and commitments severed by the Trump administration over the past four years.  Their op-ed outlines a plan to restore U.S. credibility on climate issues and get the country […]

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Project Support Ocean State highlighted during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

When in-person therapy sessions for Rhode Island’s youngest victims of crime were no longer possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Family Service of Rhode Island’s (FSRI) Project Support Ocean State (Project SOS) created an innovative approach to provide virtual services. This year, that innovative effort is receiving national recognition during National Crime Victims’ […]

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Governor McKee, DEM reflect on the progress Rhode Island has made in protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources

This week, as Rhode Island joins the world in marking the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reflecting on the progress Rhode Island has made in protecting our state’s natural resources – from Narragansett Bay to local waters and green spaces to the air we breathe. DEM shared the following […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rep. Cortvriend’s bill that protects disabled parents’ rights moves forward in General Assembly

With a House vote in support last week, legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend to protect disabled parents’ rights is moving toward General Assembly passage this year. The legislation precludes the disability of a parent from serving as a basis for denial or restriction in matters involving a child’s welfare, foster care, family law, guardianship […]

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CCRI’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter takes home team and individual awards at international competition

Provided by CCRI A month after taking home several noteworthy awards at the Phi Theta Kappa New England Region Spring Convention, the Community College of Rhode Island’s PTK Pi Omicron chapter continued its success earlier this month with a strong showing at the PTK Catalyst 2021 International Convention Hallmark Awards ceremony. PTK is the national […]

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Rhode Island news briefs: April 18

Rhode Island News Briefs is a regular feature of WhatsUpNewp, selecting interesting stories from around the state, gathered from various news organizations, and other sources from business, government, and non-profit organizations. April 18, 2021 Fire displaces several in Providence PROVIDENCE — A four-alarm fire at a 16-unit apartment complex on Chatham Street on Saturday afternoon displaced […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Department of Health provides COVID-19 vaccination update

The Rhode Island Department of Health provided the following COVID-19 vaccination update on Friday. Rhode Island COVID-19 Vaccination Update Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are writing to provide an update on Rhode Island’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts. As of this afternoon, 448,768 people have received one dose of vaccine. A total of 316,983 people have received […]

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BankRI collects 7,078 books for Books Are Wings during its annual book drive

Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) recently wrapped up its annual children’s book drive to benefit Books Are Wings.  During March, the bank collected 7,078 books through its 20 branches, corporate office, and operations center, making 2021 BankRI’s most successful book drive. In Middletown, the bank’s local branch was among the effort’s top performers, generating 463 books.  […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rep. Ruggiero legislation would explore the possibility of reorganizing CRMC

Following two high-profile development decisions that landed in court and have been criticized by the attorney general, Rep. Deborah Ruggiero on Thursday submitted legislation to explore the possibility of reorganizing the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). More from a press release from the General Assembly; “The CRMC is a citizen zoning board that’s made up […]

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2021 NECBL schedule released, Newport Gulls to host All-Star Game at Cardines Field on July 18

New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) Commissioner Sean McGrath today unveiled the NECBL’s 2021 composite schedule. Among the announcements in the press release (below) is that opening day will take place on June 3 and the Newport Gulls will play host to the 2021 NECBL All-Star Game on Sunday, July 18, 2020 at historic Cardines […]

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DEM: More than $160,000 in grants available to support the growth of local food, seafood in Rhode Island

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that more than $160,000 in funding under the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program is available for projects that support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. The LASA program provides grants that directly benefit and strengthen the state’s local food system by helping […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIPTA to provide free passenger trips to and from vaccination sites beginning April 19

Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced today that effective Monday, April 19, 2021, RIPTA will be providing free transportation to people traveling to and from vaccination appointments.   “This is a big win for Rhode Island’s vaccination efforts,” said Governor McKee in a statement. “We know that for many […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee signs Fair House Practices Act

Governor Dan McKee, joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and legislative sponsors, today signed into law the Fair Housing Practices Act (S-0561, H-5257) which prohibits housing discrimination against renters based on their source of income. “For far too long, residents and families across Rhode Island have been discriminated against because of […]

Posted inCity & Government

Legislation sponsored by Rep. McGaw would prevent approval of carbon-polluting power plants

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Michelle E. McGaw would require the state’s Energy Facility Siting Board to deny applications for power plants that would have adverse effects on Rhode Island’s ability to meet its carbon-emissions-reduction goals. “We set carbon reduction goals in state law because there is a climate crisis, one that is directly impacting our own […]

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