Middletown officials are weighing a preemptive ban on both recreational and medical marijuana establishments before the Rhode Island General Assembly potentially legalizes recreational cannabis this fall.
Antonia Ayres-Brown
Newport Bureau Reporter
The Public's Radio
aayresbrown@ripr.org
@aayresbrown
Posted inArticle, Environment
As blue-green algae threatens R.I. waters, Newport neighbors work to heal a troubled pond
Almy Pond in Newport is among the unhealthiest bodies of water in Rhode Island, plagued by blue-green algae that makes the pond dangerous for people and pets. But a local group hopes to change that with an ambitious strategy to tackle annual algae blooms.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Organizers describe more R.I. towns ‘embracing local Pride events’
Friday kicks off the last weekend of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Newport is celebrating this year with a festival, bicycle parade, and live performances. Reporter Antonia Ayres-Brown sat down with Dani Cano Restrepo and Sean O’Connor, who run the travel and advocacy organization Newport Out and have organized Newport Pride since 2018.
Posted inArticle, Business, Politics
R.I. Senate approves bill to track short-term rental market
Rhode Island lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to more closely monitor short-term rental properties and their impact on housing stock in the state.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Newport approves scaled-back bicycle safety resolution, disappointing some local cyclists
Newport’s City Council approved a resolution Wednesday in support of bicycle safety. But a group of local cyclists says the Council hasn’t done enough to articulate where and when people can expect to see specific improvements.
Posted inArticle, Health, Politics
R.I. Senate approves bill to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage
The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers until 12 months after delivery of a baby. Under current law, pregnant people in Rhode Island are eligible for Medicaid coverage if they make up to 250% of the federal poverty level. But many lose that coverage just 60 […]
Posted inArticle, Business
Limited hours, reduced seating: R.I. businesses short-staffed as summer season begins
Newport businesses this summer are plastered with ‘Help Wanted’ signs. And business owners say the difficulty finding employees is particularly concerning in a summer destination like Newport, where businesses hit hard by the pandemic are relying on the next few months for an economic comeback.
Posted inArticle, Business
Some R.I. businesses opt to continue requiring masks, as state loosens rules
As of Tuesday, businesses in Rhode Island can allow fully vaccinated customers inside without a face mask. But some business owners say they’re not ready to change their mask policies.
Posted inArticle, Arts And Culture, Newport Bureau
‘It’s going to look different’: What to expect at Newport’s music festivals this summer
Newport’s iconic folk and jazz festivals are returning to Fort Adams State Park this summer, after being canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time around, Newport Folk will be split into two three-day events. Tickets go on sale Tuesday morning. Reporter Antonia Ayres-Brown spoke with Jay Sweet, the executive producer of Newport […]
Posted inArticle, Business, Politics
R.I. lawmakers approve unemployment changes to entice workers
Many Rhode Island businesses are having trouble finding employees as the busy summer season approaches. State lawmakers hope to address these staffing shortages by allowing people to work more hours while retaining their unemployment benefits.