There’s no truth to the rumor that $1 tickets will be sold for the chance to swing a sledgehammer as part of the demolition of the Washington Bridge. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. (A quick program note: my column is skipping next week […]
Newport
Posted inArts And Culture, Local, NPR
Newport obsessed over the Vanderbilts. But its Black leaders thrived long before the Gilded Age.
Dating back to even pre-revolutionary years, Newport was home to entrepreneurs, political pioneers and philanthropists from across the African diaspora.
Posted inLocal, Politics
Walz raises $600K during quick stop in Newport
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic candidate for vice president, delighted a mid-day crowd of partisans in Newport on Thursday by sketching a sharp contrast between his running mate, Kamala Harris, and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Walz said Harris could relate to the experiences of regular people since she once worked at McDonald’s. She campaigns […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport official says continued beach erosion could threaten the city’s water supply, way of life
Last winter’s storms took a heavy toll on the city’s beaches, including Easton’s Beach, which is located at the start of Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. The city’s public services director, Bill Riccio, is the person in charge of leading Newport’s response. As part of our ongoing series on shoreline erosion in the region, Riccio spoke […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Newport Bureau
Study finds Newport’s zoning is likely an obstacle to affordable housing development
More than 50 people packed an open-house meeting at Newport City Hall Thursday night to learn the results of a new study assessing available housing stock. Patricia Reynolds, Newport’s director of planning and economic development, welcomed those gathered and explained the background on the housing issues and intention of the meeting. She noted that the […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport’s housing woes put strain on municipal workers
At 8 a.m., just before the first class of the day, students poured into the hallway at Thompson Middle School. Their voices buzzed and bounced off the ceiling and floor as they talked about the girls’ basketball team’s big win then slammed their lockers and headed to class. Eighth-grade social studies teacher Katie Behan stood […]
Posted inHealth, Housing, Local
RI landlords are required to ensure their units are safe from lead paint. But who checks?
An investigation by the Public’s Radio found landlords rarely face consequences for failing to comply with state laws meant to protect children from exposure to lead paint.
Posted inLocal, Newport Bureau
Bill sponsors think 2024 may be the year for funding suicide prevention barriers on two Newport County bridges
Please note that this story contains subject matter that might be sensitive for some listeners. In November 2019, Rep. Joseph Solomon, Jr. received a call from a friend. A call he didn’t expect. A call no one wants to receive. His friend called to tell him their mutual friend had died by suicide, jumping from […]
Posted inLocal, Newport Bureau
Climate activists protest outside Newport mansion to challenge lawsuits filed by local preservation group
On Tuesday night, the Elms mansion on Bellevue Avenue was aglow with white lights and alive with the sound of protests. “Preserve our future! Not the mansions! Drop the lawsuit! Drop it now!,” they chanted. A few cars honked in solidarity as they passed. Guests arrived in cars, passing through the gate on their way […]
Posted inLocal, Newport Bureau
Washington Bridge closure causing traffic backups on Aquidneck Island
With the emergency closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence, Newport and Middletown residents are now contending with increased traffic and gridlock as drivers use an alternative route through Aquidneck Island, particularly during the commuting hours. The backups are compounding existing bottlenecks caused by ongoing construction on the Pell Bridge. Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong had […]