“Hi. Yeah. Yeah, we’re going down to the plantings.” Nicole Gotovich calls out to Common Fence Point resident Mil Kinsella, who’s passing in her SUV. Gotovich is taking me on a tour of the community’s sea level rise and storm surge mitigation projects. As we walk along Common Fence Boulevard on Mount Hope Bay, Gotovich […]
Newport Bureau
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 inEnvironment, Local, Newport Bureau
Rhode Island lawmakers propose plan to tackle climate-related coastal threats
On a recent weekday, state Representative Terri Cortvriend climbed the rock outcropping at Surfers End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown. It was raining, and she climbed slowly, her boots seeking traction. At the top, in every direction, she saw areas that are being impacted by the effects of climate change. To the southwest, she mentioned […]
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 […]
Posted inArticle, Local, Newport Bureau
Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame losing its ATP tournament
Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame announced today that it has lost its premier tournament: the Hall of Fame Open.
Posted inArticle, Local, Newport Bureau
Salve Regina University community members offer prayers for people suffering the ravages of war and violence in Israel and Gaza
Students, staff and faculty gathered at Salve Regina University Thursday afternoon to pray for peace.
Posted inArticle, Local, Newport Bureau
Local Jewish organization offers comfort to Rhode Island community and raises money for those in Israel affected by war
The nonprofit Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island today launched a fundraiser to provide humanitarian support to those in Israel affected by the conflict in the Middle East.