East Bay legislators and local government leaders are banding together in opposition to the potential consolidation of Rhode Island’s quasi-public transportation agencies. One of those agencies, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, operates four bridges in the East Bay region. And locals worry about handing the bridges over to the Department of Transportation, which has a track record of poor bridge maintenance.
Newport Bureau
Posted inArticle, Business, Newport Bureau
Newport residents seek to promote racial justice through Black business ownership
As protests against racism continue in Rhode Island this summer, several Black business owners in Newport hope to address systemic inequalities by providing camaraderie and logistical support to aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Antonia Ayres-Brown recently sat down with the cohort as they discussed why, in addition to marching with protest signs, they want more residents to march into city hall with binders full of business plans.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Large waves from Tropical Storm Isaias attract surfers to Newport beaches
Dozens of surfers speckled Newport’s beaches early Wednesday morning, hoping to take advantage of the waves that the storm left in its wake.
Posted inArticle, Education, Newport Bureau
Newport school officials prepare for new challenges as students potentially return to classrooms
As the beginning of the school year draws closer, the school district is recommending families brace for an unusual fall, whatever Governor Raimondo decides about full or partial in-person learning.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Newport officials, hired consultants present draft plan to reconnect the city’s North End with its downtown
The North End Urban Plan will include a number of recommendations to improve the area’s connectivity and streetscapes — such as building more pedestrian paths and hiding retail parking.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Newport ballet company adapts during pandemic, brings dance to city’s public parks
With many live performance venues still shuttered by COVID-19, Island Moving Company — a contemporary ballet company in Newport — is reaching audiences outdoors. On Thursday afternoon, a small ensemble in Perrotti Park continued the free weekly series.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
A classic Newport sport draws new fans hungry for a game during COVID-19
Professional sporting events are in short supply around much of the world, but polo is in full swing in Newport this summer — with masks and social distancing.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
International graduates of U.S. Naval War College reflect on returning home during pandemic
Each year, the U.S. Naval War College in Newport welcomes distinguished foreign officers from around the world to study naval strategy. Last month, over a hundred international officers graduated in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are now returning to countries that look different than those they left a year ago.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Newport City Council votes to continue studying short-term rental properties
In its first in-person meeting since March, the Council passed a resolution Wednesday evening to address local issues with short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs.
Posted inArticle, Newport Bureau
Tourism industry, workers struggle in Newport as COVID-19 restrictions stretch into summer
The summer season normally brings peak business for Newport’s tourism and hospitality industries. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions threaten thousands of jobs in the region, with many laid-off workers unsure how to carry on without the city’s seasonal visitors.
