OP ED: Let's Act Now on RhodeWorks Plan, RI Can't Afford to Wait

"It is imperative we move forward with this vetted, holistic and comprehensive RhodeWorks proposal," writes RI Sen. Louis P. DiPalma.

Volunteers Needed to Fill Vacancies on Portsmouth Boards and Committees

A total of 12 boards and committees need volunteers to serve.

New RI Law Prohibits Condo Associations, Landlords from Restricting Mezuzahs on Doors

The bill guarantees Jews the right to observe their faith without interference from landlords or condo associations.

State Ends Year with Big Surplus, Spent $22m Less than Budgeted

But Rhode Island isn't out of the weeds yet and future deficits loom.

Portsmouth to Consider Smoking Ban on Town Beaches, Parks and Sports Fields

Newport and Middletown passed similar bans earlier this year.

Committee to Explore Options for Navy Surplus Land Forms Wednesday

The Tank Farm Development Advisory Committee convenes for the first time this week.

Town Council to Make Annual Visit to Prudence Island on Saturday

Road projects, the deer hunting season and the Prudence Island transfer station are on the agenda.

Former NH Property Manager Gets Prison Time

Courtney Stone will serve 18 months for wire fraud, interfering with the IRS; is required to pay back about $957K to condo associations.

Progress Celebrated: 25 Years after ADA Passage

Disability advocates marked 25 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990.

RI Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Chattanooga Victims

Governor Gina Raimondo issued the order on Monday to pay respect to the five military members killed in Tennessee on Thursday.

Demolition of Old Sakonnet River Bridge Delayed

Environmental permitting and other issues have caused the delay.

At Summit, Governor Says RI Could Make Cyberattacks a Job Generator

Governor Gina Raimondo said cybersecurity is a "cutting-edge" industry and the state is poised to benefit.

Act Naming American Burying Beetle as RI State Insect is Signed; Drawing Contest for Kids Announced

Grab your crayons, kids. It's time to enter the Beetle Drawing Competition.

Reed, Langevin Praise Iran Nuclear Agreement

The Rhode Island congressional delegation issued statements Tuesday that said the deal with Iran will keep the world safer, if implemented.

Town Council to Consider Replacing Business Development Manager Position

Bill Clark, longtime Business Development Manager, retired at the end of June.

RI Congressman Introduces Trio of Gun Control Bills

The bills, sponsored by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, would restrict gun access to children, criminals and people with "serious mental illness"

Here's Your Portsmouth Water and Fire District Election Results

Half of one percent of eligible voters bothered to vote in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District election on Wednesday.

RI House Approves Minimum Wage Increase

If the Senate approves a companion bill on Wednesday, the state's minimum wage would increase to $9.60.

Portsmouth Water and Fire District Voters Will Pick Tax Assessors, Collectors

The election will be June 10.

Portsmouth Picks Rainer, Navy Exec, to be New Town Administrator

Rainer lived in Portsmouth when he worked at the Naval War College in Newport and will be moving back for a July 1 job start.

Last Week in the General Assembly. . .

A roundup of some of the action in the Rhode Island General Assembly last week.

Portsmouth Water and Fire District Annual Election Coming Up

The election will be held on June 10.

OP ED: Our Bills Would Increase Access to Opioid Meds With Abuse Deterrent Formulations

Sen. Joshua MIller and Rep. John Edwards said ADFs save money and possibly lives by making it harder to convert into snort/injectible form.

Senate President Outlines Ways RI Should Use Unexpected $174m Surplus

How would you use the $173 million surplus funds?

Town Paves Way for Prudence Island Road Repairs

Residents of the island have been asking for Narragansett Avenue to get some pavement work for years.

RI Lawmakers Legalize Brownies and Cookies at Polling Places

The bill will enable school PTOs to sell baked goods on Election Day after a controversy put a stop to the practice last year.

Finance Director will Serve as Interim Town Administrator During Search

Portsmouth Finance Director James Lathrop will hold the title of interim Town Administrator until a permanent candidate is chosen.

Council Rejects Town Clerk's Request to Hire Deputy -- Again

Council members voted 4-3 to reject the request, citing a desire to wait for an operational audit of the department to be completed first.

Line Item Veto, Ethics Oversight of Lawmakers, Sex Trafficking Bills Heard Tuesday

The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet to hear a number of closely-watched bills that would amend the state constitution.

OP ED: The Time to Act on Health Literacy is Now

"Informed healthcare consumers make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones," said Sen. Louis P. DiPalma and Rebecca Costello.

Former RI Gov. Lincoln Chafee Might Run for President in 2016

"During the next weeks and months, I look forward to sharing with you my thoughts about the future of our great country," Chafee said.

Obama Signs Disaster Declaration for January's Blizzard

The state is expected to recoup about $4.7 million for storm-related costs from the federal government.

Portsmouth Resumes Video Hosting of Town Meetings

The demise of the Portsmouth Record earlier this year was a blow to public access to local government.

Ousted Deputy Town Clerk Sues to Get Her Job Back

Patricia Cofield was fired abruptly in February, much to the chagrin of several Town Council members.

Edwards Bill for Tax Breaks for Residential Fixer-Uppers Passes House

Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) said the bill will spur new housing supply and construction jobs.

Trillo Bill Targets Yacht Club Color Ceremony

A vague bill submitted by State Rep. Joe Trillo, who is suing the yacht club that kicked him out, appears to target yacht club cannons.

RI Senate Passes Bill that Bans Hand-Held Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel

If the House approves a similar bill, drivers could face fines up to $100 for using a non-hands-free phone by 2017.

Twenty-Year Project Compiling Oral Histories of Navy's Earliest Women Completed at Naval War College

Archivers at the Newport war college compiled firsthand accounts from the earliest female sailors and Marines allowed to serve in the 1940s.

RI Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Marijuana

“Marijuana prohibition has been a long-term failure,” said State Sen. Joshua Miller, D-Cranston/Providence.

Public Work's Director Discusses Transfer Station Repairs, Boy's Town Rep, Ashley Kuzmanco, Describes Portsmouth Operation and Needs on Portsmouth This Week

Portsmouth DPW and Boy's Town New England on PTW