Are New DMV Fees Driving You Crazy?

New surcharges for licenses and registrations went into effect on July 1.

RI Seatbelt Law Stays with Lower Fine

Drivers cited for the primary offense will be charged $40 instead of the prior $85.

RI Minimum Wage Hike OKd — What Do You Think?

The General Assembly recently passed an increase in the minimum wage, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Costantino Buys Ad Slamming Schools; O'Brien Replies

Businessman Alfred Costantino took his criticism — and Supt. Robert O'Brien made his reply — to the pages of the Valley Breeze.

Smithfield Could Bill Bryant Under Senate Plan

A proposal by Sen. Stephen R. Archambault would allow the town of Smithfield to charge Bryant University for public safety service to the campus.

State Budget Clears House with No Tax or Fee Hikes

The $8.2 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2014 now heads to the state Senate.

Payment for 38 Studios Bonds Clears Early-Morning Vote

The Rhode Island House voted to include the repayment of so-called "moral obligation bonds" in its fiscal 2014 budget proposal.

Supreme Court Overturns DOMA

By a 5-4 vote, justices on June 26 ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.

Town Manager to Speak on Shared Municipal Services Thursday Night

Denis Finlay among speakers at "Shared Municipal Services in Action" forum.

Severe Thunderstorms Developing in Smithfield

Heavy wind, hail and heavy rain expected until 8:45 p.m.

Smithfield Council to Seek State Bill on School Grounds Management

Councilman Bernard Hawkins successfully lobbied for town council support of legislation to be sought from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

Severe, Scattered Thunderstorms Expected This Afternoon

Blue skies will turn to thunder and lightning by Monday afternoon.

Is Audit 'A Mess' Or 'First Step' to Better School Management?

As part of last week's Town Financial Meeting, voters approved a plan to hold $450,000 in school funding until a performance audit of the school department is completed later this year.

Smithfield Voters OK Budget, Audit for School System, New Cop

In a voice vote, the majority of the 128 residents affirmed the $63-million spending plan for fiscal 2014.

Live Blog from the Smithfield Town Financial Meeting

Smithfield voters approved the $63-million spending plan for fiscal 2014. Here's the live coverage from the Town Financial Meeting.

Smithfield EMA Issues Flood Watch Alert

A 'Nor'easter-like storm' is expected to bring 1 to 3 in. of rain later Thursday.

What to Know About Tonight's Town Financial Meeting in Smithfield

Voters will be able to cast their votes on the $63.25 million fiscal 2014 spending plan.

More Heavy Rain on Deck For Next Two Days

Flood warning issued for approaching storm in Southern New England.

E-ZPass Transponders Discounted For Limited Time, Available at AAA Smithfield

Beginning on June 25, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will discount the cost of its E-ZPass transponders from its usual price of $20.95 to just $10.

UPDATE: Flood Watch —Tropical Storm Andrea to Bring Downpours Friday

Some areas could see three inches of rain.

Wednesday Five: ConCom, Financial Town Meeting Next Week, Pond Stickers

Welcome to Wednesday, Smithfield - Check out these things to know:

Court Advocates Protest Budget Cuts

Beginning today, advocacy services for domestic violence — including those provided by Sojourner House and the Women's Center of Rhode Island — will be closed on Mondays.

Friday Five: Swim Lesson House Calls, Pleasant View Ave. Lot for Sale, Trash Pickup

Good morning, Smithfield - Check out today's things to know:

T-Storm Warning Issued for Smithfield, Hot Weather to Follow

The National Weather Service is warning of the potential for strong thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday Five: Zoning Board, Swim Lessons, Holiday Trash Schedule

Welcome to Wednesday, and to today's things to know:

Facelift for Smithfield Ice Rink Continues

Among the proposed projects are a new garage for the Zamboni, and a conversion from oil to gas heat.

Smithfield Honors Fallen Soldiers at 2013 Memorial Day Ceremony

About 300 joined police and fire honor guards, local schools in honoring those fallen in service.

The Week in RI: High School Assault and a Homecoming

Miss anything that happened this week? Fear not. Take a look at the top stories from around Rhode Island. Click the headlines to read the full stories.

Severe T-Storms Could Return This Afternoon

Forecasters are predicting thunderstorms will develop again this afternoon.

Higher Sewer, Water, and Ice Rink Fees Planned for Fiscal 2014

The cost of the Smithfield's Enterprise Funds is expected to go up by about $300,000 in the next fiscal year.

Wednesday Five: Relay Fundraiser, Meetings, Coyne Fund, Yard Sale

Welcome to Wednesday, and check out these things to know:

Tuesday Five: Budget, Relay, Coyne Fund, Blog

It's Tuesday, Smithfield - here are some things to know:

Wednesday Five: Planning Board, PTO Yard Sale, Coyne Fund, Blog

Welcome to Wednesday - check out these things to know:

RI Becomes 10th State to Pass Same-Sex Marriage

A bill legalizing same-sex marriage passed 56-15.

Reed Pledges to Work to Ease Loan Burden on College Grads

Roger Williams University hosted U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on May 1 to speak about the expected doubling of student loan interest rates.

Tuesday: Council on Deerfield Park, Rte. 104 Inspection, Budget, Auction, Hope Plate

You've made it past Monday - check out some more things to know.

National Grid Unions Vote to Authorize Strike

Members of the Brotherhood of Utility Workers and Local 369 have voted to authorize a strike against National Grid.

Health Department Suspends North Smithfield Doctor's Authority to Prescribe Controlled Substances

Alvin C. Bacon, D.O., over-dispensed prescribed medications, according to officials.

RI Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage, 26-12

With the Senate's approval, the bill now goes to Gov. Lincoln Chafee for his signature.

Jaswell's Farm To Exhibit at RI Agriculture Day Thursday

Local farmers to show off their cider during celebration of farming industry.