Here are the highlights from this week’s news and events in the Rhode Island General Assembly:. 1. House Passes Serpa Bill Allowing Independent Voters to Automatically Disaffiliate: The House of Representatives passed legislation (2024-H 7662) proposed by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) permitting independent voters in primary elections to automatically disaffiliate. The measure, now heading to the Senate, seeks to streamline the voting process. A similar bill (2024-S 2894) awaits consideration in the Senate.

185 Spartina Cove Way | South Kingstown, RI | 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 4,578 sq ft | offered by Residential Properties Ltd for $2,395,000. Introducing Sea Glass at Spartina Cove: A bespoke shingled cottage meticulously crafted by Blakely Designs to capture the essence of coastal living with a touch of refined relaxation. Set upon 2.27 acres, this residence seamlessly integrates with acres of preserved land, offering exclusive access to scenic trails leading to Billington Cove.

Ten dolphins were successfully rescued and released back into the wild on Wednesday after a near seven-hour stranding ordeal off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The rescue mission was initiated late Tuesday afternoon when staff and volunteers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) received reports of 11 Atlantic white-sided dolphins dangerously close to shore off Wellfleet. The timing of the incident, just three hours before low tide, heightened concerns for the stranded marine mammals.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced the commencement of his 2024 re-election campaign for the United States Senate, seeking support from Rhode Islanders for a fourth term. In a video message released to the public, Whitehouse emphasized his dedication to representing the interests of the Ocean State and outlined key priorities for his campaign.

80 Ayrault Street | 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,171 sq ft | offered by Lila Delman Compass for $3,195,000. Experience the epitome of refined living in this remarkable Newport abode. Tucked away on 80 Ayrault St, this hidden gem exudes PRIVACY, ELEGANCE, and SOPHISTICATION in the coveted Kay/Catherine neighborhood. As...

It’s a little-known part of Newport’s multifaceted history: During the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, people in the substantial African-heritage community here helped to lay the foundations for abolition, emancipation and the civil rights movement. Rhode Island Black Heritage Society scholars Theresa “Soni” Guzmán Stokes and Keith...

Governor Dan McKee announced on Thursday the approval of over $28 million in awards for 12 community learning centers funded through the State’s Community Learning Center Municipal Grant program. This initiative, a cornerstone of the Learn365RI Initiative, aims to enhance education, workforce development, and health services across municipalities. Governor...

Christine L. (Rose) Larocque, 71, of Tiverton, RI, passed away at her home on April 19, 2024, surrounded by family. She was the wife of Kenneth Larocque. Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Carol (Borden) Rose. Besides her husband Ken, she leaves...

Robert E. Corey, 89, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary A. (DeBairos) Corey. Born in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Manuel Corey and Margaret (Powers) Corey. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1952.

With domestic gasoline demand decidedly in the doldrums and the cost of oil retreating, the national average dipped two cents since last week to $3.65. “Domestic gas demand is pretty pokey at the moment, which is often the case in the runup to Memorial Day and the traditional start of summer driving season,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “The recent national average price of $3.67 could be the peak until hurricane season is well underway. But as always, the wildcard will be the cost of oil, so stay tuned.”

In a significant step forward for Newport’s ambitious infrastructure plans, the proposed $98.5 million infrastructure improvement bond cleared a vital hurdle on Tuesday. The House of Representatives passed legislation (2024-H 8086) aimed at putting the bond question before voters in the upcoming November elections. Spearheaded by Representative Lauren H....

In a move aimed at fortifying America’s maritime capabilities and bolstering its undersea dominance, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, played a pivotal role in securing $3.3 billion for the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) as part of the national security supplemental approved by Congress this week.

Seamus Daniel Kirby, of Middletown, RI died on April 14, 2024. He was the husband of Tatum James Wadensten. Born in Newport, RI on October 14,1994. He was the son of Jerome R. Kirby III and Kathryn Kimberly Kirby. He arrived like a shot from a cannon. A theme that would carry on throughout the arc of his life.

The Biden Administration announced two pivotal rules Wednesday aimed at safeguarding passengers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment in air travel. The first rule mandates that airlines promptly issue automatic cash refunds to passengers owed compensation due to flight cancellations, significant changes, delayed baggage return, or undelivered extra services. Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the significance of this measure, stating, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling.” The rule standardizes refund criteria, defining specific circumstances entitling passengers to reimbursement and streamlining the refund process.

Colette L. Cunningham, M.D., peacefully, softly surrounded by her eight children at home, saw her final sunrise and felt the last soft rain of life as it is now, on Monday April 22, 2024. Dr. Cunningham began her journey in the busy seaside town of Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, born July 9, 1932. She was the second of seven vibrant children of Edward Austin Kieran, D.D.M. and Mary (Hoey) Kieran, R.N. Dr. Cunningham often longed for the Cooley Mountains, lush green fields, and peaceful quiet ways of life in Ireland. She often told of her time in Blackrock, where, as a child, she harvested mussels with her father along the shores of the Irish Sea. She was an avid tennis player growing up, and none of her children could return her serve, even well into the later years of her beautiful life. She always had her dance card filled at local dances growing up in Dundalk. Marching to the beat of her own drum from youth, yet not frequently by design, she often gave the locals, wherever she glided, something to talk about. Sent to boarding school as a teenager, she began university at the tender age of sixteen and graduated from University College Dublin Medical School, Ireland. Sailing a Holland American Line from Ireland to New York, she continued to an American residency training in New Rochelle, NY and Board eligibility in both Anesthesia and Neuropsychiatry.

Robert “Bob” J. White, 84, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away at home on April 20, 2024. He was the husband of Colette (Chicoine) Dalpe. Born in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Jesse and Janette (Pimental-Cabrita) White. He grew up in Middletown and graduated from Rogers High School, Class of 1958.

In a move aimed at bolstering workers’ rights, the Biden-Harris administration has unveiled a final rule that expands overtime protections for millions of the nation’s lower-paid salaried employees. The new regulation, announced today, increases the salary thresholds required to exempt a salaried bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employee from federal overtime pay requirements.

The Rhode Island Senate has taken a significant step towards animal welfare by approving legislation sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray aimed at banning the declawing of cats in the state. The bill, known as 2024-S 2007, has now been forwarded to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Under...

In a landmark decision aimed at fostering competition and protecting workers’ rights, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule banning noncompete agreements nationwide. This ruling, announced today, is poised to unleash a wave of innovation, bolster job mobility, and promote the formation of new businesses across the United States.

Ellen H. Lauzon, 87, of Middletown, RI passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, at St Clare-Newport. She was the wife of Peter J. Lauzon. Born in Newport, RI to the late Delbert C. and Margaret (Hussey) Hosch on September 28, 1936. She was a graduate of Rogers High School 1955 and a member of St Lucy’s Catholic Church. She is predeceased by her brothers, Paul Hosch and John Hosch, sisters, Faye Kerins and Joan Reiland.