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Uprise RI

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RI's advocate, covering local issues, consumer advocacy, and government. Now with more local coverage than any other Rhode Island news outlet. ✨ Use BillBuddy to check out the latest bills at the State House as they are released - upriseri.com/newbills

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Five new granite benches are coming to New Shoreham's Old Harbor area, kept low so they don't block the water view. The historic commission also moved on a disputed porch. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-new-shoreham-hdc-approves-old-harbor-benches-drafts-porch-letter/

upriseri.comRecap: New Shoreham HDC Approves Old Harbor Benches, Drafts Porch LetterNew Shoreham's Historic District Commission approved five Old Harbor benches and voted to draft a letter on a West Side Road porch it called non-compliant.

North Kingstown students could get suicide prevention training by the end of the first quarter, with families notified before it happens, under a policy draft discussed Monday. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-north-kingstown-panel-reworks-student-suicide-policy-debates-coach-rides/

upriseri.comRecap: North Kingstown Panel Reworks Student Suicide Policy, Debates Coach RidesNorth Kingstown's school policy subcommittee revised its student suicide prevention policy, backing first-quarter training and advance notice to families.

Portsmouth's parks committee has new bylaws, approved with amendments after a debate over whether the recreation director should attend its meetings. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-portsmouth-council-approves-parks-committee-bylaws-hears-lawsuit-update/

upriseri.comRecap: Portsmouth Council Approves Parks Committee Bylaws, Hears Lawsuit UpdatePortsmouth Town Council approved amended Parks and Recreation Committee bylaws 6-0 and heard an update on towns weighing LMI lawsuit support.

Tiverton is spending about $7,000 a month delivering water to homes with PFAS-contaminated wells. The council voted to raise that fund to $50,000. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-tiverton-doubles-tainted-well-water-aid-lowers-mobile-home-taxes/

upriseri.comRecap: Tiverton Doubles Tainted-Well Water Aid, Lowers Mobile Home TaxesTiverton Town Council approved $50,000 for water delivery to PFAS-affected homes and a lower mobile home tax rate starting next fiscal year.

East Greenwich is a step closer to a rule letting it act when historic buildings are left to rot. One resident pushed back on a 60-day tarp limit in it. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-east-greenwich-council-advances-historic-house-neglect-rule-delays-late-liquor-renewals/

upriseri.comRecap: East Greenwich Council Advances Historic-House Neglect Rule, Delays Late Liquor RenewalsThe East Greenwich Town Council passed a demolition-by-neglect ordinance on second reading and continued late liquor license renewals to Nov. 9.

Charlestown's contract talks with its management employees' union will be left for the next Town Council, under a letter the current council voted 4-0 to send. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-charlestown-council-leaves-managers-contract-talks-to-new-council/

upriseri.comRecap: Charlestown Council Leaves Managers' Contract Talks to New CouncilThe Charlestown Town Council voted 4-0 to ask that management union contract talks begin after the newly elected council takes office.

Federal investigators shopped at four Dollar General stores and found prices that didn't match the shelves on as many as 22.4% of items, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by the FTC and 20 states. https://upriseri.com/article/ftc-suit-says-dollar-general-charged-more-than-shelf-prices/

upriseri.comFTC Suit Says Dollar General Charged More Than Shelf PricesThe FTC and 20 states allege Dollar General charged more at checkout than shelf prices. Rhode Island isn't a plaintiff, but the chain has RI stores.

On default electric supply? Rhode Island Energy wants to buy a quarter of your summer power on the spot market instead of 15%, starting under a 2027-2029 plan now before regulators. https://upriseri.com/article/ri-energy-plan-would-tie-more-summer-power-to-market-prices/

upriseri.comRI Energy Plan Would Tie More Summer Power to Market PricesRhode Island Energy asks the PUC to approve a 2027-2029 default electricity plan that would buy 25% of summer supply on the spot market, up from 15%.

A new Gibbs Avenue driveway in Newport can go ahead, but only if it doesn't send more rainwater into the street, the zoning board decided. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-newport-zoning-board-approves-gibbs-avenue-driveway-delays-simmons-street-addition/

upriseri.comRecap: Newport Zoning Board Approves Gibbs Avenue Driveway, Delays Simmons Street AdditionNewport's zoning board approved a Gibbs Avenue driveway with a stormwater condition, a Dogtopia dog daycare and a chicken coop, and delayed Simmons Street.

Rhode Island's attorney general is suing Meta, alleging the company helped create scam ads on Facebook and Instagram while claiming to fight fraud. The state wants restitution for Rhode Islanders. https://upriseri.com/article/rhode-island-sues-meta-over-scam-ads-seeks-money-back-for-consumers/

upriseri.comRhode Island Sues Meta Over Scam Ads, Seeks Money Back for ConsumersRhode Island AG Peter Neronha sued Meta, alleging it helped create and profited from scam ads while claiming to fight fraud. The state seeks restitution.

Barrington now has a new long-range plan for land use, housing and walkability through 2050. Officials stressed it does not change zoning on its own. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-barrington-council-adopts-2026-comprehensive-plan-hears-wheelchair-access-concerns/

upriseri.comRecap: Barrington Council Adopts 2026 Comprehensive Plan, Hears Wheelchair Access ConcernsThe Barrington Town Council voted 4-0 to approve the 2026 comprehensive plan, adding an executive summary, after hearing residents for and against it.

Lincoln's Claims Sub Committee voted Tuesday to refer a resident's sprinkler damage claim to the paving contractor that struck it. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-lincoln-claims-panel-refers-sprinkler-claim-to-paving-contractor/

upriseri.comRecap: Lincoln Claims Panel Refers Sprinkler Claim to Paving ContractorLincoln's Claims Sub Committee voted to refer a sprinkler damage claim to the paving contractor that struck the system during town work.

A new Groundwork Collaborative and Century Foundation analysis finds 17 Halloween candy packs up 15.3% from last year. Federal data put candy and gum up 7.7%, against 3.7% for prices overall. https://upriseri.com/article/halloween-candy-packs-up-15percent-think-tanks-find/

upriseri.comHalloween Candy Packs Up 15%, Think Tanks FindShopping for Halloween in Rhode Island? A national analysis finds 17 candy packs up 15.3%, and federal data show candy and gum prices up 7.7%.

Block Island's planning board backed a plan to regrade an eroding bluff behind St. Andrews Church, with one member voting yes but voicing trepidation about long-term effects. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-new-shoreham-planning-board-backs-church-bluff-repair-coastal-home-addition/

upriseri.comRecap: New Shoreham Planning Board Backs Church Bluff Repair, Coastal Home AdditionThe New Shoreham Planning Board sent favorable advisories on St. Andrews Church bluff repairs and a coastal-zone home addition to the Zoning Board.

Rhode Island's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6% in September, even as businesses in the state shed 1,600 payroll jobs. The catch is in the labor pool, which is down 15,800 residents from a year ago. https://upriseri.com/article/ri-jobless-rate-dips-to-36percent-as-september-payrolls-drop-by-1600/

upriseri.comRI Jobless Rate Dips to 3.6% as September Payrolls Drop by 1,600Rhode Island shed 1,600 payroll jobs in September while the state's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6% as the labor force shrank by 15,800 over the year.

Cumberland's School Committee renewed its attorney's contract after a debate over legal spending, while parents again pushed back on school redistricting plans. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-cumberland-school-committee-renews-lawyers-contract-hears-redistricting-pushback/

upriseri.comRecap: Cumberland School Committee Renews Lawyer's Contract, Hears Redistricting PushbackCumberland School Committee approved its attorney's engagement letter 7-0 and heard redistricting concerns ahead of a new map expected in November.

Little Compton's community center will cover its own building upkeep and utility bills under a new lease the Town Council approved Thursday. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-little-compton-approves-community-center-lease-no-cost-ev-charger-plan/

upriseri.comRecap: Little Compton Approves Community Center Lease, No-Cost EV Charger PlanLittle Compton's Town Council approved a community center lease and a no-cost EV charger plan at Veterans' Field, and appointed a tree warden.

Snow day in Middletown this winter? Expect a laptop day instead. The School Committee approved its virtual learning plan, and officials say tablets go home before… https://upriseri.com/article/recap-middletown-school-committee-approves-snow-day-virtual-learning-plan-new-school-furniture-vendor/

upriseri.comRecap: Middletown School Committee Approves Snow-Day Virtual Learning Plan, New-School Furniture VendorThe Middletown School Committee approved a virtual learning plan for snow days, new-school furniture and a branding guide, and reviewed test scores.

Jamestown's School Committee voted unanimously to join Narragansett in hiring one shared superintendent for both districts. Bylaws are next. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-jamestown-school-committee-approves-shared-superintendent-hears-test-score-gains/

upriseri.comRecap: Jamestown School Committee Approves Shared Superintendent, Hears Test-Score GainsThe Jamestown School Committee unanimously approved forming a union with Narragansett to hire one superintendent. Bylaw review is set for Oct. 28.

Middletown's Planning Board adopted state-required development rule changes and backed letting the town allow temporary housing after a natural disaster. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-middletown-planning-board-adopts-state-required-rule-changes-delays-comp-plan-hearing/

upriseri.comRecap: Middletown Planning Board Adopts State-Required Rule Changes, Delays Comp Plan HearingMiddletown's Planning Board adopted state-required rule changes and backed temporary disaster housing; the comp plan hearing will wait for a new solicitor.

Providence's school board approved the next round of school rebuilding, including turning MLK Elementary into a pre-K through 8 school. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-school-board-approves-school-rebuild-plan-coaching-contract/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence School Board Approves School Rebuild Plan, Coaching ContractThe Providence School Board approved a school construction plan making MLK Elementary a pre-K through 8 and backed a governance coaching vendor.

Middletown's new middle-high school is getting its furniture lined up. The Building Committee backed contract awards and picked cheaper teacher desks, saving $33,150. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-middletown-building-committee-backs-school-furniture-awards-swaps-desks/

upriseri.comRecap: Middletown Building Committee Backs School Furniture Awards, Swaps DesksMiddletown's Building Committee recommended furniture and equipment contracts for the new Middletown Middle High School, including cheaper teacher desks.

Foster voters will decide whether half the town's property-sale tax money moves from the land trust to the general fund. The trust's chair says the town's explainer misleads. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-foster-council-debates-land-trust-tax-split-leaves-canvasser-seat-unresolved/

upriseri.comRecap: Foster Council Debates Land Trust Tax Split, Leaves Canvasser Seat UnresolvedFoster's land trust chair said a town explainer on the conveyance tax charter question is inaccurate; a speaker said the website document will be fixed.

Providence schools have sent out more than 101,770 food backpacks to students in need, but staff said the program hasn't been advertised to families. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-wellness-committee-hears-bullying-policy-school-food-updates/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence Wellness Committee Hears Bullying Policy, School Food UpdatesProvidence school wellness committee heard how bullying complaints are investigated, plus updates on school meals, food backpacks and kitchen inspections.

Coventry families can pay for school meals online again. The district will cover fees above the state's 2% cap, using $15,000 moved from a vehicle line. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-coventry-schools-restore-online-meal-payments-approve-minivan-purchase/

upriseri.comRecap: Coventry Schools Restore Online Meal Payments, Approve Minivan PurchaseCoventry School Committee moved $15,000 to restore online meal payments with fees capped at 2%, approved a minivan and heard a malware update.

Providence School Board authorized up to $12,000 for an investigator to look into an employee complaint, and pushed a bylaw item on leadership roles to Nov. 18. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-school-board-oks-investigator-postpones-leadership-bylaw-item/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence School Board OKs Investigator, Postpones Leadership Bylaw ItemThe Providence School Board approved up to $12,000 for an investigator in an employee complaint and postponed a bylaw item on leadership to Nov. 18.

North Kingstown's new Wickford Middle School won't have geothermal heat, and its ball fields are now optional add-ons, officials said, while the $137.2 million school bond stays on budget. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-north-kingstown-school-plan-drops-geothermal-keeps-bond-on-budget/

upriseri.comRecap: North Kingstown School Plan Drops Geothermal, Keeps Bond on BudgetNorth Kingstown officials said the $137.2M school bond is on budget, but geothermal was cut from the new Wickford Middle School and fields are optional.

A citizen petition headed for Providence's ballot could affect the board that invests city pension money. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-pension-board-gets-outside-legal-review-of-ballot-petition-merges-meetings/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence Pension Board Gets Outside Legal Review of Ballot Petition, Merges MeetingsProvidence's solicitor hired retired judge William Smith to analyze a ballot petition affecting the pension board. The $677.3 million fund is up 8.2%.

South Kingstown's council approved moving an Oktoberfest event to Saturday, Oct. 24. Main Street in Wakefield between Robinson Street and Kenyon Avenue is set to close 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-south-kingstown-council-approves-new-oktoberfest-date-on-main-street/

upriseri.comRecap: South Kingstown Council Approves New Oktoberfest Date on Main StreetSouth Kingstown's council moved an Oktoberfest event to Oct. 24, with Wakefield's Main Street closed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. between Robinson and Kenyon.

East Providence School Committee approved a secretaries' union agreement and passed a new cell phone policy 3-1 Tuesday. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-east-providence-school-committee-approves-secretaries-raise-cell-phone-policy/

upriseri.comRecap: East Providence School Committee Approves Secretaries' Raise, Cell Phone PolicyEast Providence School Committee approved a secretaries' agreement and a cell phone policy 3-1, and held a $74,150.36 payment tied to Yondr pouches.

North Kingstown School Committee approved a construction manager contract for the new middle school Tuesday, heard math scores rise and ELA and science dip, and held off… https://upriseri.com/article/recap-north-kingstown-school-committee-approves-middle-school-builder-contract-hears-test-scores/

upriseri.comRecap: North Kingstown School Committee Approves Middle School Builder Contract, Hears Test ScoresNorth Kingstown School Committee approved a middle school construction contract and meal payment deal, and heard 2026 test scores.

CVS is among 114 companies reporting no current federal income tax expense in 2025, ITEP says. Its new study puts the effective federal rate for 706 profitable corporations at 10.4%, using current tax expense rather than… https://upriseri.com/article/cvs-among-114-firms-with-no-current-federal-tax/

upriseri.comCVS Among 114 Firms With No Current Federal TaxWoonsocket-based CVS is among 114 companies reporting no current federal income tax expense in 2025, according to a new corporate tax study from ITEP.

Newport's first joint council-School Committee finance workshop: school officials said they project a $2.6M deficit this year, largely from out-of-district tuition. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-newport-joint-workshop-hears-dollar26m-school-deficit-weighs-dollar445000-return/

upriseri.comRecap: Newport Joint Workshop Hears $2.6M School Deficit, Weighs $445,000 ReturnNewport council and School Committee reviewed a $2.6M school deficit and a plan to seek return of a $445,000 surplus at their first joint workshop.

Cumberland's council voted 5-2 to replace the failed Rawson Pond Dam spillway. Work could begin in early November. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-cumberland-council-approves-rawson-pond-dam-rejects-marketing-hire/

upriseri.comRecap: Cumberland Council Approves Rawson Pond Dam, Rejects Marketing HireThe Cumberland Town Council voted 5-2 to replace the Rawson Pond Dam spillway and rejected a marketing assistant hire on a roll call vote.

Narragansett's School Committee voted 5-0 to form a joint committee with Jamestown to pick and oversee a shared superintendent. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-narragansett-school-committee-approves-shared-superintendent-resolution-advances-e-bike-policy/

upriseri.comRecap: Narragansett School Committee Approves Shared-Superintendent Resolution, Advances E-Bike PolicyNarragansett School Committee voted 5-0 to form a joint panel with Jamestown to hire a shared superintendent and advanced a new e-bike policy.

Chariho School Committee approved a revised budget book and a Rhode Island Energy agreement Tuesday. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-chariho-committee-approves-budget-book-hears-parents-on-safety-communication/

upriseri.comRecap: Chariho Committee Approves Budget Book, Hears Parents on Safety CommunicationChariho School Committee in Richmond approved a budget book and Rhode Island Energy deal as parents sought communication after a stabbing.

Westerly School Committee heard a resident call state test results "absolutely abysmal." Members said scores are one part of the picture. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-westerly-school-committee-hears-test-score-criticism-writing-training-update/

upriseri.comRecap: Westerly School Committee Hears Test Score Criticism, Writing Training UpdateA Bradford resident called Westerly's state test results abysmal; the assistant superintendent described training efforts, and members cited other factors.

Providence's Ways and Means Committee heard four requests for housing tax stabilization deals Wednesday. They include state-funded affordable condos and a 26-studio mill conversion. No votes were taken. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-ways-and-means-hears-four-tax-deals-defers-votes/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence Ways and Means Hears Four Tax Deals, Defers VotesProvidence's Ways and Means Committee heard four tax stabilization requests, including affordable condos and a mill conversion, but took no votes.

New Mexico skipped the multistate Meta settlement and went to trial. On Wednesday a judge ordered Meta to pay the state $25 billion. https://upriseri.com/article/meta-hit-with-dollar25b-judgment-in-new-mexico-ri-took-the-deal/

upriseri.comMeta Hit With $25B Judgment in New Mexico; RI Took the DealA New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion after a trial. Rhode Island, which settled in August, expects $49.4 million to $64.5 million.

Newport's council and school committee held their first joint finance meeting. Schools project a $2.6M deficit, and city officials backed asking for $445,000 back from last year's… https://upriseri.com/article/recap-newport-joint-meeting-hears-dollar26m-school-deficit-weighs-dollar445000-return/

upriseri.comRecap: Newport Joint Meeting Hears $2.6M School Deficit, Weighs $445,000 ReturnNewport school officials projected a $2.6 million deficit as city leaders discussed recovering $445,000 at a joint council-school committee meeting.

Pawtucket license commissioners recessed a liquor license hearing for a Smithfield Avenue restaurant after four neighbors cited driveway parking and rodents. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-pawtucket-council-recesses-smithfield-avenue-liquor-hearing-advances-teachers-contract/

upriseri.comRecap: Pawtucket Council Recesses Smithfield Avenue Liquor Hearing, Advances Teachers ContractPawtucket license commissioners recessed a liquor hearing after neighbors cited parking and rodents; the teachers' contract returns to Finance Committee.

Rhode Island's Auditor General says only about 28% of municipalities issued fiscal 2025 audits within the six-month legal deadline, down from 31% the year before. https://upriseri.com/article/auditor-only-about-28percent-of-ri-towns-filed-audits-on-time/

upriseri.comAuditor: Only About 28% of RI Towns Filed Audits on TimeRhode Island's Auditor General says about 28% of municipalities issued FY2025 audits on time, down from 31%, and flags school deficits in several towns.

Smithfield Little League wants to light the Deerfield Park field at its own cost. Neighbors raised traffic, noise and property value concerns. The council took no vote; it may return Nov. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-smithfield-council-hears-deerfield-lights-plan-approves-donation-bin-rules/

upriseri.comRecap: Smithfield Council Hears Deerfield Lights Plan, Approves Donation Bin RulesSmithfield neighbors opposed Little League lights at Deerfield Park. The council took no vote and approved donation bin rules and a sewer roof contract.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, ISO New England will review utility rebuilds of aging transmission lines. It can question need and report publicly, but it can't block a project. https://upriseri.com/article/grid-reviewer-can-question-line-rebuilds-not-stop-them/

upriseri.comGrid Reviewer Can Question Line Rebuilds, Not Stop ThemFERC approved an advisory ISO-NE reviewer for aging-grid projects, starting Jan. 1, 2027. RI typically pays about 7% of transmission project costs.

Cranston's council voted to require the purchasing board to seek council recommendations on contracts of $50,000 or more. The ordinance must be re-advertised before a final vote. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-cranston-council-lowers-contract-review-threshold-advances-pool-rental-ban/

upriseri.comRecap: Cranston Council Lowers Contract Review Threshold, Advances Pool Rental BanCranston City Council amended its contract-oversight ordinance and a pool rental ban; both must be re-advertised before a final vote.

Providence officials briefed a council committee Tuesday on winter prep: 19 plow vendors signed up, salt to be covered this winter, an inspector overhaul, and changes to when Code Red… https://upriseri.com/article/recap-providence-ways-and-means-hears-emergency-agency-public-works-snow-plans/

upriseri.comRecap: Providence Ways and Means Hears Emergency Agency, Public Works Snow PlansProvidence officials told a council committee about 19 plow vendors, covered salt storage, inspector changes and Code Red alerts ahead of winter.

East Providence council asked public works to assess a city-owned former school building, with mold cleanup first, and passed a nonbinding resolution opposing added EV and hybrid… https://upriseri.com/article/recap-east-providence-council-seeks-school-building-assessment-opposes-ev-fees/

upriseri.comRecap: East Providence Council Seeks School Building Assessment, Opposes EV FeesThe East Providence City Council asked for a public works assessment of a city-owned school building and opposed state EV registration fees.

West Warwick's council asked staff to draft a rodent harborage ordinance and seek pest control vendor bids. It also tabled a Board of Canvassers pick to Nov. 10 and approved a new fire engine. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-west-warwick-council-tables-canvasser-pick-seeks-rat-ordinance/

upriseri.comRecap: West Warwick Council Tables Canvasser Pick, Seeks Rat OrdinanceWest Warwick's council asked staff for a rodent harborage ordinance and pest bids, tabled a canvasser pick and approved a new fire engine.

Jamestown's council adopted the Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee report as the foundation of a park plan, after most residents who spoke urged a delay. One member said the vote binds no future council. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-jamestown-council-adopts-fort-getty-report-denies-sewer-relief/

upriseri.comRecap: Jamestown Council Adopts Fort Getty Report, Denies Sewer ReliefJamestown's Town Council adopted the Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee report as a plan foundation and denied sewer relief for a Hammett Court building.

Jamestown's Harbor Commission amended proposed Fort Getty trailer rules so the 72-hour limit won't apply Nov. 1 through March 31, and hired an engineer to plan touch-and-go docks. https://upriseri.com/article/recap-jamestown-harbor-commission-amends-fort-getty-trailer-rules-hires-engineer/

upriseri.comRecap: Jamestown Harbor Commission Amends Fort Getty Trailer Rules, Hires EngineerJamestown's Harbor Commission eased winter trailer limits at Fort Getty, hired a dock engineer and debated a possible DEM lease of the Fort Getty Pier.