Should teenagers be allowed to go tanning? A recent bill may ban minors from tanning altogether. Some tanning salons require parental permission for clients under 18 years old, but at the same time, teens can go to any beach and tan for hours. Aside from tanning, should teenagers have their time in the sun regulated by lifeguards at pools and beaches as well? Should there be rules for adults too?
The Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner recently made the decision to deny dismissal of a petition by a group of Newport parents on the design of the new Pell elementary school. The group argued that the school department did not provide enough opportunities for the public to be involved with the design process and did not consider alternative designs. The group, who initially began the "Pell No"coalition against the town-wide elementary school, later accepted the development of the school, but disapproved of the "T" shaped building. Group leader Melissa Pattavina, along with …
With the success of the first annual Bike to Work Day, would you consider biking more? If you already bike to work, tell us what benefits you’ve seen. With gas prices continuing to skyrocket, it could be a way to save some cash while being eco-friendly at the same time. A study released by Newport Public schools found that many of Newport’s students that responded don’t have bikes, and some of those who do are afraid to bike on city streets. Do you feel the streets of Newport are safe to bike? Not a biker? Tell us why!
Today, millions of people throughout the world celebrated Easter. Christians may dress in their Sunday best, including a bonnet, and attend a Mass or service. Families may sit down to a traditional ham dinner or hold an Easter egg hunt. Children may also receive a special visit by a certain bunny, who is sure to leave behind some Peeps, jelly beans or chocolate treats. However, not everyone celebrates Easter and traditions always vary. So, we want to hear more from Newport residents: How did you spend this Easter Sunday? Tell us in the comment section below!
Over the past few weeks, coyotes have been a major topic of discussion in Middletown. Now that the Middletown Town Council has voted to allow the police department to hire a hunter to eliminate some of the coyote population, Newport may see a decrease in numbers too. Are coyotes a problem in Newport? If so, have you experienced any of the brazen actions from these wild animals that some Middletown residents claim to have seen? Tell us below in the comments!
Earlier this week RITBA Chairman David Darlington discussed the possibility of opening up some of the toll lanes on the Newport Pell Bridge in favor of open-road tolling. The change would get rid of some of the mechanical arms in the toll lanes and allow E-Z Pass holders to drive through without stopping. Is it worth opening up some of the lanes for drivers with E-Z Passes at the risk of tracking down others who go through without paying? Tell us in the comments.
By now photos and videos of the devastation wreaked on northern Japan by earthquakes and the tsunami have flooded the internet. Even though the disaster is happening across the globe, there are still actions Newport residents can take to help. Although clothing and food donations to Newport's Salvation Army still go to locals in need, you can text 90999 with the keyword “Japan” to donate. The American Red Cross in Middletown is also accepting donations. This week's question: What local organizations do you know of that are participating in relief and aid programs and how are you helping with …
According to the AAA daily fuel gauge, gas prices are continuing to rise. They reported the average price for regular gasoline this week at $3.52, premium at $3.76, and diesel at $3.95, up from last week's prices of $3.38, $3.49, and $3.78 respectively. We want to hear what you're doing to combat steady rise in gas prices. It's still too cold to bike to work, or is it? Tell us where you've found the cheapest prices, carpooling techniques or other tricks that don't make filling up so hard on your wallet.
During a public discussion led by Nutritional Advisory Group member Rebecca Bolan, Newport parents and residents gave input and suggestions on what the kitchen, cafeteria and nutritional plan for the Claiborne D. Elementary School should entail. Ideas ranged from topics as diverse as organic foods to kids' cooking classes. On the heels of this forum, Newport Patch asks: What would you like to see at the new elementary school in regards to a nutrition plan for its students?
