City of Newport launches online short-term rental map + What's Up this weekend
Plus: 4 Qs with Newport Police Chief Gary Silva
City of Newport launches online short-term rental map
Have you ever wondered if there’s a short-term rental on your street? Newport residents now have a new tool to determine whether short-term rentals are operating in their neighborhoods.
Newport Police Department provides bars with fake ID/driver’s License scanners
Scanners distributed out to bars or establishments at their request.
Boston warns of overdoses linked to fentanyl-laced cocaine
Boston public health officials have alerted health care providers in the city about a “concerning” increase in the number of opioid-related overdoses among people who believed they were using cocaine.
Newport Police Department offering $5,000 hiring bonus
The City of Newport is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for certified police officers as part of a new recruitment drive to attract more candidates to its Police Department.
Rep. Carson will host a constituent meeting on Feb. 27 at Newport Public Library
Representative Carson welcomes all residents of District 75 for a conversation about the district’s priorities and any other issues they’d like to discuss.
Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to host a virtual conversation on what to do with plastic waste
The discussion will venture into pyrolysis, plastic reduction and the possibility of a bottle bill for the state.
How spending on public education in every state has changed—and where the money comes from
In order to compare each state’s spending on public education, Best Universities used data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of School Systems to rank states by their spending per pupil.
US Navy applies lessons from costly shipbuilding mistakes
The Navy wants to turn the page on recent shipbuilding blunders.
What’s On The Agenda: Newport School Building Committee Meeting on Feb. 27
Committee to discuss and get updates on the addition at Pell Elementary School and the new Rogers High School.
Overrated at the Oscars: Best Picture winners most out of step with critical opinion
Stacker ranked the 30 Best Picture winners most out of step with critical opinion in Oscars history using Metacritic ratings.
The Ocean Race: Team Holcim – PRB wins in Cape Town
Team Holcim – PRB has blitzed the Cape Town In-Port Race presented by V&A Waterfront
Man with 665,000 fake Adderall pills gets 10-year sentence
A man who admitted to having more than 665,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Newport Police Chief Gary Silva reflects on his 40-year career and offers advice to future officers
4Qs with Newport Police Chief Gary Silva.
Local Obituaries
None new to share.
Happening This Weekend
What’s Up This Weekend: Feb. 23 – 26
On tap for this weekend – Newport Winter Festival, Newport Burger Bender, Newport Polo on 2nd Beach, Teddy Thompson, and more!
Breezy and chilly weekend forecasted for Newport County
Residents and visitors are in for a weekend of mixed weather, with some chances of snow and rain forecasted.
‘Six Picks’ Music: The best in local music this weekend (Feb. 24-26)
John Lodge, Sunny War, Alexus Lee and more
‘Six Picks’ Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (Feb. 24-26)
Black and White Ball, Fire at the Fort, Beach Polo and more
4 Qs with Newport Police Chief Gary Silva
After a 40-year career with the Newport Police Department, including the last 12 as Chief, today is Gary Silva’s last day. We chatted with Chief Silva earlier today about his 40-year career, his advice for future officers, and retirement.
What are you most proud of over the last 12 years as Chief and the last 40 years as a Newport Police Officer?
“I am most proud of the level and scope of the dedication of all Newport Police employees, both sworn officers and non-sworn personnel. There is a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering the best service to Newport residents, businesses, and visitors”.
Newport Police Department is currently hiring entry-level and certified police officers; what advice would you give future police officers based on your career?
“Here is what I would say: The Newport Police Department is a professional law enforcement organization committed to the philosophy and practices of community policing, and treating all with honesty, respect, and fair and impartial treatment. Concentrate on learning how to be the best street cop and nothing else; learn the basics and pay attention to good leadership as you are guided. Let the job come to you, it is not a race, and take advantage of opportunities the department offers. Start with that, and everything else will fall into place as you progress along in your career.”
What's retirement look like for you? Will we still see you around Newport?
“Right up front, taking time to relax and figure out a new routine. No immediate future plans, I have enough things to do to keep me busy while I sort out the future. I’ll be around here and there in Newport, as I am not leaving the area”.
Anything else you'd like to share with the community?
“I thank the residents and businesses who are our full-time daily customers for their support of the Newport Police Department. The hard-working men and women here do the best they can to be responsive to their concerns. The city is a beautiful city, city government is comprised of caring employees, and City Manager Joe Nicholson and Human Resources Director Michael Coury do their best to employee the right people for the right reasons”.
Thank you, best of luck, and congratulations, Chief Silva!