Rhode Island

GoNetspeed bringing high-speed fiber internet to Newport – What's Up Newp

Published

9 months ago

May 25, 2025

GoNetspeed bringing high-speed fiber internet to Newport – What's Up Newp

GoNetspeed is bringing its high-speed fiber internet network to Newport, marking the company’s expansion into its 10th state. As the Northeast’s largest independent fiber optic network builder, GoNetspeed plans to invest $13 million in Newport, providing multigigabit internet access to over 8,200 homes and businesses.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of this development: “Fast, reliable internet is essential for Rhode Islanders. This investment goes beyond just connectivity – it’s about boosting our economy, supporting local businesses, and making sure everyone can be part of today’s digital world.”

The project is a collaboration between GoNetspeed and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. The state’s Capital Projects Fund is putting in $9 million, with GoNetspeed matching $3.9 million.

Construction is set to start in fall 2025, with the first customers getting connected by spring 2026. The project should be fully completed by the end of 2026.

Richard Clark, GoNetspeed’s President and CEO, says, “We’re excited to welcome Newport as the first Rhode Island community to get access to our high-speed fiber-optic network.”

Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner adds, “Through ConnectRI, we’re providing targeted broadband solutions that really make a difference for residents and businesses.”

If you’re interested in the service, you can visit gonetspeed.com to pre-order and get updates on construction progress.

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What’sUpNewp. He has been involved with What’sUpNewp since shortly after its launch in 2012 and acquired What’sUpNewp in 2013.

Under his leadership, What’sUpNewp was named Best Local News Blog in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly readers in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and has been awarded several grants and awards from national organizations. What’sUpNewp has become a leader in the local independent online news business.

Ryan has served on the boards of several local organizations, including the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County, Fort Adams Trust, Lucy’s Hearth, and Potter League for Animals. Ryan is a member of (and follows the ethical and professional standards of) the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. Contact Ryan at ryan@whatsupnewp.com.

More by Ryan Belmore

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

Published

9 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island AG to unveil long-awaited report on Diocese of Providence clergy abuse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha will release on Wednesday findings from a multiyear investigation into child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to the attorney general’s office, the report will detail the diocese’s handling of clergy abuse over decades.

While the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island is home to the country’s largest Catholic population per capita, with nearly 40% of the state identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.

Neronha first launched the investigation in 2019, nearly a year after a Pennsylvania grand jury report found more than 1,000 children had been abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state since the 1940s. The 2018 report is considered one of the broadest inquiries into child sexual abuse in U.S. history.

Neronha’s investigation involved entering into an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to gain access to all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy dating back to 1950. Neronha’s office said in 2019 that the goal of the report was to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse, identify any prosecutable cases, and ensure that no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.

Rhode Island State Police also helped with the investigation.

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Rhode Island

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Published

21 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders who plan to join in the global celebration of Irish culture can choose from big and small events, including a parade in Providence.

The March 17 holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, and many big events will be held the weekend of March 14-15. Originally a modest, religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day today is a vibrant, boisterous holiday observed by millions of people regardless of their heritage.

The Providence parade is March 21.

We’ve rounded up 10 more events to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But first, are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day fun in Rhode Island:

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Rhode Island

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

Local News

The two victims were identified as a husband and wife from Rhode Island, local officials said.

A Rhode Island husband and wife in their 50s were identified as the two people killed in a Swansea car crash Friday night.

Carlolyn Carcasi, 54, and James Carcasi, 53, of Bristol, Rhode Island, were killed in the Feb. 27 crash, the office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said in a press release Monday.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 6 in Swansea, Quinn’s office said.

Police in Cranston, Rhode Island identified the driver who allegedly hit the couple as Demitri Sousa, 28. Sousa allegedly shot and killed a man in Rhode Island nearly four hours before the crash, Cranston police said.

At around 12:18 a.m. Friday, Swansea police spotted Sousa’s Infiniti barreling down Route 6, Swansea officials said previously.

The couple was driving southbound on Route 136 when the Sousa crashed into the side of a Subaru Ascent. Both cars had “catastrophic damage,” and the Subaru was engulfed in flames, Swansea fire and police officials said.

Both occupants of the Subaru were declared dead at the scene, Swansea officials said.

Sousa was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries. He is expected to live and will be held in Cranston police custody until he is medically cleared, police said Sunday.